Star Wreck (DVD)

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Maybe my expectations for "Star Wreck," a recent DVD release from Revolver Entertainment, were simply too high. I was optimistic I´d see something creative that took elements from the brand it spoofs, "Star Trek," and be somewhat ridiculous, somewhat silly and downright funny to watch unfold.

Instead, I watched something that tried really hard to be a comedy, a spoof and creative with its special effects and character portrayals, yet totally failed and underperformed. This film is not a "hilarious comedy," and it doesn´t have "incredible visual effects" as the keep case might have you believe. It´s just bad.

I´m spoiled rotten, I know. I grew up watching stuff Mel Brooks did, especially "Spaceballs," which I still think is damn entertaining and funny. Plus I enjoy good impressionists, especially that Frank Caliendo fellow. And I´ve seen just about everything Robin Williams has done on the big screen and television.

But I didn´t want or expect something to that level from "Star Wreck." I can´t remember what exactly I was hoping for, to be honest with you (I think it´s because watching the film messed with my mind), but whatever it was, my objectives were not met. Sigh. Of course, you might argue that this film isn´t exactly for "Star Trek" fans after all. Heck, you could tell me it was made for a wider audience, perhaps those who like action titles, or other comedies. Maybe if you prefer some not so normal characters who have their own issues and quirks you´d appreciate "Star Wreck" more than me. Or, you might just take my word here. Just this once. C´mon…

According to the press release, "Star Wreck" has been seven years in the making. Thanks to five Finnish fans and well over 300 assistants, supporters and extras, this film took off and became reality. Some casual internet sleuthing at the Internet Movie Database shows that other "Star Wreck" films, bearing familiar names from this one, have been around since 1992. Those were mostly short films made for and by a really specific audience. Apparently, the same five fans are also students from Tampere, Finland. They´ve crafted material over time, but went big with this one, and have another project, called "Iron Sky," in the works. Yelp.

There really isn´t much you need to know about the plot. The film takes a traditional "Star Trek" idea, which includes getting into some trouble while on a "mission," and rearticulates it in its own way. We meet a few characters, including the unobservant, unaware and uninformed Captain James B. Pirk. He runs the show on the Starship C.P.P. Kickstart, but can´t get through the days without his crew, including Commander Info and Commander Dwarf. They´re not all that excited to be taking orders from Pirk, especially because he puts in next to no effort. You´d think a mutiny was on its way, but sadly, we´re stuck with Pirk from start to finish.

Anyway, as the ship makes its way through space, they stumble on a fleet where other folks are minding their own business. Pirk thinks his awesome power will be able to show these new folks that he´s the boss, and it works! Well, until he and his crew discover that the whole easy to conquer thing was really just a game to confuse and disorient the C.P.P. Kickstart into disarray. Shocked? I wasn´t.