The Force Among Us (US - DVD)
A fan-made doc on the Star Wars legacy? Peter Martin forces himself...
A disclaimer: I'm not much of a Star Wars fan. I know that's pretty blasphemous around these parts but I find it hard to get too excited about a franchise where at least 33% of its input is mediocre. Sure, I know the movies pretty well and they all sit on my shelf (even The Phantom Menace which, let's be honest is awful), but I think the whole craze passed me by.
For this reason, I'm probably not the best person to be reviewing a documentary on Star Wars. And I'm certainly not the best person to be reviewing a documentary on Star Wars fans. That's right; the fan-made The Force Among Us has very little to do with the making of the movies. No, this is purely focused on the fans and their feelings about the saga.
And so I approached The Force Among Us with a mix of curiosity and trepidation and, those of you who have spin-off novels and action figures stashed away, should approach the following review in much the same way. To be honest, I thought long and hard about just how critical I could be towards this disc given its amateur status but, at the end of the day, it's only fair that it's given the same treatment as all the other DVDs, professional or otherwise, that have found their way to this website.
Feature
This is a fan made feature with no ties to Lucasfilm, so you won’t get any clips or music from the films because no one wants to get sued. What you do get is a rather large cast of obsessives detailing how they got into the craze and what it means to them.
I liken the experience of watching this feature to finding yourself in a dedicated web forum for a topic with which you're only vaguely familiar. Frequently incomprehensible, endlessly repetitive and occasionally boring; you just want to get out of there as quickly as possible. Maybe there are people out there who will be interested in what order one of the interviewees will show the Star Wars films to his children or which particular websites another fan has bookmarked, but this reviewer was left a little baffled.
As expected, there are countless shots of various memorabilia collections and the documentary crew follow a few fans as they visit the locations of some of the saga's most key scenes. Would it be snide and rude to confess that I sat laughing in pity at the guy who has spent $30,000 on feeding his habit? It would? Oh well.
Part of the thinking behind this documentary is to explain that Star Wars fans aren't ‘stereotypical’. I'm not sure what the producer/director team of siblings Cristian and Cortney Macht deem to be ‘sterotypical’, but I don't think the documentary disproved any of my opinions. More so it perpetuated the image that Star Wars fans are, well, a little ‘geeky’.
I'm no stranger to the world of overly enthusiastic fandom, but there is surely a limit to how in-depth you can get on any subject; and an eighty-minute documentary on fans themselves is surely pushing it—even for the almighty Star Wars.
Further information on the documentary can be found at the official website
Video
First off, a criticism. The main feature is not split into chapters. Depending on your DVD player it is either impossible to skip through the eighty-six minute documentary, or it'll skip you straight to the extras. As for the image quality, well, it varies dramatically according to the interviewee. Some are over-saturated in colour, some are hard to distinguish from the background.
Audio
The Force Among Us is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Audio. As expected, it's not an overly impressive mix and requires constant fiddling with volume controls to compensate for the way in which the sound level changes from scene to scene.
Extras
Producer/Director team Cristian and Cortney Macht are on hand with an audio commentary detailing the making of the documentary and, if eighty-six minutes worth of Star Wars centric interviews weren't enough, there's some extended moments with the fans. Questions such as ‘If you were alone on a desert island, which Star Wars character would be your ideal companion’ and ‘Would you like to be buried with some Star Wars merchandise when you die?’ are also asked. Words fail me.
Promotional material is also present on the disc, together with photo galleries of the shooting of the documentary.
Overall
It's quite hard to recommend a DVD that has such a narrow target audience and you yourself don't fit into it. Basically, the criterion for purchasing this disc is surely whether you yourself would want to be featured in it. If the prospect of Greedo shooting first keeps you awake at night, this is the disc for you.
For this reason, I'm probably not the best person to be reviewing a documentary on Star Wars. And I'm certainly not the best person to be reviewing a documentary on Star Wars fans. That's right; the fan-made The Force Among Us has very little to do with the making of the movies. No, this is purely focused on the fans and their feelings about the saga.
And so I approached The Force Among Us with a mix of curiosity and trepidation and, those of you who have spin-off novels and action figures stashed away, should approach the following review in much the same way. To be honest, I thought long and hard about just how critical I could be towards this disc given its amateur status but, at the end of the day, it's only fair that it's given the same treatment as all the other DVDs, professional or otherwise, that have found their way to this website.
