Admit it. If someone were to say to you Flash Gordon you would immediately respond with "Ah-ahhhh". Yes the theme song by Queen is normally the first thing that pops into a person's mind when thinking of the 1980 film of the same title. But it was more than that when released. The film was a visual spectacle and one of the earliest superhero movies to come out. But what happens when the lights go dim and the movie closes? This movie attempts to answer that story, mostly focusing on the titular star of the film Sam J. Jones.

Jones first major roll was as that heroic lead character. He only shows two previous credits before that in movies. But he fell to the same problems that most young actors do. He listened to handlers who gave bad advice and he got so caught up in the promise of fame that he caused problems on set. The last of these, as we learn later in the film, is not returning for the last part of shooting. The result was a stand in for those shots and someone else dubbing his voice in the film. So what became of Jones after all of this took place?

His career had its ups and downs as he starred in a TV series, did small roles in series and made a few direct to video movies. The film opens with him setting up for a fan convention where he gladly signs autographs for fans who still remember him most from the FLASH GORDON film but who now also know him from the two TED films. He's an amiable guy and happy that the fans remember him. But he wasn't alone.

The film moves on to talk to various cast members about their experience on the set of the film and how they came to be involved. Director/writer Lisa Downs also talks to various celebrities to discuss the effect the film had on them as well. Director Robert Rodriquez, Stan Lee, John Heder, Ross Marquand, Mark Millar and more weigh in on how the movie impacted them and continues to have a place in their hearts.

This takes up a good portion of the film but it always comes back to Jones. We see him setting up at yet another convention and then learn through interviews with friends and family about the downside of Hollywood fame. His first marriage broke up due to his adulterous ways and he openly admits that here. His fall from grace did some damage but he got back up and started acting again. Then his career took another nosedive. By this time he was remarried and his wife Ramona dealt with his depression by telling him maybe it was time to follow another path.

Taking her advice Jones went on to become a security consultant and bodyguard. Falling back on his training as a Marine he eased into this new career without a problem and talks about his time doing this as well. He also found that being a father was more important than being a star and that family is all about finding himself and God as well. The movie doesn't push this but makes a point of Jones being thankful for the opportunities that have come his way.

In the end the movie is about redemption. It tells the story of a young man who allows fame to go to his head but who walks back from that and finds a more fulfilling life than he expected when it all went to pieces. He discovers the fans still adore him and want to meet him and he's humbled by it. Where far too many stories from Hollywood find people that delve deep into drugs or suicide once fame disappears it was nice to see something positive come from Jones story. The film offers plenty of behind the scenes information as well as a look at a decent human being and is entertaining while doing so. This is one that is definitely worth watching.

The year 2020 celebrated the 40th anniversary of the sci-fi fantasy movie Flash Gordon, so naturally cinemas (open when COVID-19 lockdowns were not in place) screened the film and special edition DVDs were released, and I chose to watch this documentary about it. Basically, it chronicles the making of the film and its eventual cult following, especially focusing on the life of leading actor Sam J. Jones (also producing this film). Those being interviewed talk about the production, from the decisions of producer Dino De Laurentiis, the casting of the actors, staying true to the original comic books and TV serial, filming at Elstree and Shepperton Studios, the props, costumes and special effects, the poster artwork by Renato Casaro (who made movie posters for The NeverEnding Story, Octopussy, and Cliffhanger). and the brilliant soundtrack music by Queen, featuring orchestral sections by Howard Blake. But they also talk about things that went on during the shooting, including the cast and crew taking it all seriously (especially Timothy Dalton as Prince Barin),Max von Sydow asking Brian Blessed for advice on playing Ming the Merciless; Blessed improvising the goosing of Melody Anderson, what he did with props on set, and his iconic catchphrase "Gordon's alive!?", Peter Wyngarde on his ventriloquist technique for speaking his lines whilst wearing the Klytus mask, and Brian May on writing the opening song "Flash's Theme" and the amazing vocals of Freddie Mercury (including his improvised high notes on "Aura's Kiss", the scene where Princess Aura brings Flash back to life). But more than anything, it goes into detail about the bad working relationship between actor Jones and producer De Laurentiis, they argued many times on set, including Jones about his lack of payment, and although he completed filming most key scenes, he was not called back for dialogue looping (re-recording or adding dialogue to footage) or re-shoots, instead he was sacked, and his voice was dubbed (by Peter Marinker). It details the life of Sam J. Jones, his childhood and eventual career in acting, with Flash Gordon being his big screen debut, but the lack of success of the film meant that his acting career never took off, he fell into depression and almost committed suicide from overdosing pills. However, he pulled through, married and had children, found a new career as a security guard, and found a new lease of life, wanting to get to know and help people. Jones often makes appearances at conventions for fans of the film, and years later he called De Laurentiis to make amends. Jones and the film also had a resurgence of popularity when Seth MacFarlane cast him in the comedy movie Ted, in which Flash Gordon is referenced several times. Flash Gordon was planned to have sequels made, although it was successful in the United Kingdom and Italy it performed poorly elsewhere, and received mixed reviews from critics, so any follow-ups did not go ahead. In modern terms it can be seen as a camp, cheesy and perhaps laughable movie, but there are many that enjoy it for all that it is, including celebrities, filmmakers and actors, and the cult audience, many of whom are avid collectors of the film's props, costumes, posters and artwork, toys and other memorabilia; the film talks to many of these collectors. With contributions from Sam J. Jones (Flash Gordon),Melody Anderson (Dale Arden),Topol (Dr. Hans Zarkov),Peter Wyngarde (Klytus),Richard O'Brien (Fico),Deep Roy (Princess Aura's Pet),Brian May (Queen) and Howard Blake (composer),with appearances from John Altman (a Hawkman stand-in),Renato Casaro, Richard Donner, Lou Ferrigno, Rich Fulcher, Jon Heder, Mike Hodges (the director),Stan Lee, Christopher McDonald, Paul Oakenfold, Ray Park, Robert Rodriguez, Michael Rooker, Patrick St. Esprit (Jones's friend),Patrick Warburton, and Jones's wife, children and friends. This is a good film about the making of one of my favourite films from my childhood (which I still enjoy now),what happened to Jones and the other cast crew during after the making of it, and its impact today, a most interesting and watchable documentary. Very good!

