Flash Gordon (film): Difference between revisions

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''FLASH! AH-AH! HE'LL SAVE EVERY ONE OF US!''
''FLASH! AH-AH! HE'LL SAVE EVERY ONE OF US!''


The 1980 Flash Gordon film from [[Universal]] is considered to be one of the most faithful movie adaptations ever made, an impressive feat considering the large gap between the classic ''[[Flash Gordon (Comic Strip)|Flash Gordon]]'' comics and [[Flash Gordon Serial (Film)|film serials]] and this adaptation. The keys to its success in this was simple: high glorious [[Camp]] and a soundtrack by [[Queen (Music)|Queen]]. It recognised the dubious quality of the originals and their cheap and cheerful approach to storytelling and took what they pretty much would have made in the 1930's if they had had the money and technology, placed tongue firmly in cheek and got high quality theatre actors to give [[Ham and Cheese|deliciously]] [[Large Ham|hammy]] performances, and had a soundtrack by [[Running Gag|Queen]].
The 1980 Flash Gordon film from [[Universal]] is considered to be one of the most faithful movie adaptations ever made, an impressive feat considering the large gap between the classic ''[[Flash Gordon (comic strip)|Flash Gordon]]'' comics and [[Flash Gordon Serial|film serials]] and this adaptation. The keys to its success in this was simple: high glorious [[Camp]] and a soundtrack by [[Queen]]. It recognised the dubious quality of the originals and their cheap and cheerful approach to storytelling and took what they pretty much would have made in the 1930's if they had had the money and technology, placed tongue firmly in cheek and got high quality theatre actors to give [[Ham and Cheese|deliciously]] [[Large Ham|hammy]] performances, and had a soundtrack by [[Running Gag|Queen]].


Its actual financial success was pants. The only country where it really made it big was the UK, the same country that invented [[Pantomime]], wry humour and the band [[Rule of Three|Queen]], who did the soundtrack. It will probably remain the most well remembered version of ''Flash Gordon'' due to its enduring cult classic status helped heartily by its sense of humour and the soundtrack by [[Overly Long Gag|Queen]].
Its actual financial success was pants. The only country where it really made it big was the UK, the same country that invented [[Pantomime]], wry humour and the band [[Rule of Three|Queen]], who did the soundtrack. It will probably remain the most well remembered version of ''Flash Gordon'' due to its enduring cult classic status helped heartily by its sense of humour and the soundtrack by [[Overly Long Gag|Queen]].


Herewith a rundown of the plot, courtesy of the dialogue sampled for the title track of the soundtrack album (by [[Queen (Music)|Queen]]):
Herewith a rundown of the plot, courtesy of the dialogue sampled for the title track of the soundtrack album (by [[Queen]]):


