You would think a movie that revolves around Star Wars would be something we’d jump at first chance but only in desperation for something to watch last night did we rent ourselves a copy of Kyle Newman’s ‘Fanboys’. We hadn’t heard good things and as movie watchers we were never too big on the whole road trip comedy movies. Nevertheless we stuck it on and sat down to watch…
The plot is pretty straightforward but this will inevitably lead to you being extremely confused by what exactly they are doing at other parts of the movie. Eric Bottler reunites with his old friends from school at a party, having not spoken to them in three years, Bottler realises that his decision to leave behind his geeky ways after High School has upset his friends particularly his former best friend Linus.
After a short chat with the guys, things turn sour when they begin talking about their plan to sneak into the Skywalker Ranch and steal George Lucas’ edit of the new Star Wars movie and Bottler berates them for not growing up. However the next day Windows and Hutch (the other two friends) meet with Bottler and tell him that Linus is dying and so begins their journey to steal the movie before Linus dies. Insane antics, Indians, Trekkies, Pimps and cyber relationships are all used as filler for the rest of the movie.
The movie features several actors you might recognise as well as guest spots from others which will have you wondering what they did to end up in this movie. You will recognise Jay Baruchel (Windows) from his role in Nicholas Cage’s ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ and while Baruchel does bring some laughs in, in particular his online relationship with a woman he only knows as ‘Rogue Leader’, his character is nothing but an old stereotype of the geek rolled into skinny jeans and ill-fitting sweatshirts. Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars, Heroes) is the fifth friend in the troupe of geeks and Bell is probably the highlight of performances but unfortunately her character is nothing more than the geek girl struggling to be seen as a woman rather than one of the boys!
Guest spots are made by Seth Rogen who plays both a hardcore Trekkie set upon by the Fanboys while giving a tour of Captain Kirk’s birthplace and a pimp who is a diehard Star Wars fan as evident by his tattoos and he’s also credit as an alien…we didn’t notice.
You will also spot Star Wars LEGENDS, Carrie Fisher and Billy Dee Williams taking up roles in the movie. Oh and keep an eye out for an Legend of the Stars, William Shatner as well as Darth Maul.
The movie isn’t bad but it doesn’t really know where it is going and just when you think they’ve finally figured it out the whole things gets lost again and lame jokes and pokes made at geeks and geek culture are meant to shuffle a few laughs out of us an audience. The characters are too bland to even relate to, at first you might find yourself laughing with their antics and nerdish outbursts, reminiscing over your own geeky moments but eventually you will realise that these outbursts are used as filler. The plot doesn’t know whether it’s a comedy or a light hearted journey of discovery with contrast drawn heavily between the stupid antics of the lads and Linus’ terminal illness. There are some genuinely funny moments in the movie but not enough to make us recommend this as a one to watch.
We are probably being a little too harsh on ‘Fanboys’ but when you point the spotlight on the people who you are in fact poking fun at, you should be prepared for a somewhat scrutinising look at the movie. There are rumours circulating that there will be a ‘Fanboys II’ and while we aren’t screaming at the writers or director to steer clear of a sequel we will be more reluctant to check it out on the basis of how… bland… the first was.
If you enjoy slapstick caricatures and silly road trip humour then you might want to check this movie out!
Fanboys is available to rent now!
