Fanboys

I just realized the last time I wrote a real review was over a month ago. So back into the saddle I climb to review the long delayed ode to "Star Wars" fandom, Kyle Newman's "Fanboys."
Five childhood friends were raised on "Star Wars," but only Eric (Sam Huntington) really grew up. Hutch (Dan Fogler), Windows ("Undeclared's" Jay Baruchel), and Zoe (Kristen "Veronica Mars" Bell) work at a comic book store. Eric barely sees them anymore and he's had a falling out with fifth friend, Linus (Chris Marquette, "Just Friends").
It's the fall of 1998 and Linus has once again brought up a plan they have discussed for more than ten years. Driving from Ohio to Lucas Ranch in California to steal a print of the upcoming "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." This was during that magical time when "Episode I" was going to be the greatest movie in the history of the world. Before we knew better.
Eric wants nothing to do with this plan until Hutch and Windows explain that Linus is dying of cancer and won't live to see the May release of the film. This will be his only chance to see the movie he's waited his whole short life for. The four guys get into Hutch's van for the trip of a lifetime. Zoe isn't invited because they've decided it should be men only, but they'll need her to come to the rescue before this thing is all over.
Written by Ernest Cline and Adam F. Goldberg, "Fanboys" has likable characters and a good storyline but the comedy just does not come off. The actors give it their all (Marquette faring best as the young man aware of his fate), but the jokes either fall flat or they just feel old. The "Star Wars" vs. "Star Trek" debate was tired long ago. We've known now for a long time that it's actually okay to like both.
Kyle Newman's direction doesn't really take the film anywhere either. "Fanboys" clocks in at about a solid 90 minutes but it feels considerably longer. The whole thing comes off as a disappointment in the end with the audience and actors all deserving better. But you know, it's still kind of better than "Episode I." 4/10.

A few weeks ago I saw a movie I liked a heck of a lot more. If you can still find it, I recommend "Last Chance Harvey," starring Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. It's a Bob Award nominee for the original screenplay by Joel Hopkins (the little seen but wonderful "Jump Tomorrow").