Author: brian wallace

Detroit sports fan for life!!
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Writing challenge day 6: A New Hope

Star Wars, later subtitled Star Wars: A New Hope. The film that changed movie making and pushed the boundaries of science fiction films. As a person blessed to see all 11 Star Wars films in their original release forms A New Hope is still my favorite by a mile. Why? Because it is the single film that brings me back to my childhood.

British actor David Prowse and American actress Carrie Fisher on the set of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope written, directed and produced by Georges Lucas. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

As the movie opens, Princess Leia puts the plans for the Death Star (that she received at the end of Rogue One a Star Wars story) inside R2-D2 and was promptly held hostage by the sinister Darth Vader. R2-D2 and his counterpart C-3PO jettisoned the danger and landed on Tatoonie to set out looking for Obi-Wan Kenobi.

There was a small detour when a group of scavenger Jawa’s found the droids and sold them to Owen Lars, the uncle of Luke Skywalker. Eventually, R2, 3PO, Luke meet Ben Kenobi (Obi-Wan) and set out on a life changing mission.

The film really gets fun when the four characters arrive at the Mos Eisley’s space cantina. The creatures inside are wonderful and the Bith Band is fantastic. While inside Han Solo and Chewbacca are introduced and off they go to the Death Star.

Star Wars films are not about the scripts which are generally band. It is the combination of script, delivery and visual effects as well as characters that make Star Wars unlike any other movie franchise.

British actor Anthony Daniels (who plays C-3PO) with American director, screenwriter and producer George Lucas on the set of his movie Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

Creator/Director, George Lucas does not give up close tight head shots in any of his films. He likes his shots to be scaled back a bit to show some shoulders and some arm movement. Lucas, has visions for his films which has lead to tinkering with them years and even decades after they are released.

Han Solo, shot first! In the Mos Eisley space cantina Solo, is cornered by Greedo who is a linchpin for Jabba the Hutt. The two exchange words and Han Solo shot and killed Greedo. Later Lucas decided that Solo should be a good guy and changed the scene so Greedo shot first. Yet, he should have kept it. By Solo shooting first that shows the essence of Solo who did not have ties to the Rebellion or Empire at that time.

That is my only drawback with changes made on this outstanding Star Wars film.

Coming soon, The Empire Strikes Back. I am looking forward to diving into what is widely considered the God Father of Star Wars movies.

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Writing challenge day 5: Rogue One a Star Wars story

The first Star Wars stand-alone film was Rogue One. What seemed to be a sort of weak story idea turns out to have been a wrong thought. Rogue One is one of the best Star Wars films to date. What made Rogue One a fan favorite is that the film’s story is not a new idea but built off of one from Star Wars: A New Hope, the acting was solid and the newer character’s were a fun bunch.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 10: Death Trooper attends the premiere of Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at the Pantages Theatre on December 10, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images)

In Rogue One we are introduced Galen Erso who is a former scientist. Erso lives a peaceful life as a farmer.  Because of his past work as a scientist the Empire chooses Erso to be it’s lead engineer on what would be the most powerful weapon the Empire had ever built, the Death Star.

Jyn Erso, daughter of Galen joined a group resistance fighters to steal the plans. The same Death Star  plans that would ultimately wind up in the hands of Princess Leia who would put them into R2-D2 in Star Wars: A New Hope.

Orson Krennic, or Director Krennic was in charge of the Empire’s military department of weapon research. Krennic was unable to keep the plans for the Death Star in secrecy. Grand Moff Tarkin, insisted the project go through and decided to overtake the project from Krennic causing some discord between the two men.

The group of resistance fighters who would secure the plans to the battle station would meet a grizzly end. All did not survive. In that moment, Jy Erso, Cassian Andor, Chirrut Imwe, Bodhi Rook and others became the true hero’s of the Skywalker era portion of Star Wars.

LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 08: Duracell celebrates its 1 million battery donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals nationwide by joining forces with Lucasfilm and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ to transform Children’s Hospital Los Angeles into a galactic playground on Dec 8, 2016 powering imagination for those who need it most held at Childrens Hospital Of Los Angeles on December 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)

They laid down their lives for a greater cause. There was one famous Star Wars character that made a appearance and it was stunning, Darth Vader. Vader would have a scene with Krennic and then had a much more violent moment and one that showed the Sith Lord in all of his glory.

Rogue One is a very satisfying film and set the tone for future Star Wars stand-alone movie projects.

Tomorrow, we journey to the Original Trilogy with a look at the film that kicked everything off, Star Wars. Later subtitled A New Hope. Hope to see you then.

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Writing challenge day 4: Solo a Star Wars story

If ever there was a Star Wars fans that deserved better box office reception it would be Solo a Star Wars story. The film had by most accounts positive reviews this after Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were replace by Ron Howard as director. I can only imagine that The Last Jedi which was perhaps the most hated film by the fan base to date, soured fans from the very solid Solo.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 21: Alden Ehrenreich attends The Cinema Society With Nissan & FIJI Water Host A Screening Of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” at SVA Theatre on May 21, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

The events in Solo a Star Wars story take place before Rogue One. The cast was a very good one. Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian was great as was Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke and Paul Bettany (of Marvel fame.) Not to mention Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo.

In the film Han Solo joins some galactic smugglers and steal a batch of valuable coaxium. The person he steals from is Dryden Vos. Vos is the face of Crimson Dawn a crime syndicate.

Solo would also win the Millennium Falcon from Lando and would go on to forge a friendship with his future sidekick Chewbacca. The real kicker came near the end of the film. We learn that Dryden Vos was not the leader of Crimson Dawn but as I said he was the face.

The leader of Crimson Dawn was Maul. As in the former Darth Maul. If you remember back to The Phantom Menace, Darth Maul was sliced in two by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Maul focused all of his hatred at Kenobi to stay alive. He left the Sith dropped the Darth and became the founder and leader of Crimson Dawn.

TOKYO, JAPAN – JUNE 12: Ron Howard attends the premiere for ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ at Roppongi Hills on June 12, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images for Disney)

It is a shame that Solo a Star Wars story got lost because the previous movie was so bad and left a bad taste in people’s mouths. Solo is actually one of my favorite Star Wars movies. If you have not sat down to watch, you need to.

Rogue One a Star Wars story is on deck for tomorrow. Make sure you head back and check it out.

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Writing challenge day 3: Revenge of the Sith

With the clunkiness of The Phantom Menace and the hot mess of Attack of the Clones, Star Wars fans wondered if anything good would come out of the third installment of the Prequel Trilogy. When Revenge of the Sith hit theaters fans were relived, happy, and overjoyed to find themselves in a throwback Star Wars film that brought the fun back to the franchise.

MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 15: A General Grievous figure is exhibited at the ‘Star Wars Exhibition’ at Telefonica flagship store on December 15, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Eduardo Parra/Getty Images)

The movie in which Anakin Skywalker would become the monster known as Darth Vader and fans saw Palaptine’s face morph into the classic Emperor Palpatine was just the start of this fantastic Star Wars film.

There were Wookie‘s and the planet they inhabited. There was a great Yoda vs Palpatine battle. The fact is that Star Wars Revenge of the Sith has more action in it and it is almost to much to take in.

The film sets the stage for events of future Star Wars films as well as streaming shows. Which is the sort of clout this movie carries. There were some very insightful moments.

When Palpatine tells Anakin the story of Darth Plagueis the wise. How, his apprentice kills him in a moment of weakness. By the way Palpatine was that apprentice.

Anakin Skywalker trying to save the people he loved from dying gives into his emotions and embraces the dark side of the Force. No matter if you view Anakin as a sympathetic character or see him as a person who made bad choices his story comes full circle in terms of turning into a Sith Lord.

Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Anakin Skywalker is the showstopper. The lightsaber duel is the very best Star Wars has to offer. The pace is lightning fast and is set on the lava planet (and future home of Darth Vader) Mustafar.

