The best astro-pilot in the whole universe is offered clemency if she undergoes a mission for The Emperor and sets off to stop a megalomaniac renegade, who is hellbent on becoming supreme ruler of the universe.
Director Luigi Cozzi uses every trick in the book to get his and Nat Wachsberger’s screenplay, plus R. A. Dillon’s additional dialogue on screen. From stop motion to miniatures, rear projection, optical effects and everything in between to bring the robots, spacewalks, giant robots and spaceships to life. It’s limited by budget and rough around its colourful edges, don’t expect Star Wars. This along with the cheesy dialogue, kitschy costumes, sets and props only add to the charm. The characters though are likeable enough which does offer a spot of emotional clout. A fantastic score from John Barry and some fitting space sound design cement the production all together.
The cast is an odd but fine mix of talent including Caroline Munro, Joe Spinell, David Hasselhoff and Christopher Plummer to name few. Munro shines here, she’s not a damsel in distress for the most part and leads the show as beautiful smuggler Stella Star, who goes from one danger to another. It can’t be overstated how important Munro’s demeanour is to making this work tonally, it’s not just because of her fantastic (sometimes revealing) outfits. Notable are Marjoe Gortner as engaging laser sword wielding Akton and Judd Hamilton as Elle, a powerful robot policeman—in the spirit of Lost in Space’s Robot B-9. Hasselhoff’s Prince Simon is introduced in the second act, and here he’s low key cool, handling the fight scenes effortlessly. Plummer’s screen time is limited; and he is there for his gravitas and possibly just the pay.
The third act seems a little messy and disjointed as if Cozzi and company didn’t know when to stop. This aside, everyone seems to be having fun, you feel—they know; that you know; what they’re making, yet, it’s wonderfully played straight, even if a little hammy and wonky by some. With Forbidden Planet and Star Trek vibes with a helping of StarWas and Barbrella, Starcrash has all the elements to deservedly be a cult favourite.
Overall, Starcrash has B-movie DNA running though it’s circuits, it’s very much a cheap science fantasy as opposed to big budget science fiction; with this in mind sit back, relax and enjoy. Recommend.
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