Flash Gordon (1980)

[7thson]

Flash Gordon




http://members.cox.net/writersdream/flashgordon.bmp


(1980)

Directed by: Mike Hodges

Starring: Sam J. Jones and Melody Anderson

With Max Von Sydow as Ming the Merciless



Flash Gordon flew onto the big screen trying to grab onto the ever rising tail feathers of the Star Wars phenomenon. While it failed pitifully in comparison it is a masterfully created film. First off if the film were meant to be serious then the acting is bad, very bad, but if you look at the film as a space opera ,which it most definitely is, then I think you can come to appreciate its simplistic and artistic nature. The sound track created by Queen in the days where Freddy Mercury sang from the heart and the world loved his voice despite his homosexuality is what made the movie stand out for me. The movie basically bombed at the box office at that time, but over the years it has become a cable television classic. Bringing the classic Flash Gordon storyline to the screen, director Mike Hodges seems to be on the sidelines during the film, which I think adds to the improv like feel the film has. Max Von Sydow plays an amazing role as Ming, he seems made for the part. His sarcasm throughout the movie is wonderfully evident, and his hatred for humans seems genuine. Flash Gordon is a fun movie that is full of laughs and predictability; it almost seems to be more of a play than a film. If you are looking for a serious film then this is definitely not for you, but if you are looking for a fun popcorn movie with a great sound track Flash should fit the bill.

[LordSlaytan]

I was one of those snot nosed kids running around screaming, "Ma! I wanna see Flash Gordon! Ma! Ma! Ma-aaa! Ma!". It was eventually my Aunt to took me and I loved it. I still love it. If there's any debate about what a cult classic is, use this film as a measurement. Thanks for spreading the love for a film that sleeps in obscurity.

I'd give you some rep, but it seems I have to spread some around first.

[Caitlyn]

Very nice 7thson … Flash has always been a favorite of mine… and I agree... ‘tis just plain fun… :D

[Hellraiser]

The babes in that movie combined with the over the top Queen music is great.

"No!! Not the bore worms!!!"

[nebbit]

I love this, I would kill to get it on DVD, thanks for the review. :D

[Nitzer]

isnt it a porno?

[nebbit]

isnt it a porno?

That's Flesh Gordon :yup:

[Nitzer]

Then why did Lord Slaytan say that when he/she was a kid his/her aunt took him/her to see it? Isn't that kind of... wrong?

[nebbit]

Then why did Lord Slaytan say that when he/she was a kid his/her aunt took him/her to see it? Isn't that kind of... wrong?

I think Lordylord (he) was talking about FLASH Gordon not FLESH Gordon, Ther is a sort of porno called Flesh Gordon, really bad. :p

[7thson]

Then why did Lord Slaytan say that when he/she was a kid his/her aunt took him/her to see it? Isn't that kind of... wrong?

SLAY!!.......Shame on you man.

[Nitzer]

I think Lordylord (he) was talking about FLASH Gordon not FLESH Gordon, Ther is a sort of porno called Flesh Gordon, really bad. :p
So there are two movies - Flash Gordon and Flesh Gordon? And which one's the porno? I'm confused. :confused: Arf, arf.

[Holden Pike]

So there are two movies - Flash Gordon and Flesh Gordon? And which one's the porno?

Hmmmm, I wonder.

You're something alright, but I don't know if 'confused' is way at the top of the list.

[Nitzer]

wow man i lost 28 rep points. screw you people.

[jew_59]

This flick was campier than a Boy Scout Jamboree, but you just can't turn away. The production values were excellent, the costumes were amazing, and some of the hottest women :eek: around at the time were in attendance. Too bad about the acting, writing etc. It's still quite watchable though. :cool:

[Golgot]

My Christmas Gift to some lucky MOFO...;) ...Whomsoever gives the best review of Flash Gordon ~ 1980 (Looking for quality here, not love...it is okay to dislike the movie) will get as much rep as the MOFO Gods allow me to dish out in a 5 day Period starting Jan 1st 2006, what a way to be a rep whore and to get points...:D. If I am ordered to spread rep around in order to give more to the winner then I will spread it to others who participate. Please Post your review here

Flash Gordon


One sentence review:

The best bit of gilded popcorn nonsense ever to have a Queen soundtrack.


Lavish review, with thunderbolts and lightening:

I'm told they made this film in an attempt to grab the Star Wars coat-tails that were flapping in the wind. Well, they out-space-opera'd it. They totally-technicoloured it. They turned up the Lucas cheese-ometer, added extra hair and spangles, and got one reverberating Brian-Blessed of a glorious flying turkey. You just can't argue with statistics like that...

I love it. I've always loved it. From the silly snorkling-squeaky sound that the red-robed 'imperial troops' make, to the rubber panting lizardmen with open mouths for faces...

It's so camp you keep expecting King Arthur to emerge from a bed of cushions and order the seige to start tomorrow, and breakfast to start immediately. It's so kitch its fantastical worlds seem to be made of golden doilies and plastic sherbert. It's so classically silly it's made better by having a ex-footballer for a star, who plays football with aliens, and is rarely seen walking and talking at the same time. But then, the dialogue needs your full attention...

"Get your toothbrush and whatever!"

"It's a really...(swivel)...brilliant...(stradle)...strategy"

"Why not?" (boo, hiss)

When you've got Max von Sydow making even the word 'You!' ring magnificently from the screen, you know you're onto a winner. And that's before Topol gets on the scene. (And i can still hear Blessed to this day).