{{quote| ''"Seemingly there is no reason for these extraordinary intergalactic upsets. Only Dr Hans Zarkov, formerly at NASA, has provided any explanation... This morning's unprecedented solar eclipse is no cause for alarm."''<br />
{{quote| ''"Seemingly there is no reason for these extraordinary intergalactic upsets. Only Dr Hans Zarkov, formerly at NASA, has provided any explanation... This morning's unprecedented solar eclipse is no cause for alarm."''<br />
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* [[Badass Mustache]]: Barin.
* [[Badass Mustache]]: Barin.
* [[Bald of Evil]]: Ming.
* [[Bald of Evil]]: Ming.
* [[Bathe Her and Bring Her To Me]]: Both male and female examples.
* [[Bathe Her and Bring Her to Me]]: Both male and female examples.
* [[Beam Me Up, Scotty]]: Ming never actually says "Pathetic earthlings, who will save you now?" Except in the [[Trailers Always Lie|trailer]].
* [[Beam Me Up, Scotty]]: Ming never actually says "Pathetic earthlings, who will save you now?" Except in the [[Trailers Always Lie|trailer]].
** Ming does say "Pathetic earthlings", a '''lot'''. (ie. "Pathetic earthlings, hurling yourself out into the void...")
** Ming does say "Pathetic earthlings", a '''lot'''. (ie. "Pathetic earthlings, hurling yourself out into the void...")
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* [[Boisterous Bruiser]]: Vultan is probably the most famous example. Not surprising, since he's played by [[Brian Blessed]].
* [[Boisterous Bruiser]]: Vultan is probably the most famous example. Not surprising, since he's played by [[Brian Blessed]].
* [[Bond Villain Stupidity]]: A crowning example: Ming personally meets with Flash after he kills {{spoiler|Klytus}} and, instead of dragging him off, offers him a [[Shiny New Australia]] as ruler of the Earth if he will serve Ming or else -- death. Flash refuses and Ming proceeds to leave him on the [[Ominous Floating Castle|floating castle]] and return to his ship to bomb the castle from orbit.
* [[Bond Villain Stupidity]]: A crowning example: Ming personally meets with Flash after he kills {{spoiler|Klytus}} and, instead of dragging him off, offers him a [[Shiny New Australia]] as ruler of the Earth if he will serve Ming or else -- death. Flash refuses and Ming proceeds to leave him on the [[Ominous Floating Castle|floating castle]] and return to his ship to bomb the castle from orbit.
* [[Camp]]: The film's scriptwriter was Lorenzo Semple, Jr., who wrote scripts and was Executive Script Director for the 1960's ''[[Batman (TV)|Batman]]'' TV series.
* [[Camp]]: The film's scriptwriter was Lorenzo Semple, Jr., who wrote scripts and was Executive Script Director for the 1960's ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' TV series.
* [[Catch Phrase]]: '''[[Brian Blessed|DIIIIIIVE!!]]'''
* [[Catch Phrase]]: '''[[Brian Blessed|DIIIIIIVE!!]]'''
* [[Cat Fight]]: Princess Aura (after her [[Heel Face Turn]]) and Dale Arden, much to the amusement of everybody watching. (Half of it is a ''pillow fight''.)
* [[Cat Fight]]: Princess Aura (after her [[Heel Face Turn]]) and Dale Arden, much to the amusement of everybody watching. (Half of it is a ''pillow fight''.)
* [[Cold-Blooded Torture]]: "No! Not the [[Noodle Implements|Bore Worms]]!"
* [[Cold-Blooded Torture]]: "No! Not the [[Noodle Implements|Bore Worms]]!"
* [[Cult Soundtrack]]: Pretty much the entire movie soundtrack by [[Queen (Music)|Queen]]. Especially the theme song. It's Queen. What do you expect?
* [[Cult Soundtrack]]: Pretty much the entire movie soundtrack by [[Queen]]. Especially the theme song. It's Queen. What do you expect?
{{quote| FLASH! AAAAAAAHHHHH-AAAAAAAHHHHHH! SAVIOR OF THE UNIVERSE!}}
{{quote| FLASH! AAAAAAAHHHHH-AAAAAAAHHHHHH! SAVIOR OF THE UNIVERSE!}}
* [[Daddy's Little Villain]]: Princess Aura, until redeemed by the love of a good man.
* [[Daddy's Little Villain]]: Princess Aura, until redeemed by the love of a good man.
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* [[The Dragon]]: Klytus to Ming, General Kala to Klytus.
* [[The Dragon]]: Klytus to Ming, General Kala to Klytus.
** And after Klytus is killed, one could argue Kala takes over as Ming's Dragon.
** And after Klytus is killed, one could argue Kala takes over as Ming's Dragon.
* [[Duel to The Death]]: Between Flash and Prince Barin.
* [[Duel to the Death]]: Between Flash and Prince Barin.
* [[Earn Your Happy Ending]]
* [[Earn Your Happy Ending]]
* [[Egopolis]]: Mingo City
* [[Egopolis]]: Mingo City
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* [[The Emperor]]: Ming the Merciless.
* [[The Emperor]]: Ming the Merciless.
* [[The Empire]]: Mongo
* [[The Empire]]: Mongo
* [[The End - Or Is It?]]: Played straight. The film ends with a close-up of Ming's ring, lying where it fell as he died -- then a gloved hand picks it up, Ming's laughter is heard, and the words THE END? appear. <small>'''''HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!'''''</small>
* [[The End - or Is It?]]: Played straight. The film ends with a close-up of Ming's ring, lying where it fell as he died -- then a gloved hand picks it up, Ming's laughter is heard, and the words THE END? appear. <small>'''''HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!'''''</small>
