The Story Of the Greatest Fan Movie Ever Made RAIDERS

In the 1980’s two boys remade the film Raiders of the Lost Ark shot for shot, with no money, no resources, and no clue. Incredibly, they realized their dream, though it took them a staggering seven years to complete their movie. By then, they had grown up – and almost burned down the family home, nearly killed Eric, and stopped speaking to each other. Twenty-nine years later, today their film Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation has been praised by Steven Spielberg, Harry Knowles and Eli Roth, has an obsessive and devoted following of millions and is considered the best and most successful fan film ever created.

Now this book tells the whole story of their odyssey – from two kids with nothing but a dream to recreate their most beloved movie to two seasoned filmmakers with an international cult phenomenon. GeekDad on Wired.com in an early review of the book said: “Just like Stand By Me isn’t really about hiking to see a dead body, Raiders! is much more than just the story of some kids making a fan film. It’s about the best and worst of childhood and growing up and sharing a geeky obsession through the whole journey. It’s intense and enjoyable and heartbreaking and powerful.” And Booklist praised: “This is a magnificent book. Eisenstock gives it a real let’s-put-on-a-show feel; fans of the recent movie Super 8 will note a definite similarity in tone, pacing, and sheer gosh-wow excitement….[it’s] an amazing, one-of-a-kind book.”

The 411 by Maria:

This book was tremendous. I loved reading every page. RAIDERS! THE STORY OF THE GREATEST FAN FILM EVER MADE is a story from start to finish of the making of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation by at the time teenagers Chris Strompolos and Eric Zala. 

The boys meet, have a love of an amazing movie and decide to try to reenact every moment of the
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas masterpiece. From writing the complete dialog, creating storyboards, making boulders, and obtaining a "Indy" jacket and hat, these boys were focused. With school, life and girls getting in the way, it took them some time to complete it but it was worth it especially after they receive a letter from SS himself!

The enthusiasm of the boys starting out to the awkward, hormonal teenage years was told in such candid detail. It is a fast read great for fans of Indiana Jones!

After reading the book and not allowing myself to watch the video until I was ready for the review. I have to tell you that I am in awe of how much work they put into this movie. Simply amazing.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary book for review and my honest opinion.