THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER (1990)

"This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we'll be lucky to live through it."

I've never read a Tom Clancy novel (although I've spent thousands of hours playing Tom Clancy video games), but if the novel "The Hunt for Red October" is better than the movie then I might have to because this movie was a blast!

Opening scene, a highly respected Russian submarine commander (Sean Connery) is suppose to take the Soviet Navy's new revolutionary stealth nuclear submarine out on a test run, but instead he's making a break for the U.S.  Has he gone mad?  Is he gonna start WWIII?  Is he trying to defect?  Maybe he's lost or there's a wookalar loose on board the sub.  Nobody knows!  So, now not only is the entire Soviet Navy after him, including submarine captain Stellan Skarsgard, but also the entire American military including CIA analyst Alec Baldwin.  It's all very exciting.  Explosions, sonar, helicopters, jets, torpedoes, unobtrusive computer effects, fast pace that makes the 134-minute runtime absolutely fly by, strong cast, exciting story.

If you're into military thrillers, then you should check it out.  Recommended.

Part 2 - Patriot Games (1992)
Part 3 - Clear and Present Danger (1994)
Reboot 1 - The Sum of All Fears (2002)
Reboot 2 - Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)

GALAXY QUEST (1999)

"By Grabthar's hammer, by the suns of Worvan, you shall be avenged."

Don't let the fact you don't know anything about "Star Trek" stop you from watching this delightful and skillfully written space comedy.

Many years after the science fiction show "Galaxy Quest" was cancelled, the stars rely on appearance gigs (conventions, store openings, etc.) for money.  They're a jaded group but still appreciate their dedicated fans.  One day the Captain (Tim Allen) is approached by a group of real life aliens asking for his help.  He mistakenly thinks they want him for a paid appearance so he agrees.  Not to lose out on a gig some of his co-stars (Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell) tag along and end up getting involved in the middle of a huge interplanetary war between the peaceful humanoids aliens and the warlike talking insect-reptile aliens.

Not only is it a brilliant satire of "Star Trek" but it's also an respectful (and touching) tribute to fandom in general.  Amazing cast (Alan Rickman kinda steals the show), fast pace, Grabthar's hammer, impressive special effects, historical documents, chompers, rock monster, tentacles, great story.  GALAXY QUEST is a excellent film that can be enjoyed over and over again.  Highly recommended.