The dawning of Oct.1 has unleashed a torrent of films on Netflix, particularly ones from the good ol’ days–the 1990s and early 2000s–only the greatest time in the history of our lives. It would seem that for this edition of Guru nostalgia is on order, just in time for Throwback Thursday. These flashback films will bring a little bit of sci-fi, a lot of laughs and quite a bit of heart to your screen.
Galaxy Quest (1999)
What is it?: A parody film that explores the what-if scenario of aliens getting their hands on Star Trek-esc episodes, and what they might do with it. What would happen once they viewed this form of human entertainment? Would the meaning be taken as fiction, or instead, as fact? This question is explored when aliens enlist the help of hasbeen sci-fi actors and sweep them off for a real space adventure that parallels and surpasses the mediocre storylines of the actors’ old show. To a degree the plot is simple, one that could be figured out before a quarter of the film has been viewed. However, like many parodies, while the basic story is somewhat dry, the delivery is what sells this film.
Why you should be watching: While not cinematic gold (could pass for a nice shiny bronze, perhaps), this quirky tale weaves spoof and sci-fi into an entertaining 102 minute film. What makes this movie so enjoyable is the cast, who execute decent dialogue with comedic, somewhat melodramatic flare. Tim Allen (Toy Story 3, Last Man Standing), Sigourney Weaver (Aliens, Avatar), Alan Rickman (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt 2; Love Actually), Tony Shalhoub (Monk, Spy Kids), Sam Rockwell (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Iron Man 2), Enrico Colantoni (Veronica Mars, Flashpoint), Missy Pyle (The Artist, Gone Girl), Justin Long (Accepted, Live Free or Die Hard) and Rainn Wilson (The Office, Super) create a geek-tastic cast (also, if you watch closely, there is a small part for a very young Corbin Bleu!). The fact that this film breaks the fourth wall (for example, the pure absurdity of having bone-crushing, maze-like machinery in the middle of the engine room, causing Weaver’s character to demand the death of that particular episode’s writer), while still suspending reality for its audience garners a great movie atmosphere that draws chuckles and bursts of laughter. The great one-liners don’t hurt either. Definitely a must for any sci-fi or comedy fan.
Gilmore Girls (2000-2006)
What is it?: A dramedy that centers around the lives and relationships of the two Lorelai Gilmore women, who live in a small town in Connecticut. Simple premise, true, but it is the paramount mother-daughter relationship of Lorelai and Rory that carries the most weight and makes this entire series work.
Why you should be watching: If you were unfortunate enough to miss out on this show’s original television run, or are a casual or die-hard fan needing to revisit this series, this is a great gift given to us by the Netflix gods. This show is an entertaining mix of comedy and drama, full of snark, witty banter, great writing, believable characters and great actors. The family dynamic conjured on this show is refreshing. While authentically portraying the positives and negatives all relationships can have, Gilmore Girls also celebrates the need for family and friends and how important they are in one’s life. Lauren Graham (Parenthood, Evan Almighty) and Alexis Bledel (Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, Sin City) are perfectly casted–their mother/daughter relationship is perfectly constructed and executed, capturing its audience and keeping them engaged throughout the whole show. Gilmore Girls is perfect for those much needed diversions from school, assignments, work and/or life in general.
Claire Farrow can be reached at Claire.farrow@spartans.ut.edu.