Few could argue the influence of Queen's pounding, exhilarating soundtrack enhanced an already visually stunning piece of work in Flash Gordon. This iconic classic of the 80s benefitted from their additional musical vision, as it did Highlander in its day. This stroke of genius to bring Queen into the project halfway into the films production was one which would set it aside from its peers for years to come. Few documentaries demonstrate the true love of its subject matter and the genre itself, but Director Lisa Downs captures this perfectly in her beautifully shot film that shows the everlasting love of this timeless classic - Nearly 40 years after it first hit our cinema screens. Dino De Laurentiis provided the mega budget to get his vision of Flash onto the big screen, and after a number of stop starts and issues documented in the film his vision of Flash Gordon was finally cast. We were introduced to the blonde haired, blue eyed, ex marine Sam Jones (Except he was not originally blonde, nor blue eyed!) Sam J Jones is one of the "Lost to Hollywood" elite and were it not for some bad decisions (most of which Sam himself acknowledges) he really could have been something big. However, all being said one cannot argue the true love of the man amongst his friends, family and peers alike. The years have mellowed Sam and he is finally at peace with the painful memories of how he was treated by Dino and how his love of the Hollywood life waned. We now get to see a compassionate, loving, caring and sensitive family man who deserves all the love life can bring him. Now stable in his own skin he remains grounded and one of the most sought after and universally loved members of the Film convention circuit (Point of note, we don't see you enough over here in the UK Sam). He shows genuine consideration, true love and respect for his fans, and this is returned in abundance by the fans who adore him. Few can argue this tower of a man is worth every bit of that adulation. The documentary itself covers all aspects of the production of the film from casting issues, issues between Sam and Dino, as well as Brian Mays input how Queens stunning score was written and completed. There is considerable input from the main players of the film: Sam himself, the still stunningly beautiful Melody Anderson, the power force that is Brian Blessed (who shares the rudest anecdotes),Topol, Deep Roy as well as the sadly missed Peter Wyngarde who was the understated star of the hit 70s series Jason King. Coupled with valuable input from Peter Duncan, Richard O'Brien (The film sadly missing any input from Max Von Sydow or Timothy Dalton) as well as how the film influenced a number of celebrity fans including Robert Rodriguez and Michael Rooker. My only gripe being a little too much input from Rich Fulcher (Of Mighty Boosh fame) who merely uses it a means to enhance his own unique brand of humour. This small gripe aside there is valuable insight to the overall dimensions of the film, how it enhanced their lives and subsequent careers. There really is something for any fan of this 1980s classic. Life After Flash proves the director has understood the overall dynamic of what is required for this type of fan film. Was Flash Gordon cheesy? Is it camp? Who knows, who cares - What it is and was is a visually stunning piece of work, ahead of its time and still universally loved by many. The documentary gives the fan base what it wants. An honest, at times gritty piece of work that utilises all of the skill sets that made the original film so great. Beautifully shot, with a lovely intro scene, genuine intimate feel and ultimately left me wanting to see more. With both the Blu Ray and DVD (Region Free) having slightly different special features there is much more to see once the film is over, most of which was worthy of inclusion within the film. True to form its directed in a way so as not to underplay any of those Special Features, taking nothing away from the film itself, and allowing us to enjoy these events separately. A must watch for any fan of this genre, not just fans of the film!

I understand this is the start of a "Life After....." series with Life After Navigator being the next in focus. With much work already completed on this Lisa is definitely a Director to keep an eye on