Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Overlooked Movies: Flash Gordon (1980)

I like just about everything about this movie, and, yes, even the performance of Sam J. Jones is included in that statement.  Max von Sydow, as Ming the Merciless, is great, but let's not overlook Brian Blessed as Voltan and Melody Anderson as Dale Arden.  What?  You don't think she's great?  Well, you're just wrong, that's all.  Timothy Dalton, Topol, and Ornella Muti hold their own.  We don't get to see Peter Wyngarde's face, but his Klytus is still memorable.  If Dr. Zarkov happens to remind you of Seepy Benton, it's probably just a coincidence.

What else do I like?  The color is superb.  The soundtrack by Queen is classic.  Watch the trailer at the link below and see what I mean.  

Sure, it's campy.  Sure, the special effects are cheesy.  That's all intentional, and it works just fine for me.  And don't try to tell me the writers hadn't seen this digest cover.  I won't believe you.  

I watched this one again on Christmas day.  I'm glad I own the DVD and can watch it anytime at all.

7 comments:

Randy Johnson said...

This one has been a long time favorite of mine as well. And for all the reasons you mention.

Unknown said...

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who likes it.

Anonymous said...

It's almost as good as Judy's favorite ISHTAR.... No, once was more than enough for me. But then, I'm not a fan of Buckaroo Banzai or The Rocketeer or any of the other "space-y" movies you like so much.

Different strokes.


Jeff

Unknown said...

Judy thinks ISHTAR is far superior to this one.

George said...

I'm a fan of FLASH GORDON, too! It looks great in Blu-ray!

pattinase (abbott) said...

Remember taking the kids to this.

Graham Powell said...

This may be my favorite movie - it's right up there with Raiders of the Lost Ark and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. I even force my kids to watch it, and they pretend to enjoy it.