"The People vs. George Lucas" review: spot-on, hilarious take of Lucas' fall from fanboy grace

If you have a love / hate relationship with the creator of the "Star Wars" movies, than this documentary is completely and totally for you!! The crap that fans have been bitching about for years like having Han Solo shoot first and the mere existance of Jar Jar Binks is all addressed here by fans and filmmakers who grew up on the original trilogy, only to see it torn down by the off-kilter special editions and horrendous prequels.

There is a true passion that exudes from these commentators and it's blended wonderfully with a lot of laughs and clips from amateur films that honor our love for "Star Wars". Documenting Lucas' journey from anxious 1977 Grauman's Chinese Theater mob scene to disappointment from fans walking out of the initial prequel screenings, the movie shoots squarely for George's jugular while praising his infinite change of the film industry. From inspired master to Howard Hughes-like nut job, we follow the "Star Wars" creator's path from Godhood, through the ringer, then back out again as the undeniable inspiration for many people's lives and careers.

Are these movies just that...movies? The answer is yes and no. For some, they're entertainment, a launching point for believing in one's self, and a way of life. They are many things to many people, and being that I am a true original trilogy fan who later scoffed at the over the top and badly acted prequels, not to mention the altering of those classics, I was on the edge of my seat with glee watching Lucas getting ripped a new asshole by people who have every right to want those films (original trilogy) at they're disposal because they grew up on them. Lucas still refuses to give the original "Star Wars", "Empire" and "Jedi" the proper DVD re-mastering, continuing to tamper with what ultimately became iconic movie history.

The documentary also presents the argument of who has the figurative right to say 'yes' or 'no' on changing or even denying access to a classic; the artist or the audience. Ultimately, "The People vs. George Lucas" is highly entertaining and at times very nicely 'inside' for fans who truly 'get it'. The movie began by making the festival rounds, now playing across the country for limited engagements. We saw it at a one-week run at the Nuart Theatre in Santa Monica. If it doesn't come to your town you may have to wait for DVD. Sooner or later definitely see this movie because it's great!