A Galaxy Far, Far Away

I have never been so entertained and disturbed at the same time. This film has a ton of laughs in it but at the same time shows some very raw and human emotion. While it may have been polished a little better, I think it's a great film and is something on my Must Buy list.

I don't intend my summary to tick off Star Trek fans, but the documentary TREKKIES really irritated me because the film makers seemed to have a distinct agenda. That's because the film seems to start with the preconception that the Trek fans are great and that most other people just don't understand them--while ignoring the fact that for a tiny minority, the sci-fi series is really a destructive obsession. Although I've seen every Trek show and movie (making me a true fan as well as a geek), I've met a few people who would rather miss their own wedding or give up a decade of their lives to see the next film! Unless you are one of these people, you've got to admit this sort of devotion is unhealthy.

However, with A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY, the film seemed a little more balanced--showing a wider spectrum of fans. Most were NOT the casual fans but were people who stayed in lines for weeks for EPISODE 1 or those who lined up at Toys R Us to get the first Star Wars toys. But, there were also a few who frankly had lost all perspective--such as the people that have made these movies their religion. Interestingly, while the film does show some of the fans who are WAAAYY off the deep end, the film is also sure to point out near the end that these people in general are basically harmless and that this is all, in a way, quite normal. So the film doesn't attack or make fun of the rabid fans but also doesn't ignore the severe cost to a select few who need to "get a life".

While this film wasn't the most exhaustive or interesting documentary I've seen, nor does it come close, it is a pleasant little film with a rather objective point of view.

By the way, try a Google search on the phrase "waiting for star wars" by a guy named "Uncle Tom" and you'll find a very funny little flash animation that should make you laugh.

A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY is a documentary about the STAR WARS phenomenon and its fan base, ranging from the fanatical: Waiting in line to see THE PHANTOM MENACE for 42 days, to the completely bonkers: STAR WARS as a lifestyle / philosophy / religion.

There are interviews with uber-Producer / Director Roger Corman, and a therapist. Fans at various conventions are also interviewed. Celebrity cameos abound, including Meatloaf, Joe Pesci, and Robert Logia.

This film investigates not only the fans, but also the mythology, merchandise, and mania of the SW subculture.

BEST BITS: #1- When Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Corolla cut in front of the line, causing a confrontation with the fans! #2- The hilarious Trekkies protest!

Very well done for the low budget...

I have never seen a more poorly done "documentary".

Bad lighting, bad audio, bad editing, bad music, and ultimately pointless. There was nothing enlightening or amusing about even the parts that made fun of the fans. Low point, a guy in a Superman costume going on about his drug-ridden alcoholic father which has nothing to relate to the rest of the tape. Most comical moment - the credits sequence showing the silent video of celebrities accosted at a golf tournament. Silent because the director forgot to turn on the microphone. Or maybe because they were just saying "Get out of my face!"

The narrator is apparently trying to do a documentary in the style of Werner Herzog, and fails miserably. Shot (badly) on a camcorder. Features very little of what makes the biggest Star Wars fans so fanatic about it. Lots of overkill and hamfisted editing, like comparing the crowd of people attempting to buy Star Wars toys to people reaching for food in a poor country. Not just once, but about six times. Yeah, we get the message. There is one adequately shot interview (with Roger Corman -- he probably set it up himself.)

If you want a more interesting take on a similar theme, try Star Wait, which just covers the people in line for Episode II, but is much more entertaining (and well-done!). Good grief, this is one of the worst things I've ever seen.

This film was picked up on a whim but was thoroughly enjoyed. There are some very funny and poignant things in the film. It is obvious the film makers didn't have a big budget for the film but it didn't hurt it too much. I will continue to recommend it to my friends.