Feature
This is a fan made feature with no ties to Lucasfilm, so you won’t get any clips or music from the films because no one wants to get sued. What you do get is a rather large cast of obsessives detailing how they got into the craze and what it means to them.
I liken the experience of watching this feature to finding yourself in a dedicated web forum for a topic with which you're only vaguely familiar. Frequently incomprehensible, endlessly repetitive and occasionally boring; you just want to get out of there as quickly as possible. Maybe there are people out there who will be interested in what order one of the interviewees will show the Star Wars films to his children or which particular websites another fan has bookmarked, but this reviewer was left a little baffled.
As expected, there are countless shots of various memorabilia collections and the documentary crew follow a few fans as they visit the locations of some of the saga's most key scenes. Would it be snide and rude to confess that I sat laughing in pity at the guy who has spent $30,000 on feeding his habit? It would? Oh well.
Part of the thinking behind this documentary is to explain that Star Wars fans aren't ‘stereotypical’. I'm not sure what the producer/director team of siblings Cristian and Cortney Macht deem to be ‘sterotypical’, but I don't think the documentary disproved any of my opinions. More so it perpetuated the image that Star Wars fans are, well, a little ‘geeky’.
I'm no stranger to the world of overly enthusiastic fandom, but there is surely a limit to how in-depth you can get on any subject; and an eighty-minute documentary on fans themselves is surely pushing it—even for the almighty Star Wars.
Further information on the documentary can be found at the official website
Video
First off, a criticism. The main feature is not split into chapters. Depending on your DVD player it is either impossible to skip through the eighty-six minute documentary, or it'll skip you straight to the extras. As for the image quality, well, it varies dramatically according to the interviewee. Some are over-saturated in colour, some are hard to distinguish from the background.
Audio
The Force Among Us is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Audio. As expected, it's not an overly impressive mix and requires constant fiddling with volume controls to compensate for the way in which the sound level changes from scene to scene.
Extras
Producer/Director team Cristian and Cortney Macht are on hand with an audio commentary detailing the making of the documentary and, if eighty-six minutes worth of Star Wars centric interviews weren't enough, there's some extended moments with the fans. Questions such as ‘If you were alone on a desert island, which Star Wars character would be your ideal companion’ and ‘Would you like to be buried with some Star Wars merchandise when you die?’ are also asked. Words fail me.
Promotional material is also present on the disc, together with photo galleries of the shooting of the documentary.
Overall
It's quite hard to recommend a DVD that has such a narrow target audience and you yourself don't fit into it. Basically, the criterion for purchasing this disc is surely whether you yourself would want to be featured in it. If the prospect of Greedo shooting first keeps you awake at night, this is the disc for you.
Review by Peter Martin
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Aren't there a few documentaries on Star Wars and it's fans? Seems like someone makes a new one every couple of years or so. I am over the never ending merchandise campaign that is Star Wars.
I always get a kick out of people who slam the merchandising of Star Wars, as if it's such a crime to make money if people are willing to give you it. It underscores the fact that many who bash Star Wars are just uncomfortable about someone else having such huge success while they still probably live in their parents basement.
So the Star Wars version of "Trekkies"?
I like watching these, because it reminds me that, while people claim I'm obsessed with these things, I'm really not when compared to these people. I just like the movies a lot, sue me.
The idea seems to be overdone. Trekkies, Trekkies 2, I'm not surprised that this didn't fare well.
MDH wrote: It underscores the fact that many who bash Star Wars are just uncomfortable about someone else having such huge success while they still probably live in their parents basement.
Wow, a parents' basement joke... You must be really proud of yourself...
I like watching these, because it reminds me that, while people claim I'm obsessed with these things, I'm really not when compared to these people. I just like the movies a lot, sue me.
The idea seems to be overdone. Trekkies, Trekkies 2, I'm not surprised that this didn't fare well.
MDH wrote: It underscores the fact that many who bash Star Wars are just uncomfortable about someone else having such huge success while they still probably live in their parents basement.
Wow, a parents' basement joke... You must be really proud of yourself...
