A remarkable mix of magic and lofty ideas meeting near-perfect execution, Galaxy Quest is a once-in-a-lifetime, lightning-in-a-bottle experience. It’s both a heartfelt homage and a sly reinvention of the Star Trek universe—one that manages to parody the genre without ever mocking it.
When the washed-up cast of a short-lived ‘80s sci-fi show is recruited by actual aliens who believe their fictional exploits were historical documents, the actors are thrust into a real interstellar conflict—and must rise to the occasion. Somehow, the film juggles absurdity and genuine pathos, weaving them into something that works far better than you’d ever imagine.
Every actor in this film understood the assignment. Tim Allen plays Jason Nesmith, a swaggering egomaniac who slowly transforms into a real captain, learning to lead rather than steal the spotlight. Sigourney Weaver, as Gwen DeMarco, takes what could’ve been a throwaway role (a woman who just repeats what the computer says) and brings warmth, humor, and sly commentary. Tony Shalhoub’s Fred Kwan feels perpetually stoned and unbothered by anything, which somehow works hilariously well. Alan Rickman channels all the bitterness of an actor forever tied to an iconic role, and nails every beat of it. Justin Long is great as the nerdy fan whose obsessive knowledge ends up being critical. Enrico Colantoni brings a totally out-there cadence to alien leader Mathesar that’s either genius or entirely accidental—but it works. Daryl Mitchell hams it up as the ship’s pilot, and Sam Rockwell steals every scene as “Guy,” the panicked, extraneous cast member who’s terrified of being cannon fodder. Somehow, every single one of them gets a character arc that feels earned.
The script is airtight. Every scene builds character, stakes, or payoff. It’s rare to find a comedy this narratively efficient. Add to that a rousing score, surprisingly strong VFX that still hold up 26 years later, and a level of heart most so-called prestige dramas don’t come close to—and Galaxy Quest isn’t just a great sci-fi comedy. It’s one of the best Star Trek movies ever made.
Rating: A
