16 Years Ago, the Most Underrated Star Wars Movie Broke Our Hearts (& Lucasfilm Wasn’t Involved)

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As a huge Star Wars fan, I always love hearing what people think is the most underrated film in the saga. For me, it’s often Return of the Jedi – I think it gets unfairly criticized, and honestly, the complaints about the Ewoks always seem like a convenient excuse to find fault with an otherwise great movie. But Revenge of the Sith also has a lot of supporters, and even people who aren’t fans of the prequels will admit it has some genuinely good moments, especially when it comes to the action. Of course, some films, like The Phantom Menace, just don’t really enter that conversation – and that’s okay too!

The main issue with The Phantom Menace was that it promised more than it actually delivered. Despite the focus on things like trade disputes and the somewhat clumsy Gungans, Episode I will always hold a special place for fans as the beginning of a new chapter. Thankfully, at least one film acknowledges its value, and it also tells a heartfelt story that celebrates what’s great about being a fan.

Star Wars Fans Weren’t Ready to Call It Quits in the Early 2000s

Being a Star Wars fan became tough after the prequel trilogy didn’t live up to expectations. With the release of Revenge of the Sith, the franchise suddenly felt vulnerable, and its future was uncertain since George Lucas had finished telling his story. Despite this, many fans still held onto their love for the galaxy far, far away. Ernest Cline and Dan Pulick came up with a movie idea about a group of dedicated fans who would sneak into Skywalker Ranch to find an early cut of The Phantom Menace. The idea was promising enough to get the go-ahead, and Fanboys began its development.

I always admired the creative risks taken with Fanboys, and I remember hearing about the struggles they had finding the right emotional center. Apparently, the original plan involved a character battling cancer, adding a really intense urgency to their quest to reach Skywalker Ranch. But the studio wasn’t quite on board, and they actually tested two different versions of the movie before settling on the final cut. Ultimately, the cancer storyline did make it into the film, and even though it wasn’t exactly what the filmmakers initially intended, it still packed a powerful emotional punch. It really showed their dedication to making a meaningful story.

Fanboys Helped Star Wars Reach a New Emotional Height

Eric Bottler, navigating adulthood in the late 90s, unexpectedly reunites with high school friends at a party. Their shared love for Star Wars sparks a reconnection, and when he learns one friend, Linus, is seriously ill, Eric agrees to join them on a trip to Skywalker Ranch. The journey quickly turns into a typical early 2000s comedy – full of crude jokes and moments that haven’t aged well, with cameos from comedy figures like Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith that don’t really impact the plot. However, when the group finally reaches their destination, the movie rediscovers its emotional core.

It wasn’t long before someone at Skywalker Ranch noticed the group had snuck in, alerting security. Luckily, George Lucas found out and, after making them answer a few trivia questions, let them go. He even gave Linus a private screening of The Phantom Menace. Sadly, Linus passed away just weeks later, deeply upsetting his friends. They eventually recovered and focused on rebuilding their lives to honor him, coinciding with the movie’s release. The film Fanboys ends with everyone nervously wondering if the new movie will be good – a clever nod to the fans themselves. But ultimately, it doesn’t matter if the movie is terrible. Their friendship will endure, no matter what happens with the franchise they love.

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2025-10-31 17:41