Movie review: The Ice Pirates

In a future where water has become the most valuable substance Space Pirates have taken to stealing ice from freighters.  But when they are captured and become property of Princess Karina they find themselves helping her to find her father and free the universe from those controlling the water.

Robert Urich (Jason), Mary Crosby (Princess Karina), Michael Roberts (Roscoe), Anjelica Huston (Maida), John Matuszak (Killjoy), Ron Perlman (Zeno).

This film is about as B-movie campy as you can get. The plot is really just an excuse for sexual innuendo, masked political humor, and general silliness. Made during Urich’s 15 minutes of fame and Huston’s 20 minutes of sexiness, this one will have you alternately chuckling and shaking your head. In line with the genre, even the acting in this one is campy and awkward. The film never takes itself seriously as evidenced by the appearance of Space Herpes!

Camera work is well done for the genre and even funny at times itself. Sets and costuming are very well done. Dialogue is pure B movie, as is acting and plot. Sound is rough, again fitting the genre.

Overall, if you are a B movie fan you will likely enjoy this one a great deal. It is a well done production for the time and has plenty of campy laughs. If you are looking for something with more depth to the plot, or just generally more thought provoking, leave this one off your list.

The movie is rated PG but there are plenty of sexual references and some questionable language. Keep this one for preens or above, and away from the younger kids.

Released: 1984
Reviewed: 6.8.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, B-movies, Sci-Fi Adventure

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel