Rating: 
Summary: Fun Family Film, with a bit of film history
Review: I remember seeing this film when it came out in 1984 and enjoying it. I liked it then, and I liked it again when I saw it recently on DVD. There are two reasons why you might enjoy The Last Starfighter:(1) You are looking for a movie to watch with kids aged 8 to 14. This movie has a simple, straightforward storyline that holds attention and enjoyment for its 101 minutes. My daughters (10 and 12) loved it, though they noted that the special effects were a bit obvious (see also reason (2)). It was a nice family treat. (2) You want to see a bit of film history; this one has two attractions. It was the first full-length motion picture to rely entirely on computer-generated graphics for its special effects, arguably blazing the way for the CGI industry of a decade later. From the perspective of 18 years later, these effects are pretty obvious, but they are not primitive. They work well. And they were done on computers that were less powerful than the laptop I'm typing this review on. The second bit of film history in this movie is that it was one of the last films to co-star Robert Preston, in a role that is deliberately modeled on one his most famous (and enjoyable roles), that of the outrageous flim-flam man of The Music Man. "Centuri" (Preston) is the reincarnation of Professor Harold Hill in outer space. If you are a fan of Robert Preston, you'll enjoy his performance in this movie. It is obvious that he enjoyed doing it.
Rating:
Summary: CULT MOVIES 29
Review: 29. THE LAST STARFIGHTER (SCI-fiction, 1984) For young Alex Rogan (Lance Guest) living in a trailer park is boring. He wants to escape from his rural existence and go to the city where he hopes to go to College. Bot for his girlfriend Annie (Catherine Mary Stewart) the prospect of leaving her grandmother behind is hard. Alex's only real excitement is playing a video game called 'Last Starfighter', having played it so many times that he finally breaks the game's points record. Soon after he's visited by a friendly alien power. They want to recruit him as one of their elite 'Starfighters' in an inter-galactic war where his skills will prove the turning point. Here he finds an unexpected chance to finally break free and follow his dreams. But will Annie join him? Critique: The Star Wars phenomenon inspired a slew of science fiction films in its heyday that, surprisingly enough, has continued to this day. Although the 80s produced its share of memorable films, this is one of the most appealing of the bunch. Capturing the youthful exuberance and innocence that made the Star Wars fantasy a worldwide smash. The 'once upon story' line works from the disillusioned, dreamy nature of those kids whose earthly existence leave much to be desired. Wishing they could be whisked away to another galaxy, and take part in some far-off adventure. An added bonus to the film is the pairing of the 2 young leads. Exacting the warmth and amazement of encountering such a journey, and taking their love to the infinite reaches of space.
Rating: 
Summary: Thoroughly enjoyable
Review: An interesting little film of how a dead-end kid is forced to become a galactic hero, because of his facility at a computer game, which is a secret recruiting station for starfighter pilots. The computer-generated graphics, advanced for their time, now look ridiculously crude, but it somehow adds to the quaintness of the whole thing, with marvellous performances from Lance Guest as the reluctant hero, Robert Preston as the likeably roguish Centauri who is prepared not so much to bend the rules as to smash them into very tiny fragments and Dan O'Herily as Grigg, the lizard co-pilot whose dream is to go down fighting against impossible odds!
Rating:
Summary: Sweet, Exciting Sci-Fi Adventure!
