Death Star Repairmen (2003 Video) User Reviews

Pretty good for a fan video

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 3 November 2008]

When you watch DEATH STAR REPAIRMEN, you need to be a tad charitable. After all, this is obviously a fan-created short and it doesn't have the huge budget a professional film would have. This isn't saying it's bad, but you have to forgive all the fair CGI--for non-pros it's really pretty good and took a lot of work.

If you are able to ignore this, then you will no doubt enjoy this clever little film--though how much might also depend on whether or not you care about the Star Wars franchise. It's tough after episode III to care, but I still managed to laugh a few times at the behind the scenes look at life on a DeathStar for some low-level flunkies whose job it is to repair a soft drink dispenser. Plus, when the Rebels attack, you soon realize that this short actually is the finale of Episode IV (the first Star Wars film) and it gives all new insight into just how brilliant Luke Skywalker was in bringing down the Empire!

Bob the Moo (who does great reviews) seemed a tad less enthusiastic than me about the film--he felt that it needed more laughs. Well, I thought the laughs were there, though I agree that the humor was rather dry and subdued, so it might not appeal to many out there. I say give it a try, as regardless of who you might agree with, it's only six minutes out of your life!

Amusing without ever really being funny enough

[bob the moo · 20 June 2005]

Two repairmen are sent into the very heart of the death star to repair a piece of equipment before it goes critical. Halfway through their job they hear that the station is under attack from rebel scum. Having not had training in weapons use they are told to carry on their work while the battle rages outside.

A nice idea this fan film; an ordinary job with workmen while THE battle rages above (and below) them. It is reasonably good but it is too basic to really be hilarious. It has funny moments and is pretty amusing but mostly the film is about the computer effects moving around. With the focus on movement, there are actually very few lines and the makers missed a trick here – they could have written some good material, even a few lines would have been enough, but instead the film is mostly lacking wit and inspiration.

The effects are good for a fan film and must have taken some work but they are never that great and not work tuning in for. Overall this is an OK fan film that is "nice" without ever doing anything that well. Good idea, good delivery but the material needed a bit extra to actually make it funny rather than just being amusing.