Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope

Morgan Spurlock's most fulfilling film, whether you're a geek or not
The great thing about Morgan Spurlock's latest documentary, Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope, is that you don't have to be some comic book fanboy with stacks of funnybooks up to your eyeballs(like yours truly) to get it. Spurlock, the innovative and fun loving documentary film maker behind investigative pieces like Super Size Me and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, isn't trying to expose much of anything here. He just seems content to revel in the geeky pop culture goodness, and that's why this is undoubtedly his most fulfilling film to date.

That's not to say this is Spurlock's most insightful work, because clearly it isn't. At it's core, this is a celebration of all that the San Diego Comic-Con stands as now, and that is the holy Mecca for lovers of...well, anything pop culture related. Comic books, anime, role playing, you name it and it's there. But the event has also come to be a place of opportunity for many others, and besides highlighting the adults who walk around...

A love letter
Comic-Con Episode IV is the most beautiful movie about fanboy culture I've ever come across. Morgan Spurlock has crafted this look into San Diego Comic-Con without the cynicism or sneering most movies about comic book fans/cosplayers/D&D fans/etcetera tend to come with.

The movie follows a few people and a few groups, detailing what makes Comic-Con special to them. Some people are there for their careers, some people are there to get rich, some people are there to get rare items for their collection, while some are there just for the love of the art. All valid reasons, and all beautifully touched upon. Expect some celebrity cameos, too, explaining why they too love Comic-Con.

One part of the movie they briefly touched on, but would have liked to have seen expanded, is how Comic-Con is less about Comics and more about fanboy culture in general now. That expansion has brought many more people in to the show, while leaving others alienated.

I wish I could...

Just a fun movie
This was a fun documentary to watch. It is obviously edited to make things dramatic but if you want to get a taste as to what comic-con is and a have a tear and a laugh along the way. you will enjoy this movie.

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