Galaxy Lords (2018)

Synopsis

A mere decade after the Heptigalaxial Cosmic Infinity War, the Kingdom of the Seven Galaxies is once again on the precipice of oblivion. The evil prince Adorastius has escaped his icy incarceration and threatens the universe with the most fantastical yet calamitous power imaginable. The multiverse cries out in peril, and the beleaguered hero Galactic Commander Helios must forge a crew of old friends and new allies to defend the sanctity of the cosmos. Still tormented by the shadows of the past, he must once again breathe the air that smells of interstellar combat. From the tranquil glades of Kelvador to the perilous crags of Grindlebar, the fate of the history of all existence rests upon the shoulders of the GALAXY LORDS!

Review

Opening with the tacky VHS playback, the floating disembodied head of Wranthelon and the line, "It is the year 4,924,537,733AD," you pretty much know what you're getting into with Galaxy Lords. A throw back to 80's sci-fi it's a low budget interpretation of films of the decade. Plot wise you get the staples - a retired hero, a galaxy in jeopardy, a madman on the loose. And it is glorious. The escape of Adorastius is followed by Wranthelon attempting to recruit Helios - the heroic Galactic Commander and last of the Galaxy Lords to fight once again. After much soul searching Helios agrees, and steps forth into the spot light.

Clearly a passion project - embracing the classics of Star Wars and Flash Gordon, Galaxy Lords shines because of the love given to every frame of the movie. Some of the effects are ropey - the green screen is terrible on occasion - in other scenes the CG is impeccable - but it doesn't matter. The writing is on point, the feel lands. In the opening two minutes I was wondering what I had gotten myself in for, and by ten minutes in I was completely invested. Surprisingly, on such a budget the external space scenes are absolutely astonishing.

Writer / director Von Bilka, and co-writer Dan Underhill clearly know not only their subject matter, but also their audience. Growing up on Shatner chewing the scenery, and Twiki beedly-beedlying, I felt the movie was made for me. It's a love letter to the movies of eighties.

For a low budget movie - and I very much get the impression - made by a group of friends, the acting is pretty good across the board. Dan Underhill is excellent as Helios, as is Von Bilka as Wranthelon and Adorastius. Scenes - and hearts - are stolen by Zachary Hart Baker as Chansaluthrax Harrangu.

The film is both interesting to watch and gripping. But more than that, it's fun - something a number of science fiction / fantasy franchises seem to have forgotten these days.

And oh dear Lord, tell me there will be a sequel.

It's a triumph in film making and story telling - and I can't wait to see it again.