Review of Flash Gordon (1980) by Jay Scott for The Globe and Mail (Toronto) — 20 Sep 1984
The expensive new version of Flash Gordon is a lot more gaudy, and just as dumb, as the original series starring Buster Crabbe. Sam J. Jones in the title role has even less thespic range than Crabbe, but the badness of his performance is part of the fun of the film.
Jones, a former Playgirl nude centerfold whose only previous film role was the husband of Bo Derek in 10, lumbers vacantly through the part of Flash Gordon with the naivete, fearlessness, and dopey line readings familiar from the 1930s serials.
Film benefits greatly from the adroit performance of Max von Sydow as Emperor Ming.
You can read the full review where it was originally posted online.
This review of Flash Gordon (1980) was written by Jay Scott and published by The Globe and Mail (Toronto) on 20 Sep 1984.
Flash Gordon has generally received positive reviews.
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