Watch Backyard Blockbusters

Backyard Blockbusters is a fascinating documentary from 2012 that delves into the world of fan films, pop culture, and the power of creativity. The movie follows a group of talented and passionate geeks and nerds who channel their love for iconic movies, video games, and comic books into making their own films in their backyards, basements, and garages. These fan-made movies, also known as fan films, are a global phenomenon that has been going on for decades, touching millions of people and inspiring them to create and dream.

The documentary is directed by John E. Hudgens and produced by Christopher Lloyd, Patty Zimmerman, and Hudgens himself. It features a wide range of interviews with filmmakers, actors, comic book artists, and passionate fans who have contributed to the fan film movement. Among the notable interviewees are Chris Albrecht, the creator of the legendary Ghostbusters fan film; Robbins Barstow, the pioneer of home movies and amateur filmmaking; Clark Bartram, the creator of the highly acclaimed Batman: Dead End fan film; and many others.

The movie starts by providing an overview of the fan film phenomenon and how it evolved over the years. We learn about the first fan films that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s when the technology became more accessible and affordable. These early fan films were often a tribute to classic sci-fi and horror movies like Star Wars and Alien, and they were made by passionate and dedicated fans who wanted to pay homage to the beloved characters and worlds they grew up with.

As the documentary progresses, we get to see how the fan film movement exploded in the 1990s and 2000s with the rise of the internet and digital technology. This led to a new generation of fan filmmakers who were able to access a global audience and unlimited resources, and who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in terms of production values, visual effects, and storytelling. We see how fan films like Troops, Batman: Dead End, and Pink Five became viral sensations and showed the world that fan films could be more than just a hobby or a fanboy fantasy.

The documentary also explores the controversy surrounding fan films and copyright, as many fan films have faced legal challenges from the studios and the owners of the intellectual property. We see how fan filmmakers have navigated the legal challenges and how the fan film community has banded together to protect their rights, promote their work, and raise awareness of the fan film movement.

Throughout the documentary, we get to see some amazing fan films and behind-the-scenes footage of their making. We see how fan filmmakers use their creativity, passion, and ingenuity to overcome the limitations of their resources and turn their dreams into reality. We also get to learn about the technical and artistic aspects of fan filmmaking, from writing and directing to acting and editing, and how fan filmmakers collaborate and inspire each other.

Backyard Blockbusters is not only a celebration of fan films but also a study of their cultural and social impact. We see how fan films have influenced the mainstream media and how they have created a community of like-minded fans and creators who share the same passion and values. We also see how fan films have given voice to underrepresented groups and challenged the dominant norms and stereotypes of the media industry.

Overall, Backyard Blockbusters is an inspiring, informative, and entertaining documentary that sheds light on a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of pop culture. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves movies, video games, comic books, and all things geeky, and who believes in the power of creativity and imagination.

Backyard Blockbusters is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.