Space Cowboys in Space: 'Stingray Sam'

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THE VISUALS MAY BE vaguely reminiscent of David Lynch's early work. But the world of Stingray Sam is culled entirely from the strange mind of Cory McAbee, the New York-based writer, director, actor and composer whose 2001 film, "The American Astronaut," premiered at Sundance to much acclaim.

Like "Astronaut," "Stingray Sam" is a space Western filled with insider humor, musical numbers and hand-painted special effects.

McAbee wrote, directed and stars in the film, and he wrote and performed all of the music. If this sounds like an exercise in self-indulgence, that's because it is, but it's the best kind. McAbee follows through on every creative impulse and explores his bizarre vision to the fullest. If you can accept his eccentric premise, it's a wild romp through the cosmos.

The film is divided into six episodes, recalling classic TV Westerns such as "Rawhide," but pushed to absurd extremes. The Quasar Kid is the standard quirky sidekick, but he has an unsettling habit of eating olives by the handful. Sam and the Kid have a secret handshake, but it takes nearly two minutes to finish. McAbee pushes the idea of a male-dominated intergalactic world by positing that men have found a way to have children without the aid of women, conveniently eliminating the need for a female romantic interest.

Throughout the film's episodes, Stingray Sam and the Quasar Kid never miss an opportunity to burst into song and dance about most anything — Mars, genetic engineering, the sandman — and the tunes (which sound like They Might Be Giants collaborating with Quentin Tarantino) won't soon leave your head.

In the end, "Stingray Sam" succeeds because of its odd exuberance and pure originality.

» "Stingray Sam" is available digitally and on DVD at Corymcabee.com.

Written by Express contributor Ryan Little
Photo courtesy Cory McAbee