Of the various adjectives and nouns I would use to describe myself, without a doubt two of the largest looming in my mind would be, “cinephile”, and an as-yet unconfirmed word that encapsulates “obsessive and sad Star Wars fan”. Which is why, when so many people I know groaned upon viewing the trailer for Fanboys, I leapt for the moon and planets in my nerdish joy. While this fact may make me a somewhat unreliable reviewer in this case, I’ll do my best. At any rate, you know that this particular piece of prose won’t be half-hearted!

Directed by Kyle Newman (this being his first film worth noting in any significant way) and written by Ernest Cline and Adam F. Goldberg, Fanboys is quite obviously the work of exactly that: fanboys. Set in 1999, just before the release of The Phantom Menace, the film tells the story of four life-long friends, whose relationship is defined by their passionate love of all things Star Wars. Linus (Chris Marquette), Rush-loving Hutch (Dan Fogler), Windows (Apatow regular Jay Baruchel) and the estranged Eric (Sam Huntington) decide to follow through with their 5th grade plan to road-trip across the country to steal an early print of the long-awaited prequel from one of the most heavily-guarded places on Earth: Skywalker Ranch.

As a film, I believe it succeeds overall. I say this wholeheartedly. However, I’m aware that I’m incredibly biased. Over here in Melbourne, Fanboys has been screened in a limited season at ACMI. In fact, so limited that as I write this, said season ended a few days ago. Anyway, sitting there in the cosy ACMI cinema, my partner-in-all-things-nerd and I surveyed the audience. The overwhelming majority: nerd couples. A none too surprising, very welcome observation. It made for a warm viewing environment in which every reference (and believe me, there’s hundreds) was greeted with roars of laughter and certainly a good chunk of nostalgia. For those of you playing at home, your chance to shine will come in not one but two quizzes the characters in Fanboys are subjected to in order to prove their fandom. From Luke Skywalker’s gunman in Episode V (Dak) to Chewie’s home planet (Kashyyyk), every reference and nod to the world of nerd reflects a genuine warmth and love from those involved with the film. And it’s testament to the film’s charm that the likes of Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, Darth Maul, Jay and Silent Bob (as they forever will be known) make cameos, as well he-who-transcends-all-scifi-rivalry, WILLIAM SHATNER.

Admittedly, the plot is lacking. The traditional road movie/buddy film story arc is really just an excuse to whip out the nerd gags, Star Trek bashing, cameos, and references. Plot points pass us by, perhaps without the necessary fanfare that they should have been afforded. The romance, conventional and rather unexciting. The coming together of friends, slightly cliched. But then, what more was to be expected? Kristen Bell is sufficiently quirky in her portrayal of a comic-loving love interest. Dan Fogler may appear to be the token crass, gross friend – and he is – but he does it well. Linus may lack the character development to make us care quite enough what happens to him in the end, but like I said, this isn’t a film that I can imagine anyone attending for an in-depth character study. No, we’re here for the gags. And Fanboys does deliver. While the average film-goer will certainly have a good time at this film, Fanboys really is an event for Star Wars fans. Fans, exactly like the nerdy and endearing (if at times two-dimensional) characters we see on the screen.

They are passionate, waxing lyrical (?) of the object – or trilogy – of their undying affection. A heated debate regarding Luke and Leia’s “attraction” suddenly overtakes a serious discussion about a dying friendship. They truly embody the unequivocal, unconditional love for the films and the universe that Mr Lucas has created that is near-impossible to describe to the unconverted. I have tried to do just that at times (in at least two university lectures, if you can believe that), always to the same reaction: that of slightly bewildered faces, laughter, and looks that seem to confirm, “Oh yes. You’re a nerd”. Perhaps that then, is why the cinema was full, why the laughter was so loud, why I suddenly felt the urge to dig out my Rogue Squadron comics (no lie) when I got home after the film.

Do yourself a favour and see the film for yourself. I’m not a reliable gauge, my vision is blurred by the affection I have for Han Solo, and arguing whether he shot first, or Greedo did! I won’t guarantee that you’ll be getting laughs by the Death Star-load if you’re not already steeped in the world of Star Wars, but there is a really good time to be had in the company of these nerds. I do think there’s something to be said for a film with such an infectious energy.

Live long and prosper!
Wow, I feel dirty just writing that…

Fanboys is in limited release across Australia.

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