Somewhere out there, people like the characters in Fanboys really exist. They live in a world where the only things that matter are whether Luke and Leia knew they were related when they kissed; could Lando score more hot chicks than Han Solo; and exactly how Jabba goes to the bathroom. These are important questions to some. I know, because I've known some people who bear striking resemblance to them. In fact, I could almost be one of these guys if my geekiness wasn't tempered by the fact that I have actually been able to score women on lucky occasion. That and I've managed to spread my geek factor around to a variety of subjects and not just sci-fi. But people who are like me, who feel a certain kinship with the characters in this film, will no doubt come away loving this movie with a passion. Those who crinkle their nose at the thought of grown men trying to build their own personal lightsaber, will probably wonder what all the fuss is about.
Fanboys is a film that we here have been anticipating for a long time. The victim of a hellish post-production process that saw the film shelved, cut, re-cut, then kicked out to a whopping 8 cities across the country. It revolves around four friends(Jay Baruchel, Chris Marquette, Sam Huntington, Dan Fogler) whom back in 1998 mere months before the release of The Phantom Menace, decide to take a road trip to George Lucas' Ranch to steal a copy of the original print and watch the movie. The reason: One of them has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and the friends decide that he should see the film before he passes away. It's this last point that the studios had so much trouble with. They thought the cancer angle might have been too much of a downer on what is essentially a roadtrip comedy. Along with their hot femme-geek friend, Zoe(Kristen Bell), the gang ventures out on a journey that's fraught with peril from the likes of evil Trekkers(because "Trekkies" is derogatory), gay bikers, and a bruising Harry Knowles.
What surprised me most is just how funny this was. When movies like this are made, they tend to try too hard to cram in as many inside jokes as possible, and in so doing they fall flat because the story becomes more about appeasing the hardcore fanbase than it is about telling a cohesive, funny story. But I like the straight forward nature they employed here. These guys are Star Wars freaks, and they want to see Episode 1. Period. Pointblank. The cancer angle that they were so worried about hurting the film's momentum, is the driving force behind their decision but it only comes up when absolutely necessary. The meat of the story is about the journey, and these four friends who have drifted apart being pulled back together by the one thing they all share in common. During this journey the guys find themselves thrown into situations eerily reminiscent of the Holy Trilogy, such as landing in a garbage chute with closed in walls, a van that won't jump into hyperspace on command, and all sorts of other adventures that will make any true fan geek out. A
It doesn't all work, of course. There is an annoying love story shoehorned in during the final act that simply makes no sense. I'll tell ya, this film reminded me a lot of another one of my favorites, a film called Free Enterprise(which also features William Shatner). It's a movie about a pair of sci-fi nerds, who as adults are struggling to remain responsible and mature in the midst of their overwhelming geekery. In that film, like this one, one of the main characters scores that holy grail of female mates: the hot chick who loves comic books and can quote sci-fi films as well as any man could. It's hard not to root for those characters and live vicariously through them in some way.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the number of guest stars that help push this story along, most of which are like a Star Wars fans dream come true. Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, and Darth Maul himself Ray Park all make memorable cameos. Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes turn up for what I believe is the best scene, involving a lewd act taking place in a gas station bathroom. However, it's Seth Rogen, yes that Seth Rogen, who has arguably the biggest part outside the five main cast members. He plays dual roles here, as the chief Trekker with a massive amount of dental work and a neck so stiff it's like someone put a brace underneath his skin. He also plays a pimp known simply as Roach. He's hilarious in both parts, and it leads me to wonder why exactly the Weinsteins didn't think they could market this film successfully. It's got nothing but potential, based on the premise and the cast alone, which also features current hot funnyman Craig Robinson, who is in pretty much every successful comedy of the last couple years.
Fanboys' appeal lies mostly in the obvious love it has not only for Star Wars, but in it's appreciation for it's most devoted fans. I'm not sure this type of comedy will satisfy the uninitiated, but for those of us who are, it's a true gem and worthy of seeking out if it's in your town.
7.5/10
