Opening 30 Jul 2009
Directed by:
Kyle Newman
Writing credits:
Ernest Cline, Adam F. Goldberg, Dan Pulick
Principal actors:
Sam Huntington, Chris Marquette, Dan Fogler, Jay Baruchel, Kristen Bell
In 1998 Eric, Windows and Hutch are 24 going on 15. Eric sells cars for his father’s business. Windows works at an internet store and Hutch lives over his mother’s garage. They spend every free minute reliving scenes from Star Wars movies. Their most anticipated event is the release of the new movie: Star Wars Episode I: Phantom Menace. At a Halloween party (guess what kind of costumes!), they learn that their friend Linus suffers from cancer and may never live to see the film. Soon, all four, as well as a girl named Zoe, cram into Hutch’s van and hit the road for California where they will, no less, steal the film before its release, in time for Linus to view it and die in peace. It’s the least they can do for their friend. On their way from Ohio to George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch near San Francisco, they enjoy and endure various adventures. They land in a bikers’ bar (similar to the one in Blues Brothers) where they are forced to strip (like The Full Monty); they confront much-hated Trekkies (fans of Star Trek films); eat guacamole full of LSD; and disrobe prostitutes in Las Vegas. They actually realize their goal, and all are influenced in some way by their experiences on the road. The trip is the goal.
This is a harmless fun film for teenagers and nostalgic lovers of Star Wars. Young actors such as Sam Huntington, Kristen Bell and Dan Fogler bring life to the film with constant patter such as “I feel the force” or “Give yourself to the dark side” or a new one: “Hotties on the slotties.” Some of the jokes get old (Hutch has only one testicle), but the guys are lovable, innocent teddy bears. Fans – not only fanboys - will recognize Carrie Fisher, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, and William Shatner (from Star Wars, Clerks and Star Trek respectively) in cameo performances. (Becky Tan)