* [[Enemy Mine]]: Princes Barin and Vultan ''hate'' each other at first. Only Flash (he'll save every one of us!) is able to convince them to team up and fight Ming.
* [[Enemy Mine]]: Princes Barin and Vultan ''hate'' each other at first. Only Flash (he'll save every one of us!) is able to convince them to team up and fight Ming.
** Their hatred was cultivated by Ming. As Vultan later admitted, Prince Barin was the rightful heir to the throne.
** Their hatred was cultivated by Ming. As Vultan later admitted, Prince Barin was the rightful heir to the throne.
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* [[Groin Attack]]: One of Ming's goon squad to Flash before the "football game" begins.
* [[Groin Attack]]: One of Ming's goon squad to Flash before the "football game" begins.
* [[Ham to Ham Combat]]: Every single scene with any dialogue. Period.
* [[Ham to Ham Combat]]: Every single scene with any dialogue. Period.
* [[Hand in The Hole]]: In Arboria, with the woodbeast.
* [[Hand in the Hole]]: In Arboria, with the woodbeast.
* [[Heel Face Turn]]: In alphabetical order; Aura, Barin and Vultan.
* [[Heel Face Turn]]: In alphabetical order; Aura, Barin and Vultan.
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: Yes, it's an [[All-Star Cast]] (including [[Brian Blessed]]), but [[Deep Roy]] is Aura's valet and [[Rocky Horror Picture Show|Riff-Raff]] is Barin's [[The Dragon|dragon]] Fico.
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: Yes, it's an [[All-Star Cast]] (including [[Brian Blessed]]), but [[Deep Roy]] is Aura's valet and [[Rocky Horror Picture Show|Riff-Raff]] is Barin's [[The Dragon|dragon]] Fico.
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* [[I Know Madden Kombat]]: Flash uses football tactics to beat up a bunch of imperial guardsmen.
* [[I Know Madden Kombat]]: Flash uses football tactics to beat up a bunch of imperial guardsmen.
* [[Impairment Shot]]: Flash's vision ''clears'' from blurred as Zarkov tosses him a football, which allows him to mop the floor with Klytus' soldiers.
* [[Impairment Shot]]: Flash's vision ''clears'' from blurred as Zarkov tosses him a football, which allows him to mop the floor with Klytus' soldiers.
* [[Impaled With Extreme Prejudice]]: {{spoiler|Ming}} on the nosecone of a rocket.
* [[Impaled with Extreme Prejudice]]: {{spoiler|Ming}} on the nosecone of a rocket.
** Also {{spoiler|Klytus}} on a bed of spikes.
** Also {{spoiler|Klytus}} on a bed of spikes.
* [[Insignificant Little Blue Planet]]:
* [[Insignificant Little Blue Planet]]:
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* [[Labcoat of Science and Medicine]]: Zarkov and Munson both have one of these. Given that the science they're engaged in mainly requires looking at radar screens and printouts, there can be no other reason for their labcoats than to visually label them "scientists."
* [[Labcoat of Science and Medicine]]: Zarkov and Munson both have one of these. Given that the science they're engaged in mainly requires looking at radar screens and printouts, there can be no other reason for their labcoats than to visually label them "scientists."
* [[Last Request]]: Klytus asks if Flash has "any final requests" before his execution.
* [[Last Request]]: Klytus asks if Flash has "any final requests" before his execution.
* [[Love Dodecahedron]]: As in [[Flash Gordon (Comic Strip)|the comics]], Barin loves Aura, who lusts after Flash, who loves Dale.
* [[Love Dodecahedron]]: As in [[Flash Gordon (comic strip)|the comics]], Barin loves Aura, who lusts after Flash, who loves Dale.
* [[Mad Scientist]]: Zarkov, who can't understand why NASA fired him or why Flash and Dale seemed frightened of him...
* [[Mad Scientist]]: Zarkov, who can't understand why NASA fired him or why Flash and Dale seemed frightened of him...
* [[Mad Scientist's Beautiful Daughter]]: Princess Aura, though Ming is a Mad Emperor rather than a [[Mad Scientist]].
* [[Mad Scientist's Beautiful Daughter]]: Princess Aura, though Ming is a Mad Emperor rather than a [[Mad Scientist]].
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{{quote| ''ALL CREATURES WILL MAKE MERRY...''<br />
{{quote| ''ALL CREATURES WILL MAKE MERRY...''<br />
''...[[Happiness Is Mandatory|UNDER PAIN OF DEATH]]'' }}
''...[[Happiness Is Mandatory|UNDER PAIN OF DEATH]]'' }}
* [[Music of Note]]: Score by [[Queen (Music)|Queen]].
* [[Music of Note]]: Score by [[Queen]].
* [[Nice Job Breaking It, Hero]]: Ming claims to only destroy planets that are advanced enough to realize his attacks aren't natural disasters...hence, it's Zarkov's own attempt to warn humanity that nearly dooms the Earth.
* [[Nice Job Breaking It, Hero]]: Ming claims to only destroy planets that are advanced enough to realize his attacks aren't natural disasters...hence, it's Zarkov's own attempt to warn humanity that nearly dooms the Earth.
** He also gets Flash killed. Good going.
** He also gets Flash killed. Good going.
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* [[Pistol-Whipping]]: Dale Arden takes out a couple of Ming's guards this way.
* [[Pistol-Whipping]]: Dale Arden takes out a couple of Ming's guards this way.
* [[Planetary Romance]]
* [[Planetary Romance]]
* [[Pop Star Composer]]: Just in case the movie ''itself'' wasn't campy enough for you, it's got a soundtrack by [[Queen (Music)|Queen]].
* [[Pop Star Composer]]: Just in case the movie ''itself'' wasn't campy enough for you, it's got a soundtrack by [[Queen]].
