When we found out that Galaxy Cinemas in Vernon was showing The Last Starfighter as a special family matinee feature, we simply had to review it.
This is a great family movie and nearly required viewing for every 10-to-12-year-old boy. There’s only one showing, this Saturday at 11 a.m.
Don’t miss it.
Alex is a typical small-town teen, he can’t wait to move to the city and make something of his life. The highlight of his day seems to be playing the video game “Starfighter.”
One night, after a particularly tedious day, Alex breaks the game’s high score record. His reward is being recruited by a shifty alien to serve as a pilot in a galactic war, for reals this time.
Can Alex win the girl, win the war and survive long enough to grow up?
We say, “Victory or Death! Victory or Death! Victory or Death!”
TAYLOR: The effects in this film, although dated, by even Star Wars standards, and I’m talking about original “un-corrected” Star Wars, still have a certain quaint charm about them. I thought in parts, the movie looked like a video game. Sort of cartoony…
HOWE: But that is what makes this an instant hit. People will remember when you say “Remember that cartoon graphic movie from the ‘80s with the video game?”
TAYLOR: Tron?
HOWE: No. The other one.
TAYLOR: Super Mario?
HOWE: No. Give me strength!
TAYLOR: There are a few scary moments in this film that may frighten younger kiddies: a molting cyborg, a man who’s face melts under a laser drill. Provided your kids are old enough to handle some unpleasant aliens, space war violence and a little bit of teenage hormones, I say take them. It’s fun. (There’s only two swear words in the movie and both are said by Alex’s little brother, which makes them funny.)
HOWE: Yeah, I get what you’re saying; some of the effects are a little disturbing even by today’s standards for a kid’s movie. So what age group is this for? Maybe 10 to 12 year olds, although the effects may be a little dated for them compared to things like Transformers and The Avengers. A little younger than that and your kids may have a few nightmares.
TAYLOR: Quality sets and costumes make up for some bad masks and weird makeup. But hey, what do want? It’s 1984. I saw this movie when I was about 12 or 13. I loved it then, and it holds up well today too.
HOWE: I was 13 or 14 when this came out and I loved it too. Still do. If you grew up in the ‘80s go see this, it will bring back some funny memories: the clothes, the music, the video games. Even though The Last Starfighter is a little cheesy and dated, it’s still a great movie.
–– Taylor gives The Last Starfighter 3 quarters out of 5.
–– Howe gives it 3 “futuristic” space cars out of 5.
–– Brian Taylor and Peter Howe are movie critics living in Vernon.
