William Shatner's Get a Life!

William Shatner’s Get a Life! is a compelling 2012 feature length documentary. It showcases the iconic Star Trek actor's in-depth exploration of the global phenomenon of Star Trek conventions and their enduring popularity among fans of every generation. The film, mirrored after his own book of the same title, sees Shatner embarking on a journey to understand the magnetism of Star Trek and its die-hard fans, thereby serving as a touching tribute to the franchise’s lasting legacy.

The provocative title, Get a Life!, as fans would know, originates from one of Shatner's infamous parodies, "Saturday Night Live" sketch from 1986, where he played a version of himself, advising Trekkies to "get a life". This tongue-in-cheek rebuke has since been transformed into a loving investigation of the Star Trek fandom.

Directed by William Shatner and released by Epix, this 58-minute documentary stars Shatner as himself, navigating and leading viewers through the enigmatic world of Star Trek fandom. Throughout the movie, fans are introduced to a softer side of Shatner. He showcases a genuine curiosity and respect for fans, dedicating this documentary to understanding and unveiling the allure and charm of Star Trek and its related conventions. This is accompanied by moments of humor, forming a splendid blend of education and entertainment.

Get a Life! also features other co-stars such as Rene Auberjonois, who played Odo in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and John Cho, who played Sulu in the rebooted Star Trek films. Their participation brings valuable insight and added dimension to Shatner's investigation. Their perspectives serve to provide a well-rounded view of Star Trek's influence on culture, and how it has shaped and continues to shape the lives of its dedicated viewers.

The unique aspect of the documentary is Shatner's attempt to understand the culture around Star Trek, its conventions, and the reason why fans have embraced and loved this universe so passionately for over 50 years. It's a masterful sociological study filled with touching moments and unique glimpses into the lives of the Star Trek fans, also known as Trekkies.

In the documentary, Shatner interacts with fans from all walks of life who share personal stories about their connection with Star Trek. These range from people who simply enjoy the imaginative narratives to those who have been deeply moved by its philosophical questions, and many who have found comfort in their identity as Trekkies. Shatner patiently listens, interviews, and makes a concerted effort to connect to the fans, thus humanising them and bridging the gap between fans and performers.

Moreover, Get a Life! is carved out with several biographical sketches where fans, in their own words, reveal how Star Trek inspired them, changed their lives, helped them overcome personal struggles, and forge meaningful friendships. Shatner's congenial approach doubtlessly enhances the sharing of these heartfelt tales, reminding viewers that the foundation of every fandom lies at the heart of human connection.

There's a sincere attempt through the documentary to underline the importance of shared experiences, the sense of community, and belongingness that brings fans together in Star Trek conventions around the world. It is a journey that creates a palpable connection between fans of different ages, backgrounds, and cultures - a projection of the inclusive future that Star Trek itself envisions.

William Shatner’s Get a Life! is part voyage of personal discovery, part tribute, part sociological study, and fully a love letter to fans. It is a genuine immersion into the Star Trek’s universe captured from the perspective of a man who has been at the heart of the phenomena right from its inception. Even for non-Trekkies, it's an interesting exploration of the confluence of pop culture, fandom, and human nature rolled into a compelling narrative. The documentary is both thought-provoking and heartwarming, and offers a truly unique Star Trek experience.