Rating: PG
Genre:
Science Fiction
Release Date: 08/07/2007
SubTitles: French/Espanol
Dubbed: English
Sound: DD5.1
Run Time: 112 Minutes
Flags: Mild Violence, Violence, Excellent For Children, Adult Language
Distributor/Studio: Universal Studios
Heroic earthling
Flash Gordon saves the world from the nefarious
Ming the Merciless in this lavish, intentionally campy adaptation of the famous
sci-fi comic strip. The story is as basic as space operas get:
Ming (
Max von Sydow) has developed a plan to destroy the Earth, and
Flash (
Sam J. Jones) and his attractive companion,
Dale Arden (
Melody Anderson), are called upon to stop him. Along the way,
Flash must battle
Ming's goons and the temptations of a luscious space princess. Previously the basis for a more straight-faced 1930s
adventure serial,
Flash's story is mined here for exaggerated, cartoon humor by screenwriter
Lorenzo Semple Jr., a central figure in the similarly campy '60s
Batman television series. The simplistic plot mainly serves as an excuse for spectacular sets and cartoonish action sequences, all set to an appropriately over-the-top
rock score by
Queen. Certainly not a film to turn to for serious excitement, fine performances, or character development,
Flash Gordon has nevertheless developed an appreciative cult of fans who admire the film's humorous approach and the detailed, colorful production design.
~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
;)
