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March 24, 2008
Geek Get Their Movie... Kinda
After a long period of kicking and screaming, The Weinstein Co finally has given in to the very small audience that existed for Fanboys in the first place... at least on DVD.
The real question now is... after getting their way, will they pay to buy this DVD anyway?
Theatrical... if they get 30 screens, it will be a freakin' miracle.
The press release follows after the jump...
THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR ‘FANBOYS’
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (March 24, 2008) The Weinstein Company announced today that it plans to jointly release two versions of its highly anticipated film, “Fanboys,” on home video, with the Company exploring options for its theatrical release. In recent weeks, Star War fans nationwide have built a multi-tiered grassroots effort to voice their strong support for one of the earlier versions of the film, including a campaign which generated over 300,000 emails in support for the film. Based on the tremendous feedback and interest from the fans, today’s announcement will ensure both versions will be equally available within the marketplace.
Set in 1998, the film, starring Jay Baruchel (“Million Dollar Baby”), Tony Award Winner Dan Fogler (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”), Sam Huntington (“Superman Returns”), Chris Marquette (“Sugar Mountain,” “Joan of Arcadia”), and Kristen Bell (“Veronica Mars,” “Pulse”) is a heart warming comedy of a group of young, passionate Star Wars fans, drive cross-country to raid George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch, and watch “Star Wars: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace.”
“Over the last few weeks we have received a tremendous amount of input from Star Wars fans nationwide,” stated Matthew Frankel, Chief Communications Officer, The Weinstein Company. “While the later version tested very well with audiences, the grassroots support we have received for the first version simply cannot be ignored. We are very excited to launch these two films and look forward to giving the fans the opportunity to see both versions.”
“Fanboys” is a production of Trigger Street and Picture Machine. Jay Baruchel plays the role of Windows, a junk food addict who’s dedicated his 150 IQ to a worthy cause: comic books. His nickname was inspired by his titanic window-like glasses. Dan Fogler plays Hutch, a guy who is a force to be reckoned with, a hot-head overflowing with piss and vinegar. Sam Huntington plays Eric, a guy who’s all business. He’s usually in a pressed suit and glued to his huge cell phone. Chris Marquette plays Linus, a boyishly handsome, extremely charming young man. But looks can be deceiving as this dude’s a geek and proud of it! Kristen Bell plays Zoe, a sexy firecracker with a great sense of humor.
The film is directed by Kyle Newman and produced by Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti, Evan Astrowsky and Matthew Perniciaro. The script was written by Kyle Newman, Adam Goldberg and Ernest Cline and Kevin Mann serves as executive producer.
About The Weinstein Company
The Weinstein Company (TWC) was created by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films Corporation in 1979. TWC is a multi-media company that officially launched on October 1, 2005. Dimension Films, the genre label that was founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, is also included under the TWC banner.
During the Weinsteins' tenure at Miramax Films the company released some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful independent feature films which received 249 Academy Award® nominations and won 60 Oscars®, have generated billions of dollars in worldwide box office receipts and billions more in home video sales. In its history, Dimension Films has released some of the most successful franchises including "Scream," "Spy Kids" and "Scary Movie.
Posted by poland at March 24, 2008 05:21 PM
Comments
So why, exactly, did Big Harv shell out for the movie if the didn't like the premise? Rather than a "subplot" it sounded like the boy's cancer was the whole point of the flick--a ragtag band treks to Skywalker Ranch, hoping to guilt Lucas into showing this dying boy Episode 1 before he kicks...though seeing Jar-Jar probably would've made him wish he'd died BEFORE seeing the flick, back when he might've held out some hope that it might be a work of greatness rather than the craptacular it turned out to be.
Posted by: RudyV ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.mcnblogs.com/thehotblog/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 24, 2008 08:39 PM
(Personally, I've always wondered just how many rabid Star Wars fans died before "Empire" came out, never knowing who Luke's father was, never hearing the philosophy of Yoda, never seeing a brother and sister kiss...oh, those poor souls.)
Posted by: RudyV at March 24, 2008 08:50 PM
I can't imagine this movie being any good at all. It sounds like a dumber, nerdier version of Detroit Rock City.
Posted by: jeffmcm at March 25, 2008 01:24 AM
This sounds like the Star Wars version of the old Zemeckis comedy I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND. Did anyone see STARWOIDS, the documentary about these same kinda geeks?
Posted by: Cadavra at March 25, 2008 10:04 AM
STARWOIDS....available now through Film Threat DVD ;-)
Posted by: PetalumaFilms at March 25, 2008 10:48 AM
Posted by: doug r at March 29, 2008 08:28 AM
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