Let's revisit the 1984 sci-fi comedy Ice Pirates and appreciate its genuine comedic tone, rather than pure parody.
The characters are fun standouts, like the swashbuckling Killjoy and the surprisingly progressive female roles like Princess Karina. She's a strong leader who doesn't need a man to save her.
The plot is pretty convoluted, with unclear villain motivations and confusing time warps. But we can forgive that for imaginative sequences like the aging effects.
Our hosts rate this film between a 5-6 on their own, up to an 8 with friends. It's perfect for a lively group screening!
Shout out to the impressive practical effects and robot designs, though the premise of a galaxy-wide water shortage is questionable science.
There are some dated elements that haven't aged well, like casual racism. But we've got to mention the unique high school stage adaptation - bringing the space battles to the stage was ambitious! In summary, Ice Pirates is a creatively bonkers film that shines at a midnight screening with snacks and friends.