A Documentary About Legacy and Letting Go

Read Time:5 Minute, 39 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
I'm "George Lucas" A Connor Ratliff Story
–

Genre: Documentary, Comedy
Year Released: 2024, Kino Lorber Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Ryan Jacobi
Where to Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: The heart of I’M “GEORGE LUCAS”: A CONNOR RATLIFF STORY isn’t the costume, the wig, or the extensive knowledge of a galaxy far away. It’s the question of what drives someone to continue creating when the audience remains niche and the rewards don’t always match the effort. That tension forms the spine of Ryan Jacobi’s documentary, which follows comedian Connor Ratliff through years of performing as George Lucas in a one-of-a-kind comedy hybrid that sits somewhere between performance art, fandom commentary, and an ongoing experiment in communal creativity. This isn’t a film about Star Wars, even though the iconography is ever-present. It’s a film about the artist behind the persona, the toll that long-term passion projects quietly take, and the complicated relationship between personal identity and the work someone chooses to keep alive.

Jacobi frames Ratliff’s decade-long commitment to The George Lucas Talk Show as both a celebration and a burden. The documentary captures how the act began as an offbeat idea that gained traction because of its sincerity. Watching Ratliff build a world where Lucas exists as a dry-witted, self-aware comedic presence becomes more than a bit; it becomes a lens through which Ratliff examines his own anxieties, ambitions, and search for purpose. The film treats the persona as an extension of Ratliff rather than a mask he hides behind, and that approach keeps the story grounded.

Ratliff has always been most compelling when he’s willing to let audiences see the cracks, and this documentary leans into that honesty. It follows him through moments of doubt, burnout, and the lingering fear that devoting so much time and energy to a niche comedy show might overshadow his other goals. That theme runs throughout the documentary, and it’s one of the film’s strongest elements. Instead of portraying Ratliff as a misunderstood genius or an underdog hero, the documentary allows him to exist in a believable middle ground: driven and thoughtful, yet unsure of how far he can push himself while still maintaining a life outside the character he has built.

Much of the film’s energy comes from the people around him. Griffin Newman, Patrick Cotnoir, and a roster of performers and guests paint a picture of a creative community that thrives on commitment. Newman’s contributions stand out, especially in the way he talks about the show’s unexpected longevity and his own investment in Ratliff’s journey. Cotnoir, meanwhile, becomes a counterbalance: a producer working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly while juggling the chaos of booking guests for a show rooted in spontaneity. Their perspectives enrich the documentary by exploring what it means to sustain a small yet devoted creative project for years without predictable outcomes.

One of the most effective aspects of the documentary is its exploration of the relationship between identity and expression. Ratliff’s sense of self-worth is deeply tied to the show, even as he considers letting it go. The documentary never sensationalizes this conflict; instead, it shows how creative work becomes intertwined with personal fulfillment, sometimes to the point of confusion. Ratliff’s reflections are candid, allowing the film to reach an emotional clarity that makes the story resonate beyond the specifics of comedy or fandom.

Performance-wise, Ratliff avoids leaning too heavily into the comedy persona during the documentary’s introspective sections. Instead, he allows himself to be vulnerable without sacrificing the humor that built the show in the first place. The balance between sincerity and self-awareness is essential, and the film handles that balance with care. It captures the reality that even the funniest performers experience doubts that aren’t always visible to the audience.

As a documentary, this succeeds because it never tries to inflate the story beyond what it is. It isn’t built on shocking reveals or reinvention. Instead, it’s about a working artist navigating a career that doesn’t follow traditional rules. That perspective makes the film appealing to anyone who has ever poured time into a project that may never achieve mainstream recognition. It’s not preachy, but it is personal, and that’s what gives it staying power.

By the time the documentary reaches its final moments, it’s clear that the story isn’t about whether the show continues or ends. It’s about how Ratliff measures value in the things he creates and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. The film argues that fulfillment isn’t only found in commercial success; sometimes it’s found in consistency, in community, and in the knowledge that something you created mattered to the people who experienced it.

I’M “GEORGE LUCAS”: A CONNOR RATLIFF STORY earns its impact through sincerity rather than spectacle. It respects the audience enough to let them sit with Ratliff’s uncertainties, while also celebrating the humor that’s always been part of his appeal. The final result is thoughtful, human, and quietly affecting—a strong example of how documentaries can resonate when they acknowledge the complexities of pursuing a creative life.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive complimentary items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl Records, Books, and more. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support as you navigate these links.