Admit it. If someone were to say to you Flash Gordon you
would immediately respond with “Ah-ahhhh”. Yes the theme song by Queen is
normally the first thing that pops into a person’s mind when thinking of the
1980 film of the same title. But it was more than that when released. The film
was a visual spectacle and one of the earliest superhero movies to come out.
But what happens when the lights go dim and the movie closes? This movie
attempts to answer that story, mostly focusing on the titular star of the film
Sam J. Jones.
Jones first major roll was as that heroic lead character. He
only shows two previous credits before that in movies. But he fell to the same
problems that most young actors do. He listened to handlers who gave bad advice
and he got so caught up in the promise of fame that he caused problems on set.
The last of these, as we learn later in the film, is not returning for the last
part of shooting. The result was a stand in for those shots and someone else
dubbing his voice in the film. So what became of Jones after all of this took
place?
His career had its ups and downs as he starred in a TV
series, did small roles in series and made a few direct to video movies. The
film opens with him setting up for a fan convention where he gladly signs
autographs for fans who still remember him most from the FLASH GORDON film but
who now also know him from the two TED films. He’s an amiable guy and happy
that the fans remember him. But he wasn’t alone.
The film moves on to talk to various cast members about
their experience on the set of the film and how they came to be involved.
Director/writer Lisa Downs also talks to various celebrities to discuss the
effect the film had on them as well. Director Robert Rodriquez, Stan Lee, John
Heder, Ross Marquand, Mark Millar and more weigh in on how the movie impacted
them and continues to have a place in their hearts.
This takes up a good portion of the film but it always comes
back to Jones. We see him setting up at yet another convention and then learn
through interviews with friends and family about the downside of Hollywood
fame. His first marriage broke up due to his adulterous ways and he openly
admits that here. His fall from grace did some damage but he got back up and
started acting again. Then his career took another nosedive. By this time he
was remarried and his wife Ramona dealt with his depression by telling him
maybe it was time to follow another path.
Taking her advice Jones went on to become a security consultant
and bodyguard. Falling back on his training as a Marine he eased into this new
career without a problem and talks about his time doing this as well. He also
found that being a father was more important than being a star and that family
is all about finding himself and God as well. The movie doesn’t push this but
makes a point of Jones being thankful for the opportunities that have come his
way.
In the end the movie is about redemption. It tells the story
of a young man who allows fame to go to his head but who walks back from that
and finds a more fulfilling life than he expected when it all went to pieces.
He discovers the fans still adore him and want to meet him and he’s humbled by
it. Where far too many stories from Hollywood find people that delve deep into
drugs or suicide once fame disappears it was nice to see something positive
come from Jones story. The film offers plenty of behind the scenes information
as well as a look at a decent human being and is entertaining while doing so.
This is one that is definitely worth watching.
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