Purely Joyful Movie!

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

I never saw the original Star Wars trilogy until I was well into my high school career, but that didn't stop me from having several Star Wars action figures as a young kid. Specifically, I remember three - Mace Windu, C-3PO, and R2-D2. Despite not knowing a single thing about these characters, their origins, or their intricacies, I was drawn to their plastic appearances and their pristine and immaculate detail even as a young child. I didn't need their backstories to have complex, imaginative adventures with them on my ledge overlooking my street. That's the beauty of Star Wars; even if we have no background or knowledge of the characters, most of us can still pick up the toys and create adventures that are just as satisfying to that small candle of childhood nostalgia we still have lit in the back of our minds.R2-D2: Beneath the Dome, a three-part, twenty-minute mockumentary, takes the lid off the character figuratively and literally to explore the interworkings of one of the most fascinating and intricate characters of the Star Wars universe. Told in a style reminiscent of talk show specials answering the much-asked question "where are they now?," with an aesthetic resembling VH1's Behind the Music show, we learn of "Artoo"'s beginning as an actor and a friend of George Lucas, as struggled to obtain more complex and challenging roles in feature films and TV shows. However, all it took was Lucas to have a bit of faith in his robot companion, and following the success of A New Hope in 1977, R2-D2 became a household name and a movie-star overnight.As with many celebrities, the fame gets to one's head and a downward spiral ensues, which is what parts two and three of this film concern. In addition to "archive footage," we see interviews with people like Lucas and Artoo's co-stars Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and even his pregnant girlfriend Bitsie Tulloch. As a fun and creative exercise, R2-D2: Beneath the Dome is a real treat for Star Wars fans because it ultimately does what every fan wants out of people who view the movies - to take the events and the characters seriously. When you start subscribing a detailed history and resume for a robotic droid, in addition to giving him a girlfriend, I think it's safe to say that you've taken him about as seriously as you could.R2-D2: Beneath the Dome is a cute film for its casual humor and the way it personifies a character that was instrumental to so many peoples' lives arguably for just being so simple, yet so immaculate. The result is a lively and spirited, with its tongue firmly planted in its cheek and unwilling to move or displace it.Directed by: Don Bies and Spencer Susser.

I give it 2 for only 2 really funny lines in the entire "mockumentary." This was just plain dumb, uninspired, lame. It looks to have been done at the last second by someone who obviously thinks Jar-Jar was the best idea EVER! (Unfortunately, the name George Lucas comes to mind.) There is nothing new or anything really imaginative. Obviously, many of the actors and directors in this mess must not have any work. It is brought to DVD by those (Lucas) who have rights to the SW franchise. If you have to get Spielberg to be in a short film, than you know that "funny" will not be part of the plan. I will never get my 20 minutes of life back! Go find "Chad Vader"! Now that is truly funny! Even better, any of the "Robot Chicken" dvds!

This little show is so like Lucas. Making fun of himself again. I'm just glad he put it on Episode II. (course since I bought 1 & 2 on dvd at the same time recently, I might be screwing this up) But I believe it's on the extra's section of Ep 2. THough I did watch it when it originally came out. But even if you not into Star Wars, you should get a kick out of this.8/10

This 'mockumentary" was brilliant!! It really shows the sense of humor the gang at Star Wars has. A definite must see for any Star Wars fan. I have no doubt this will be a part of the DVD of Episode II when it comes out. If you can't wait for the DVD, check it out. Just a warning though.. broadband connection preferred.