If You Love "Galaxy Quest"...You've Got To See "Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary"

You know how it is...you're looking for something to watch (because it feels like you've seen everything you want to see on various streaming platforms...), then something catches your eye. It's not a normal film, or a series, but a documentary.

I'm not knocking documentaries--the format can be one of the most powerful forms of film ever.

The documentary I found was Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary and if you love the 1999 Dreamworks film, you've got to see this story. It was hypnotic.

Though very small, I have a connection, of sorts, to this film. I've met the author of the original story concept, David Howard. His story, Captain Starshine, was picked up, then altered a bit. I'm not sure how much was changed, but the documentary implies it was several points. David is a very cool dude and married into a very cool family. Plus, he speaks Danish, so, he's got to be great. People I know attended the premier. That must have been a blast.

We find out things that might have been, actors considered for various roles, and other "behind the scenes" fun facts.

The documentary highlights how Galaxy Quest is an homage to fans of the genre. Speaking of fans, there are several cosplayers in the film who provide testimony of how the film affects them. Two of the cosplayers (at least, two...) have attended Salt Lake's FanX Comics Convention and I love seeing them each time I go.

As stated before, if you have a fan of the film, Never Surrender is a great way to re-live some of the feelings you felt when you first watched Galaxy Quest and when you watch it over and over again. It's currently playing on Amazon Prime, so if you are scrolling through choices, wondering if there's anything worth watching, check out Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary. You'll love it.

David Howard...Writer Of "Galaxy Quest" And "Trek" Is Coming To Fyrecon!

The news hit today--a local author who made it big by writing one of the most beloved geek films of all time, Galaxy Quest, is coming to Fyrecon 2 in June.

This is big news!

When I began my writing career several years ago, my first success came as a screenwriter. My story, Wrinkles was turned into a short film. The more I learned about screenwriting, the more I heard just how difficult it was to make it as a screenwriter, much more difficult than to make it as a novelist or short story writer. So, for one to have created such a well known world with amazing characters and a great storyline, they have my respect.

Galaxy Quest is nerd scripture. It speaks to those who attend conventions, cosplay as their favorite aliens and/or captains, and who wish what they saw on the screen or read in the books was real. It's a perfect movie for its intended audience. And his latest project, Trek, the Movie, released earlier this year.

We reached out to Mr. Howard several weeks ago and asked if he would be interested in attending. He responded that he's coming. The convention is June 21 - 23 in Layton, Utah. You can find out more concerning pricing and other questions you may have by clicking the link: HERE. As far as David Howard's specific schedule at the convention, additional details will be forthcoming. But if you want to hear from a man who has made all our lives for the better, join us at Fyrecon in June! It's going to be great!

This Is Who I Would Like To See At The Next Salt Lake Comic Con...Who's With Me?

The latest Salt Lake Comic Con event ended just over a week ago and fans have already added their 2¢ worth as to who the Comic Con Committee should invite for the big show in September. I have not added my opinion to the others...

Until Now.

Here's my pick for celebrity guests I'd like to see. Basically, anyone associated with the film, 

Galaxy Quest!

And why not? I mean, there's a comic convention going on IN THE SHOW! Yes, I understand they may not be showing Nerd Nation in the best light possible, but us nerds don't care. The film is a classic! It's got everything--space adventure, man's search for meaning, man's search for alien meaning, good vs evil.

Plus, I think it would be a great tribute to a true artisan and gentleman, Alan Rickman. 

There's another fantastic reason to see if we can get those associated with the film to come. It was written by David Howard, a Utahn.

So, if you feel the way I do, vote YES to see if the NSEA Protector can crash land into the Salt Palace. Of course, the Protector would probably get super-accelerated coming out of the black hole, and it, would like nail the atmosphere at Mach 15, which, we all know, is pretty unstable, obviously. So I'm sure we could find many MANY volunteers to help Laredo guide it on the vox ultra-frequency carrier and use Roman candles for visual confirmation.

Galaxy Quest & The Big Bang Theory...Pure Genius!

The first time I saw "Galaxy Quest" I was blown away, not because of the brilliant writing, or the incredible casting (inspired, I think...), but because David Howard, one of my writing heroes, found a previously unexplored topic and found pay dirt. His story involved the same Star Trek fans that Saturday Night Live and William Shatner lampooned years before, but Howard expanded on the SNL joke and even used some of the same scientific theories found in Carl Sagan's "Contact."

*

Fast forward several years and genius strikes again, this time for the small screen. There are very few network shows we watch and even fewer situation comedies. One night we came across "The Big Bang Theory," and after one episode, we were hooked. There are some episodes not suitable for children, and that's a bit disappointing, but we watch still. The creators of the show have found a group to parody that have never been taken seriously as the subject of a show, and not just the butt of many a joke.

Galaxy Quest and The Big Bang Theory...two creative projects tapping into the same inspirational well. They show what can be done when someone looks at things just a little bit differently.

*Picture used without permission from: http://tvbigbangtheory.blogspot.com/2011/06/big-bang-theory-season-3-poster.html