Fanboys

(PG-13, Avail. 5/19)

Few films create what could truly be called a legion of devoted fans. Even fewer films inspire movies about being in a legion of devoted fans. But "Star Wars" is an exception to many rules.

Kyle Newman's "Fanboys" is the story of five friends raised on the "original trilogy" back when it was just "the trilogy." Hutch ("Balls of Fury's" Dan Fogler), Windows ("Undeclared's" Jay Baruchel), and Zoe (Kristen "Veronica Mars" Bell) work at a comic book store. Their friend Eric (Sam Huntington) barely sees them anymore and he's had a falling out with Linus (Chris Marquette, "Just Friends").

It's the fall of 1998, and these childhood friends are now in their early twenties. Linus has once again brought up a plan they have discussed since elementary school--driving from Ohio to George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch in California. Their objective? To steal a print of the upcoming "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace."

This was during that innocent and magical time when "Episode I" was going to be the greatest movie in the history of cinema. You remember that. It was to be the movie-going highlight of our lives. Before we knew better.

Eric wants nothing to do with this plan until Hutch and Windows explain that Linus is dying of cancer and won't live to see the May release of the film. This will be his only chance to see the movie he's waited his whole short life for. He and Linus make an uneasy peace, and with that the four guys get into Hutch's van for the trip of a lifetime.

Zoe isn't invited because they've decided it should be men only but, of course, they'll need her to come to the rescue before this thing is all over. It's a shame, because other than Linus, she's the most interesting character in "Fanboys."

Written by Ernest Cline and Adam F. Goldberg, "Fanboys" has likable characters and a decent storyline, but the comedy just doesn't connect. The actors give it their all (Marquette faring best as the young man aware of his fate), but the jokes either fall flat or they just feel old. The "Star Wars" vs. "Star Trek" debate was tired long ago but the makers of "Fanboys" seem to think they're treading new ground.

Kyle Newman's direction doesn't really take the film anywhere either. "Fanboys" clocks in at about a solid 90 minutes but it feels considerably longer. The whole thing comes off as a disappointment in the end with the audience and actors all deserving better. But hey, it's still kind of better than "Episode I." 4/10.

Valkyrie

(R, Avail. 5/19)

Far too much has been made about Tom Cruise's lack of a German accent in this film. No one seems to complain about the almost entirely British supporting cast not using German accents.

Having said that, Tom Cruise is a large part of the problem with Bryan Singer's "Valkyrie." Cruise should never have been cast. I never saw the character of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (a man who really existed). I simply saw Tom Cruise in an eye patch. An accent would have only made this more glaring.

Written by Chris McQuarrie (who penned Singer's masterpiece, "The Usual Suspects") and Nathan Alexander, "Valkyrie" never really takes off. The reason is not that we know the attempt to assassinate Hitler will fail.

This should have been a fascinating film regardless of knowing the outcome. It's an obscure yet incredible piece of history. However, as presented in the film, it is rarely engaging. Singer brings a great tension to a few moments but that tension should be present through much more of "Valkyrie."

In the end, it is also a waste of an excellent cast which includes Bill Nighy ("Love Actually"), Kenneth Branagh, Terence Stamp ("The Limey"), and Carice van Houten ("Black Book," a far better WWII film). 5/10.

Taking Chance

(NR, Avail. 5/19)

In April of 2004, a young Marine named Chance Phelps was killed in action in Iraq. Like so many others, Phelps gave his life for something bigger than himself. This isn't the story of Phelps's life or of the events that led to his death. This isn't a war movie either. "Taking Chance" is about what happens when a fallen Marine is brought home.

Lt. Col. Michael Strobl (Kevin Bacon) feels frustrated pushing papers in Virginia. Wishing he could do something--anything--for the Marines in the Middle East fighting and dying, he volunteers to escort Phelps's body home to Wyoming. It is unusual for an officer, particularly one of Strobl's rank, to do escort duty, but he feels compelled to.

Strobl's journey so affected him that it led him to write the article upon which "Taking Chance" is based. It is a deeply heartfelt story, thoughtfully told by director Ross Katz (who co-wrote the screenplay with Strobl). Each stop, each moment of Strobl's travels with Chance is truly touching. Katz achieves this not with sentimentality but with spare simplicity. Bacon brings the same mentality to his performance as Strobl. Quiet moments say so much in "Taking Chance," and it allows Bacon to do his finest work to date.

"Taking Chance" was made for HBO but it's better than most theatrical releases. Don't miss this one. 9.5/10.

Also Coming to DVD and Blu-Ray:

May 12
Taken (PG-13)
Two and a Half Men: Season 5
Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: Wubbzy's Big Movie (My nephew's favorite character)

May 19
Friday Night Lights: Season 3
True Blood: Season 1
24: Season 7
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)