I'm sure many would wish it were just a joke but it was more a statement of fact and is usually consistent with the kind of mindset obsessed with b***hing about Lucas and Star Wars, especially when dwelling on the fact that it makes so much money. Add overweight, girlfriend-less, holding a dead-end job, and I'd be willing to bet the average embittered fanboy meets at least 3 out of 4 of those characteristics.
first off, who the hell are you to pity someone for spending alot of money on a hobby? I pity this website for letting moronic unqualified retards review something they know nothing about. I'm not the biggest star wars fan in the world, and yes, I dont understand some fans at somtimes, but so what? What gives you the right to judge anyone? So if you dont like it, it must be stupid than huh? To each his own! If you dont like dressing up or spending alot of money on merch or even getting star wars tattoos,then dont. But dont put people down who do just cause you dont! I love star wars. I, 1. dont live in my parents basement. 2. Have a girlfriend of 4 years. 3. am not fat. and 4. Am not in a dead end job. If you watched the film, you will see from MUCH smarter DOCTORS AND PROFESSORS that these are untrue stereotypes! And what the F#*k do you meen "narrow fan base"? you really are stupid if you think there is a narrow fan base to star wars. Where did they find this peter martin guy?
Firstly, the producers of the DVD gave Pete the 'right' when they asked us to review the disc. Peter is giving his opinion, which is just as valid as anyone else's (go look up subjectivity). Joining this site to have a hissy fit at someone because they dared to poke fun at Star Wars does nothing more than enforce the 'rabid, obsessive fanatics' stereotype that this documentary was trying to disprove. Way to go, dumbass. Oh, and you're banned for insulting a contributor.
BTW, I'm sure that rant didn't have anything to do with your name turning up in the credits.
BTW, I'm sure that rant didn't have anything to do with your name turning up in the credits.
Well I love the original movies in there original forms. I have to agree that the first two movies "Phantom" & "Clones" were garbage
no matter how pissed i was with "Phantom"... i just can't, no i REFUSE to say it was worse then "Clones"... the Yoda fight was cool and all (but it's splendor was totally toppled by the fight from "Sith"
Nice debate, ending in true style "banning". People have turned to the Dark Side. Woohoo.
Still, I think, stuff like this should be reviewed by someone who likes Star Wars. It doesn't have to be a major fan though. But someone who is closer to the target audience for this dvd. Makes for a better review for the readers who have maybe a slight interest in buying this.
But then again, you guys do whatever you want. This one review won't put me off checking out the site's updates every day ;-) .
Still, I think, stuff like this should be reviewed by someone who likes Star Wars. It doesn't have to be a major fan though. But someone who is closer to the target audience for this dvd. Makes for a better review for the readers who have maybe a slight interest in buying this.
But then again, you guys do whatever you want. This one review won't put me off checking out the site's updates every day ;-) .
first off, this isnt against or aimed at the reviewer or anything, he just shared his opinion and thats that...no harm...but you know what i find funny in this whole "obsessive fan" debate thing?
you have people who find this kinda obsessiveness weird, freaky or pathetic....and in some cases they even put down the "geeks" for what they're into...but then some of these people are just as obsessed and sometimes moreso when it comes to sports or cars or both...i mean they laugh at "geeks" for knowing all these details about shows and movie and then those same people know just as much about certain teams and the players and their histories...i mean whats the difference? isnt that just being a hypocrite? lol
anyway this movie seems like star wars fans thinking "hey those firefly/serenity fans made their own doc about the fandom....we should make one too" lol
i realize Trekkies came first but that was a professional made one...im talking about amateurs here..lol
you have people who find this kinda obsessiveness weird, freaky or pathetic....and in some cases they even put down the "geeks" for what they're into...but then some of these people are just as obsessed and sometimes moreso when it comes to sports or cars or both...i mean they laugh at "geeks" for knowing all these details about shows and movie and then those same people know just as much about certain teams and the players and their histories...i mean whats the difference? isnt that just being a hypocrite? lol
anyway this movie seems like star wars fans thinking "hey those firefly/serenity fans made their own doc about the fandom....we should make one too" lol
i realize Trekkies came first but that was a professional made one...im talking about amateurs here..lol
Bouncy X wrote: you have people who find this kinda obsessiveness weird, freaky or pathetic....and in some cases they even put down the "geeks" for what they're into...but then some of these people are just as obsessed and sometimes moreso when it comes to sports or cars or both...i mean they laugh at "geeks" for knowing all these details about shows and movie and then those same people know just as much about certain teams and the players and their histories...i mean whats the difference? isnt that just being a hypocrite? lol
Yes, yes it is. Unfortunately, no matter how you try to explain it to them, they never quite seem to grasp it. Not implying that they can't grasp it, just that they don't want to.
