Flash Gordon

REVIEW
The lingering vestiges of 1970’s tackiness are in full glory in this candy-colored, over-acted remake of the 1950’s serial sci-fi adventure. With the thumping disco-inspired soundtrack by Queen and the normally serious Max Von Sydow chewing up the scenery like a ravenous gypsy mouth set free in a virgin forest, it's a guaranteed fun ride as the muscled, blond (but not all there in the smarts department) Flash Gordon (Jones) and reporter Dale Arden (Anderson) travel to the planet Mongo with Dr. Zarkov (Topol) to stop the destruction of Earth at the hands of evil emperor Ming (the Merciless, that is). Adding to the enjoyment are splendid sets and costumes, good special effects and a eye-popping Pow! Bam! approach to the galactic action. You can keep Spiderman, I want Flash!