Raiders! :The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made (2015)
1 hr  33 min NR

Seen on Netflix October 11, 2016





Fun, exciting and well-scored, this documentary kept my attention. The documentary focuses on a fan film of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) done by a group of boys over a 7 year period (in the 1980's). The boys' film was missing one scene.  This scene was finally added by the now adult participants. Frequent interviews with the now adult participants keep this documentary flowing. The recreated film may end up being thought of as more creative than Gus Van Sant's re-shooting of Psycho (1998) and more relatable than Richard Linklater's Boyhood (2014). The levels of this documentary are like a Russian puzzle doll with a film within a film within a film.  Its message is less complex, believe in yourself, set goals and nurture friendships. However it is also a sometimes funny, sometimes serious story of how a few boys, their families and some famous people connected over one film. While the recreated film may not live on as a classic, its heart, diligence, practical techniques (and just plain luck) should be taught in film schools.  Stay for the end credits to see scene recreations posted with scenes from the actual film.