Review: A combination of 'Coming-of-Age', 'Small-town U.S.A.', and Science Fiction films, 'The Last Starfighter' is one of that rare breed of films that actually become more enjoyable after repeated viewings, which makes it an EXCELLENT choice for your film collection! Famous in film history as the first film to utilize computer-generated FX for its space scenes (producing a 'big-budget' look to more modestly budgeted film), the effects today seem as creaky and out-of-date as the 'Last Starfighter' arcade game that teenager Alex Rogan (Lance Guest) is so expert at! Don't let this put you off, though, as this story is really about the youngster, and being willing to take advantage of an opportunity to 'shine', as Otis (Vernon Washington), his best friend at his trailer park home, reminds him. The concept of the game being a secret test for fighter pilots is clever, and when game creator Robert Preston (who is magnificent, in his last screen appearance) whisks young Rogan off to fight in an interstellar war, all of the youngster's long-stated ambitions to leave home and make something of his life are tested. In a series of amusing scenes, our hero stumbles through his first encounter with alien races, meeting the affable Grig (an unrecognizable Dan O'Herlihy, who nearly steals the movie), the pilot of his fightercraft. After almost making the worst decision of his life, Rogin comes to his senses.... ... director Nick Castle (who directed the sweet and equally wonderful 'The Boy Who Could Fly') understands people and small-town life, and gives the space adventure so much charm and savvy that you'll love it, nonetheless! Guest is terrific as Alex, conveying both the humor and frustration of growing up in the trailer park; Catherine Mary Stewart, as his girlfriend, is equally good! As Alex' space-fixated younger brother, Louis, Chris Hebert has some of the film's funniest lines, and the image of him, taking his shot at the arcade game and a chance to become a Starfighter, at the conclusion of the film, is a fitting finale! Special praise should be given to Craig Safan's rousing score, some of the most beautiful, sweeping music since 'Star Wars'! The DVD edition IS the version to buy, with a terrific documentary on the making of the film, hosted by Lance Guest, and commentary by director Nick Castle and production designer Ron Cobb! 'The Last Starfighter' has achieved near-cult film status over the years, and is a rich experience you'll enjoy, again and again! I STRONGLY recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Somewhere Out There
Review: 18 year old Alex Rogan (Lance Guest) wants some excitement to come his way. He is tired of living in a trailer park, and having nothing to look forward to, except beating his own score on his favorite arcade game. Then one day, adventure finally beckons, when an alien named Centauri (Robert Preston) comes to Earth. Centauri wants to recruit Alex to help fight the evil KO-DAN and keep them from destroying The Star League Of Planets. Starfighters are being called to duty from every corner of space. Alex will represent the last starfighter of earth...He accepts the mission. THE LAST STARFIGHTER is an enjoyable space fantasy from director Nick Castle from 1984. The film has a cult film following, thanks to fine performances from Guest, Preston, and Dan O'Herlihy as Grig. The film was made just as CGI was being launched, which helped to emphasize the other worldly aspects. Sure, by today's standards, the FX may seem quaint, but that only adds to the film's appeal. For me, the film works, due to its likeable characters and story, rather than just its FX. If you have ne never seen the film before, do yourself a favor, and check it out. The Collector's Edition DVD has a good commentary track with Castle and Production Designer Ron Cobb that is light and informative. The 35 minute retrospective pretty good too, but at times, rather redundant to the commentary. There are production photos, cast/crew info, and 2 theatrical trailers. All in all a solid disc for an often over-looked cult favorite. Recommended
Rating:
Summary: Pree TAA Pree Taa NAA....
Review: I just thought I would title this in Rilos.This is one of my all time favorite movies.And Robert Preston is and will always be atop my Favorite actor List. The Man could act. And was always very believable in the roles he played.This movie touched me all the way back to my childhood when Comics and SuperHeros meant so much to me. Good against Evil and role playing as a kid. Its that well written. The cast of actors are wonderfully relatable and believable.Young Alex Rogan Defeats a Video Game Machine(remember those)and Centauri shows up to take him to another Galaxy To become a Starfighter and save the Universe. The game was just a qualifying test. And Rilos needs Starfighters and Centauri needs his Pay for recrutment. Problem Alex doesnt want to be a Starfighter(at first)He returns Home and thats when Lifes bigger picture for Alex Rogan becomes all to clear. Fantastic script and great affects for that yearthe movie was made. It all adds up to a Film to own for years and years. See it if you havnt and Buy it if you have. Its a Keeper.
Rating:
Summary: Formulaic Fun.
Review: If you're looking for a masterpiece film that rewrites the sci-fi genre with intense drama and gritty characters, this isn't the movie for you. If you're looking for a really fun film that's a great mix of Star Wars, Saturday morning cartoons, and video games then stick this in your DVD player. The movie's special effects hold up suprisingly well, considering that they're 20 years old. When Alex Rogan is flying the gunstar, it's like you're there with him, especially if you grew up loving this film. The characters are developed enough that you care, but not so much that it's like a daytime soap opera. Two thumbs up!
Rating:
Summary: "You have been recruited by the Star League!"
