Fanboys Review
Posted by alvin on Tuesday, 06.02.2009 12:25 AM
Tags: movie, comedy, star wars, geek
I mentioned in a previous review that I was a fan of the Starwars series, that makes me especially excited for this movie. There was alot of hype with regards to the release of the film, basically because of the major plot point that one of the characters had cancer (which I think had been removed for the theatrical release) and because the movie overall had alot of support from Starwars as well as the Lucas estate making it one of the most buzzed about films of the year. Not sure how well it did since it didn't come out here in the Philippines, but I have thoughts on this otherwise!
Putting Starwars lore and this movie aside, I was fan of the movie Detroit Rock City. The film basically revolved around 4 stoners who had a mission, to leave their small town and go to Detroit to watch a Kiss concert. Despite the challenges they face, the lead character being a devout Christian who's mom is against rock music, they push forward. And despite the crazy challenges they face along the way, they eventually reach their goal of watching the Kiss concert.
This formula worked well with Detroit Rock City, so well in fact that I cannot help but notice the similarities when I saw Fanboys, let me explain. The film basically revolved around 4 NERDS (and a girl) who had a mission, to leave their small town and go to the Lucas Ranch and steal/watch the rough cut of Starwars episode 1. Despite the challenges, the lead character being devoted to his new job in which his DAD is depending on him AND one of their friends having cancer and may not live long enough to see the actual movie, they push forward. And despite the crazy challenges they face along the way, they eventually reach their goal of watching the movie.
IT IS UNCANNY HOW MUCH THESE 2 MOVIES ARE ALIKE. I was kind of shocked to be honest. A notable similarity is how lead actor Sam Huntington is PLAYING THE SAME GUY only with a different hairstyle. Same mannerism, same reactions, same problems, SAME GUY!!! Dan Fogler as Hutch replaces James DeBello as Trip playing the crazy guy of the group, often the source of one-liner, silly behavior and trouble for them. Most notable is the theme of Starwars as an analog for the Kiss conflict they had on Detroit Rock City of course, especially considering that it was being marketed so heavily on Starwars fans. In the end, the movie didn't need Starwars, it was just a label to a problem that group needed to address.
Acting wise the cast performed as they were expected to, and there was some cool cameos in the film as well. Seth Rogen, William Shatner and director Kevin Smith show up in the movie. Kristen Bell is also in the film as the groups "girl", which makes the film worth it in my opinion. Especially on the end scene (see picture below)
Worth it...
Kidding aside, the film isn't bad at all, despite it being a copy I had fun watching it. But I feel that the mainstream audience just wouldn't get half of the humor they are attempting in this film. They delve deep into geek culture and even deeper with Starwars references that I feel that the average person would just get lost and confused. It is very niche and it makes it hard for me to recommend this to anyone unless you're a big fan of Starwars LIKE ME, AND a huge fan Kristen Bell LIKE ME. If you're not a fan of Kristen Bell or Starwars, just go watch Detroit Rock City again.
Tags: movie, comedy, star wars, geek
