The evil President Skroob and Dark Helmet of Planet Spaceball plan to
steal fresh air from Planet Druidia and only Lone Starr can stop them. COMEDY/SCI-FI
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Spaceballs (1987)Directed by Mel Brooks
Written by Mel Brooks, Thomas Meehan, Ronny Graham Starring Bill Pullman, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Mel Brooks, Daphne Zuniga, Joan Rivers, George Wyner, Dick Van Patten Spoof of 1977's Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope |
I understand why this film gets a lot of critical hate. After all, it's pretty ridiculous and goofy. Having said that, it is also one of the best parody movies out there and deserves much more praise for the way it mocks the Star Wars franchise without actually making it look bad.
Mel Brooks used to be a genius when it came to satire and I happen to think Spaceballs is one of his best movies. A lot of the humor comes from the constant breaking of the fourth wall and Brooks's well-stocked cast of all-star comedians including John Candy and Rick Moranis. It manages to be funny without becoming stupid, an accomplishment that parody movies have all but lost these days. This film has since achieved cult status and it is well deserved. The characters of Lone Starr, Barf, Dark Helmet, and Dot Matrix (among others) have become iconic symbols of satire. I happen to think this film is hilarious and consider it one of Mel Brooks's crowning achievements. |
Upon its original release, Spaceballs open to a lot of mixed reviews and not much fanfare. However, due to home video releases, it has since gained a massive cult following and considered to be one of Mel Brooks's best films. It's definitely one of my favorites from him, spoofing the Star Wars franchise perfectly.
Brooks has long been the king when it came to satires, knowing how to create hilarious gags while keeping the plot coherent. He also knew how to stay within genre during the times he's not specifically mocking Star Wars. This is apparent in many of his films, including Spaceballs. The gags are rapid-fire and hysterical, poking fun at every possible thing imaginable. The cast helps out a lot, as well. Brooks cast this film with quite a bit of all-star comedians from the day including the likes of John Candy, Rick Moranis, and, of course, himself. They spout off several hilarious jokes that will be remembered for years to come. Spaceballs continues to be funny to this day. The plot and cast are both hilarious, creating one of the better Star Wars spoofs to have come out. I consider this to be one of Brooks's best and still find is just as hysterical as the first time I watched it. May the Schwartz be with you. |