I didn't find anything particularly "offensive" about the review, don't know why it's getting so much heat for poking fun at fans... I thought it was better that this wasn't reviewed by a huge Star Wars fan, because if this wasn't a bad doc, then it would show, like, it would've proven itself.
Yes, yes it is. Unfortunately, no matter how you try to explain it to them, they never quite seem to grasp it. Not implying that they can't grasp it, just that they don't want to.
I didn't find anything particularly "offensive" about the review, don't know why it's getting so much heat for poking fun at fans... I thought it was better that this wasn't reviewed by a huge Star Wars fan, because if this wasn't a bad doc, then it would show, like, it would've proven itself.
MDH wrote: I always get a kick out of people who slam the merchandising of Star Wars, as if it's such a crime to make money if people are willing to give you it. It underscores the fact that many who bash Star Wars are just uncomfortable about someone else having such huge success while they still probably live in their parents basement.
I guess I pushed a button...
You have your opinion and I have my own. No need for confrontational drivel. This is not IMDB, we use adult speak here and write with respect MDH.
I guess I pushed a button...
You have your opinion and I have my own. No need for confrontational drivel. This is not IMDB, we use adult speak here and write with respect MDH.
I really don't get you guys saying that this disc should have been reviewed by a Star Wars fan. Isn't that preaching to the converted? If the aim of this documentary was to alter the perceptions of those who have a 'negative' opinion of Star Wars 'geeks', surely having someone who's not a die-hard fan review it is the ideal scenario. Or am I being too logical?
Chris Gould wrote: I really don't get you guys saying that this disc should have been reviewed by a Star Wars fan. Isn't that preaching to the converted? If the aim of this documentary was to alter the perceptions of those who have a 'negative' opinion of Star Wars 'geeks', surely having someone who's not a die-hard fan review it is the ideal scenario. Or am I being too logical?
But logically, how many people are going to be reading the review who aren't Star Wars fans? Lofty philosophical and artistic ambitions aside, I'd agree that this probably should have been reviewed by someone in a better position to appreciate it because those people are mostly likely going to be the ones reading the review.
But logically, how many people are going to be reading the review who aren't Star Wars fans? Lofty philosophical and artistic ambitions aside, I'd agree that this probably should have been reviewed by someone in a better position to appreciate it because those people are mostly likely going to be the ones reading the review.
Tim Levine wrote: Chris Gould wrote: I really don't get you guys saying that this disc should have been reviewed by a Star Wars fan. Isn't that preaching to the converted? If the aim of this documentary was to alter the perceptions of those who have a 'negative' opinion of Star Wars 'geeks', surely having someone who's not a die-hard fan review it is the ideal scenario. Or am I being too logical?
But logically, how many people are going to be reading the review who aren't Star Wars fans? Lofty philosophical and artistic ambitions aside, I'd agree that this probably should have been reviewed by someone in a better position to appreciate it because those people are mostly likely going to be the ones reading the review.
Not quite. As the Star Wars fans ARE going to buy the DVD anyway, they're not the most likely to read the review before buying it, or if they do, it will probably not change their decision to buy it or not.
The target of the review is the "occasional fan" or the person who's wondering what the fuss this Starwarsmania is all about, and who thinks that maybe a documentary is going to answer his/her questions or make him/her learn something about Star Wars.
I find this review much more interesting because the reviewer isn't a Star Wars fan.
But logically, how many people are going to be reading the review who aren't Star Wars fans? Lofty philosophical and artistic ambitions aside, I'd agree that this probably should have been reviewed by someone in a better position to appreciate it because those people are mostly likely going to be the ones reading the review.
Not quite. As the Star Wars fans ARE going to buy the DVD anyway, they're not the most likely to read the review before buying it, or if they do, it will probably not change their decision to buy it or not.
The target of the review is the "occasional fan" or the person who's wondering what the fuss this Starwarsmania is all about, and who thinks that maybe a documentary is going to answer his/her questions or make him/her learn something about Star Wars.
