Galaxy Quest DVD

Tim Allen is billed as the star of Galaxy Quest, but he's not (which is a very good thing because I'm not a Tim Allen fan.) The real stars are the inventive screenwriters who concocted it. Like with Groundhog Day, a very simple, clever idea was thoroughly mined for all its rich possibilities.

The beginning is mildly agreeable, but once the plot kicks into high gear and the adventure takes off, Galaxy Quest becomes a lot of fun. A Whole Hell of a Lot of Fun! This is not just a big budget, cinematic in-joke for "Star Trek" fans, but a hugely enjoyable, laugh-out-loud, action/comedy that appeals to a very wide audience.

I must emphasize to any of you who agree with me in your opinion of Tim Allen, he is not the star. This is a well-picked ensemble who all join together to do some of the most polished work of their careers. Sigourney Weaver taps a rarely seen comic vein that she's very good at. Alan Rickman hasn't been this much fun (in a broad sense) except for perhaps Robin Hood. The real scene stealers (if the film was stealable) are Sam Rockwell as the self-aware extra crew member and Tony Shalhoub as the tactical engineer who speaks in a delighted "I can't believe I'm actually saying this" deadpan. Everybody shines, especially a group of aliens who recruit Allen, and they all get equal screen time.

After downplaying Allen's part, you may wonder if I enjoyed him at all? Actually, this is his finest live-action performance, and while the beginning sets the film up as a star vehicle, once his crew is recruited, he meshes right in with everyone else, delivering sharp jokes with crack timing. He is equally effective in the one key dramatic scene.

Before seeing Galaxy Quest, I was of the opinion of "it looks good, but Tim Allen is in it." Now I have no complaints. If you're looking for a fun DVD with a lot of rewatchability, this is an excellent example of what happens when Hollywood entertainment gets everything right.