WROCLAW, POLAND – JANUARY 17 : Planet Mustafar made of Lego bricks is displayed during a lego exhibition at Wroclaw Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland on January 17, 2018. The Lego exhibition covers an area of 1700 square meters with approximately 100 models of different attractions, including star wars ships, Air Force One and Apollo 11 Space Mission along with others. (Photo by Omar Marques/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

When the dust settled on the Prequel Trilogy it was a mixed bag. The great story, sub-par acting of the Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones had promise and widely failed. Revenge of the Sith saved the trilogy while taking it’s place as one of the best Star Wars films.

Tomorrow we start moving towards the Original Trilogy by looking at the stand-alone, Solo: a Star Wars story. See you tomorrow.

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Writing challenge day 2: Star Wars Attack of the Clones

The movie that was supposed to appease the Star Wars fan base had a strong opening 20 minutes. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker chase Zam Wesell a Bounty Hunter to the point Kenobi jumps out of a window breaking glass to grab hold of a tracking devise. Attack of the Clones gave a false hope of being the Star Wars film fans had been waiting for.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – JANUARY 19: A puppet of iconic character, Yoda sits at a display showcase at The Star Wars Identities exhibition at The ArtScience Museum on January 19, 2021 in Singapore. The Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition will run from January 30 to June 13 and is the final stop of a world tour that has spanned six years. (Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images)

The main turn off in the second installment of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy is the dialogue it simply was not up to the fun, energetic, witty dialogue of past Star Wars films. Not to mention there were no memorable quotes.

The real downturn happened in the much to long love scene between Anakin and Padme Amidala. With lines such as “I’m haunted by the kiss that you should never have given me” along with floating fruit it was just not well written or presented on screen.

There were some good moments of Attack of the Clones. Yoda using a lightsaber to duel Count Dooku was fun. Fans were thrilled Jar Jar Binks from The Phantom Menace had less screen time.

What did work and work well was the last 45 minutes of the film. When fans got to see the start of the Clone Wars. Perhaps some of the best Sci-fi on film. transport ships landing, big explosions lightsabers all over the place it was everything Star Wars geeks like myself enjoy.

In what has translated in today’s Star Wars streaming shows, Jango Fett a feared Bounty Hunter who also was the template for the Clone Troopers was a central character.

SAINT-DENIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 13: The costume of character Plo Koon from the Star Wars film series is displayed during the presentation of the exhibition “Star Wars Identities” at the Cite du Cinema on February 13, 2014, in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. The exhibition displays more than 200 original pieces from the archives of Lucas Arts Museum, including models, props, costumes and sketches who built the Star Wars universe created by George Lucas. The exhibition opens From February 15 until June 30, 2014 at the Cite du Cinema. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)

Attack of the Clones was unevenly paced and could be considered the worst Star Wars film. Yet, as I said it did have some good moments. In the end the problems were simply to bad and could not be overcome by the little bit of good.

Up next is Revenge of the Sith which will conclude our look at the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy.

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Writing challenge day 1: Star Wars The Phantom Menace

The one thing that makes The Phantom Menace such a stunning film is George Lucas pushed film making to a new level with the use of CGI. In fact Lucas did so throughout the entire Prequel Trilogy. The Phantom Menace had pressure on it from the very beginning, after all it was the film after the beloved Original Star Wars Trilogy. Still Lucas and company pulled it off nicely.

JAPAN – JUNE 02: George Lucas Promotes His New Film ‘ The Phantom Menace’ In Tokyo, Japan On June 02, 1999 – George Lucas promotes his new film ‘ The Phantom Menace’. (Photo by Kurita KAKU/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

While The Phantom Menace is clunky in areas and some characters are not fully developed, the story offers perhaps the best of all the Star Wars films. The most interesting aspect of the film is that George Lucas used embargoes and blockades to set the stage for the birth of the galactic empire.

Also, Lucas gives us a look at a young Anakin Skywalker a child so innocent that it is hard to imagine the rage he would develop as he grew up. Obi-Wan Kenobi had been introduced in the Original Trilogy as an older, wiser Jedi. Alas, The Phantom Menace gives the audience a young Kenobi who is still learning the ways of the Jedi under his Master Qui-Gon Jinn.

