Flash Gordon

release year: 1980
genre: sci-fi/action/comedy
viewing setting: home DVD, 1/13/22 and home VHS 7/26/98 and many times before that

synopsis: Flash Gordon and his two companions must stop the intergalactic despot Ming and his vastly superior forces.

impressions: This is one of those consistently-entertaining B-movies. It's cheesy, it's corny, yet it's fun. And that's what it's all about: fun. The movie has good special effects and sets, some insanely over-the-top characters, and many humorous lines. And then there's the outrageous soundtrack by Queen. Fun, fun, fun.

acting: It varies - a lot of these people have done more "serious" work than this, but then again, they're having fun here. Among the actors: Brian Blessed, Timothy Dalton, Max Von Sydow. Sam Jones is the title character, and he does a decent job given some of the lines he was given. Melody Anderson is his love interest, and Topol is the mad scientist along for the ride. Italian actress Ornella Muti is a gorgeous alien woman who dominates every moment she's on the screen.

final word: If you like sci-fi/fantasy/action/comedy movies and you want to be entertained, pure and simple, this movie will do the job.

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