Fanboys

In 1999 a tight knit group of Star Wars fans plans a cross country trip to George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch so their dying friend can see a screening of The Phantom Menace before it opens to the public. What starts as a bold gesture quickly becomes a test of friendship as the travelers chase down the screening, dealing with car trouble, money worries, and a string of eccentric encounters. The mission blends dad jokes with heartfelt moments and a shared love for a galaxy far, far away. With time ticking, the quartet discovers that the real prize isn't the movie at the end of the road but the bonds they've reinforced along the way. The crew keeps improvising as needed.

Directed by Kyle Newman, Fanboys is built from a concept by Ernest Cline and Adam F. Goldberg. It blends a road trip premise with a love of cinema and a focus on friendships that drive the humor and heart.

Despite the star cast and fan focused premise, the film earned a modest return at the box office, grossing about 0.95 million against a 3.9 million budget. Limited release and mixed timing left it with a narrow global footprint.

Among fans and critics who did notice it, Fanboys gets remembered for its affectionate nods to Star Wars culture and its behind the scenes vibe of fandom. Its humor lands in small moments instead of punchlines, and the movie has held a soft spot in sci fi comedy circles.

Critically the film drew mixed responses, with praise for its warmth and Sam Huntington and Kristen Bell delivering solid work, while some critics found the pacing uneven. Core themes include friendship under pressure, the blur between devotion and obsession, and how shared passions shape real life. It leaves audiences with a warm nostalgic grin.