Saving 'Star Wars'

I must preface this review with the fact that I am a life long "Star Wars" fan, costumer, and collector and have seen many so called "fan films". Many of them are a thinly veiled story to propel a light-saber battle. This film was very different. "Saving Star Wars" gives the viewer a REAL story with REAL characters that grab you. You care about them, applaud them, and get a tear in your eye at some points. I laughed hysterically at a great many parts of the film and am still thinking about it days later...which is more than I can say for some of the other "big" films I have seen.

This film is well written, well acted and just plain good. I think it gives a real look at fans who are passionate about "Star Wars" and the impact films have on people's lives....

I LOVED it, I pre-ordered it, and I can't wait to see it again and again!

I saw the premier June 9th. I went having no idea of what to expect except that it must have something to do with Star Wars. I must say I was impressed. Its loaded with Star Wars quotes, references and jokes that fans will appreciate, but the story is truly about the crazy things people will do for their loved ones. It also tries to examine what Star Wars means to people.

The movies takes place during the Star Wars Celebration II that took place in Indianapolis in 2002 when the main character (Woody) attends to find and talk to George Lucas. After several failed attempts he accidentally knocks Lucas out and ends up "kidnapping" him. Of course things get crazier from there.

All-in-all I thought it was a great movie. Some of the dialog seemed dry and the various Matrix references, while funny, seemed out of place. The cinematography was good and the characters of Woody and Hank had great chemistry. I expect it will be shown at Celebration III, but I hope Gary Wood can do more with it.

If you take this little gem for what it is: A low budget film by a first time director, with a volunteer cast & crew filmed on location at Celebration II (a Star Wars convention), it's a masterpiece.

I had the pleasure of attending a screening with with director Gary Wood and star David Prowse (who plays himself) in attendance. I enjoyed it enough to buy the DVD after the screening, and have enjoyed repeated viewings. The cast is very good and has a lot of fun with this touching and very funny script. Lee Ann Millen makes this film well worth watching. The actor playing Gearge Lucas does a great job. The director gave a copy to Mr. Lucas himself. I would love to read his review of it.

Pop some popcorn and sit back and enjoy.

Starwars mockumentaries are as abundant as they are poorly made, unfortunately. Saving Star Wars is no exception. Sandwiched between lack luster cinematography is a meandering plot, amateur acting and just plain goofy dialog (even for a Starwars knockoff). This film is a text book case of a producer with money throwing it at a group of amateurs to make a film. The byproduct is not funny, cannot be taken seriously (even when it wants to) and is not entertaining even to the most rabid Starwars fan (like myself). The film fails technically as well, with poor editing and poor camera work resulting in many out of focus shots, seamed panning and lots of camera bounce. It looks like most of the work was done with a Canon XL-1 or possibly mended together with GL-1 shots as well. Scenes inside the convention center were cast in the dreaded "green" from fluorescent lights, further evidence of poor camera work and lack of gel use. No true "tone" of the film was ever established or maintained.

The occasional bright spots were performances by Jim Peterson as Hank, who becomes more annoying than funny over time, George Starkey as George Lucas, who bears a striking resemblance to Lucas, a confident Lee Ann Millen as Lisa (Princess Lea/Padme) who combined slightly odd/cuteness with toughness (every Starwars fan dream girl) and Scott Sendelweck as Dennis Bayder, who is actually quite capable of better performances. Apollo Bacala is hilarious and effortless as Melvin Lucas and provides the only true belly laughs of the entire film.

Being able to point to the many locales I know of personally and smile and say "hey, they're at so and so..." doesn't make up for the fact that this film falls flat on its face and furthers the notion that the Indy film scene is as pathetic as it is amateur.

Just an enjoyable time. Haven't laughed that hard at a movie in a LONG time. The story was good, the actors right on, and the location shooting, throughout Indianapolis, was just incredible. Joe Urban showcased a range of emotions and pulled you right into his character, Woody. Jim Peterson's character, Hank, was the comic relief for the film and boy does Jim have great comic timing. And those facial expressions! How wonderful to see Dave Prowse again after all these years (and without his Darth Vader costume), and able to poke fun at himself and the Star Wars legacy. Jennifer Eichler (aka "The Watson's Girl") does a funny cameo as the stereotypical "dumb blonde". George Starkey looks eerily like George Lucas...great casting there. And finally there was Lee Ann Millen. Wow. Interesting character and those costumes ! Carrie Fisher has NOTHING on this gal!

The inclusion of the Matrix-like characters just added to the comic feel of this fun movie. Go see it now. You won't regret it.