Spaceballs is a comedic parody of the movie Star Wars. Directed by Mel Brooks and released in 1987, Spaceballs did decent at the box office. However, in years since its release the movie has became a cult classic and a very popular comedy film. The movie is about Spaceballs and Darth Helmet (based on Star Wars’ Dark Side and Darth Vader). The film’s plot follows the Space Balls along with their leader, President Scrooge, and their military leader, Darth Helmet, trying to steal Planet Druidia’s air.
The plot unravels as Planet Druidia’s Princess is captured by Spaceballs and ultimately rescured by the protagonist Lone Star (based on Han Solo) and his best friend Barf who is half man half dog. Comedy ensues as the Princess and her droid are complete opposites from Lone Star and Barf and forced to work with them to escape and eventually defeat the Spaceballs.
The movie’s comedy is truly where the movie shines and is ultimately the main reason why so many people have come to love this movie. Rotten Tomatoes fan rating gave this movie an 83% while the critics gave this a measly 57%. It is clear that this film was made for fans of comedy and satire and not for anybody wanting a deep compelling story.
Spaceballs even has great CGI for a movie from 1987, even going as far as to use the same company that Star Wars used for its special effects to give off the same vibe as the original Star Wars trilogy.
Overall, Spaceballs is not a serious movie and it was never meant to be taken seriously. Spaceballs is a spoof of a beloved movie franchise and that is all it is. It is not a deep story and does not give a message. Spaceballs is just a raunchy over the top silly comedy movie about space, and that is why it is so great.
