Thursday, September 26, 2013

144 - Star Warriors

    A documentary about the 501st, a group of Star Wars enthusiasts who dress up in Stormtrooper costumes for events.  This movie focuses on the role that the 501st played in the Rose Bowl Parade.
    This is an extra on the Blu-ray release of the Star Wars movies.  I started watching it, but found myself surprised that it was effectively a self-contained documentary.  It's structured as one, with a clear focus, and there's no padding with material from the Star Wars movies.  Plus, it's feature-length.  So I think it counts.
    It's not a great documentary, but it's interesting enough, and it does stir up some more respect for the people who participate in their organization.  I've always been impressed with their costume work, and I've been aware of their work in charity circles.  What really stands out is how grueling this project is, and how much work they put in.  Their actions aren't raising money, and they don't get any real fame out of it.  The organization gets a bit more recognition, and that's about it.
    After being selected for the Rose Bowl appearance, the recruits arrive in Pasadena and go through a marching boot camp.  They spend several days getting the hang of marching, as well as getting used to marching wearing a helmet.  Some of the helmets have terrible visibility.  The armor can be difficult to move in.
    At the end of their march, one guy passes out, and we see another guy with bloody toes.  But they pulled the project off.  They get to have pictures taken with George Lucas.
    It's not as heartfelt as some other SW documentaries, but at least it's less reliant on outside footage.

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