Fanboys (2008)

A short time ago, in a galaxy not far away were a group of friends. Linus (Chris Marquette), Hutch (Dan Fogler), Windows (Jay Baruchel), Eric (Sam Huntington) and Zoe (Kristen Bell). When one is diagnosed with cancer, the friends embark on a road trip determined to allow Linus his last wish: to see Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Never tell them the odds. This group of fanboys won't let virginity, faulty power couplings or a rabid bunch of Trekkies from reaching Skywalker Ranch and ultimately seeing the film.

Set in 1998 (sigh, those were the days), director Kyle Newman submits the ultimate in nerd love. Fanboys is simply great fun that {gently} pokes at everything Star Wars fans {myself included} can relate to.

The 'average' cast of characters symbolize too much--I'm almost ashamed of myself. The camaraderie between the quintet is genuine all the way. Chris Marquette as Linus holds the group together, but it is Dan Fogler that steals the show.

So much of the set dressing is relatable for me-I couldn't help falling in love with this one. The boys take on their road trip in the A-Team van {of all things} decked out with some uber-special detailing. From the costuming to the soundtrack, director Newman evokes an awesome experience.

What's more the non-stop cameos from Star Wars alum Carrie Fisher, Billie Dee Williams and Ray Park add another layer of joy. Toss in a few more from it-boy Seth Rogan, William FREAKIN' Shatner, Roy and Darryl from The Office, Kevin James, Jason Mewes, Will Forte, and even Lou Taylor Pucci {somebody out there knows that one} and well... it's dork heaven. Kristen Bell is the one shot of estrogen and boy, does she deliver.

As if the cast, costuming, dialogue, and soundtrack isn't enough, director Newman delivers subtle and sometimes glaring tributes to the epic Lucas canon--THX and American Graffiti are first to mind.

The humor is sophomoric, sometimes crude, retarded and stereotypical. It's all the things you and I enjoy making fun {and secretly enjoy}. Fanboys celebrates the degenerate in all of us. For once, just go with it. Enjoy the movie at face value and you won't be disappointed.

As I see it, Fanboys is an unexpected gem of a movie. Fans of Star Wars, pop culturists, geeks... this is all you. I unapologetically enjoyed this movie.