Galaxy Quest MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1/2

In a galaxy far, far away lies a race of aliens, led by Mathesar (Enrico Colantoni), who have watched the chronicles of earths history by way of television programming transmitted to their planet. The primary subjects of these historical documents are the crew of the NSEA Starship Protector from the TV series "Galaxy Quest." Believing these make-believe space travelers to be real human representatives from earth, the aliens seek them out and transport them light years into space to help negotiate with a mortal enemy of their planet. But the crew of the Protector is not prepared to take their sci-fi fantasy roles into the real world of space, particularly when the show ended twenty years ago. But without a script to guide them and actually knowing nothing about space travel, Captain Taggart (Tim Allen), Lt. Tawny Madison (Sigourney Weaver), and the rest of the crew fumble and stumble their way into a rescue mission far from home and with little hope of return. This hilarious space spoof has more corn and cheese than the local state fair, but oddly enough it works. Allen, Weaver, and the rest of the unlikely combo of actors somehow pull off a comedy sure to please young and old viewers alike, provided they have a bit of a quirky sense of humor.

With just a handful of crude words, obscene, and profane words, the language is mild even for recent PG films. However, Allen is shown in one scene obviously only wearing a half-buttoned up shirt and no underwear, and a view down his shirt shows a shadowy and fleeting shape of his genitals. Also, Weaver is seen in several scenes with her uniform ripped showing her bra and cleavage. One crew member falls in love with one of the aliens and they share a passionate kiss. Their off-scene activity is alluded to by another character. Space violence includes battles between ships, several characters shot point blank, hand-to-hand combat between humans and aliens, space creatures being eaten by their own kind, and one of the aliens tortured with electric shocks. But for the most part, violence is not graphic or gratuitous. Along with its quirky blend of humor and sci-fi adventure, the film also manages to teach lesson or two about blending fantasy and reality as well as teamwork. Some foul language and non-sexual near nudity bring GALAXY QUEST in for a rough but not quite acceptable landing in PREVIEW.

Preview Reviewer: Cliff McNeely
Distributor: DreamWorks Pictures Distribution, 100 Universal Plaza, Universal City CA 91608