“The Last Starfighter” (1984) is a science fiction adventure film directed by Nick Castle, known for its pioneering use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in film. The story follows Alex Rogan (played by Lance Guest), a teenager living in a remote trailer park who dreams of escaping his mundane life. His chance comes when he discovers that the arcade game he excels at, “Starfighter,” is actually a recruitment tool used by an alien defense force.

After achieving the game’s highest score, Alex is visited by Centauri (played by Robert Preston), an alien who whisks him away to the distant planet Rylos. There, Alex learns that he has been recruited to join the Star League and fight in an interstellar war against the evil Xur and his Ko-Dan armada. With the fate of the galaxy at stake, Alex must quickly adapt to his new role as a starfighter pilot and face daunting challenges in the battle to save humanity.

“The Last Starfighter” is celebrated for its imaginative storyline, memorable characters, and groundbreaking visual effects, which pushed the boundaries of CGI technology at the time. The film captures the excitement and wonder of space adventure while also exploring themes of heroism, courage, and the power of determination. Lance Guest’s portrayal of Alex and Robert Preston’s charismatic performance as Centauri contribute to the film’s enduring appeal.

With its blend of thrilling action and heartfelt moments, “The Last Starfighter” has earned a devoted following over the years and remains a beloved classic among fans of 1980s science fiction cinema.