BraveStarr: The Legend

My review was written in September 1988 after a Times Square screening.

"Bravestarr" is a disappointing animated feature applying the Western format directly to an Outer Space saga. Pretty backgrounds and explosions do not adequately cover for lackluster characters, given limited animation movements.

Title character (on screen it reads Bravestarr the Legend", but "Bravestarr the Movie" in ads) is an indistinctive-looking American Indian-styled cowboy destined to save the planet of New Texas from variou monster meanies, led by Stampede (a huge dragon-like steer) and Ted Hex (a reanimated, skeletal cowboy). The ancient Shaman gives Bravestarr his orders and magical power, largely calling upon the strength of the Bear constellation (a repetitious device).

Though its occasional attempts at comic relief fall flat, film plays off foolishly with its one-joke premise of a planet with modern technology but styled after all the corny cliches of a Western movie. Critters are robots, except for the Prairie People, cutesy little burrowing humanoids forced to work as slaves in mining operations.

Opposite the bland Bravestarr, heroine J. B., who's the local judge, is nondescript, as is her mustachioed dad McBride, given a Scottish brogue right out of James Doohan in "Star Trek".

Much running time is given to introducing each of Tex Hex' henchmen, but they have nothing to do or say in the film, wasting at least one unusual creation, the exotic Vipra, villainess riding a vast serpent.

Characters mainly pose, with very mechanical movement of the limited sort familiar from tv. Toddlers may overlook this thanks to okay action scenes involving flying vehicles and well-executed battle explosions.

Frank Becker's tinny musical score is a big letdown when it attempts to ape Western motifs on synthesized keyboards.

I have some good news all fans of Bravestarr! A two disk DVD set has been released in America that has the Movie "Bravestarr The Legend" on Disk one and has five other episodes on Disk 2. This is a great thing to see happen. Since the movie never aired on TV in America and when it was in theatures my parents did not have the money to take me this has been the first time i have ever seen the movie that shows the origins of how Tex Hex got his powers from Stampede, and how The Shaman gave Bravestarr his four Animal powers. Plus it also amazed me at the fight Bravestarr had to do with 30/30 in order for them to become friends. It also amazed me at how Judge J.B. had to teach Fuzz how to speak English and how Bravestarr had to do his first warning to the Mayor involving that he needed to learn to show respect to Fuzz and his people.

Who Didn't like Bravestarr when they were younger. This was from the same people who gave us He-Man and the Masters Of The Universe. Bravestarr the legend is a feature length movie which introduces our sheriff of new texas. The film involves bravestarr coming to terms with his new found powers to fight the evil Spirit Stampede and his 'Minions' led by Tex Hex. The show's animation may appear dated but dont let that fool you. so if you get a chance to see this fine piece of nostalgia do not hesitate

Also i would like to point out that this was only released in cinemas in america to my knowledge the is no DVD or VHS

A VHS was released in the uk so if you live there you're in luck

About 20 years ago, I was a kid when my father came one day with the tape of Bravestarr: the legend. After watching this animation, I was very happy. I used to watch it often because this was the only tape I had. And I loved it. This became the greatest childhood memory of mine. I think the last time was 2 years ago, when I again watched it. Friendship is one of the lessons I might have learned a lot from this movie. When I could have children, I would certainly ask them to watch this. I never new that there is a TV series about this characters, but I know now. However, I am not young enough to watch them, and I don't have time. I wish I could watch and enjoy the series when I was a kid.

I used to love Bravestarr and it is possible to own on video as i have it. it does leave you wanting more though as you want to know more ever notice how there are bringing all the old programs out again. they don't make them like they used to.