Beth and Michelle blast off at ludicrous speed with Spaceballs, Mel Brooks’ 1987 parade of oversized helmets, flying Winnebagos, Druish princesses, merchandising jokes, musical anachronisms, and setups that travel an astonishing distance to reach the punchline. Along the way, they welcome a tiny rescued kitten (Poe), celebrate Rick Moranis and John Candy, and look ahead to the long-awaited sequel.

The conversation becomes a tribute to Mel Brooks, whose comedy was shaped by grief, Jewish identity, military service, and the belief that ridicule can rob tyrants of their power. The film’s racist and antisemitic jokes are intentionally uncomfortable, using exaggeration to expose the ugliness and absurdity of prejudice rather than quietly reproducing it. Brooks circles injustice with a giant marker and dares the audience to recognize what is being mocked.

Spaceballs unexpectedly passes the Castellini Test, with Princess Vespa and Dot Matrix possessing agency, purpose, and plenty to discuss beyond romance. Vespa rejects an arranged marriage, helps defend her planet, and ultimately chooses her own future. The characters may be deliberately shallow, but the movie’s purpose is clear: laugh at authority, question the people demanding obedience, and never underestimate the power of a perfectly timed raspberry.

We mention the band, Steam Powered Giraffe

Kitten Poe: