The Starfighters (1964)

Why?, 6 May 2007

Why? Why make a movie like The Starfighters? My initial thought was that it might be some sort of "wave the flag, isn't the military great, wouldn't you like to join the Air Force" movie. But that can't be right. This thing is too deadly dull to inspire anyone to run out and enlist. Similar movies from the 40s, even though they were often as sappy as could be, at least provided some entertainment with their propaganda. That's not the case here. I defy anyone to find anything remotely entertaining in The Starfighters. I suppose there is some curiosity value in seeing a young B-1 Bob Dornan attempting to act, but I can't imagine watching this thing just to see the former congressman. I also defy anyone to watch The Starfighters without the aid of MST3K. Even these guys ran out of steam during the second, extended, monotonous, in-flight refueling scene. Usually, regardless of how bad a movie is, there are those who find something to enjoy and write reviews on IMDb supporting some facet of the movie. That doesn't appear to be true with The Starfighters. I went through both pages of reviews on IMDb and didn't notice anyone with a positive comment or a rating higher than a 2/10 for the Starfighters. It's just that bad!

That reminds me, I haven't even mentioned the plot. But there's a reason. The plot in The Starfighters doesn't really matter. The movie is 20% story and 80% stock footage of the Air Force's F-104 Starfighter. Can you make a movie entirely of stock footage? Director Will Zens sure gave it a go with The Starfighters.

1/10