* [[Promoted Fanboy]]: [[Brian Blessed]] has admitted in interviews that when he and his brother used to play a game based on the TV series he always wanted to be Vultan. Decades later he got to play the same childhood game on the big screen.
* [[Promoted Fanboy]]: [[Brian Blessed]] has admitted in interviews that when he and his brother used to play a game based on the TV series he always wanted to be Vultan. Decades later he got to play the same childhood game on the big screen.
* [[Proud Warrior Race Guy]]: Barin qualifies.
* [[Proud Warrior Race Guy]]: Barin qualifies.
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* [[Public Execution]]: Flash's "death" by lethal gas by order of Emperor Ming.
* [[Public Execution]]: Flash's "death" by lethal gas by order of Emperor Ming.
* [[Puny Earthlings]]: Right there in the movie tagline.
* [[Puny Earthlings]]: Right there in the movie tagline.
* [[Raygun Gothic]]: The [[Flash Gordon (Comic Strip)|source material]] is one of the [[Trope Codifier|Trope Codifiers]], along with ''[[Buck Rogers]]'' and the ''[[Lensman]]'' series.
* [[Raygun Gothic]]: The [[Flash Gordon (comic strip)|source material]] is one of the [[Trope Codifier|Trope Codifiers]], along with ''[[Buck Rogers]]'' and the ''[[Lensman]]'' series.
* [[Red Sky, Take Warning]]
* [[Red Sky, Take Warning]]
* [[Retro Rocket]]:
* [[Retro Rocket]]:
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* [[Shiny New Australia]]: Ming offers Flash the rulership of Earth if he chooses to let them survive destruction. [[Evil Gloating|"Of course, they would be greatly altered by the experience..."]]
* [[Shiny New Australia]]: Ming offers Flash the rulership of Earth if he chooses to let them survive destruction. [[Evil Gloating|"Of course, they would be greatly altered by the experience..."]]
* [[Shout-Out]]:
* [[Shout-Out]]:
{{quote| '''Klytus''': [[The Wizard of Oz (Film)|"You have until the sands...run up."]]<br />
{{quote| '''Klytus''': [[The Wizard of Oz (film)|"You have until the sands...run up."]]<br />
'''Dale:''' It won't turn over! It won't turn over! }}
'''Dale:''' It won't turn over! It won't turn over! }}
** The execution, during which [[Rocky Horror Picture Show|Flash Gordon is there in silver underwear]].
** The execution, during which [[Rocky Horror Picture Show|Flash Gordon is there in silver underwear]].
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* [[Take My Hand]]: Flash does this for Barin at the end of their duel.
* [[Take My Hand]]: Flash does this for Barin at the end of their duel.
* [[Tall, Dark and Handsome]]: Barin.
* [[Tall, Dark and Handsome]]: Barin.
* [[Tap On the Head]]: Vultan to Ming's goon squad and Hans Zarkov to Flash (accidentally).
* [[Tap on the Head]]: Vultan to Ming's goon squad and Hans Zarkov to Flash (accidentally).
* [[Technicolor Science]]
* [[Technicolor Science]]
* [[The Eighties]]
* [[The Eighties]]
* [[They Called Me Mad]]: Dr. Zarkov is a rare heroic example.
* [[They Called Me Mad]]: Dr. Zarkov is a rare heroic example.
* [[Title Drop]]: All the damn time of course, but particularly notable is Flash's coffin after his execution, which bears the movie's logo.
* [[Title Drop]]: All the damn time of course, but particularly notable is Flash's coffin after his execution, which bears the movie's logo.
* [[Title Theme Tune]]: by [[Queen (Music)|Queen]]
* [[Title Theme Tune]]: by [[Queen]]
* [[Too Kinky to Torture]]: Princess Aura according to Klytus.
* [[Too Kinky to Torture]]: Princess Aura according to Klytus.
* [[Universal Drivers Licence]]: Flash using the Hawkmen rocketcycle.
* [[Universal Drivers Licence]]: Flash using the Hawkmen rocketcycle.
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* [[Whip It Good]]: Flash and Barin duel with whips in one scene. Luckily, [[Defeat Means Friendship]].
* [[Whip It Good]]: Flash and Barin duel with whips in one scene. Luckily, [[Defeat Means Friendship]].
* [[What Could Have Been]]: All actors were signed for three movies, but problems with star Sam J. Jones during post-production (which lead to [[Same Language Dub]] above) pretty much killed the trilogy.
* [[What Could Have Been]]: All actors were signed for three movies, but problems with star Sam J. Jones during post-production (which lead to [[Same Language Dub]] above) pretty much killed the trilogy.
* [[What Do You Mean It Wasn't Made On Drugs?]]: The film harkens back to the 1960's DeLaurentiis films like ''[[Danger Diabolik (Film)|Danger Diabolik]]'' and ''[[Barbarella]]''.
* [[What Do You Mean It Wasn't Made on Drugs?]]: The film harkens back to the 1960's DeLaurentiis films like ''[[Danger Diabolik]]'' and ''[[Barbarella]]''.
* [[What Is This Thing You Call Love?]]: Basic human emotions have been driven out of Mongo by Ming, where honor, justice, even ''crying'' have been forgotten and replaced by constant violent bickering and infighting, stirred up by Ming.
* [[What Is This Thing You Call Love?]]: Basic human emotions have been driven out of Mongo by Ming, where honor, justice, even ''crying'' have been forgotten and replaced by constant violent bickering and infighting, stirred up by Ming.
{{quote| '''Aura:''' Look! Water is leaking from her eyes!<br />
{{quote| '''Aura:''' Look! Water is leaking from her eyes!<br />

