Fanboys

< 2017

Screening Suggestions

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With all the hub-bub about 'Episode VIII' lately, it seems the world is divided (as if it's the first time this has happened with a 'Star Wars' film). One half of the world thinks is stupid, and on par with something like 'Episode I'. Others, like myself, certainly see the stupidity in it, but also see, and respect the ballsy steps that it did take. And lets keep in mind that some of our unanswered questions CAN still be answered in 'Episode IX'. But I digress. The point of pointing this particular title out to fellow 'Star Wars' fans is something I'll have to get to in the end.

What we have here is a movie about four hardcore 'Star Wars' geeks who decide to take it upon themselves to storm Skywalker Ranch and steal themselves a copy of 'Episode I' long before it's release. Although this was only just talked about among them for years, the final decision in the execution of the plan lies with one of them having been stricken with cancer. Seeing the film becomes the group's mission, and it's mostly met with hilarious circumstances, albeit some of the language used throughout isn't entirely "PC", so I feel it necessary to forewarn about such things. That said, a lot of the jokes and humor aren't what truly makes this movie special to me. It's the ending. It could easily be passed off as another raunchy road trip comedy, but the way it ends has stuck with me over the years as something truly relatable. Not so much delving into cancer territory, but what this particular character with cancer has to say about what makes 'Star Wars' so good (which can be read at the end of my 'Last Jedi' spoiler review, although there's a bit more to it).

One must bear in mind while watching this that it's depicting the time when 'Star Wars' had made it's tremendous comeback. The "Special Editions" had been released, geeks came out of the woodwork, and we all knew that a prequel trilogy was on the way, and I don't care who you were, if you appreciated 'Star Wars' at all, you were psyched for it! A lot of that fandom comes through here, and the film actually ends with a rather brilliant punchline. But the few minutes before the end are, in fact, very touching, and I'd love for 'Star Wars' fans as they are now to give it another watch, if only for that little moment.

Of course, I'm not out to just change anyone's mind here. An opinion is an opinion, and I say stick to it, if you're very sure. But I am trying to show people here that there was another time much worse than whatever happened with 'Episode VIII', and maybe to try to put things in perspective with some of the final words of this movie. It managed to work for me, being the actual main reasoning behind my leniency when it comes to reviewing 'Star Wars' movies.

If the touching ending doesn't sell you, however, perhaps a bunch of cameos will. Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, William Shatner, Ray Park, two Seth Rogens, the list goes on. It's a movie that was totally made for us 'Star Wars' geeks, and I personally love it for what it is... though, again... not as PC as some may want it to be. So just be ready for that.

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