Space Aventure Films

Wing Commander (C)
	STARS... Freddie Prinze Jr., Saffron Burrows, Matthew Lillard, Tcheky Karyo, Jurgen Prochnow, David Suchet, and David Warner. PLOT SUMMARY... In the 26th century, Earth explorers have visited various alien solar systems via wormholes. When an evil alien race figures how to get back to Earth, young pilots must fight for Earth's survival. QUICK SCAN... Freddie Prinze Jr. and Matthew Lillard make good impressions as young space pilots. The FX, while not in ILM territory, are well done. Saffron Burrows commands respect in the title role.
DIRECTOR: Chris Roberts YEAR & RATING: 1999 (PG-13) BEST BETS: Star Wars Starship Troopers	SYNOPSIS... The space navy explores the universe via wormholes. One race, the Kilrathi, are down on earth folk. Numerous space battles take place. A hot shot pilot finds time for romance with a cute female pilot. The nasty Kilrathi prepare for an out and out assault on Earth. The young pilots go to war, with Earth's survival at stake.
Review: Director Chris Roberts' "Wing Commander" is an entertaining, if not classic, space war epic, based on a popular computer game. Freddie Prinze Jr. does a solid job as a half-breed space fighter. His expressive eyes allow him to come across as a hunk with a heart. Matthew Lillard is a live wire, hot shot pilot, with the nickname of maniac. His character here is less over the top than his appearance in "She's All That." Saffron Burrows, in the title role, is a tough yet feminine presence. I guess in the 26th century, equality of the sexes is not a problem. Many people have tried to duplicate the look and feel of the "Star Wars" space battles. Director Roberts, aided by director of photography, Thierry Arbogast, and visual effects supervisor, Chris Brown, has gotten pretty close. The compact fighters of "Wing Commander" resemble fighter planes from World War II, more than the X-wing or tie-fighters of "Star Wars." World War II buffs may like these craft more than hard-core Sci-Fi fans. The Music is strong and bombastic. David Arnold, (Theme), and Kevin Kiner, (Score), are the responsible parties. "Wing Commander should be fairly watchable for most Sci-Fi viewers. Fans of the computer game may particularly enjoy this film.

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