Ice Pirates (1984)

the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast

It's the podcast where a filmmaker and a comedian slowly trudge through the frozen hedge maze of the 80s movies we think we love or might have missed. Join improv comedian Krissy Lenz (The Neighborhood Comedy Theatre, The Cool Time Dice Hour), and filmmaker Nathan Blackwell (Voyage Trekkers, The Last Movie Ever Made), with guests Sean Oliver and Drew Leatham (Forever Home) as they discuss the zany 1984 sci-fi adventure comedy, Ice Pirates. for a suspenseful journey into the supernatural!

Let's revisit the 1984 sci-fi comedy Ice Pirates and appreciate its genuine comedic tone, rather than pure parody.

The characters are fun standouts, like the swashbuckling Killjoy and the surprisingly progressive female roles like Princess Karina. She's a strong leader who doesn't need a man to save her.

The plot is pretty convoluted, with unclear villain motivations and confusing time warps. But we can forgive that for imaginative sequences like the aging effects.

Our hosts rate this film between a 5-6 on their own, up to an 8 with friends. It's perfect for a lively group screening!

Shout out to the impressive practical effects and robot designs, though the premise of a galaxy-wide water shortage is questionable science.

There are some dated elements that haven't aged well, like casual racism. But we've got to mention the unique high school stage adaptation - bringing the space battles to the stage was ambitious! In summary, Ice Pirates is a creatively bonkers film that shines at a midnight screening with snacks and friends.

--
We couldn't do this without your support of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Thank you!
Join now for: $5/Month • $55/year • Learn More