Kevin Spacey was on hand to introduce the movie he produced two years ago, and which has become the film that won’t come out, and the movie that wouldn’t die. Spacey joked during the introduction, “I’d like to welcome you to our third annual Comic-Con screening… and wait until you see what we have for you next year! More footage! Then we’ll have a DVD release with more extras! And then… we’re going to series!”

It ain’t too far from the truth. This little movie about friends who take a roadtrip from Ohio to Skywalker Ranch in Northern California in order to steal a copy of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace for their friend who is dying of cancer has had two major bonuses that have turned into setbacks. First, George Lucas saw the movie, basically gave his blessing to the film and offered up the chance to use actual Star Wars sound effects. Then the filmmakers got more money, and decided to add some scenes which required reshoots. However, the actors weren’t available, so that affected the setback even more.

What was once 2007, became January 2008, and now finally is September 2008: the date Fanboys will get released to theaters. Before you ask, the answer is yes… this is the “cancer” version of the film. According to Spacey, “Harvey Weinstein finally got it. It took him awhile, but he came through.” So you won’t get a sanitized version of this movie.

Now, onto the film. It sets the bar fairly high by introducing the Weinstein Company logo with lightsaber sounds. Scott Weinberg from Cinematical quipped “Well, there’s the whole budget right there!” I sure hope Lucas donated the sound effects, because they literally use a ton of them throughout the movie. Plus there are cameos from Billy Dee Williams and Carrie Fisher. We’re honestly surprised Mark Hamill didn’t turn up in this thing.

In a nutshell, Eric (Sam Worthington) falls back in with his awkward friends from high school when he learns that his estranged best friend Linus (Chris Marquette) is dying of cancer. He forms a plan with his other buddies Hutch (Dan Fogler, who steals the entire film) and Windows (Jay Baruchel) to take Linus with them to steal a print of the movie from Lucasfilm. Cue the road trip comedy montage.

There’s a subplot with a group of rabid Star Trek fans, who call themselves Trekkers and not Trekkies, led by Seth Rogen, who actually plays three different roles in the movie. The ultimate slap in the face to Trek fans comes in the form of William Shatner handing the secret information about how to break in to Lucasfilm over to the Star Wars fans. That ham turns out to be a turncoat.

Midway through, they get arrested for trying to evade the police in Hutch’s Millenium Falcon-esque 1970s style van, and Windows’ and Hutch’s fellow comic-book store employee Zoe (Kristine Bell) has to come bail them out. Of course, she’s not content to head back home, and decides to join the crew on their quest. Suffice it to say, more hijinx ensue, including Kristen Bell’s bare ass pressed up against the rear window of the van in question.

For the most part the movie is filled with fairly funny dialogue, and features some great cameo appearances, including one from Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes. However, it veers off the tracks and lot and becomes a bit too clever for its own good. It drags a bit in places, and there’s an entire scene featuring Ethan Suplee as Harry Knowles that just should have been cut –– it smacks of “if we visually fellate Harry Knowles on-screen, he’ll have to like this movie.”

Performances are fairly decent, and Bell doesn’t get nearly as much screen time as she should. The scene stealers though are Dan Fogler, who practically walks away with the movie, Jay Baruchel, and Seth Rogen in his trio of roles. Danny McBride, who is the real genius of the upcoming Pineapple Express and Tropic Thunder , phones it in as the head of Lucasfilm security, and seemed like he was underperforming. Notably absent from this flick? George “the beard” Lucas himself.

Basically, it you love Clerks & Star Wars, this film was custom made for you. There’s a ton of penis and toilet humor in it, but with an intelligent edge that you’ll appreciate, not unlike a fine wine. And by wine I mean shot of rotgut whiskey that your uncle brewed in his garage. Although, if you’re in the know, it’ll make you really wonder where Patrick Read Johnson’s 5-25-77 Star Wars flick is.