Review by Justin Bateman
Stars Sam Jones, Melody Anderson, Max von Sydow, Ornella Muti, Brian Blessed, Topol, Timothy Dalton
UK certification PG | UK RRP £24.99 | Runtime 112 minutes | Written by Lorenzo Semple Jr | Directed by Mike Hodges
Flash Gordon (Jones) and Dale Arden (Anderson) are kidnapped by mad scientist (is there any other kind?) Hans Zarkov (Topol) and take off into outer space as Ming the Merciless (Von Sydow) attacks Earth. They reach Ming’s planet of Mongo (obviously) where he is sentenced to death while also facing hostility from the tree people of forest moon Arboria led by Prince Barin (Dalton) and Vultan (Blessed) and his winged Hawkmen. Meanwhile, Ming’s plan to destroy Flash’s home continues apace...
Based on a 1930s comic strip, this 1980 big screen adaptation was touted as the start of film franchise. However, its performance at the box office was so disappointing that none of the sequels were ever commissioned which is something of a surprise given the cult status it has gained over the intervening years. So how does it stand up to 30 years of film history and numerous other comic book adaptations?
The answer is pretty well, overall. It’s not perfect by a long way, perhaps most obviously reflected in Sam Jones’ performance as the eponymous hero. Hunky and handsome though he is, his acting is borderline balsa wood – this despite the film being more pantomime than film. In fact though, it’s this camp flamboyance that makes Flash Gordon the splendidly silly romp that it undoubtedly is.
The supporting cast is absolutely terrific, and none more so than Brian Blessed who guffaws and shouts his way through the entire film. Von Sydow is suitably scary as Emperor Ming and with his bald head, Charlie Chan-style goatee, ridiculous eyebrows and eyeliner is a truly memorable villain. Italian Ornella Muti provides some sexy eye candy in the form of Ming’s daughter Princess Aura, while Peter Wyngarde is an effective foil as Klytus, right-hand man of the emperor.
The film sets out its comic strip roots from the opening title sequence and continues its primary coloured theme with ostentatious set designs and gloriously over the top costumes. The wonderful multi-coloured skies are beautifully rendered on this Blu-ray transfer, although it does at times highlight some seriously dodgy special effects. But with a pumping glam rock soundtrack from none other than Queen, including the anthemic Flash (ah-aah!) it feels like a comic book made real.
So in spite of its shortcomings, and as long as you don’t take it seriously – although really, how could you? – it’s impossible not to enjoy this simple but energetic action fantasy. Flash Gordon is delightfully cheesy, innocent fun, and with lines such as “Flash! Flash! I love you. But we only have 14 hours to save the earth!”, who could possibly resist?
EXTRAS ★★ Just a short interview with and a feature-length commentary by director Mike Hodges. Disappointingly and somewhat surprisingly, this edition doesn’t include the Brian Blessed commentary which featured on the Silver Anniversary edition.