Wing Commander

1999 Sci Fi

Based on a popular series of video games, Wing Commander introduces us to an elite fighter squadron in the year 2654. The Earth confederation is at war with a vicious race called the Kilrathi. The Kilrathi have captured a navigational device which will allow them to jump through worm-holes in space to arrive behind enemy lines. Only this highly trained squadron, led by three young pilots, stand in their way. Christopher "Maverick" Blair (Freddie Prinze Jr.) is just out of the Academy, but his lack of experience is more than compensated by his exceptional navigational skills, though he is still haunted by the deaths of his parents in a previous galactic war. His friend, Todd "Maniac" Mashall (Matthew Lillard), is a brash, gung-ho fighter jock always rushing into danger. Their wing commander and leader is Jeanette "Angel" Deveraux (Saffron Burrows). Assigned these two new pilots by Admiral Geoffery Tolwyn (David Warner), the strong and beautiful Deveraux is at first resentful, but later develops feelings for Blair. Perhaps the two will find time for romance on their way to saving the solar system. more..

Director: Chris Roberts

Starring: Matthew Lillard, Freddie Prinze Jr., Saffron Burrows, Jurgen Prochnow, Tcheky Karyo

 22 Reviews

Reviews

  • The script too often sounds like an encrypted communique itself, and it's tiring trying to keep all the nonsensical space-jargon straight. The effort is more demanding than hanging onto a joystick, and not entirely worth the effort.

    Ken Fox - TV Guide

    11 May 2013

  • Even if this movie wasn't based on a computer game, Starship Troopers' reputation would still have just shot up another 50 notches.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    11 May 2013

  • Tries mightily to give these warmed-over cliches the proper seasoning, but in the end, these leftovers fail to satisfy.

    - The Chicago Tribune

    11 May 2013

  • These actors, alas, are at the service of a submoronic script and special effects that look like a video game writ large.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    11 May 2013

  • While the plot is worthless and the battle scenes cheap-looking and unengrossing, Wing Commander has clearly defined characters and relationships. In other words, the film's young actors have nothing interesting to say, but they say it well.

    Mick LaSalle - The San Francisco Chronicle

    11 May 2013

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