Revision as of 23:18, 8 April 2014

Pathetic earthlings...
      who can save you now?


FLASH! AH-AH! HE'LL SAVE EVERY ONE OF US!

The 1980 Flash Gordon film from Universal is considered to be one of the most faithful movie adaptations ever made, an impressive feat considering the large gap between the classic Flash Gordon comics and film serials and this adaptation. The keys to its success in this was simple: high glorious Camp and a soundtrack by Queen. It recognised the dubious quality of the originals and their cheap and cheerful approach to storytelling and took what they pretty much would have made in the 1930's if they had had the money and technology, placed tongue firmly in cheek and got high quality theatre actors to give deliciously hammy performances, and had a soundtrack by Queen.

Its actual financial success was pants. The only country where it really made it big was the UK, the same country that invented Pantomime, wry humour and the band Queen, who did the soundtrack. It will probably remain the most well remembered version of Flash Gordon due to its enduring cult classic status helped heartily by its sense of humour and the soundtrack by Queen.

Herewith a rundown of the plot, courtesy of the dialogue sampled for the title track of the soundtrack album (by Queen):

 "Seemingly there is no reason for these extraordinary intergalactic upsets. Only Dr Hans Zarkov, formerly at NASA, has provided any explanation... This morning's unprecedented solar eclipse is no cause for alarm."

"What's happening, Flash?"

"Strange object imaged in the Imperial Vortex."

"General Kala -- Flash Gordon approaching."

"What do you mean, 'Flash Gordon approaching'?! ...Open fire! All weapons! ...Dispatch War Rocket Ajax to bring back his body!"

"GORDON'S ALIVE?!!" (...ive...ive)

"Flash! Flash, I love you, but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"

However, merely reading the above cannot do it justice. Watch the music video and stand in awe.

Queen.

Important trivia. George Lucas wanted to direct this years before, but producer Dino De Laurentiis turned him down. Thus Lucas decided to make his own space adventure series. Although some fans actually prefer the camp of this movie to Star Wars anyway. Star Wars didn't have Queen as it is.

