Instant Video Spotlight: Star Wars Documentaries, Stories and Spoofs

Documentaries, spoofs and a touching comedy-drama, all inspired by the Star Wars film franchise and all available to rent or buy as Amazon Instant Videos:

Fanboys (PG-13, 4/5 stars, currently priced at $2.99 to rent and $9.99 to buy) – It’s 1998 and Star Wars fanboys across the globe eagerly await the release of Episode I. But for Eric, Linus, Hutch and Windows the term “fanboy” is more than just a title, it’s a badge of honor. Spurred by impatience and an undying loyalty to their cause, these former high … school friends reunite to undertake the road trip of their fan-tasies. Traveling West across the country to visit their Mecca – George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch – the plan is to break in, steal the film and stake their claim as the first fanboys in history to watch it. But to secure their place in the fanboy hall of fame, they’ll have to contend with bizarre bikers, a crazy pimp, a deranged group of trekkies and the quiet intensity of William Shatner.

Jedi Junkies (PG-13, 4/5 stars, currently priced at $2.99 to rent and $9.99 to buy) – Star Wars isn’t just a series of films. It’s an indelible part of the last thirty years of American culture, going far beyond mere entertainment. For some, its become a way of life. Join us as we profile a unique group of individuals whose love of Star Wars goes well … beyond mere movie fan. The Jedi Junkies is a fun, affectionate and funny look at a series of people whose personal and professional lives were changed forever by this incredible franchise.

Laugh It Up, Fuzzball: The Family Guy Trilogy (rated TV-14, 4/5 stars, currently priced at $7.99 to buy each episode or $20.99 to buy the trilogy) – The laughs come full “force” when the Griffin clan puts a freakin’ sweet spin on the greatest sci-fi saga ever told!

Spaceballs (NR, 4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $2.99 to rent) – It’s the cult classic spoof of Star Wars! John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman and Dom DeLuise rocket into orbit in this side-splitting Mel Brooks excursion where good and evil forces grapple in an out-of-this-world galaxy.

Hardware Wars (PG-13, 4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $1.99 to rent and $9.95 to buy) – This hilariously low-tech, short feature 27 minutes) spoof of Star Wars is finally available as an Amazon Instant Video! While it was never rated by the MPAA, its content is no stronger than a PG. From IMDB:

A parody of Star Wars, presented in the form of a movie preview. Young Fluke Starbucker, under the tutelage of Auggie “Ben” Doggie, learns to master the power of the Farce, while teaming up with Ham Salad to rescue Princess Anne-Droid and aid her fight against the evil Empire.

The People vs. George Lucas (not rated, currently priced at $1.99 to rent and $14.99 to buy) – They gave him their love, their money and their online parodies. He gave them… the prequels. The passion the original Star Wars trilogy inspires in its fans is unparalleled; but when it comes to George Lucas himself, many have found their ardor has cooled into a complicated love-hate relationship.