I find this review much more interesting because the reviewer isn't a Star Wars fan.
I think the best person to review it is someone who ISN'T a Star Wars fan, as that person can look at the quality of the film a lot more objectively rather than sitting there thinking "yeah, Star Wars rocks... 9/10 for this documentary about all the people who think like me!!!" I'm sure that if you want to read reviews that give no consideration to the technical merits of the documentary by viewing it objectively, or for how the content is put across (and what the content is) then there are plenty of fan sites where you can read reviews like that.
I said it in the first post and I'll say it again, nice review, and well done for sitting through this one. :-D
I said it in the first post and I'll say it again, nice review, and well done for sitting through this one. :-D
How about one of those Vs reviews where you get two people to review it?
Whilst a non-Star Wars fan is going to be more objective as to whether the video/sound/etc is up to scratch - not that I'm saying that the Star Wars Fan wouldn't be but they'd be more likely to be lenient given the content - a Star Wars fan can comment about whether the content of the dvd will offer Star Wars fans (who, like you said are the ones likely to buy this) anything new from the myriad of other stuff that is already out there.
Whilst a non-Star Wars fan is going to be more objective as to whether the video/sound/etc is up to scratch - not that I'm saying that the Star Wars Fan wouldn't be but they'd be more likely to be lenient given the content - a Star Wars fan can comment about whether the content of the dvd will offer Star Wars fans (who, like you said are the ones likely to buy this) anything new from the myriad of other stuff that is already out there.
Actually, if you read the review, I think it gives a good overview of what's actually in there in terms of content, as well as objective criticism of it.
I was down to review this until I got too busy and asked Peter to step in. I consider myself a fan, but I have to say that what little I saw of the documentary actually reinforced all of the negative stereotypes associated with Star Wars fans. Grown men running around Stormtrooper outfits. Guys with garages, houses, and even storage lockers full of Star Wars toys and paraphernalia. Yet more guys doing cosplay with home-made Boba Fett costumes. People taking the question 'which Star Wars character would you like to be stranded on a desert island with' just a little bit too seriously.
Don't get me wrong, I love the films and have written numerous articles on the DVDs for this site, but you wouldn't catch me running around dressed as Qui-Gon Jinn waving a Force FX lightsaber at the weekends.
Don't get me wrong, I love the films and have written numerous articles on the DVDs for this site, but you wouldn't catch me running around dressed as Qui-Gon Jinn waving a Force FX lightsaber at the weekends.
I guess I'd consider myself a fan of Star Wars. I have little interest in buying the DVD, but enough interest to read the review. I'm a fan of Star Wars but I really don't have much interest in the merchandising other than things that provide additions stories (i.e. I'm enough of a fan to tell you that the Timothy Zahn and Kevin J. Anderson novels were really good and that I really enjoy the John Ostrander comics). That being said , I'm perplexed at how reviews where the reviewer didn't enjoy something because he or she obviously didn't "get it" provide much value to anyone. It would be much more valuable in a decision making process about whether or not to buy something like this to read a review of someone who "got it" but still didn't like it.
Like I said before, the fact that they didn't get it based on the film proves that it's not good.
Every reason has been stated, so I'm not going to be a broken record...
Every reason has been stated, so I'm not going to be a broken record...
Cheddar J. Cheese wrote: Like I said before, the fact that they didn't get it based on the film proves that it's not good.
I guess to me, that's kind of like saying if you didn't get "Return of the King" because you hadn't seen the other ones, then that proves that it's not good. Not a perfect comparison, but close. It illustrates the point that we live in an era where some art is built upon other art and experiences.
I guess to me, that's kind of like saying if you didn't get "Return of the King" because you hadn't seen the other ones, then that proves that it's not good. Not a perfect comparison, but close. It illustrates the point that we live in an era where some art is built upon other art and experiences.
OK, so I've read everyone's comments with interest and I thank you all for reading the review. I'm not surprised by the negative feelings but I can honestly say it wasn't written to provoke a big reaction.
Some points:
* The website for this DVD states : "The movie was created for both the fans AND the people that NEED to be educated about who the fans really are and why they are so passionate about the movies.".
