There is a disturbance in the force and I've never seen so many jedis who look like they've had too much coffee. Spirits of the Force takes place in the era of the New Republic at Skywalker's Jedi Academy which, apparently, is on the planet Paranoia.

In spite of this, this film, produced by the Phoenix Fan Force, is a fine offering. It makes excellent use of location. I believe it is shot on location at Arizona State University and the director does a great job of using the architecture to support the film. They obviously have paid attention to keep anachronisms out of shot or covered up. The internal shots, however, look like sets out of claustrophobic episode of Doctor Who.

The acting is ponderous and, well, uncompelling. The actors spend a lot of time staring off into space and being melancholy. It's earnest, but not very interesting.

Continuity is a problem with the magical changing fruit (see the photos) but on the whole, the production quality is quite good. The costumes are very good and the special effects are fun.

On the whole, Spirits of the Force is a flawed but enjoyable film and I look forward to more films by this production crew.

The Fan Film Menace - reviews by Adam Bertocci, maker of Run Leia Run

Fan Film Xchange - a mixture of reviewers

Fresh Bananas - you review and see others' reviews

Star Wars Fan Film Reviews - short reviews by Fetthead