Saving Star Wars (2004) User Reviews

Not bad, but...

[Bitchen-2 · 6/10 · 21 June 2005]

Good Lord! This movie needed a cinematographer. Nearly a third of the shots are out of focus! I like the concept, and for a low-budget Indie, it wasn't bad. Had some real laugh-out-loud moments, too. The Matrix allusions wore thin, but the Star Wars and convention gags were dead on.

George Starkey's Lucas was as dead on as I'd expect from a Hollywood film.

Ultimately, Jim Peterson's Hank steals the movie with his "comic relief" character that hits the nail on the head.

Director Wood's choice to play the lightsabers straight (as plastic toys and not roto-scoped light sabers) was a stroke of genius.

Unfortunately the film suffered technically. The sound and photography left much to be desired.

Worth the rent.

For fans of Star Wars Only

[JohnLicona · 5/10 · 12 March 2005]

The Star Wars geek inside of me did laugh a few times. However if you're not a fan of the films. If you don't sit there and collect the stupid action figure variants, Don't quote the film incessantly to your friends, you may not really enjoy this film. At it's core it's a film about a father and what he do for his dying son. But let's be honest most of it is just an excuse for grown men to hit each other with plastic lightsabers. And we're not talking about twenty something guys. We're talking about fat balding 40 year olds. It doesn't have the same crossover appeal of 'FREE ENTERPRISE'. And it's not as funny either. This film could've benefited from a shorter running time and tighter editing job. To paraphrase the film in regards to the edits that should've been made on Phantom Menace. You should've gone in and out get to the point quicker and cutback on some of the exposition, let us get back to decent pace and limit the kid's screen time. Let's do talk about the things I did like. The director really did try to make this a film as professional looking as possible. Some of the shots were amazingly good for an independent feature. Aside from the terrible acting job the son did, (Yeah I know he's a kid, but you could have admitted to yourself he sucked and have him do the lines again, only at least this time a bit more audible) the rest of the principle cast did a great job. The Star Wars in Jokes were great. And The Actor who plays Hank has some decent comedic timing. The Matrix gag may have worn thin but I swear I saw a Chasing Amy Reference? Or am I crazy? It's obvious some of the convention scenes were done in a small comic shop, but the long shots were done at a much larger convention, nice work keeping that all together. Good job By David Prowse and The actor who played George Lucas, My crazy girlfriend actually thought it was him. I also want you to know Now I can't get Rock Me Amidala out of my head. Good production values all around, and I would have rated it much higher except, this is a Film only a Star Wars fan Can Love.

A Parody with Heart

[doorkeypress · 23 February 2005]

"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.

Low quality in all aspects.

[jamescook274 · 2/10 · 4 January 2006]

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.

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

[skerdog-1 · 10/10 · 26 June 2004]

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.

Indy-Pendant Movies Rule!

[Keeper_Indy · 7/10 · 30 June 2004]

I took a friend to see this movie with me and as I worked a little behind the scenes I kept nudging her with my elbow saying, "That was filmed at Riley!" or wherever the scene was shot at. I must say it's different watching a movie where you have been behind the scenes.

Lets see, take 4 cups "A Knights Tale", 6 cups "Weekend at Bernie's", 2 cups "Clerks", and 3 cups "Scary Movie" and put all ingredients in a bowl. Blend with mixer until mixture is creamy. (about 40 different strokes, if mixing by hand) Place in a 16:9 silver baking dish and give to writer / director Gary Wood to bake. What you have is an excellent movie that will keep you laughing out loud from start to finish.

A story about a father (Woody) who loves his son that has been stricken with a terminal illness. They both have precious memories of seeing the StarWars movies with each other. His son makes a last request for his father to continue to go see the movies without him and remember him when he does. Woody is dragged to Indianapolis by his best friend (Hank) to a StarWars convention with a goal to talk to George Lucas (played by George Starkey) and get him to never stop making StarWars movies. Along the way Hank winds up, somehow, in the most hilarious scenarios you can imagine and learns what it will truly take to fulfill his son's wish.

Doesn't sound like a comedy you say. Well, that's where the brilliance of Gary Wood comes into play and you'll just have to go see the movie to see how he does it! When the credits hit I couldn't believe that nearly an hour and forty-five minutes had gone by. To me that says it all - See you at the movies !!!

A Fun Fan Film for Everyone

[memoriesoftheking · 8/10 · 11 May 2005]

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.

Delightful film about fans for fans

[BillFoust · 11 June 2004]

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.

I saw Saving Star Wars at a library...

[samusaran715 · 10/10 · 25 February 2005]

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

Review Excerpt from Whatzup? Magazine, Ft. Wayne, IN

[woodworksfilms · 10/10 · 17 April 2005]

Saving Star Wars by Catherine Lee

One of the things that is most charming about Saving Star Wars is how simpatico I felt about so many of the opinions he expresses regarding the meaning and significance of Star Wars. As someone who will never give up the experience of going to the movie theater to be part of a crowd in the dark, no matter how sophisticated home theaters get, I particularly admired one sentiment: in the world of Saving Star Wars, what matters most about Star Wars or any great film are the happy memories of sharing movies with people we love. I remember the when, where and with whom of many, many movies. Even a bad movie can be great when shared with the right friends.