I fit into the latter category as someone who enjoys (most of) the movies but isn't enthusiastic enough to explore the saga in other mediums. For that reason, it's a little unfair to say I'm unqualified to review this disc. Sure, I didn't enjoy reviewing it; but it seems to have been intentionally made for me as much as someone who has tons of spin-off merchandise.
In an ideal world, we would have a dedicated Star Wars fan's review. However, there seems to be plenty of people heaping praise on the documentary at http://theforceamongus.com/ , so I guess that balances things out slightly.
* In the summary, I state that, if you're a hardcore fan, this is the disc for you. I could have given it 10/10 and reviewed it from the bogus position of a dedicated fan, but that would be completely unfair to the readers. If you think I'm an ar**hole, if you think I've been unfair, then I implore you to go and buy the DVD and support this fan-made production. Chances are, that if you feel this strongly, the DVD IS for you. But it's not for me and other people who are not into Star Wars quite so much.
* This is not a Star Wars site. It's a DVD site.
Some points:
* The website for this DVD states : "The movie was created for both the fans AND the people that NEED to be educated about who the fans really are and why they are so passionate about the movies.".
I fit into the latter category as someone who enjoys (most of) the movies but isn't enthusiastic enough to explore the saga in other mediums. For that reason, it's a little unfair to say I'm unqualified to review this disc. Sure, I didn't enjoy reviewing it; but it seems to have been intentionally made for me as much as someone who has tons of spin-off merchandise.
In an ideal world, we would have a dedicated Star Wars fan's review. However, there seems to be plenty of people heaping praise on the documentary at http://theforceamongus.com/ , so I guess that balances things out slightly.
* In the summary, I state that, if you're a hardcore fan, this is the disc for you. I could have given it 10/10 and reviewed it from the bogus position of a dedicated fan, but that would be completely unfair to the readers. If you think I'm an ar**hole, if you think I've been unfair, then I implore you to go and buy the DVD and support this fan-made production. Chances are, that if you feel this strongly, the DVD IS for you. But it's not for me and other people who are not into Star Wars quite so much.
* This is not a Star Wars site. It's a DVD site.
I think there are these fan obsessives in all walks of life. Personalities who can't draw a line and say 'okay, how far am I prepared to run with this and when is far far away 'too far?' It's obsessive compulsion that stops people taking control of their actions, be it drinking, taking drugs or spending more money than is reasonable on bits of plastic forever wrapped in it's original packaging. No, I'm not saying buying SW merchandise or being a rabid/costume wearing fan is as damaging as alchoholism but the same lack of self control and rational thought lies at the root of both.
I am a fan of the films. They, like for many people, were the reason for my interest in films growing up. I too had figures and toys and if you were to ask my family if they believed I thought of nothing but SW 24/7, answer would have been a definate yes. The diference is, I sold/got rid of those toys when I was 13 or 14 years old. The subjects of this documentary never did an in all probability increased their 'usage' at that age.
I too, can count myself as a fan of the films yet at the same time would steer well clear of this documentary. Even without reading this (honest) review, the title alone would tell me that I'd be watching it slack jawed at the banality of it all and with great concern for the mental well being of those involved.
George LUcas isn't this obsessed with SW. It's a business to him. The people who made the films (I'll wager) aren't as obsessed. I remember reading that Ewan McGregor on the set of TPM bemoaned the lack of somewhere to keep his fags in his Jedi robes. Is he obsessed about SW. Even when making it? It's a job. It's fun for kids but its a job and money making enterprise.
It's not a way of life or a religion.
But I respect those who choose to ..... ehhh you know the rest.
Live Long & Prosper.
I am a fan of the films. They, like for many people, were the reason for my interest in films growing up. I too had figures and toys and if you were to ask my family if they believed I thought of nothing but SW 24/7, answer would have been a definate yes. The diference is, I sold/got rid of those toys when I was 13 or 14 years old. The subjects of this documentary never did an in all probability increased their 'usage' at that age.
I too, can count myself as a fan of the films yet at the same time would steer well clear of this documentary. Even without reading this (honest) review, the title alone would tell me that I'd be watching it slack jawed at the banality of it all and with great concern for the mental well being of those involved.
George LUcas isn't this obsessed with SW. It's a business to him. The people who made the films (I'll wager) aren't as obsessed. I remember reading that Ewan McGregor on the set of TPM bemoaned the lack of somewhere to keep his fags in his Jedi robes. Is he obsessed about SW. Even when making it? It's a job. It's fun for kids but its a job and money making enterprise.
