There's no denying that this documentary is hyper-niche in appeal. But if you're one of those people who has a big problem with the "special edition" of the original 'Star Wars' film, which includes a tacked-on scene that displays a CG version of Jabba the Hutt, and if you loathe the creation of midi-chlorian cells in Episode I, director Alexandre Phillippe has a movie for you.

'The People vs. George Lucas' is laid out in episodic fashion, mimicking the 'Star Wars' chapter system that Lucas used himself. The opening half-hour of the 97-minute film is dedicated to the original series, trying to quantify how such a powerful and loyal group of fans was drafted in the first place. There's no denying that this documentary is hyper-niche in appeal. But if you're one of those people who has a big problem with the "special edition" of the original 'Star Wars' film, which includes a tacked-on scene that displays a CG version of Jabba the Hutt, and if you loathe the creation of midi-chlorian cells in Episode I, director Alexandre Phillippe has a movie for you.

'The People vs. George Lucas' is laid out in episodic fashion, mimicking the 'Star Wars' chapter system that Lucas used himself. The opening half-hour of the 97-minute film is dedicated to the original series, trying to quantify how such a powerful and loyal group of fans was drafted in the first place.

Footage documenting the early success of the series is mixed with narration from a wide array of 'Star Wars' fans, Lucas employees, and creators of 'Star Wars' spin-off websites, films and groups. Early Lucas interviews paint the picture of a frustrated man fighting the interests of a controlling corporation. These scenes create an obvious juxtaposition to his current status as a leader of industry. No interview with Lucas was done for this film.

Hilarity ensues at the mid-point of 'The People vs. George Lucas' as a glut of disappointment from aging fans begins to seep through the once-impenetrable armor of the 'Star Wars' brand. Changes made to the original films during the "special edition" period in the mid-90s, the group groan over Jar Jar Binks and the general deflation of spirit over the prequel releases make for some gut-busting commentaries from interviewed sci-fi lovers.

The question of ownership owns the final foggy chunk of this doc. One fascinating passage looks at the subculture of online editors who have re-cut the later films and posted them on various sites, boasting superior versions to the originals.

Another section profiles the large group preaching 'George Lucas raped my childhood' – claiming the ruin of the entire 'Star Wars' experience due to the poorly-received prequels. Despite clear disillusionment from the community, Lucas appears to ignore and even provoke his fans with his decisions, empowering a legion of devoted disciples to question whether 'Star Wars' should now be public domain. While these burning questions seem to be a bit of an internal light saber battle for the interviewees, there are moments as a viewer when it is hard to care.



Phillippe's doc also takes side roads, citing Lucas' well-publicized rationale that the later 'Star Wars' films were aimed at children as an excuse for some of the plot and character choices. He also explores the comic unwatchability of the famously awful 'Star Wars Christmas Special.' While these moments provide some fun factoids within the doc, there are too many alleyways to cover, and perhaps the filmmakers should have stayed on point to remain effective.

While a little frantic in spots, and with certain segments dragging, 'The People vs. George Lucas' takes a good position on Lucas as the creator of 'Star Wars.' In a way, he has become the Darth Vader in his own storyline. Responsible for a product that so many feel strongly about, Lucas let fewer and fewer people into his realm of creativity during the making of his last three movies. He even tried to re-write history with the re-edits of his original films, taking the original cuts off the market. Whether he fights the system, or know pulls the levers within it, Lucas is the creator of 'Star Wars'.

One fan put it perfectly - "I love/hate George Lucas. I really do."

'The People vs. George Lucas'' screens at the 2010 Hot Docs festival on Monday, May 3rd at 4 pm at Innis Town Hall, and on Tuesday, May 4th at 11:45 pm at Bloor Cinema.

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