The 1980 movie provides examples of:

 FLASH! AAAAAAAHHHHH-AAAAAAAHHHHHH! SAVIOR OF THE UNIVERSE!

 Flash: You'd call off the attack? ... Everyone would be saved?

Ming: Yes, and no. After the earthquakes and tidal waves, they won't be the same human beings. They'll be more tractable. Easier for you to rule, in the name of Ming.

  • The Dragon: Klytus to Ming, General Kala to Klytus.
    • And after Klytus is killed, one could argue Kala takes over as Ming's Dragon.
  • Duel to the Death: Between Flash and Prince Barin.
  • Earn Your Happy Ending
  • Egopolis: Mingo City
  • Eighties Hair: Ohh boy...
  • The Emperor: Ming the Merciless.
  • The Empire: Mongo
  • The End - or Is It?: Played straight. The film ends with a close-up of Ming's ring, lying where it fell as he died -- then a gloved hand picks it up, Ming's laughter is heard, and the words THE END? appear. HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!
  • Enemy Mine: Princes Barin and Vultan hate each other at first. Only Flash (he'll save every one of us!) is able to convince them to team up and fight Ming.
    • Their hatred was cultivated by Ming. As Vultan later admitted, Prince Barin was the rightful heir to the throne.
  • Evil Gloating
  • Evil Laugh

 Klytus: Will you destroy this... Earth?

Ming: Later! I like to play with things awhile... before annihilation. HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

 Aura: My father has never kept a vow in his life!

Dale: I can't help that. Keeping our word is one of the things that make us better than you.

 Ming: Klytus, I'm bored. What plaything can you offer me today?

Klytus: An obscure body in the SK system, Your Majesty. The inhabitants refer to it as the planet... Earth.

Ming: How peaceful it looks... (activates button marked EARTH QUAKE)

  • It's Up to You: "Flash! I love you, but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"
  • It Has Been an Honor: Prince Vultan to Flash before Flash's suicide run.
  • James Bondage: Flash in little leather shorts strapped to a chair....
  • Join or Die: Emperor Ming offers to let Flash join him and rule the Earth under Ming's control. If he refuses, he will be killed.
  • Just in Time: To save the Earth -- down to the second! Apparently a little impalement did the trick.
  • Labcoat of Science and Medicine: Zarkov and Munson both have one of these. Given that the science they're engaged in mainly requires looking at radar screens and printouts, there can be no other reason for their labcoats than to visually label them "scientists."
  • Last Request: Klytus asks if Flash has "any final requests" before his execution.
  • Love Dodecahedron: As in the comics, Barin loves Aura, who lusts after Flash, who loves Dale.
  • Mad Scientist: Zarkov, who can't understand why NASA fired him or why Flash and Dale seemed frightened of him...
  • Mad Scientist's Beautiful Daughter: Princess Aura, though Ming is a Mad Emperor rather than a Mad Scientist.
  • Made of Evil
  • Magic Countdown: The timer that shows how long is left before the Earth is destroyed.
  • Mask Power: Klytus
  • Mind Probe: "We're going to empty your mind as we might empty your pockets... doctor."
  • Mental Picture Projector: The Mind Probe/Memory Eraser also functions as a way of projecting memories on a screen.
  • Mood Dissonance: The wedding of Ming and Dale:
    • Instead of the white dress she'd been put in earlier, she's now wearing a black empress getup covered in sequins.
    • "Here Comes The Bride" as an electric guitar rock riff with dirge undertones. And the Rocket Ajax in the background bearing a sign:

 ALL CREATURES WILL MAKE MERRY...

...UNDER PAIN OF DEATH

  • Music of Note: Score by Queen.
  • Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Ming claims to only destroy planets that are advanced enough to realize his attacks aren't natural disasters...hence, it's Zarkov's own attempt to warn humanity that nearly dooms the Earth.
    • He also gets Flash killed. Good going.
  • Nice Job Fixing It, Villain: General Kala orders Zarkov programmed with high-level information about Mongo's technology and security systems despite being warned that it's probably more than the human mind can take, thus equipping him with all the knowledge he'll need to assist the revolution.
  • No Except Yes:

 Humanity.

Madness!

 Klytus: "You have until the sands...run up."

Dale: It won't turn over! It won't turn over!

 Aura: Look! Water is leaking from her eyes!

Ming: It's what they call "tears". It's a sign of their weakness.

Queen.

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