This week on Make Me a Nerd, Mandy sits down with podcast producer and “slutty nerd” Andy Nelson. Together, they blast off for a journey back to 1984 to revisit the cult classic film, “The Last Starfighter.” This sci-fi adventure, often hailed as the best of the “Star Wars ripoffs,” tells the story of Alex Rogan, a trailer park teen who achieves the highest score on an arcade game, only to discover it’s a recruitment tool for an intergalactic war.
Andy shares his nostalgic love for the film, praising its surprisingly grounded characters and relatable themes of ambition and escapism. Mandy, new to the world of “Starfighter,” compares its vibe to a mashup of “WarGames” and “Footloose,” highlighting the film’s unique blend of futuristic action and small-town charm.
Sure, it’s a film with some quirky humor, from Robert Preston’s charismatic performance as the alien recruiter Centauri to the grumpy, snake-faced alien. But it’s also a film with some surprisingly sophisticated special effects. That’s right, note the use of repurposed “Blade Runner” props and groundbreaking CGI that captivated audiences at the time.
This is a film with enduring appeal and has a prized place in the pantheon of 80s sci-fi films. So embrace your inner nerd and relive the magic of this classic film, and make sure Andy knows his nerd promiscuity is welcome here!
