Cast
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Freddie Prinze Jr.
as 1st Lt. Christopher Blair
Saffron Burrows
as Lt. Cmdr. 'Angel' Devereaux
Matthew Lillard
as Lt. Todd 'Maniac' Marshall
Tchéky Karyo
as Cmmdre. James 'Paladin' Taggart
Jürgen Prochnow
as Cdr. Paul Gerald
David Suchet
as Capt. Jason Sansky
David Warner
as Admiral Geoffrey Tolwyn
Ginny Holder
as Lt. Rosie Forbes
Hugh Quarshie
as Lt. Obutu
Ken Bones
as Admiral Bill Wilson
John McGlynn
as Richard Bellegarde
Richard Dillane
as Lt. Hunter
Mark Powley
as Lt. Polanski
David Fahm
as Lt. Knight
Simon MacCorkindale
as Flight Boss
Crew
Director
- Christopher Roberts
Producer
- Donna Burkons
- Joseph Newton Cohen
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I love my old science fiction - it's the one area that Netflix/Amazon etc. never seem to cover properly - so I still tend to buy discs. Luckily I got this for under £5. I thought the cast looked ok, so figured it couldn't be that bad. The score is suitably galactic and the special effects are not too bad at all; but the acting is eclipsed only in naffness by the script. Freddie Prinze Jr & Matthew Lillard are a couple of relief pilots being sent to a battle cruiser in the middle of a war between Earth and the "Kilrathi" with a top secret message. Saffron Burrows joins in as their squadron leader and off we go to save mankind. No word of a lie, but the acting is shocking. David's Warner and Suchet must have needed the fee; and Jürgen Prochnow and Tchéky Karyo are as wooden as the plywood sets. I would see it again, but not willingly!
Aug 28, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Science Fiction/Action/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Wing Commander distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Christopher Roberts brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Wing Commander took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $30.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1771 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Wing Commander shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Titan A.E., which focuses more on action than character development, Wing Commander offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Rambo explore similar territory, Wing Commander stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 11, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Revenue: $11,578,022
