The plot is a beat-for-beat mockery of Star Wars . The evil leaders of Planet Spaceball, led by the incompetent President Skroob (Brooks) and the vertically challenged Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis), have squandered their own atmosphere. Their solution? Kidnap Princess Vespa of Druidia and literally vacuum the air off her planet.
John Candy brings a lovable, chaotic energy that perfectly parodies Chewbacca.
Rick Moranis delivers one of the funniest performances in comedy history. Between his oversized helmet and his "playing with dolls" scene, he turned the menacing Darth Vader archetype into a relatable, neurotic mess.