"Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made" Review by Tim Hellman

'RAIDERS!: THE STORY OF THE GREATEST FAN FILM EVER MADE': Four Stars (Out of Five)

A documentary on the making of the fan film 'RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK: THE ADAPTATION'; which is a shot-for-shot remake of the classic 1981 Steven Spielberg movie. It was made by two 11-year-old Mississippi boys, and their friends, over the course of 7-years. They finished the entire remake, except for the final airplane battle sequence. The friends reunited, 30-years later, to finally film that one missing scene (and finish their movie). This film documents that process. It was directed and written by first time filmmakers Jeremy Coon and Tim Skousen; and it was based on the book by Alan Eisenstock. Being a past childhood filmmaker, myself, and a huge movie nerd, as well (to this day), I really enjoyed this documentary.

Two 11-year-old childhood friends, Eric Zala and Chris Strompolos, setout to remake their favorite movie, 'RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK', in Mississippi in 1981. The film was not available on video yet; so they had to rely on a lot of other resources to pull it off (like a published script, and magazine articles), as well as their friends and memories. They completed filming every scene of the original movie, over the next 7-years, except for the landing pad battle sequence. 30-years later, the friends finally reunited; and raised the money they needed (through a Kickstarter campaign) to finish their childhood dream.

I've never seen the fan film, this movie is about, but I have (of course) seen Spielberg's 1981 masterpiece (multiple times). I love the original film still, and I'm sure I'd probably like the kids' remake too. Spielberg has seen it (and he loves it), so have many others; like filmmaker Eli Roth and film critic Harry Knowles (who both appear in this documentary). Even though I haven't yet seen the beloved fan flick 'cult classic' (this is based on), I could still really appreciate this documentary; because it beautifully captures what a 'love for movies' is all about. I was a childhood filmmaker, and I still try to make movies (today); so I definitely found this film inspiring and relatable (to say the least).

Official Trailer and Stills for the Upcoming Documentary "Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made"

Drafthouse Films recently released information that they've acquired the documentary "Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made". The film has screened at such film festivals such as SXSW, DOC NYC, Fantasia International Film Festival.

"Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made" hits theaters in limited release and VOD on June 17th.

Plot Synopsis:

After Steven Spielberg's classic Raiders of the Lost Ark was released 35 years ago, three 11-year-old boys from Mississippi set out on what would become a 7-year-long labor of love and tribute to their favorite film: a faithful, shot-for-shot adaptation of the action adventure film. They finished every scene...except one; the film's explosive airplane set piece. Over two decades later, the trio reunited with the original cast members from their childhood in order to complete their masterpiece. Featuring interviews with John Rhys Davies, Eli Roth and more, Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made is just that: the story of this long-gestating project's culmination, chronicling the friends' dedication to their artistic vision-mixed in with some movie magic-to create a personal, epic love letter to a true modern classic.

"Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made": Official Trailer

Drafthouse Films Acquires Documentary "Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made"

Drafthouse Films recently released information that they've acquired the documentary "Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made". The film has screened at such film festivals such as SXSW, DOC NYC, Fantasia International Film Festival.

"Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made" hits theaters this summer.

Press Release:

Drafthouse Films has acquired the worldwide rights to Jeremy Coon and Tim Skousen's Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made, a documentary about two friends' lifelong journey to complete their passion project: a shot-for-shot remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark. An inspiring testament to creative passion and the powerful role of cinema, Raiders! has been a hit on the festival circuit, screening at such festivals as SXSW, DOC NYC, Fantasia International Film Festival and more.

After Steven Spielberg's classic filmwas released almost 35 years ago, three 11-year-old boys from Mississippi set out on what would become a 7-year-long labor of love and tribute to their favorite film: a faithful, shot-for-shot adaptation of the action adventure film. They finished every scene...except one; the film's explosive airplane setpiece.

Over two decades later, the trio reunited with the original cast members from their childhood in order to complete their masterpiece. Featuring interviews with John Rhys Davies, Eli Roth and more, Raiders! is the story of the project's culmination, chronicling the friends' dedication to their artistic vision-mixed in with some movie magic-to create the greatest fan film ever made.

"Raiders! is a perfect brand fit for us," said Drafthouse Films COO James Emanuel Shapiro. "And we're proud to continue the legacy of the truly greatest fan film ever made!"

"We couldn't be happier in partnering with a bunch of true film fans like Drafthouse Films to release Raiders!." said director Tim Skousen. "It's the perfect match for our story about three film crazed kids spending their entire childhood recreating the all-time classic, Raiders of the Lost Ark."

"Alamo Drafthouse and Tim League were instrumental in these kids' adaptation being discovered over a decade ago," said director Jeremy Coon, "And they have been so supportive as we made our documentary over the last two years. It's great to keep it in the family with a Drafthouse Films release. We couldn't be more thrilled."

Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made will see a limited theatrical release across North America in the summer of 2016, alongside a variety of VOD and digital platforms, with a Blu-ray/DVD release to follow later in the year.

Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made is a production of Jeremy Coon Productions, and was produced by Coon and Skousen. Kyle Newman executive produced. The documentary's main subjects are Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala and Jayson Lamb. The deal was negotiated by James Emanuel Shapiro on behalf of Drafthouse Films and Linzee Troubh on behalf of Cinetic Media.