Review of Battle Beyond the Stars (1980) by Blais E — 28 Dec 2010

Superlative Roger Corman re-telling of "The Magnificent Seven", done with a Sci-Fi twist, and a dream-cast composed of TV action-hero types, very-recognizable character-peeps, & John-Boy Walton (Richard Thomas), as Shad, one of the peaceful inhabitants of farflung planet Akir who attempts to defeat the vicious war-mongering galactic plunderer Sador (John Saxon), by rallying a motley crew of plucky aliens for his cause.

For an obviously under-budgeted movie, Corman, in his usual fashion, stretched every nickel he had invested, & created some stupendous visuals & model work, beautifully-designed & realized alien species, more-than-workable Special Effects, and a fun, energetic story bursting at the seams with great action sequences and highly likable characters.

Saxon is a suitably-nasty heavy, while Robert Vaughn & George Peppard parlay their VERY recognizable TV personas into well-thought-out & multidimensional characters as jaded mercenary Gelt and Devil-may-Care Space-Cowboy, respectively.

Several of the rest of the aliens along for the ride are equally unforgettable, especially bass-voiced Morgan Woodward as the vengeful reptilian Cayman, Earl Boen as the thoughtful & mild-mannered leader of the peaceful Clone-Clan Nestor, & as the strong, sexy, & sassy Viking-like Amazon St.

Exmin, the Uber-Luscious Sybil Danning. Great fun.