Flash Gordon - The best film ever (end of discussion)

In millions of years time, when the Earth has been blasted to atoms (probably by a `freak' meteor storm, or something), aliens will come down to our charred and lifeless planet and collect a DVD of Flash Gordon (the movie), in order to preserve it for the benefit of the rest of the universe. It really is that good.

Okay, I'm kidding, but only kind of. It's actually a pretty terrible film. The acting is awful (especially the two leads) and the dialogue is even worse. Yet, it's still awesome. If there were Oscars for the best `So-bad-it's-good' movie then Flash Gordon would win year after year. The sets alone are awesome in their over-the-top colourfulness, plus the costumes are literally out-of-this-world. And you have Brain Blessed spouting some of the most memorable lines ever committed to film.

Did I mention they have lasers? Well, they do - LOTS of them - lasers blasting every which way you can see. And all to the soundtrack of one of the best rock bands ever - Queen.

In today's world of dark and serious cinema (I'm thinking Christopher Nolan's Batman saga and Daniel Craig's James Bond flicks) most people have forgotten just how much fun `camp and silly' films could be. Flash Gordon is just that - camp and silly. It never tries to be anything other than great, big, silly fun. And it succeeds.

It's worth noting that it's so enjoyable that it played a major part in Seth McFarlane's `Ted' movie (which I would recommend you check out if you have a `Family Guy' type humour).

Don't expect greatness when you sit down to watch Flash. Just expect great fun. And remember... he'll save every one of us!

10/10 The Monty Python Knights of Camelot are currently looking for this