Saving 'Star Wars' (2004) Reviews

• A Parody with Heart

  doorkeypress2005-02-23

  "Saving Star Wars" is a movie for anyone who's lost faith in magic but who desperately wants to believe again. I am not a "Star Wars" fan. But I know the heartbreak of disillusionment. I'll never forget the day in 1987 when I realized that Laser Tag belts did not send the wearer back in time, as the cartoon of the same name suggested. Naturally I got a huge kick out of seeing Woody Garrison (Joe Urban) turn a plastic light saber into a weapon of righteousness. Best friends Woody and Hank (Jim Peterson) have been serious students of the Lucas universe since they saw "Star Wars" together in 1977. Hank still sleeps in jedi jammies and takes calls on a life-sized Yoda phone, but difficult circumstances have turned Woody into an agnostic. It's hard for him to get excited about The Force when his young son Taylor (Scott Heffern II) is dying. Ironically, Taylor's greatest desire is to convince George Lucas to continue making "Star Wars" movies forever, so his father can enjoy the magic and adventure after the boy is gone. Taylor puts his request in writing and asks Woody to deliver the letter to the notoriously reclusive director. The premise is an invitation for melodrama, but the characters express their complicated emotions indirectly, through dialog that is, at times, goofy. An early scene in Taylor's hospital room consists largely of "Airplane!" quotes. Writer/director Gary Wood has a good ear for the way guys use movie references and corny jokes in everyday conversations, and the actors deliver the lines with the perfect mixture of earnestness and self-conscious cheesiness. After much internal debate, Woody accompanies Hank to the Star Wars Celebration II in Indianapolis, where George Lucas may or may not make an appearance. He runs afoul of a hostile press coordinator and a "matrix" of security guards, before finding Lucas (George Starkey) unconscious at his feet. As the story progresses, it morphs into an epic parody of the best scenes from the "Star Wars" movies. A low-rent "pod race" is fall down funny, while a roof-top showdown creates real suspense by faithfully adhering to the rules of action sequence editing. The likable Dave Prowse, as himself, busts a few Darth Vader moves. And, of course, no "Star Wars" parody would be complete without a woman in a gold bikini. Footage shot on location at the 2002 Star Wars Celebration is well-planned and blends seamlessly with footage shot elsewhere. A few scenes might have benefited from better lighting, but technical shortcomings such as these are easy to overlook when the performances are so engaging. Joe Urban and Jim Peterson are irresistible as, well, a couple of dorks. Whether or not Peterson likes "Star Wars" in real life, he approaches the role of Hank with remarkable affection and respect for the character's passion. Gary Wood makes an important distinction between Hank's true admiration, and the immature obsession of "Darth Bader" (Scott C. Sendelweck), a character who steals the script for Episode III. Joe Urban is sympathetic as the world-weary skeptic who tentatively taps into The Force to escape increasingly outrageous situations. Gary Wood's low-budget, feel-good comedy suggests that there's dorkiness in all of us, and that we'll never be truly happy until we accept it. "Saving Star Wars" convinced the dork in me.

• Two thumbs up! I laughed, I cried, It moved me, Bob.

  skerdog-12004-06-26

  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.

• I saw Saving Star Wars at a library...

  samusaran7152005-02-25

  and it was great. the movie had a good balance of drama and comedy, leaning more towards the comedy side as they are lots of light saber fights and David Prowse writing on a Darth Vader fake Darth Vaders light saber "David Prowse is the only Darth Vader". that had me cracking up. at the screening, the director was there, along with Joe Urban, George Starkey, and someone the IMDb doesn't have on there cast list, the guy who played the Fake George Lucas who was Asian. no Jim Peterson, the guy who played Hank though. i really wanted to meet him, as he seemed like a really funny guy. for any filmmakers out there, i got a word of advice for you. when your movie is lagging a bit towards the middle, put in a random fast paced event. it works like a charm to make the movie interesting again. -Gameboybob

• Delightful film about fans for fans

  BillFoust2004-06-11

  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.

• A Fun Fan Film for Everyone

  memoriesoftheking2005-05-11

  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.