Review: In 1984, Lorimar Film Entertainment and Universal Pictures joined forces to create a very engaging and entertaining sci-fi film entitled "The Last Starfighter". Directed by Nick Castle, the story begins in the dreary and dusty "Starlite Starbrite" trailer park where the teenager Alex Rogan (Lance Guest) lives with his mother Jane Rogan (Barbara Bosson) and his inquisitive little brother Louis Rogan (Chris Hebert). Alex has very little free time for himself as he has become the de facto trailer park maintenance man, repairing various problems in neighbors' trailers. He would like to go to college and leave the trailer park behind, but his mother's meager wages make that impossible. His girlfriend Maggie Gordon (Catherine Mary Stewart) also lives in the trailer park. When not with Maggie, Alex's favorite enjoys playing a videogame called Starfighter located next to the trailer park's office. Alex becomes very skilled at beating the videogame to the delight of trailer park residents. One night, a mysterious, fast-talking man named Centauri (Robert Preston, 1918-1987) pulls up in a fancy car. After asking about who beat the videogame, he invites Alex to join him in his car for a meeting. To Alex's dismay, Centauri drives them away from the trailer park and then into outer space, where he takes Alex to the planet Rylos so that he can become a real starfighter to fight the evil Xur (Norman Snow) and the Kodan armada. With inspiration from the first three "Star Wars" films (which were released in 1977, 1980 & 1983), the highly successful 1982 videogame-based film "Tron" and the overall popularity of videogames in the 1980's, "The Last Starfighter" is a fun film to watch and was one of the earliest films to use computer-generated graphics to depict outer space scenes. As always, Robert Preston did a magnificent job of acting in what unfortunately was his last big-screen appearance. Lance Guest's portrayal of Alex was probably not as good as Mark Hamill's portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the 1977 "Star Wars", but it was good enough to keep the film's momentum going. Catherine Mary Stewart did do a good job with her portrayal of Maggie. Other memorable characters in the film include Alex's lizardy copilot Grig (Dan O'Herlihy), trailer park manager Otis (Vernon Washington, 1927-1988), trailer park resident Elvira (Peggy Pope), Maggie's grandmother (Meg Wyllie, 1917-2002, who played the Talosian Keeper in the original 1965 "Star Trek" TV series pilot "The Cage" that was later refashioned as the two-part episode "The Minagerie"), Lord Kril (Dan Mason) and Enduran (Kay E. Kuter, 1925-2003). Memorable scenes include Alex at the trailer park, Alex beating the videogame, Centauri's arrival and trip into space, Alex's arrival on Rylos, meeting the other starfighter pilots, the surprise attack, Alex talking with his beta unit, the Kodan spy, Alex's time with Grig, the battle scenes and the final scenes. Overall, I rate "The Last Starfighter" with 4 out of 5 stars.
Rating:
Summary: "You can still go to City collage with your friends."
Review: In the tradition of "TRON" (1982), we have the classic challenge. This formula movie is a bit technically challenged due to being released in 1984. However this is one "rite of passage" tale that would have interested Joseph Campbell author of "The Hero with a Thousand Faces."
Alex Rogan is stuck in a small trailer community and dreams of being more. Due to a misplaced video game (a game? No a test) he gets the opportunity to save The Star League form Xur and the KO-DAN armada as the last starfighter.
Well selected actors including Robert Preston. Also Catharine Mary Stewart who has appeared in episodes of "The Outer Limits." Can he do it? In the mean time who is looking out for his girl?
Rating:
Summary: "FACE IT, ALEX: YOU'RE A BORN STARFIGHTER!"
Review: The Movie:
When I was young, "The Last Starfighter" always held my attention with it's awesome CG effects. Now I'm older, CG Film Effects are far more advanced, but this film still holds up! With its mix of exciting action, romance, and CG effects that are as fresh now as they were in 1984, "The Last Starfighter" is a remarkable film that will remain a masterpiece for years to come! Movie Grade: A+
DVD Review:
"The Last Starfighter" is given an exceptional DVD release! The picture has never been mor exquisite, the sound never more clear. The behind-the-scenes documentary is one of the best ever produced. With DVD, "The Last Starfighter" will last forever! DVD Grade: A+
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