Flash Gordon

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Max L @RT64587319 2d This is a fun film to watch. From Queen's bespoke songs to the full on lean into the camp. It holds up well over time See more Daniel G. @d_grady Feb 22 Should be a three star genre film on merits alone, but the art direction, wink-and-nod campiness and Queen soundtrack coalesce into something unique and fun. See more Joey A. @TheJoe1991 Feb 12 Okay, I'm a homer, I grew up watching this movie and it's very nostalgic for me. Strangely enough I love this movie, before I even knew anything about the band Queen, and now they're my favorite band. See more Matt L. @mattl Dec 26 I want you to picture the tone and mood of the Dark Knight Trilogy. Next I want you to bring to mind the most recent Dune series or Star Wars Rouge One. Now imagine the opposite of what your mind just conjured. This is the essence of Flash Gordon. So much color and and breathy joy is infused into this film. The story stays brisk and focused. I never wondered what the stakes were and despite the campy nature of the movie I always feel invested in what was going to happen next. There is a reckless courage that still amazes me each time I watch this. Tribes of hawk men, multiple words, space battles all on a “wing” and a prayer. This movie felt as though it was made by people who loved this genre and the source material. It took decades for movies to capture that love for comic / sci fi / campy / fun. At some point we have lost it again but, we will always have this movie to help point us back to the joy that Flash Gordon still brings. See more David T @RT92378629 Nov 6 I think chronologically the best comic strip inspired style film since Barbarella. People seem to forget how ground breaking films like these paved the way for what are now considered mainstream franchises. In the UK they are still referencing this theme tune for a leading cleaning product on prime time TV, 45 years later... See more Brent H @BrentMHinson Oct 29 I’m going to try to remain objective in my review of this movie, as I grew up in the early 80s watching and loving it. If you were of a certain age when Flash Gordon was released in 1980, you’re going to have a different opinion than someone who watches it for the first time in 2025. Flash Gordon is not a superhero. Actually, he’s the quarterback for the New York Jets. But really, he’s just a regular guy who has the confidence to tackle evil head-on because he knows that’s his calling in life. Sam J. Jones is perfectly cast in the title role because he's absolutely believable as the character. Here’s what makes this movie great. First, you can’t deny that this would be a totally different film had Queen not scored the movie. Each piece of music they contribute to the various parts of this film is perfectly placed. Brian May’s unmistakable guitar sound adds a certain depth to scenes, including the execution of Flash and the climactic ending. Having Queen attached definitely gives this movie an added sense of credibility. Max von Sydow is brilliant as Ming the Merciless. The makeup and costume departments deserve high praise for turning Sydow into a truly despicable on-screen character. The battle between Flash and Prince Barin, played by a pre-Bond Timothy Dalton, on a floating platform that tilts and projects spikes, stands out as a true highlight. One thing I became keenly aware of watching it as an adult was, for a movie marketed to kids and with a rating of PG, just how sexual it is. As a kid, I was always aware there were certain sexual undertones to various scenes, but when I watched it again at age 48, I couldn’t believe how blatantly visible all of it was. Is this a film for everyone? No. But for a specific group of us, this movie was —and to a certain extent, still is — a non-stop thrill ride filled with bright costumes, colorful characters, intense action, and a soundtrack that was well ahead of its time. Objectively, I’ll give this three stars, but, in my heart, it will always be a five-star masterpiece from my youth. See more Read all reviews

Flash Gordon

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