Galaxy Quest

What parallel universe are we in that finds Sigourney Weaver billed with Tim Allen? This surprisingly satisfying comedy takes its cue from the classic Saturday Night Live sketch in which William Shatner urged Trekkies to "get a life." Allen stars as Jason Nesmith, who portrayed Commander Peter Quincy Taggart ("Never give up, never surrender") on the long-since cancelled Galaxy Quest TV series. For him and his fellow crew/cast members, life has become an endless series of dreary, soul-crushing conventions and promotional appearances (but not for Nesmith, who basks in the glory--albeit faded). But they are about to go where they have never gone before when the Thermians, an extraterrestrial race, mistaking the thespians for real space heroes, recruits them to save their planet. Alan Rickman is former stage actor Alexandre Dane, seethingly resentful of his Spock-like character and the catchphrase his fans force him to repeat ad nauseum. Sam Rockwell is Guy Fleegman, a former Galaxy Quest extra (he died in episode 81), who is cleverly transformed from comic relief to action hero. And Alien action icon Weaver is va-va-voom as Gwen DeMarco, whose blonde, bosomy character, Lt. Tawny Madison, is the anti-Ripley. Not earth shattering, but fun, especially for Star Trek fans who know in their hearts that, yes, there really is a Captain Kirk. Recommended. (K. Lee Benson)[DVD Review—May 12, 2009—Paramount, 101 min., PG, $14.98—Making its second appearance on DVD, 2000's Galaxy Quest (Deluxe Edition) features a great transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. DVD extras include “Never Give Up, Never Surrender: The Intrepid Crew of the NSEA Protector” cast featurette (24 min.), “Historical Documents: The Story” featurette (18 min.), a “By Grabthar's Hammer: What Amazing Effects” featurette on special effects (7 min.), “Alien School: Creating the Thermian Race” (6 min.), “Actors in Space” (6 min.), 12 deleted scenes, a rap by costar Sigourney Weaver, an audio track of the Thermian alien language from the film, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a popular spoof.]