Sci-fi fans are a strange sort of people, and when it comes to Star Wars, fandom can get a little bit out of hand, especially when they confront Star Trek fans in Kyle Newman’s comedy Fanboys.
Fanboys
(USA 2009, director: Kyle Newman)
A group of friends and Star Wars fans decide to break into the Skywalker Ranch to watch Episode I before its release.
If there’s one thing road trip movies can be accused of, it’s that they’re very predictable. While there are many subtle and not so subtle references to Star Wars, the movie is still pretty generic with a group of friends who grew apart and find their roles in life, in addition to weird situations, involving some drug use and sexual innuendos. A bit of drama is thrown in for good measure, although it comes across as forced (no pun intended). Memorable scenes and good pacing without too much heavy dialogue keep it entertaining enough, though.
Of course the question one asks as a fan is how well the Star Wars universe is incorporated into the plot or dialogue. As far as geeky stereotypes go, the movie manages to bring up the odd line or two, but then again the characters are quite likable. This can’t be said about the Star Trek fans, though. Trekkies are constantly made fun of, and Seth Rogen makes a hilarious appearance as a fan leader (all with false teeth), while also playing a pimp. Yes, it’s all very offensive at times, and if one expects witty dialogues or an original story, one should look elsewhere. However, guest star appearances of Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), and even William Shatner (Captain Kirk) are as much fun to watch as spotting references to the original saga or what happens at the group’s final destination, the Skywalker Ranch.
Fanboys might not be the funniest comedy with the best dialogue or memorable characters and plot. But it succeeds in what even George Lucas’ The Phantom Menace didn’t deliver: being entertaining and sometimes even heartwarmingly honest without patronizing or insulting fans of the sci-fi saga.
Score: 8/10
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I really liked Fanboys! I figured it’d be pretty good, just because it IS about Star Wars, of course– however after reading a few of the reviews when it first came out, I was a bit worried. But while it was a bit cheesy with silly moments, typical drama etc I liked all the charachters and the dialogue was actually pretty good (for the most part). And the story-line & road trip plot (okay it had me at roadtrip–ha ha!) was surprisingly good. The best part was the Star Wars vs Star Trek moments, though, they were hilarious! And since I love both ST (yep, I’m a Trekkie) and SW, I can’t really take sides. Loved seeing the guest stars, esp the Shatman! Okay, now I want to watch this again 😀 Great post!
Hehe, totally agree, and thanks for the kind words. I think the first time I watched the movie I was a bit disappointed (don’t remember why, maybe because of the humor and story?). But when watching it again with some friends on a Star Wars-related birthday/Christmas party, I had a lot of fun. I guess it’s different if you don’t get all the references which are really easy to miss the first time.
I’ve always been a Star Wars fan, but I also had friends who were Trekkies, so I know both sides (no dark or light side) ;-). Those SW vs. ST moments were also my favorites.