I consider myself a fan of the Star Wars series – not a hardcore fan like those portrayed in Fanboys but a fan nonetheless. I think we all know people like those in the movie though. They live the original trilogy. They own all the figures, have the bed sheets and curtains, play the video and role-playing games, read the books (novels and comics), debate the relationship between Leia and Luke on a daily basis and they used to look at George Lucas like a god and now want him to burn for what he did with The Phantom Menace. Fanboys takes place before that horrid experience has been released on the world and the anticipation of it is taking over the lives of fans big and small.
The premise behind the film is simple enough – wouldn’t it be great to steal a copy of The Phantom Menace to be the first to see it? Motivated by the fact one of their friends is dying of cancer (and might not make it ’til the film’s release) a few Star Wars fans set out to do just that. A wild road trip to the Skywalker Ranch ensues, leading to many great cameos (Billy Dee Williams, Carrie Fisher, Kevin Smith and William Shatner to name a few), a battle with some Trekkies and a super funny peyote trip involving Ewoks. The movie had me laughing and smirking all the way like a true geek.
What really makes Fanboys work is the total love of the subject by the filmmakers. They’ve worked in so many Star Wars “Easter Eggs” (sound effects, gags, even a mention of Harry Knowles from Ain’t It Cool News) that it’s clear they are just as big fans as the people they are showing on screen. If you’re looking for a fun flick to satisfy your Star Wars craving then check out Fanboys (I promise it’s better than The Phantom Menace).
*** out of 5 stars
Rated PG-13
Cast: Jay Baruchel, Kristen Bell, Sam Huntington, Chris Marquette
Directed by: Kyle Newman
Official Site IMDb
