While preparing to go out and cut the grass today, I decided
to search my onDemand channels and see what was available. That’s when I saw
something that jumped out as the perfect motivational avenue. Yes, it is cheesy
and yes, it is a schlockfest, but that is what made it great. Plus, it is a definite break from the cannibalism that is taking over the world. The flick, from
1980, the comic book classic, Flash Gordon.
Plot/ A football player and his friends travel to the planet
Mongo and find themselves fighting the tyrant, Ming the Merciless, to save
Earth.
I remember watching this in the drive-in when it came out, at eight-years old
it was an awesome flick. Today, when I re-watched it for the first time since
then, it was just as awesome (but, for many different reasons). This has to be
one of the cheesiest and most visually interesting flicks out there. Now, do
not take this the wrong way, this one if bad on many levels.
The acting is mostly horrid (except for Max
Von Sydow who is amazing as Ming), the dialogue ranges from bad to worse, the
characters seem stiff, and the script and special effects are laughable.
However, it is all exactly how I would imagine a comic strip coming to life and
more, with incredible visuals, insane costuming and amazing sets (not to
mention one of the most memorable soundtracks ever recorded by Queen). In the
end, this one is technically one of the worst flicks ever, but it is also one
of the most campy, entertaining and visually stunning schlockfests out there
and must be seen at least once. If you have not watched it check it out.