In short, there's no bit of this film that isn't quality, comedy, all-action gold. From Zarkov getting his brain-pockets picked, to Dale wildly declaring love and time-limits. From diving birdmen to oozing swamps. From Klytus, the puppet-jawed butler of death, to the curious cameo of a tinkling dwarf called Fellini. This film's got it all.

Why they didn't create an Oscar for Best Accidental Comedy in its honour, i'll honestly never know.

:)

[nebbit]

Why they didn't create an Oscar for Best Accidental Comedy in its honour, i'll honestly never know.

:)

Me either :yup:

[7thson]

Flash Gordon


One sentence review:

The best bit of gilded popcorn nonsense ever to have a Queen soundtrack.


Lavish review, with thunderbolts and lightening:

I'm told they made this film in an attempt to grab the Star Wars coat-tails that were flapping in the wind. Well, they out-space-opera'd it. They totally-technicoloured it. They turned up the Lucas cheese-ometer, added extra hair and spangles, and got one reverberating Brian-Blessed of a glorious flying turkey. You just can't argue with statistics like that...

I love it. I've always loved it. From the silly snorkling-squeaky sound that the red-robed 'imperial troops' make, to the rubber panting lizardmen with open mouths for faces...

It's so camp you keep expecting King Arthur to emerge from a bed of cushions and order the seige to start tomorrow, and breakfast to start immediately. It's so kitch its fantastical worlds seem to be made of golden doilies and plastic sherbert. It's so classically silly it's made better by having a ex-footballer for a star, who plays football with aliens, and is rarely seen walking and talking at the same time. But then, the dialogue needs your full attention...

"Get your toothbrush and whatever!"

"It's a really...(swivel)...brilliant...(stradle)...strategy"

"Why not?" (boo, hiss)

When you've got Max von Sydow making even the word 'You!' ring magnificently from the screen, you know you're onto a winner. And that's before Topol gets on the scene. (And i can still hear Blessed to this day).

In short, there's no bit of this film that isn't quality, comedy, all-action gold. From Zarkov getting his brain-pockets picked, to Dale wildly declaring love and time-limits. From diving birdmen to oozing swamps. From Klytus, the puppet-jawed butler of death, to the curious cameo of a tinkling dwarf called Fellini. This film's got it all.

Why they didn't create an Oscar for Best Accidental Comedy in its honour, i'll honestly never know.

:)

About the best review of this film I have ever seen, thus far, and I have seen many. Truly articulate and down-to-Earth (is this a pun) at the same time. I feel the fondness you heart radiates for this film as mine does. Very nice job Gol', thanks.:)

[Golgot]

:) (http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/9350/42c43802df2a27wc.jpg) <--- click

[nebbit]

Cute pussy :D

[Tacitus]

Haven't tried this in a few years but, as a party trick, I used to be able to sing the title song in full falsetto.... ;)

[Pyro Tramp]

Retro cheese.

Why no mention of Brian Blessed? Vultan owns.

http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/Videos/flashvultan.jpg

[Anonymous Last]

When I place cans in the little hole in the recycle bin at work it reminds me of that one scene...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/nonylast/20.jpg

then my hand gets sticky from some kind of sloppy soda mess.

That's when I have to wrestle someone on a circular platform with deadly spikes poppping out.

[7thson]

Retro cheese.

Why no mention of Brian Blessed? Vultan owns.

http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/Videos/flashvultan.jpg

Actually Vultan (Brian)is one of my top 3 fav' characters from this film. The casting is excellent here and no one manipulates rubber spikes better than Brian, I mean no one!

http://www.nerf-herders-anonymous.net/images/vlcsnap-301407.png

[mark f]

That does explain a lot, Bro!

[Caitlyn]

I need to watch this again... 'twas always great fun.... :D




I miss Nony... :(

[antwon]

now this one's a true classic, i don't know if someone might do a remake of this film then it would be exciting... remeber KRULL and WILLOW... nice to reminisce to good all films.....

[Holden Pike]

http://media.monstersandcritics.com/articles/1338241/article_images/flash3.jpg http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:8AuupsYHQcXYbM:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/Flash_gordon_movie_poster.jpg

Today is the birthday of Flash Gordon's titular actor Sam Jones. He turns fifty-four today. Sammy was never much of an actor, and even though starring stiffly in this cult hit has made him immortal in a small way, the rest of his career has been completely uneventful. Now he's just a trivia question.

But in honor of his birthday...

"Go, Flash! Go!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNUcpXKiNZo)

[7thson]

Sam and Melody have both had a pretty lacluster acting career, and honestly he does not have much with the reason I love the film. Sydow and Dalton and Brian Blessed easily out peform both. Even so there is a bit of chemistry there between "Dale and Flash" and like you mentioned he will probably not be rembered for much else unless of course you have that Playgirl spread.




http://i1.iofferphoto.com/img/item/182/360/97/o_Untitled-Scanned-02.jpg

[genesis_pig]

flash gordon!!

[Dempsey]

bring on a reboot and lets see it back on our cinema screens again! :)

[genesis_pig]

There's no need for a reboot.

[Powdered Water]

Damn right.

[will.15]

What about Flesh Gordon?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FilYgi_LZ_c

[Dempsey]

well maybe reboot was the wrong word, would just like to see another Flash Gordon movie

[genesis_pig]

& that would certainly be called a reboot..

I think they are better off with Buck Rogers...

[7thson]

I would not mind seeing another - but it would need an awesome soundtrack - that made half the movie for me.

[Powdered Water]

Heh, I own Flesh Gordon. Still haven't watched it though.

[Dempsey]

I love the original too, dont get me wrong, but saying tha,t I loved the Batman orginal too, then look what Chris did with Batman Begins and Dark Knight.