Dark Star is a Parody of 2001

2001: A Space Odyssey predicts a future where human problems are solved by beautifully designed technology, where humanity can focus on the next leap in our evolution.

Dark Star disagrees. The astronauts in Dark Star aren’t bold explorers on the edge of possibility, they’re some dudes working a bad job. The technology of Dark Star is crumbling and ugly rather than sleek and designed, the rogue AI is stupid rather than insane. The stars are still beautiful, though.

Dark Star is free on Tubi, if you can get it on physical media you can probably watch the shorter version, which is better.