Written by Markus Robinson, Edited by Nicole I. Ashland This is not
Morgan Spurlock trying to dispel the geekdom surrounding Comic-Con, as much as it is his love letter to the fanboys (worldwide) who enjoy dressing up as Vulcan's or Storm Trooper's. Spurlock, most notably known for his lampooning of McDonald's in "Super Size Me", now explores the cultural phenomenon that sees around 140,000 gather for a comic book convention annually in his new film "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope". Shockingly making not one cameo in his own film, Spurlock conducts interviews with the likes of Kevin Smith, Joss Whedon, Frank Miller, Matt Groening, Seth Rogen, Eli Roth, Seth Green and God himself, Stan Lee, as they share memories of this San Diego convention from its grass roots beginnings (where only 500 attended) to the world renown, commercial juggernaut it is today (most of the interviewees I just mentioned are also behind the production of this film in some way or another). But the real entertainment value comes when Spurlock explores the individuals that make up the essence of Comic-Con. From Holly, a costume designer who dreams of performing in the infamous Comic-Con Masquerade (where fans put on skits dressed as characters in many cases in order to get themselves jobs) to Eric and Skip, two very skilled artists attempting to break into the industry via portfolio review, to Chuck, an ageing vintage comic book dealer, attempting to get that one last big score, to James, an ultimate fanboy, who plans on proposing to his girlfriend at Comic-Con. But maybe the most interesting aspect within the film is when Spurlock focuses on how commercialized Comic-Con has become; for better or for much worse. The issue of the dwindling number of fans actually going there with the purpose of buying comics is brought up again and again. In saying all of that, I was a fan of a small aspect of Comic-Con before seeing this film; which leads me to my next point. The general downfall with "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope" is that it doesn't really work on a purely documentarian entertainment level, if you aren't already into some aspect of Comic-Con.
Side Note: Just in case you were wondering, the "small aspect" of Comic-Con that I related to the most was a segment about a Toy Collector (don't call them "Dolls") who will stop at nothing until he gets the rare Action Figure he will never open.
To most, Comic-Con is known for its fantastical costume play, where people dress up as their favorite characters from TV shows, movies (usually Superhero, Sci-Fi or Anime) or video games. And Spurlock does do a somewhat decent job of getting to the bottom of why these people feel such a connection with this particular convention, but again if you don't care going in, then "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope" will not make you care. In fact, if you don't really have an interest in Comic-Con before watching, some of the overall brashness of everyone's "if you don't like it then screw you" attitudes in this documentary may all together turn some off.
Final Thought: Almost purely informational, even though Spurlock follows around a few interesting people, there is little in the way of conflict as far as an actual plot goes in "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope". In fact, I would go so far as to say that much of this film seems hastily put together, due to its extensive use of interviews which don't work to push the story forward. So, on a purely technical level, this is an average documentary at best; and even a bit disappointing by Spurlock's standards (even though in some critic's minds, he has shown himself as a one hit wonder). But, if you enjoy Superhero merchandise, graphic novels, comic books, or think you would get a kick out of watching Joss Whedon and Kevin Smith geeking all over themselves, then you will find something to like here. On the other hand, if you read the title of this film and were immediately confused about the reference, skip this movie.
Please visit my page on Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/x-52464-San-Jose-Indie-Movie-Examiner and leave any comments you have about this or any review. The more hits I get the better. Thank you.
Follow me on Twitter @moviesmarkus
Morgan Spurlock trying to dispel the geekdom surrounding Comic-Con, as much as it is his love letter to the fanboys (worldwide) who enjoy dressing up as Vulcan's or Storm Trooper's. Spurlock, most notably known for his lampooning of McDonald's in "Super Size Me", now explores the cultural phenomenon that sees around 140,000 gather for a comic book convention annually in his new film "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope". Shockingly making not one cameo in his own film, Spurlock conducts interviews with the likes of Kevin Smith, Joss Whedon, Frank Miller, Matt Groening, Seth Rogen, Eli Roth, Seth Green and God himself, Stan Lee, as they share memories of this San Diego convention from its grass roots beginnings (where only 500 attended) to the world renown, commercial juggernaut it is today (most of the interviewees I just mentioned are also behind the production of this film in some way or another). But the real entertainment value comes when Spurlock explores the individuals that make up the essence of Comic-Con. From Holly, a costume designer who dreams of performing in the infamous Comic-Con Masquerade (where fans put on skits dressed as characters in many cases in order to get themselves jobs) to Eric and Skip, two very skilled artists attempting to break into the industry via portfolio review, to Chuck, an ageing vintage comic book dealer, attempting to get that one last big score, to James, an ultimate fanboy, who plans on proposing to his girlfriend at Comic-Con. But maybe the most interesting aspect within the film is when Spurlock focuses on how commercialized Comic-Con has become; for better or for much worse. The issue of the dwindling number of fans actually going there with the purpose of buying comics is brought up again and again. In saying all of that, I was a fan of a small aspect of Comic-Con before seeing this film; which leads me to my next point. The general downfall with "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope" is that it doesn't really work on a purely documentarian entertainment level, if you aren't already into some aspect of Comic-Con.
Side Note: Just in case you were wondering, the "small aspect" of Comic-Con that I related to the most was a segment about a Toy Collector (don't call them "Dolls") who will stop at nothing until he gets the rare Action Figure he will never open.
To most, Comic-Con is known for its fantastical costume play, where people dress up as their favorite characters from TV shows, movies (usually Superhero, Sci-Fi or Anime) or video games. And Spurlock does do a somewhat decent job of getting to the bottom of why these people feel such a connection with this particular convention, but again if you don't care going in, then "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope" will not make you care. In fact, if you don't really have an interest in Comic-Con before watching, some of the overall brashness of everyone's "if you don't like it then screw you" attitudes in this documentary may all together turn some off.
Final Thought: Almost purely informational, even though Spurlock follows around a few interesting people, there is little in the way of conflict as far as an actual plot goes in "Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope". In fact, I would go so far as to say that much of this film seems hastily put together, due to its extensive use of interviews which don't work to push the story forward. So, on a purely technical level, this is an average documentary at best; and even a bit disappointing by Spurlock's standards (even though in some critic's minds, he has shown himself as a one hit wonder). But, if you enjoy Superhero merchandise, graphic novels, comic books, or think you would get a kick out of watching Joss Whedon and Kevin Smith geeking all over themselves, then you will find something to like here. On the other hand, if you read the title of this film and were immediately confused about the reference, skip this movie.
Please visit my page on Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/x-52464-San-Jose-Indie-Movie-Examiner and leave any comments you have about this or any review. The more hits I get the better. Thank you.
Follow me on Twitter @moviesmarkus