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!
Nice review and even better website! What's the next movie?
ReplyDeleteI 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...
ReplyDeleteI think I need to check this one out . . . I love bad SF. (I'm a friend of N's)
ReplyDeleteI didn't just see this movie, I own the "Saviour of the universe" edition....
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