Hardware Wars

Hardware Wars is an iconic and influential short film released in 1978. It is peculiar on its first viewing, especially to a younger audience familiar with the polish and high-end aesthetics and CGI of the 21st Century blockbusters. However, this arguably humble production is, in fact, considered to be the first ever fan film - now an intrinsic part of pop-culture in the Internet era, and was written and directed by Ernie Fosselius while being produced by Michael Wiese.

Running at a sweet 13 minutes, Hardware Wars is essentially a quirky parody of Star Wars, which had been released the previous year in 1977 and caused a fantastic global stir. Fosselius heeds the call to the craze of Star Wars by spoofing its premise and characters, yet he does it in a genuinely loving and warmly humorous way.

The stalwart cast consisting of Frank Robertson, Scott Mathews, and Jeff Hale play the parody versions of the familiar characters from the Star Wars universe. We see them engaging in humorous antics, causing laughter and amusement as they interact with household appliances and other assorted odds and ends, which, as strange as it may seem, undeniably charm their way into the viewer’s heart. Fosselius decided to take his parody in this direction, using household appliances to create scenes that are meant to mimic those in the galactic epic, which leads to its distinctive and compelling title; Hardware Wars!

The film takes its viewer on a hilarious journey exploring the "adventures" of Fluke Starbucker (Frank Robertson), Ham Salad (Scott Mathews), and their home appliance accomplices. The strokes are broad, and the humor can be as blatant as a sledgehammer, but it's all part of the charm that Hardware Wars exudes.

Moreover, the jubilant narration by Paul Frees – the legendary voice actor known for his contributions in numerous animation classics – paints an even more compelling layer on the film. His voiceover features enthusiastic descriptions, peppered with intentional 'eye-rolling' humor that has viewers entertained throughout its length. His homage to the opening narration of any epic space opera adds color to the ridiculously comical backdrop, a farcical universe conceived out of everyday housewares.

What’s key to the eccentric brilliance of Hardware Wars is its surprisingly clever yet playful special effects. Despite its low-budget and rudimentary by today’s standards, the SFX, for its time, were remarkably resourceful and impressive. Their comedic execution under the tagline, "You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll kiss three bucks goodbye!” speaks volumes of the creativity involved in creating this delightful parody.

Moreover, the creative direction of Fosselius is a testament to his sharp insight regarding pop culture and his delightful sense of humor. Where Star Wars was a boundary-pushing, high-budget endeavor with stakes as high as ever, Hardware Wars operates on a different level. It understands the core of Star Wars, and instead of mocking it, the film celebrates Star Wars’ cultural impact through the lens of Fosselius' endearing mockery.

Interestingly, Hardware Wars was not just a cult parody that emerged in the wake of the Star Wars hype. It also managed to achieve a degree of success in pop culture as well as the film industry. The film reportedly grossed over $1 million during its release, an astonishing feat considering it was a 13-minute spoof airing in the pre-internet era, entirely through cinema and later, physical home video releases.

All in all, Hardware Wars is a hilarious space spoof that bears all the hallmarks of the genuine affection the creators had for the original Star Wars material. It’s a must-watch for both avid Star Wars fans who may not have viewed it yet and anyone who appreciates inventive parodies with gobs of charm. Despite its short runtime, it delivers a respectable amount of humor, innovation, and creativity, making it one of the most influential and renowned fan films ever created.