Like a storm troopers' aim, the documentary only occasionally hits the mark, but it's nevertheless a fascinating look at how 15 minutes of fame ages over 40 years.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 20, 2019

For hundreds of actors, bit-part players and costume-dwellers appearing in Star Wars in 1977 was the moment that would shape their lives-they were granted immortality.

| Mar 3, 2019

A crowdfunded effort from director Jon Spira, "Elstree 1976" is largely a matter of talking heads, some of whom are more interesting than others.

| Original Score: B | May 15, 2017

[Director Jon] Spira has genuinely found something new to say about Star Wars, producing something with value and insight to appeal beyond just the fan faithful.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 16, 2017

Spira's take is undeniably affectionate, but offers little insight into the trilogy for Star Wars fans. Yet Elstree 1976 is so inextricably linked to George Lucas' space opera, it's difficult to imagine what the appeal could be ...

| Jul 12, 2016

Amid some amusing tidbits, most of the anecdotes aren't very compelling or insightful, and there's not much else.

| Jun 17, 2016

How many movies would inspire a documentary about its bit players, almost 40 years after its initial release? Very few, but "Star Wars" is certainly one of them.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 2, 2016

Elstree 1976 is a must-see for Star Wars fanatics, and coming shortly after the much-hyped franchise adrenaline shot that is The Force Awakens, it's almost shocking to hear firsthand accounts of the first film's way-under-the-radar status.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 20, 2016

Elstree 1976 serves as a relevant Star Wars companion for fans big and small.

| Original Score: B- | May 17, 2016

A deadpan documentary with notes of wistful irony ...

| May 12, 2016

Elstree 1976 isn't an essential movie for anyone but the most obsessive fanboy or girl. It's a film about the strange hand of fate, the wages of dumb luck, and the flipside of fame-life on the D-list.

| Original Score: B- | May 9, 2016

It wears out its welcome after about an hour. It also raises a few questions that are left unanswered. But there's still enough here to make it worth a look for fans.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 6, 2016

The movie's major take-away? Dave Prowse deserves his own documentary.

| Original Score: 2/5 | May 6, 2016

You're hearing some good stories told from the viewpoints of minor characters. This will hold your attention best if you are a "Star Wars" completist or a super-fan.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 6, 2016

The most interesting part of Elstree 1976 comes when these actors express ambivalence about their odd celebrity.

| May 5, 2016

In telling a small story of bit players, the director, Jon Spira, captures a more universal picture of the droplets of fame created by a pop-culture tidal wave.

| May 5, 2016

A sweet, quietly funny, fascinating and contemplative study of 10 character actors and extras, none of whom had any idea back in the 1970s they'd forever be defined by the one or two days they spent on the set of a sci-fi movie.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | May 5, 2016

Given what a multibillion-dollar behemoth the Star Wars universe has become, it's fascinating to discover that a long time ago in a studio sound stage far, far away, no one took it very seriously at all.

| May 5, 2016

"Elstree 1976" is an amazing experience. I'm shocked that a documentary revisiting the making of "Star Wars" could be this boring.

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | May 5, 2016

It all adds to the idea that Star Wars was both the best and the worst thing to happen to its low-level supporting cast.

| Original Score: B | May 5, 2016