Spaceballs - 8 stars out of 10

Spaceballs - 8 stars out of 10

“Spaceballs” is a classic.  Mel Brooks’ spoof on “Star Wars” has become one of the films that define the parody genre, combining slapstick comedy with clever cultural references.  Disclaimer: There is not a single serious moment in this film and if you are not in a dumb humor mindset, you will spend more time rolling your eyes than being entertained.  All of the Star Wars characters are transformed into caricatures, from Colonel Sandurz to Yogurt to Pizza the Hut.  Rick Moranis steals the show as Dark Helmet, the dimwitted Darth Vader character whose oversized helmet (and safari hat) are always getting in the way.  His line delivery is perfect (“What's the matter, Colonel Sandurz? CHICKEN?”, “I hate Yogurt!  Even with strawberries!”) and his movements play out like a cartoon.  Bill Pullman and John Candy play well off of each other as Lone Starr and Barf, and Daphne Zuniga brings great spunk to Princess Vespa.  And of course Mel Brooks hops in as President Skroob and Yogurt, hilarious in both roles.  I could just start listing all of my favorite moments (combing the desert, watching the “Spaceballs” movie) and cultural references (“Star Trek” and “Planet of the Apes”) but I think it’s just best that you see it for yourself.  The movie is still funny if you are not familiar with Star Wars, but it sure helps.  It was refreshing to read how closely Brooks worked with George Lucas to make sure that the content did not detract from the original “Star Wars.”  My one caution about this film is that there is a lot of language and innuendo.  Kids probably aren’t ready for this film until high school.  A lot of the innuendo is subtle but the blatant swearing would make me uncomfortable to have my children in the same room.  “Spaceballs" is hilarious time and time again, and you will be hard pressed to find a parody that is more clever, visually funny, and true to the original.