I got the biggest surprise when I rented the video, Galaxy Quest, starring Tim Allen.

This is a very funny send-up of all of the Sci-fi TV shows that weve come to love and to laugh at, like Start Trek. Allen, as you may know if youve seen this flick, is the commander of a television star cruiser that has long since retired into reruns and mothballs.

Suddenly, at a Trekkie type of convention, where the burned out cast is uncomfortably assembled, for the money, of course, Allen is entreated by real aliens to save their planet from sure doom.

Feigning a tight performance calendar, he finally gives in, and the rest of the movie is sheer joy.

Whats really a kick is how this becomes an inspiring comedy, turning from the absurd to the transcendental.

Allens TV commander is fond of crying out: Never give up! Never surrender!

Oddly, you cant help watching this chaos and responding with an enthusiastic, Okay!

And this is what gives this unexpected thrill ride its significance. Its inspiring, uplifting, as it shows that people are sometimes at their finest when theyre goofy, scared, and stripped of pretenses.

We rise to the occasion when were knocked to our knees or flat on our backs.

Anyway, if you want to have a good laugh and get a shot in the arm, check out this video.

And remember: Never Give up! Never Surrender!