Galaxy Quest 1999

As the nostalgia-worn actors of Galaxy Quest, an iconic 1980s space-adventure television series, navigate the circuit of fan conventions and promotional appearances, their days become a blur of autographs, photo ops, and self-aggrandizing reminiscences. Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), the show’s erstwhile star, revels in the attention, his ego inflated by the constant praise and admiration. Meanwhile, his co-stars - Gwen (Sigourney Weaver) as the sharp-witted Lieutenant Tawny Madison, Alexander (Alan Rickman) as the cerebral Dr. Lazarus, Fred (Tony Shalhoub) as the resourceful Tech Sergeant Chen, and Tommy (Daryl Mitchell) as the precocious Lieutenant Laredo - seethe with resentment towards Jason’s condescending attitude and lack of consideration for their own artistic contributions.

At a particularly grueling convention, Jason is approached by a zealous fan group known as the Thermians, led by Mathesar (Enrico Colantoni) and his trusted second-in-command, Teb (Jed Rees). Initially, Jason assumes they’re seeking his autograph or endorsement for some new merchandise venture, but he’s soon disabused of this notion when the Thermians reveal their true intentions. Despite being hung over from a night of revelry with his co-stars - including a memorable encounter with Brandon, a die-hard fan who was summarily dismissed by Jason as he pursued Gwen - Jason agrees to lend his assistance.

The next morning, as the Thermians arrive to collect him, Jason is still reeling from the previous evening’s excesses. He’s utterly oblivious to the fact that they’re not just any ordinary fans; in reality, they’re aliens who’ve recreated the iconic bridge of the NSEA Protector, the starship from Galaxy Quest. Believing he’s merely on a set, Jason musters his acting chops and confronts the Thermians’ arch-nemesis, the ruthless warlord Roth’h’Ar Sarris (Robin Sachs), who demands the fabled Omega 13, a top-secret weapon of unknown capabilities. With a mix of bravado and improvisation, Jason manages to temporarily thwart Sarris’s plans, leaving him shaken but not stirred.

As the reality of his extraordinary adventure begins to sink in, Jason finds himself back on Earth, forever changed by the experiences he shared with the Thermians. The universal communicator, a tangible reminder of their friendship, serves as a bridge between two worlds, allowing him to reconnect with Brandon (once again, their comms devices get exchanged). However, despite his best efforts to convince his fellow cast members of the incredible truth behind Galaxy Quest, they remain skeptical and unwilling to listen.

It isn’t until Laliari, the enigmatic Thermian, reappears on Earth, seeking Jason’s assistance once more, that he is able to muster a small but determined group of co-stars, including Guy (Sam Rockwell), who had previously met his untimely demise in the show. United by their shared sense of wonder and curiosity, they join forces with Jason to explore the mysteries of the Thermian Protector.

As they board the ship, they are greeted by Mathesar, whose unassuming demeanor belies a profound wisdom. He reveals that the entirety of Thermian society is built upon the principles and values depicted in Galaxy Quest, with their society serving as a testament to the show’s enduring influence. The crew learns that the Thermians have constructed an astonishingly accurate replica of the Protector, fueled by their admiration for the heroes they had come to worship.

Mathesar shares with Jason the tragic tale of his predecessor, a brave leader who was brutally tortured and murdered by the ruthless Sarris. This somber revelation sets the stage for the next chapter in their journey, as Sarris returns, hell-bent on destroying the Protector once again. As the ship barely escapes through a perilous magnetic minefield, Jason’s crew is forced to confront the harsh reality of their situation: their power source, a critical beryllium sphere, lies severely damaged.

In desperation, they set course for a nearby planet, hoping to find a replacement sphere amidst the ruins of an abandoned mining colony. However, this seemingly deserted world holds a dark secret: it is home to creatures that devour each other when hunger strikes. As Jason’s team attempts to acquire a new power source, they are ambushed by these terrifying entities.

In the chaos that ensues, Jason finds himself separated from his companions and left behind, forced to fend for himself against a monstrous rock creature. It is only through Fred’s quick thinking and the digital converter on board the Protector that Jason’s life is spared, allowing him to be rescued and returned to the ship.

Meanwhile, Sarris has seized control of the Protector, destroying the Thermian home planet in his wake. He demands the Omega 13 device, which Jason is forced to confess he does not possess. In a final act of defiance, Jason reveals the true nature of Galaxy Quest to Mathesar, shattering his illusions and leaving him heartbroken. As Sarris prepares to execute his plan, Jason must confront the consequences of his own deception and the devastating impact it has had on those he has come to care for.

As Sarris (no remorse evident) triggers the self-destruct mechanism of the Protector, abandoning its Thermian passengers to a fiery fate, the humans concoct a plan to avert catastrophe. Jason’s ingenuity is matched by his resourcefulness as he connects with Brandon (Justin Long), a devoted fan on Earth, and his network of enthusiasts familiar with every nook and cranny of Galaxy Quest. Brandon’s inside knowledge proves invaluable in guiding Jason and Gwen through the ship’s core, allowing them to successfully abort the self-destruct sequence. Meanwhile, Alexander leads the Thermians in a valiant effort against Sarris’ forces (Fred’s unexpected heroics involve beaming aboard the rock monster that decimates Sarris’ troops; Fred shares a poignant moment with Laliari before Quelleck’s tragic demise leaves Alexander distraught). Despite this tumult, the Thermians express their gratitude to Jason, leaving Alexander perplexed. The crew, emboldened by their triumph, challenges Sarris and lures his ship into a magnetic minefield. This time, the Protector expertly drags the mines into Sarris’ vessel, ensuring its destruction.

As the Protector approaches Earth, Sarris, who managed to escape his ship’s demise by transporting onto the Protector, ambushes the humans on the bridge, exacting a terrible toll on several crew members. Jason seizes the opportunity to activate the “Omega 13”, creating a 13-second time warp that allows him and Mathesar to disarm Sarris before he can launch another attack.

The Protector’s bridge, now free from its main vessel, guides the humans towards Earth, while the main section departs under Mathesar’s command. Guided by Brandon’s beacon and his network of fans, the Protector Bridge crashes onto the stage at a Galaxy Quest convention, sending shockwaves through the enthusiastic crowd. As the dazed cast members emerge to thunderous applause, Sarris reemerges, posing a fresh threat to their lives. Jason takes swift action, eliminating Sarris with a precise shot; the ecstatic audience assumes it’s all part of an elaborate special effects display.

In the aftermath, the Galaxy Quest franchise is revived in the form of Galaxy Quest: The Journey Continues, with the original cast reprising their roles alongside Guy and Laliari as new characters.