It's not a way of life or a religion.
But I respect those who choose to ..... ehhh you know the rest.
Live Long & Prosper.
Chris Gould wrote: I was down to review this until I got too busy and asked Peter to step in. I consider myself a fan, but I have to say that what little I saw of the documentary actually reinforced all of the negative stereotypes associated with Star Wars fans. Grown men running around Stormtrooper outfits. Guys with garages, houses, and even storage lockers full of Star Wars toys and paraphernalia. Yet more guys doing cosplay with home-made Boba Fett costumes. People taking the question 'which Star Wars character would you like to be stranded on a desert island with' just a little bit too seriously.
Don't get me wrong, I love the films and have written numerous articles on the DVDs for this site, but you wouldn't catch me running around dressed as Qui-Gon Jinn waving a Force FX lightsaber at the weekends.
Actually, that's the best answer in this whole thread.
Well put.
Don't get me wrong, I love the films and have written numerous articles on the DVDs for this site, but you wouldn't catch me running around dressed as Qui-Gon Jinn waving a Force FX lightsaber at the weekends.
Actually, that's the best answer in this whole thread.
Well put.
Also if the 1982 in Wormser1982 is the year of his or (doubtfully) her birthday, then he's/she's unqualified to comment on SW as 'they weren't there man'. 'They weren't there in 77 so they don't know'. They didn't even have the decency to be born in time for Raiders. Yeah that's right RAIDERS not 'the Adventures of Indiana Jones part 38 or whatever it was re-badged as for the boxset.
Mmm. I appear to have gone a bit obsessed.
Mmm. I appear to have gone a bit obsessed.
I'm make no criticism of you whatsoever, Peter. You're just doing the job that was given you the best that you can.
My suspicion is that this is a probably a fairly lousy film. However, I feel that the review would have been infinitely more USEFUL for the potential buyers of the DVD if they would have heard that for someone in a better position to appreciate the subject matter.
My suspicion is that this is a probably a fairly lousy film. However, I feel that the review would have been infinitely more USEFUL for the potential buyers of the DVD if they would have heard that for someone in a better position to appreciate the subject matter.
Exactly how would Pete being a fanatical Star Wars obsessive have improved this review? It may well have influenced him to give it a higher score, but then he'd probably have come in for criticism for being biased towards the subject matter. It sounds like you are you saying that no one should have an opinion on anything unless they have intimate knowledge of it.
Chris Gould wrote: It sounds like you are you saying that no one should have an opinion on anything unless they have intimate knowledge of it.
No. What I'm saying is that if someone can remain relatively unbiased, intimate knowledge of something can give their opinion a lot more credibility. Opinions are neither right or wrong, but informed opinions generally tend to be better than uninformed opinions.
Again, I'm guessing that it's not a good film, but hearing that from a Star Wars fan would probably make the review a lot more valuable to most of the folks who would be reading it.
No. What I'm saying is that if someone can remain relatively unbiased, intimate knowledge of something can give their opinion a lot more credibility. Opinions are neither right or wrong, but informed opinions generally tend to be better than uninformed opinions.
Again, I'm guessing that it's not a good film, but hearing that from a Star Wars fan would probably make the review a lot more valuable to most of the folks who would be reading it.
Disc Details
Release Date:
2nd November 2007
Discs:
1
Disc Type:
Single side, dual layer
RCE:
No
Video:
PAL
Aspect:
1.33:1
Anamorphic:
No
Colour:
Yes
Audio:
Dolby DIgital 2.0 English
Subtitles:
No
Extras:
Director's Commentary, Extended Interviews, Location footage, Photo Galleries
Easter Egg:
No
Feature Details
Director:
Cristian and Courtney Macht
Cast:
John Tenuto, Ken Gates, Dick Staub, Dan Madsen, Mark Dermul, Dustin Roberts and many, many more
Genre:
Documentary
Length:
86 minutes
Ratings
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Just a thought, you mentioned laughing at people who spend thousands on their obsessions, but if we take into account the hardware as well as the discs themselves, don't one or two people on this site fall into that category? It's fair enough to laugh at such things, and I'm probably guilty enough of spending far more than I should on films too.