The fun begins when we see Senator Palpatine, from Naboo. Palaptine was a member of the Republic Senate. Because “The dark side clouds everything,” (Yoda) Palpatine and his motives went undetected. Not to mention one small detail, Palpatine was secretly a Sith Lord.

The brilliance of The Phantom Menace is that Palpatine played both sides. He single handedly orchestrated the fall of the Republic Senate and later the Jedi Order. He then set up the Galactic Empire for his own reign and rulership.

Underwater cities, the senate chamber, a city with a beautiful waterfall are all part of the visually pleasing offerings from The Phantom Menace. The pod race is fantastic fun as well.

REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: General view of Darth Maul collectables at Inland Empire Toy Store on February 27, 2021 in Redlands, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

Groundbreaking and ahead of it’s time. George Lucas pushed film making to the next level with the use of computers. It was bashed by the Star Wars fan base at the time, but as time has passed The Phantom Menace has been embraced as it should be.

The saga continues tomorrow with a look at Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Let’s continue the journey then.

 

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For the next 11 days I am going to take a look at 11 Star Wars films as part of a writing challenge

Is this a fun yet challenging expedition? Yes. One that was suggested by my beautiful wife of 26 years. My wife is very gifted in the art realm so when she suggests something I have learned it is generally for the greater good. So why Star Wars? First off I really enjoy the films that I have been blessed to see all 9 in their original releases in the theater, secondly 11 films gives quite a bit of subject matter to write about.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – MAY 10: Filmmaker George Lucas arrives at the premiere of Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm’s ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ at the El Capitan Theatre on May 10, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Eleven Star Wars films. Just typing it out appears to be a bit intimidating and daunting. One subject for 11 days feels like it is putting me in a box. I am more of a what pops in my head type of blogger. So this is indeed going to be a fun voyage.

Here is the list of films I will be exploring. I am sure many if not all of you already know them. I have chosen films and not tv series to be the main focus. Also in my choice selection is doing the films in chronological order and not release date order.

Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Solo: A Star Wars story

Rogue One a Star Wars story

Episode IV: A New Hope

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 20: An original ILM Darth Vader costume at the opening of Rich Correll’s “Icons Of Darkness” VIP celebration on October 20, 2021 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away a six year old boy sat down in a movie theater and became absorbed in what was unfolding in front of him. the battle of good vs evil, a galactic empire pitted against a small group of rebels. Who was right who was wrong depends “a certain point of view.”

Join me on this adventure.

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Rick Nash becomes the first Columbus Blue Jackets to have his number retired

2 Season into the franchises existence the Columbus Blue Jackets needed a game changer. A face of the franchise to give the team traction and fans hope. Enter Rick Nash who would be that player. At the tender age of 18, Nash earned a roster spot and just like that he was the best player the Blue Jackets had. Now the all-time leading scorer in Columbus Blue Jackets history, Rick Nash will see his #61 rise to the rafters as the organizations first player to reach such an honor.

NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 24: Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on during a break in game action against the New York Rangers on February 24, 2007 at Madision Square Garden in New York City. The Blue Jackets defeated the Rangers 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Rick Nash is the Columbus Blue Jackets all-time leader in games played, goals, assists and points as he tallied 289 goals,  258 assists with 547 points along with 568 penalty minutes in 674 games from 2002-12.

For a decade Rick Nash was the leader (captain as well) of the Blue Jackets. During one of the worst seasons in Blue Jackets history (2012) Nash asked to be traded. Nash was sent to the New York Rangers and it paved the way to some very good hockey teams in Columbus due to the return for Nash.

In 2019 Rick Nash returned to the Columbus Blue Jackets, not as a player but  as a a special assistant to general manager Jarmo Kekalainen signaling he may be interested in become a GM at some point.

Rick Nash is a player, well former player who absolutely should have his number hanging from the rafters because Nash still owns nearly every Columbus Blue Jackets record.

To have any other player enter the Blue Jackets organization and wear #61 would seem odd and not right given the level of play Nash played with every single game. That would be a lot to live up to.

COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 12: Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets takes the ice before the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Nationwide Arena on November 12, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets defeated the Jets 2-1. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)

Rick Nash now becomes the first player to have his number retired by Columbus. Nash did things on the ice that are still talked about around Nationwide Arena. He is still a fan favorite who gets a fitting ending to his playing days.

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Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen may have the last laugh

Jarmo Kekalainen, tried to tell us. He never wavered in his assessment of the Columbus Blue Jackets roster he put together. While media outlets and fans not to mention hockey experts scoffed at the notion that the Blue Jackets were not reloading but about to enter a full-blown rebuild. Kekalainen insisted his team was indeed reloading. At 7-3, tying the best start in franchise history, Jarmo Kekalainen has to be grinning.

COLUMBUS, OH – November 6th: Alexandre Texier #42 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates with teammates after his goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period at Nationwide Arena on November 6th, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

What is going on with the Columbus Blue Jackets? A massive roster overhaul chalked full of young players, some of which have barely any NHL experience while others are rookies sprinkled with some veterans have the Blue Jackets playing well.

I dare say not many people (myself included) saw this coming. Yet, here the Blue Jackets are and it appears they are not going away anytime soon. Is this a playoff team? It is still early in the season so that is difficult to forecast. That is not to say they are not. After the start they have had and as young players seem to be getting better with each game played, anything is possible.

Gritty, savvy, undeterred, pick one. Shoot pick all three. This is what I feel best describes the start of the 2021-22 Columbus Blue Jackets season. It has been very good to witness the job head coach Brad Larsen and his coaching staff has done. From game preparation to in-game adjustments Larsen is pushing all the right buttons.

Sure the 3 losses were clunkers, that said every team has clunker games during the course of the season including would be Stanley Cup champions. The bad games aside, the Blue Jackets have bounced back after the bad losses to win the next game played.

NEWARK, NJ – OCTOBER 31: Head Coach Brad Larsen of the Columbus Blue Jackets reacts to a call on the ice from the bench against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on October 31, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

While a losing streak could turn up, so could a winning streak. How about the third periods for the Blue Jackets? In what use to be a bad timeframe the Blue Jackets are now finding a way to finish games. In fact, Columbus is making a  thing out of third period comebacks and wins.

This is the team that Jarmo Kekalainen has put together. With it doubters have been silenced.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets are fun to watch

Rebuilds are not suppose to net many wins. In fact teams are supposed to struggle game in and game out. At 6-3 the Columbus Blue Jackets rebuild is off to an odd but fun start. The teams 3 losses were closer to a rebuild teams in terms of scores. Yet, head coach Brad Larsen has the NHL’s youngest team playing a fast tempo, puck pushing style that has netted some fantastic wins.

COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 14: Jakub Voracek #93 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates during the third period of a game against the Arizona Coyotes at Nationwide Arena on October 14, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets have had 3 blowout losses, 4-1 to the Detroit Red Wings, 5-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes, and 4-0 to the New York Rangers. It would be easy to get caught up in that. But after each loss the Blue Jackets bounced back and won. A sign of good coaching and players who forget fast.

In the teams 6 wins a new hero has shown himself each game. Yet, another good sign that the Blue Jackets are more than Patrik Laine who in case you were unaware is off to a great start.

In training camp the defense was one of the biggest question marks entering the season. The young defense has played well mostly (in the 3 losses there were struggles.)

The other question mark that dates back a few seasons was the power play. The addition of Jakub Voracek has been a God-send. Voracek has been working with players in practice getting them to understand what they need to do in certain situations. The teams power play has been solid.

COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 23: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck in the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena on October 23, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

As noted, the Blue Jackets are playing a style that pushes the puck, the offense has been wide open allowing the team to get good looks at the net. This is indeed a new dawning of Blue Jackets hockey.

While there is still a lot of hockey left to play (thank goodness!!!) and losing streaks are sure to happen, so are winning streaks. The biggest hope the young Blue Jackets have shown is the ability to overcome a tough loss or blowout and come back the next game with some fight.