Watch Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope For Free

Powerful

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

I thought this film was well-made, using an interview format to tell the real story about Comicon. I actually went to the 2010 show that Spurlock used to document SDCC and I was surprised to see myself in the photo pit with others shooting the Mass Effect cosplayers. Maybe I should get a residual.The film follows some fans and their stories, what their goals are for the con and a nice wrap-up with what they actually achieved. I especially liked James and his girlfriend as he prepared to propose marriage to her at the Kevin Smith panel. Very funny, especially when she makes the remark "I hope James doesn't ask any stupid questions." Indeed.The clips from fans and actors was cool as well. The Kevin Smith F-bombs at the end though, I could have done without.I've been following Mile High Comics outspoken owner Chuck Rozanski for some time, since he used to write for the now defunct Comic Buyers' Guide. His insight into the comics business and getting in a free plug for Mile High was a smart business move getting it all on film. Chuck is not totally correct that San Diego is not focused on comics.They are right though that comics have fallen to a secondary status with the A-List stars and Hollywood's impact on the show.To have to show dial down a bit to two shows has been proposed, aka Anaheim and San Diego. Another alternative was for the Hollywood end to go to Los Angeles.Film is recommended and very cheap on Amazon Instant Video, only 99 cents to rent!

Written by Markus Robinson, Edited by Nicole I. Ashland This is notMorgan 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

For years I have wanted to visit San Diego and experience the Comic-con conventions. The pull was exceedingly strong following the news of the 2008 convention introducing a reset Star Trek, which was supported by some of the cast members. The second installment is my most anticipated sequel for viewing. This film showcases the fanaticism surrounding the convention and the opportunities sought by entrepreneurs, would be artists and designers looking to begin a career within the comic book, science fiction and fantasy industry. The Comic Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope did an excellent job of allowing the audience to get a true feel for what it's like to actually participate as a fan. It may be that the documentary was expressly done to provide understanding but in my case it made me feel completely averse to ever going in person. A multitude of people queued up to attend a venue, was what I would call a hostile environment. If you had nobody with you or no buddy you could not even take a bio break without losing your place. The wait times, the race to a prized toy and the ensuing competition to get a much sought out piece of memorabilia or a collector's item was daunting to say the least and witnessing a triumph did not make it any better. I do not believe I would ever go to the convention as a fan. There were some heartwarming stories that made viewing this film worthwhile, that of the Artist, whose talent was undeniable, as was also the case for the Designer. It was nice to see and hear from some of the sci-fi heavy hitters like Josh Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: TV series, upcoming The Avengers), and Kevin Smith (Dogma, Reaper: TV Series). I have been a fan of both of their works for quite some time. I knew that Kevin Smith was talented, but I never knew that he was so funny. He has a very quick wit which was exhibited when speaking about his eleven year old self and when addressing the couple who became engaged during his Q&A at the convention. This was an interesting documentary, but in the end the effect that it had on me is I will consider myself lucky for never having been to the convention, not sure if that was the desired outcome but that's how it panned out. I give the film an amber light.

Besides being a not so subtle nod to Star Wars, Comic-Con Episode Four: A Fan's Hope is a documentary told through the viewpoints of eight individuals as they descend into the madness that is the San Diego Comic Con. All of them have a purpose to be there, and all have a goal in mind, whether it is to sell a rare comic, win a masquerade or get signed on as an artist for a comic book company. Morgan Spurlock's latest documentary was one of the late entries on my list of films to see at this year's past Toronto International Film Festival, and one I have continued wrestling with over how I felt about it. Packed with dozens of hilarious interview clips with real and internet celebrities, along with actual footage from the floor, Spurlock valiantly tries to capture what it is like entering and navigating through the four day convention that becomes bigger with each passing year. He gets access to some behind the scenes material, and offers a fan's eye view of some of the panels and events that had occurred at the 2010 event. But what holds the film back from being anything but a fun and amusing diversion for the geek and convention crowd, is the fact that it is a film lovingly made almost explicitly just for them. While the interviews are entertaining and downright hilarious, they do not provide any real insight or explanation for what fan culture is or why so many people go to Comic-Con year after year. Even the stories contained within the film do not answer why these people do what they do, simply that they go to obscene lengths to make sure they can pull off their goals. I assume Spurlock's main goal was to tell multiple stories (more on that in a moment), but I cannot help but feel it hinders the film. It seems content at simply existing, as a memento for everyone who experiences this kind of subculture.Then that brings up another point – what is the ultimate goal here? I go to at least one major fan convention per year, so I have experienced the rush of seeing and meeting geek idols, witnessing the detail of some of the costumes, and talking shop with people just like the ones profiled here. But what about people venturing in with no real grasp on geek culture? What are they supposed to take from this? Are they even supposed to venture into this film? It seems a bit elitist in that respect, because there is nothing really to grasp if you do not already have some preconceived knowledge on the topic. In his previous films, Spurlock has tackled tough topics and asked some tough questions. While some segments and films work better than others (the less said about the borderline ridiculous Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?, the better), he still made a real attempt at getting the answers. Here, he just seems content without asking the bigger questions, and as a result, the film feels like a much weaker effort.While I do fault Spurlock's lack of analysis here, I must praise the fact that outside of name credits, he does not appear in the film at all. He offers no narration whatsoever and does not appear on-screen at any time. He lets the people being profiled tell their stories, and lets the interviews help guide the film through its less-than-90-minute run time. It is a bit flabbergasting at first, considering how prolific and personal he has made his other documentary films, but I think it helps reflect his maturity both as a documentarian and filmmaker, and as a storyteller. It allows the film to become a more intimate film, and helps reinforce the notion that it is a film made as a kind of memento for the geeks. It is made up of their stories and quips, and Spurlock never interferes or redirects the film to follow him and his thoughts. It makes the film that much more different in that respect, and I think is the key reason why it works at all.Comic-Con Episode Four: A Fan's Hope was an interesting idea on paper, but I think in practice it comes off as more flawed than it should. While it is entertaining to watch the ups and downs of the people profiled within the film, I cannot help but feel underwhelmed by the general lack of analysis on Spurlock's part. There have been documentaries before on specific fan cultures, but no real works centred around the mother of all conventions. There was plenty of material he could have mined and a wealth of individuals who could have given keen insight on the idea of fan and convention subculture. But in the end, it feels like a whole lot of ideas, and not a lot of actual follow through. As a love letter to the people that come out to San Diego once a year, it succeeds. But as a documentary on fan culture, it fails.6.5/10.