“Pathetic earthlings… Who can save you now?”

Remember that time your favourite band Queen laid down a killer soundtrack for one of the 80s most gloriously insane, over-the-top, inter-galactic superhero movies of ever (or maybe just the 80s)? Of course you do! Because that movie is FLASH GORDON, it’s gonna save every one of us, and it’s hitting the Rio’s big screen on Sunday, December 9.

Heroic earthling Flash Gordon saves the world from the nefarious Ming the Merciless in this lavish, intentionally campy adaptation of the famous sci-fi comic strip. The story is as basic as space operas get: Ming (Max von Sydow) has developed a plan to destroy the Earth, and Flash (Sam J. Jones) and his attractive companion, Dale Arden (Melody Anderson), are called upon to stop him. Along the way, Flash must battle Ming’s goons and the temptations of a luscious space princess. Previously the basis for a more straight-faced 1930s adventure serial, Flash’s story is mined here for exaggerated, cartoon humor by screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr., a central figure in the similarly campy ’60s Batman television series. The simplistic plot mainly serves as an excuse for spectacular sets and cartoonish action sequences, all set to an appropriately over-the-top rock score by Queen. Certainly not a film to turn to for serious excitement, fine performances, or character development, FLASH GORDON has nevertheless developed an appreciative cult of fans who admire the film’s humorous approach and the detailed, colorful production design. Also starring Topol.

“Campy charm and a knowing sense of humor help to overcome a silly plot involving a spacefaring ex-football player, his adoring bevy of groupies, and a supervillain named Ming the Merciless.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

“There’s plenty of colourful fun and an awful lot of men in tights. Don’t listen to its pofaced detractors — for sheer cinema fun, FLASH GORDON can’t be beaten.” (Film4)

“This campy extravaganza has it all – heroes, villains, beautiful women and high stakes. Laughably bad and fantastically good all at once, this is a guilty pleasure that everyone can enjoy.” (Empire Magazine)

Sunday, December 9
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm
Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 at the door

*Minors welcome in the balcony! Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.

FLASH GORDON (Mike Hodges, 1980 / 111 mins / 14A) Although NASA scientists are claiming the unexpected eclipse and strange “hot hail” are nothing to worry about, Dr. Hans Zarkov knows better, and takes football star Flash Gordon and travel agent Dale Arden with him into space to rectify things. They land on planet Mongo, where the despot Ming the Merciless is attacking Earth out of pure boredom. With the help of a race of Hawkmen, Flash and the gang struggle to save their home planet.