Starring: Sam J. Jones, Max von Sydow, Melody Anderson, Brian Blessed, Timothy Dalton, Topal
Written by: Lorenzo Semple Jr, Michael Allin
Directed by: Mike Hodges
Year: 1980
Rating: * * * Stars + (Fan Bonus -) Total: * * *
Science Fiction has always struggled for respectability and legitimacy among audiences, peers and critics. Movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars, and Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind have helped propel this genre in that very direction. Yet, no movie during this period has done more to set back this progress than 1980's Flash Gordon. Mike Hodges directs this film which unapologetically embraces sci-fi's campy origins. Sub-par effects, absurd costumes and props, and cheesy sets are taken to the next level. Yet, despite all the things that are wrong with this film, it actually works.
The story centers on three earthlings, Flash Gordon (Sam J. Jones), Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) and Dr. Hans Zarkov (Topal), who rocket into outer space to stop an attack on the Earth. There, they land on the planet Mongo, and are taken before Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow), ruler of the universe. Flash and pals try to unite the warring factions of Mongo to stand up and overthrow Ming, and to stop Earth's destruction from the cosmic forces pulling Earth's moon into a collision course with the Earth.
The entire cast does a superb job in each of their respective roles. None seem to be insulted, nor embarrassed to be a part of this production. In fact, they seem to fully embrace their characters and simply go balls-out with their roles. Whether it's Brian Blessed who plays boisterous Prince Vultan to the tilt, or Max von Sydow who plays an over-the-top, yet forcibly keeping it one dimensional, on screen villain, the audience is treated to 1940's comic strip characters come to life. If this was the intended feel the director wanted, than he got exactly that.
There is definitely more than a hint of sexuality in this film as well. While many sci-fi fans will always talk about Princess Leia in the gold bikini, they need to re-watch this film. Sexy slave girls, Ming's hypnotic ray that causes Dale to have an erotic response, and Ming's daughter Aura who seems to have a fling with just about everyone, certainly pushed the PG boundaries of its day.
Arguably, the greatest strength of Flash Gordon lies in its soundtrack. British rock band Queen, not only does the theme song, but the entire score of the film. Even at its worst, this movie could be considered a feature length rock video. In fact, so ingrained is the music to this movie, that a short lived tv series 27 years later was created, and they didn't dare try and invent a new theme. .
SEE THE TRAILER: Flash Gordon
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ReplyDeleteAs far as Flash, I certainly wouldn't give it three stars. But the highlight of this film is hands-down the dude with the beard who played the leader of the hawk-men. Man did that guy steal the show! He would have made a good Hercules (Marvel comics version).
Keep those Retro Reviews coming!