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Fanboys

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Fanboys (2009)

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Reviews Counted:85

Fresh:27

Rotten:58

Average Rating:4.8/10

Consensus: This undercooked, sporadically funny road movie is a sop to Star Wars fanatics, but the uninitiated will find little to enjoy.

Runtime: 90 mins

Genre: Comedies

Synopsis: STAR WARS zealots, rejoice, for thy movie is at hand: an odyssey across America with a van full of hardcore science-fiction-loving geeks that drop STAR WARS quotes at the drop of a vintage... STAR WARS zealots, rejoice, for thy movie is at hand: an odyssey across America with a van full of hardcore science-fiction-loving geeks that drop STAR WARS quotes at the drop of a vintage collector's-item Darth Vader helmet. Their mission: to infiltrate Skywalker ranch--or die trying--and heist a pre-release print of THE PHANTOM MENACE. With stops along the way for bad internet dates and general misbehavior (as well as some drama concerning one of the fanboys dying of cancer), their mission becomes a whole STAR WARS-style adventure in itself, their van doubling for the Millennium Falcon plunging through the outer space of the Midwest. There's sci-fi-convention-collectible eye candy, surreal car chases, and moments from the STAR WARS films (such as the trash compactor scene) recreated with loving detail. Dan Fogler (BALLS OF FURY) supplies the hairy guy momentum and Kristen Bell (FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL) is surprisingly funny as the requisite way-out-of-their-league hot chick, who just happens to love STAR WARS too (those lucky nerds). The hilarious Seth Rogen shows up in several mangy roles, and there are cameos by Billy Dee Williams (as Judge Reinhold), Carrie Fisher, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Boba Fett, Darth Maul, an actor playing a kung fu version of Aint it Cool's Harry Knowles, and even William Shatner. Kevin Spacey was one of the film's producers. [More]

Starring: Sam Huntington, Jay Baruchel, Dan Fogler, Kristen Bell

Starring: Sam Huntington, Jay Baruchel, Dan Fogler, Kristen Bell, Pell James, Thom Bishops, Seth Rogen, William Shatner, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Ray Park, Christopher McDonald, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Jaime King

Director: Kyle Newman

Director: Kyle Newman
Screenwriter: Ernest Cline, Adam F. Goldberg
Story: Ernest Cline, Dan Pulick
Producer: Dana Brunetti, Kevin Spacey, Matthew Perniciaro, Evan Astrowsky
Composer: Mark Mothersbaugh
Studio: Weinstein Company

[See More Credits]

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Reviews for Fanboys

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1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Reviews
Tomatometer Critic Review Category
splat

Tim Grierson

This long-delayed comedy may pique the interest of Star Wars fans, but the film's slapdash humour and broad characterisations will have most everyone else heading to another galaxy far, far away.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 02 2009 05:47 PM

Screen International

splat
1.5/4

Sonny Bunch

Those unsure of what a scruffy nerfherder is or what the planet Kashyyyk represents in the broader Star Wars universe will probably want to sit this one out.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 30 2009 12:59 PM

Washington Times

tomato
B

Jordan Hoffman

For those who get a gag like 'Looking for love in Alderaan places?' you don't have to worry if the movie is on your level or not.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 14 2009 06:47 AM

UGO

splat
2/4

David Nusair

...the film really only works in fits and starts...

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jul., 14 2009 08:27 AM

Reel Film Reviews

tomato

Trent Griffiths

At times the structure labours, but ultimately Fanboys rises above routine Hollywood fare because it never makes fun of the people it represents.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 05 2009 07:23 AM

FILMINK (Australia)

splat
2/4

Felix Vasquez Jr.

I have never not laughed so much since I saw "Gone Fishin'"...

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | May., 03 2009 07:56 AM

Cinema Crazed

splat
1.5/4

Phil Villarreal

What if the movie sucks?

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Apr., 29 2009 01:55 PM

Arizona Daily Star

tomato
3/5

Jim Slotek

Fanboys does have a heart buried under all that dandruff and sexual frustration.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Apr., 03 2009 12:36 PM

Jam! Movies

tomato
2.5/4

Greg Quill

Buoyed by infectious high spirits and self-deprecating humour, the film works in strange and perhaps unintentional ways, thanks largely to the sustained energy of the lead actors, and writers Ernest Cline and Adam F. Goldberg.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Apr., 03 2009 09:49 AM

Toronto Star

splat
2/4

Rick Groen

Turns out there is something more annoying than an infatuated bunch of Star Wars nerds. Turns out a movie about an infatuated bunch of Star Wars nerds can really set your teeth on edge.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Apr., 02 2009 06:23 PM

Globe and Mail

splat
C

Mike Russell

Fanboys kind of made me want to stop being one.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 20 2009 01:39 PM

Oregonian

tomato
3/4

Michael A. Smith

The humor is fast and furious, especially the ingrained hatred between fans of "Star Wars" and "Star Trek."

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 11 2009 01:25 AM

Nolan's Pop Culture Review

splat
5/10

Todd R. Ramlow

That the boys are so earnest in their dedication to the Star Wars oeuvre signals their stunted adolescence.

Full Review Source: | comment 1 Comment | Mar., 08 2009 09:05 AM

PopMatters

tomato
3/4

John Beifuss

Pretty funny, as long as it focuses on geek-specific references ('Hey, it's Willow's spell book!').

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 06 2009 11:41 AM

Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)

splat

Ben Lyons

It was a great premise, it just unfortunately did not come together.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 02 2009 11:39 AM

At the Movies

splat

Ben Mankiewicz

A lot of promise here, no execution.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 02 2009 11:38 AM

At the Movies

tomato
2.5/4

Colin Covert

Any film that turns R2-D2 into a lusty anatomical nickname can't be all bad.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 27 2009 02:50 PM

Minneapolis Star Tribune

tomato
2.5/4

Jason Heck

t’s the strong Star Wars/geek-centric nature of the film that helps it succeed.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 27 2009 02:48 PM

Kansas City Star

tomato
2.5/4

Michael Sragow

Fanboys ambles along on a decent sprinkling of chuckles. The tide of in-jokes are funny whether you get them or not because the real humor lies in how they reflect a fraternal code.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 27 2009 02:46 PM

Baltimore Sun

splat
2/4

Michael Dequina

A missed opportunity to make a smart, affectionately witty skewering of obsessive fanboy culture.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 26 2009 02:53 PM

TheMovieReport.com

 
 
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Latest News for Fanboys

May 21, 2009: Dan Fogler Talks Fanboys 2 Opens in new window
Its long journey to the screen was ultimately a disappointing one, but Dan Fogler tells Moviehole that "Fanboys" may see its story continue in a sequel. More...

February 05, 2009: Critics Consensus: Coraline Is Certified Fresh
This week at the movies, we've got dark whimsy (Coraline, with voice work by Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher); love mishaps (He's Just Not That Into You, starring Jennifer... More...

November 10, 2008: Trailer & Poster review Opens in new window
More...

November 05, 2008: New: Brand New Trailer, Poster, Full Synopsis. Opens in new window
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