Saturday, August 7, 2010

Freaky Friday

I've been asked by friends to write about my vast knowledge of bad movies, especially those made in the 1980's.  My video collection is a who's who of movies that haven't won academy awards, but are still fun to watch (and even more fun to mock).  So each Friday I will regale you with a new movie review.
I'll begin with a movie made in 1980.  The fantastic "Flash Gordon" starring Sam Jones as Flash, Topol as Dr. Zarkhov (whom I told was in Fiddler on the Roof), Max Von Sydow as Ming the Merciless, and Timothy Dalton as Prince Baron.  This movie has it all: poor script, abysmal acting, over the top sets, and cheesy effects.  BUT the soundtrack is by Queen...need I say more.  The movie opens with Ming the Merciless attacking an unsuspecting, peaceful Earth.  Unfortunately for Ming, Dr. Zarkhov kidnaps Flash Gordon (Quarterback for the New York Jets-a nice touch) and Dale Arden (travel agent extraordinaire) and takes them on a mission to counterattack.  Flash immediately challenges to Ming's minions to a backyard football game, he's executed, brought back to life, fights a future James Bond in a flying city, kills Ming by skewering him with a spaceship, and saves Earth.  I'm not sure how this movie didn't make money....  But if you're looking for a way to waste a rainy Saturday afternoon, than do yourself a favor and watch this gem from 1980.  This movie gets three stars for the soundtrack alone!

4 comments:

  1. Nice review and even better website! What's the next movie?

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  2. I actually saw this movie and thankfully forgot most of it - Except Queen! I didn't know anyone else brave enough to admit they saw it too...

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  3. I think I need to check this one out . . . I love bad SF. (I'm a friend of N's)

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  4. I didn't just see this movie, I own the "Saviour of the universe" edition....

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