Watching the new indie "Star Wars" comedy "Fanboys" is like wearing your old 80's Darth Vader plastic Halloween costume, it is like the coolest thing in the world to you but to everyone else it is just a discount smock.
The cast and crew of the film elevate what could have easily become a very long YouTube video into a nice love letter to George Lucas. It's 1998 and a band of die-hard "Star Wars" friends embark on their own journey of discovery while attempting to break into Skywalker Ranch.
"Fanboys" mixes the mid-90's teen angst with ultra deep "Star Wars" references that only a small percent of viewers will understand. This is where the troubles begin, this film is locked on target to the devoted few who still have "Star Wars" bed sheets. I admit I am harcore "Star Wars", I understood just about every in-joke...but that is the tape holding the entire film together.
Also, the lack of cooperation from Paramount (for the use of "Star Trek" images) and Lucas himself hold the film from breaking past low-budget charm. However, the love it took to make this film is in every frame and surprising appearances of Kristen Bell and Seth Rogen really amp up the geek love.
Oh, and yes there are plenty of "Star Wars" and sci-fi cameos to fill the best genre convention. Carrie Fisher, and Ray Park play good sports for the cast. My only wish is that Mark Hamil and Harrison Ford had worked themselves into the mix, maybe next time.
This is a movie where I look forward to the DVD to see all the behind-the-scenes fun and hear the commentary. I think after I get those extras, this movie will be a force to be reckoned with.
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