Saving Star Wars is not a big-budget movie, but it is a movie with a lot of heart. The affection of the filmmakers for their project is infectious. There aren't elaborate sets, just found locations around the Indianapolis area. And Saving Star Wars uses the huge fan conventions that happen in Indianapolis as a background for the story.

David Prowse, the actor who played Darth Vader (the man in the suit, not the voice) makes an important cameo appearance in Saving Star Wars. He plays himself. In the movie, he's in Indianapolis for the Star Wars celebration. As Prowse says in Saving Star Wars, "Star Wars is like pizza. When its good, its really, really good. And even when its bad, its still pizza."

Full review: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387563/usercomments-enter

Another review:

Some Others Also Perceive the Emperor as Naked by Kevin P. Murphy

The final Star Wars trilogy (Episodes I, II, and III) wasn't a complete waste of time, because it/they stimulated an independent, Indianapolis, Indiana, produced film, "Saving Star Wars," that does, in a low-budget sort of way, recapture the essential magic of the original trilogy.

The movie is concerned with the conflict between reality and extreme fanout with respect to the "Star Wars" series of movies. A "Woodworks" film, "SSW" was written and directed by Gary L. Wood (who also wound up performing in the movie when a key actor failed to show up on "shooting day").

After an accidental meeting with George Lucas that innocently turns into an impromptu kidnapping, chaos becomes the star performer at "Star Wars Celebration II." Will Woody and Hank save the day, release Lucas, preserve the secrecy surrounding Episode III, avoid prison and fulfill a father's promise to his seriously ill son? One has to see the movie to answer those questions, of course, but I can tell you that seeing the movie isn't a bad plan.

While the movie has need of polishing, in that regard it is in good company with a lot of high-budget Hollywood releases that come nowhere near "Saving Star Wars" in terms of having a credible, interesting story and heart. And it is refreshingly free of gratuitous profanity, which again separates it from the mass of big-budget releases.

It is interesting to note, too, that the cast consisted of unpaid actors who did it for the exposure, or for love of "Star Wars," and for the thrill of making a "real" movie. This is not meant to suggest that professional actors should work for peanuts...suffice it to say that, while "Saving Star Wars" (http://www.savingstarwars.com ) is clearly (and correctly, I believe) critical of the parts of the second trilogy that were then (2003) known, it is a lovingly critical work.

Copyright 2005 Kevin P. Murphy

Posted: Sun - October 2, 2005 at 08:58 PM Kevin Murphy's Web Archives New Reviews-2005

Applause!

[farfel51 · 24 August 2004]

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!

The best independent low-budget movie you will ever see!

[KSprowl · 10/10 · 21 April 2005]

I viewed this movie this evening and was amazed at the writing, plot and cinematography of this no-budget film that was made for $50,000 that could rival the most of the big budget movies that have been made.

If you are a Star Wars fan, it is a plus, but it is not necessary to get a feel for the story and its well-developed characters.

Even more impressive is the producer/director, Gary Wood & his wife, had not even studied in the film industry...he only had a desire to make a film and put $50M on the line to fulfill his dream. He did not limit himself to the "box" when writing the film and had the attitude from "Field of Dreams"..."If you build it, they will come".

The no-pay actors were great, as was the directing and script. Kudos the all involved in this effort and highly recommend this movie! Star Wars Veteran, David Prouse, is a plus in this wonderful film!

a good movie for buffs of a lot of movies, not just star wars

[stikeforce · 25 July 2004]

i saw this movie at the reshowing on Friday before fantasy in Chesapeake, VA. it needs editing, but Gary wood said he's still editing, so hopefully it will get tightened up. it's a relatively disjointed story of a man (woody) who's son (Taylor) is mortally ill and the son only wants star wars to go on, so his father will always have something to remember him (Taylor) by. the majority of the movie takes place at the star wars celebration, where woody and his childhood friend, hank (my favorite character) want to meet George Lucas to give Lucas a letter from Taylor. the ensuing situations make up the bulk of the movie.there are such weird characters as Dennis badder (a Vader wannabe)agent smith (one of Lucas' guard) Salvatore (a minion of Lucas') Lisa (a great tribute to padme and Leia) i went into it expecting to be more depressed than tickled, but i was wrong. when the movie is funny, it's VERY funny.there are many tips of the hat to such diverse movies as the godfather, airplane, and even star trek (watch for it) it was great to see Dave prowse looking healthy and he has a good ear for comedy and a wonderful deadpan delivery. i recommend this movie to movie buffs, star wars buffs in particular. even most people in fandom should enjoy it.