Hardware Wars (1978)
A short film parody of the classic science fiction film Star Wars. It premiered in theaters only seven months after Star Wars and consisted of little more than inside jokes and visual puns that heavily depended upon audience familiarity with the original.
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Reviews
Sorry, this movie sucks
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
This short makes plainly clear that you don't need a huge budget or big stars to make brilliant humor. Star Wars has tons of clichés and plot holes that make it ripe for parody picking. Ernie Fosselius, with a shoestring budget cranked out this gem at the height of Star Wars mania. Compare it with Spaceballs. Mel Brooks' reputation got him cart blanch green lighting, a $22.7 million budget, and a cast of talented and funny stars as well as an army of the best comedy writers, including Brooks himself. Despite all that, he produced a true stinker! Spaceballs is below the sophistication level of a 12 year old boy, the jokes and gags are overly explained and overt. I'm a big fan of parodies and generally love Mel Brooks' films but that waste of my time couldn't get a single laugh from me. Perfect proof that money, talent and advertising do not equal good comedy. This short was made by a cast of amateurs with mostly 'found items' for props, for around $2000 and only takes 15 minutes to watch! It's 'off the cuff', 'don't take yourself too seriously' feel is a lot like Mystery Science Theater 3000. I laughed till I cried watching this and periodically re-watch it just for a pick me up. Find Hardware Wars on YouTube and see what real comedy is like.
The DVD has been released in the UK now- but you'll have to hunt for it. Although it may seem pricey for a short film, but there's bags of extras....and it saves you from buying any other guff. Furthermore, It's possibly one of the funniest flicks ever. Just buy it.
I just got the DVD for Hardware Wars, in a shiny new package, looking irresistable. Stuck it in my DVD player to find a slew of extra fun stuff. The extra content on the DVD is even longer than the movie. For those of you that have (shame!) never seen Hardware Wars, it one fantastically silly Star Wars spoof (of Episode IV, of course). Household appliances (such as irons, toasters, vacuums, and a waffle maker) stand in for Ty-fighters, X-wings, R2D2, and the death star. Instead of Princess Leia, we have Princess Ann-Droid, complete with Cinnabon hairdo. You get the point, I'm sure. Mad silliness, and a fun ride for any Star Wars geek (like me!)Now, the DVD - wow! A director's commentary where he basically goes off on the movie, making fun of himself and the project throughout. An interview with Fosselius on Creature Features (remember that?!) and hilarious "director's cut" and "foreign version" of the movie (all jokes of course). Anyway, this is great. I loved Hardware Wars in the theater, and am so glad for having the DVD in my collection - wedged in between MST3K: the movie and Thumb Wars!
Very good spoof! I highly recommend this to any Star Wars fan! This was one of the best low-budget films I have ever seen! I had to buy it when I saw it on sale!!May The Farce Be With You!!!!