Dark Star

Dark Star has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Cultpix, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and fuboTV. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Brian Narelle is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Start it on Cultpix whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Dark Star earns its spot. The jokes in Dark Star land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. A group of scientists are sent on a mission to destroy unstable planets. Twenty years into their mission, they have to battle their alien mascot as well as a "sensitive" and intelligent bombing device that starts to question the meaning of its existence. Brian Narelle and Cal Kuniholm lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1974. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Dark Star holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Dark Star. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Brian Narelle's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.