"Things Change. They Always Do."

If you know what movie that line came from you're a nerd. But an exited nerd. The Last Starfighter made it's debut in 1984 and was the first movie to do all special effects on a Cray X-MP (aka a really really old computer). For those who have never even heard of this film, here's a quick synopsis. Alex, wants to be a normal kid, but has too many responsibilities. All he wants to do in life is get married to his girlfriend and settle down outside of the trailer park he was raised in. As you could have guessed, there isn't a lot to do in a trailer park located in the middle of the desert, so he spends much of his time playing a video game. Well low and behold the video game was actually a test from a group from a galaxy under-attack by alien invasion. They take Alex on a ride of his life showing that the game is actually real and try to recruit him to help defeat the alien invasion. Alex soon learns that he can't return to his trailer park life, and becomes "The Last Starfighter." As amazingly cheesy as this movie sounds, it's actually pretty good. It has good acting and amazing graphics. It's like an generic Star Wars. But movies like these are essential for designers to see. They spark the imagination beyond just different shapes or radius'. Instead they suggest simple games could actually be portals into other areas. Everything in this movie is well designed and thought out. True inspiration instigates new concepts and thoughts. The Last Starfighter is just a fantastic version of this.


I almost forgot- What made me choose this movie, is that they are making a sequel for it expected to debut this year (2010). It has the entire cast, (who's still alive) and I can't wait to see if it passes the intense sequel test. Will it match up to the original or flop?! Only time will tell...


The Last Starfighter Trailer