Galaxy Quest (1999)

The alumni cast of a space opera television series have to play their roles as the real thing when an alien race needs their help. However, they also have to defend both Earth and the alien race from a reptilian warlord.

Director:

Dean Parisot

Writers:

David Howard (story), David Howard (screenplay)

Stars:

Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman

7 wins & 14 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tim Allen	...	Jason Nesmith
Sigourney Weaver	...	Gwen DeMarco
Alan Rickman	...	Alexander Dane
Tony Shalhoub	...	Fred Kwan
Sam Rockwell	...	Guy Fleegman
Daryl Mitchell	...	Tommy Webber
Enrico Colantoni	...	Mathesar
Robin Sachs	...	Sarris
Patrick Breen	...	Quellek
Missi Pyle	...	Laliari
Jed Rees	...	Teb
Justin Long	...	Brandon
Jeremy Howard	...	Kyle
Kaitlin Cullum	...	Katelyn
Jonathan Feyer	...	Hollister

Storyline

The sci-fi television series "Galaxy Quest", which took place aboard the intergalactic spaceship NSEA Protector, starred Jason Nesmith as suave Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, Gwen DeMarco as sexy communications person Lt. Tawny Madison (a role which consisted solely of repeating what the computer stated, much to Gwen's chagrin), Shakespearean trained Sir Alexander Dane as alien Dr. Lazarus, Fred Kwan as engineer Tech Sergeant Chen, and Tommy Webber as child pilot Laredo. Eighteen years after the series last aired, it lives on in the hearts of its rabid fans. However, it lives on in infamy for its stars, who have not been able to find meaningful acting work since. Their current lives revolve around cashing in on however those roles will afford, which usually entails attending fan conventions or worse, such as electronic store openings. Only Jason seems to relish his lot in life, until he finds out that his co-stars detest him because of his superior attitude as "the Commander", and ...

---

Plot Keywords:

sexy woman | shapeshifting | cult film | male alien | time bomb | 

---

Taglines:

The show has been cancelled... But the adventure has only begun.

---

Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Sci-Fi

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some action violence, mild language and sensuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 December 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Captain Starshine

Filming Locations:

Petersen Automotive Museum - 6060 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$45,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,012,630, 26 December 1999, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$71,583,916

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$90,683,916

Company Credits

Production Co:

DreamWorks, Gran Via Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The design of the N.S.E.A. Protector is based on a Star Trek comm-badge.

---

Goofs

During the Galaxy Quest convention at the movie's beginning, Tommy Webber is introduced as "Crack gunner, 'Laredo'...Tommy Webber!" However, it is demonstrated through this movie (and in clips of the original Galaxy Quest series) that Laredo is the ship's helmsman, not the gunner. The role of helmsman also fits with his character's catchphrase "Pedal to the metal, Commander!"

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Laredo: Exiting the time knot now, Sir.
Tech Sgt. Chen: We're alive.
Laredo: We made it, Commander. We made it.
Dr. Lazarus: By Grabthar's hammer, we live to tell the tale.
Voice of Computer: Systems registering functional.
Lt. Tawny Madison: All systems are working, Commander.
Commander Peter Quincy Taggart: I don't like it. It was too easy.
Laredo: Wait. Oh, no! They're everywhere. There are time knots opening everywhere.
Lt. Tawny Madison: A trap!
[...]

---

Crazy Credits

In the DVD extras, the actor who plays Brandon, Justin Long, is identified as BRANDON Long.

---

Alternate Versions

The theatrical version was screened at three different aspect ratios: the early scenes, featuring clips of the TV series, were shown at 1.33:1; the initial part of the story, set on Earth, was framed at 1.85:1; the scenes set in outer space were screened at 2.35:1. The DVD release keeps only the initial 1.33:1 full frame scenes, then shows the rest of the film at the wider aspect ratio of 2.35:1. This was done on purpose because director Dean Parisot felt it played better on home video screens.

---

Connections

References Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

User Reviews

By Grabthar's Hammer! What a movie

The first thing that makes a good movie good is always a great story. The whole idea of actors from a long ago space series being mistaken for being the real deal by actual aliens is indeed ingenious.From there, you put together a top notch cast.They hit the nail on the head there. Tim Allen is a natural for the Jason Nesmith role.A great cast is nothing if they don't work well together.Not to worry.They are superb. This movie is an excellent twist on the old good vs.evil concept.There are movies whose ideas are so unique,you want to love them and not be disappointed.Take my word,Galaxy Quest delivers the goods.Warp speed!