“A Disturbance in the Force” dives into the origins and legacy of “The Star Wars Holiday Special,” the notorious 1978 TV event that has become a legendary example of entertainment gone wrong. For “Star Wars” fans, particularly those who enjoy delving into the quirky side of the franchise, this documentary offers an entertaining look at how one of the most baffling projects in television history came to be. While it provides some fun insights (and a great deal of fan service), it ultimately left me wanting more.
Co-directors Jeremy Coon and Steve Kozak attempt to answer the central question of how and why George Lucas, in the height of “Star Wars” mania, agreed to turn the beloved sci-fi epic into a disastrous variety show. The “Holiday Special,” with its bizarre mix of musical performances, clumsy storylines, and awkward guest appearances, is often cited as one of the worst things ever aired on television. Despite its reputation, the show has earned a specific place in the “Star Wars” canon (with bootleg copies still circulating around).
The documentary relies heavily on interviews with a mix of pop culture experts, “Star Wars” historians, and celebrity fans. These talking heads are enthusiastic and well-versed in the subject matter, bringing an air of authority to the story. Some of the highlights include entertaining commentary from pop culture figures like Kevin Smith and Seth Green and insightful discussions from individuals who were involved in the making of the special. There’s a wealth of nostalgia-driven content from “Star Wars” superfans, which will resonate with franchise diehards. (Unfortunately, the filmmakers do not interview Lucas firsthand, and the lack of his participation feels like a significant missed chance to provide deeper insight into his thought process at the time).
Another disappointment is that the documentary doesn’t fully dive into the specifics of the special itself. Instead, the film spends a lot of time covering the broader context of the Star Wars phenomenon, the rise of TV variety shows in the ‘70s, and the chaos that led to the special’s production. While this historical backdrop is certainly interesting, it often detracts from the heart of the story. The film is also light on actual clips from the special, which is a missed opportunity for those who haven’t seen it in its full glory (or horror).
“A Disturbance in the Force” is mostly for “Star Wars” fans who love the franchise’s weirdest and most obscure moments. It doesn’t offer any groundbreaking analysis, but it’s a fun, lighthearted trip through a quirky piece of pop culture history.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 