Tag: Star Wars

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Writing challenge day 7: The Empire Strikes Back

Coming off of Star Wars (A New Hope) the most successful movie of all time, the next film had to at the very least be as good as the first. The pressure was on and it was high. What happened next would become the heartbeat for all Star Wars films. The Empire Strikes Back released in 1980 and quickly became not only THE fan favorite of the franchise, but it became the sequel movie that set the bar for all sequel movies in all different categories.

American actor Mark Hamill on the set of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin Kershner. (Photo by Lucasfilm/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

The plot of The Empire Strikes Back is a simple one. The Empire is bent of destroying the rebellion. So simple as I said.  Imperial Walkers, a city in the clouds, a swamp planet all pushed “Empire” to the forefront of Star Wars movies.

The film opens on an ice planet with a battle that sets the tone for the darkness to come. Luke Skywalker now feels he must learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi. Enter Yoda, a small Jedi Master who trains Luke. During his training Luke ventures into a cave and fights Darth Vader, upon slicing Vader’s head off the mask sort of explodes to reveal Luke’s face in the helmet.

Later in the film we learn Darth Vader is Luke’s father. I still remember seeing “Empire” in the theater for the first time and the ooh’s from the entire theater when Vader tells Luke the truth.

The Empire Strikes Back offers a collection of Bounty Hunters as means to find the Millennium Falcon in order to capture Han Solo, Princess Leia, C-3PO and R2-D2 and end the rebellion. This is where we meet Boba Fett, who would go on to have a very impactful presence in future Star Wars projects.

British actors Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, American actors Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher on the set of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin Kershner. (Photo by Lucasfilm/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

“Empire” pushed Star Wars and became the backbone of the franchise. In fact every Star Wars movie since is compared  mostly unfairly to The Empire Strikes Back. Yet, so are other movie franchises second movies.

Tomorrow will conclude our look at the Original Trilogy when we dive into Return of the Jedi. See you then!

 

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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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Star Wars villain Maul appears to be getting his own show

Disney + appears to be bringing another popular Star Wars character to the small screen. The former “Darth,” Maul looks to be in the works. The story will be focused around the former Sith Lord’s time running the criminal syndicate Crimson Dawn. The show which started out as a live-action idea is now said to be animated.

While the exact title of the show which will feature Maul is unknown, is known to take place after the events of the widely successful “The Bad Batch.” What the exact timeline is is still unknown.

BERLIN, GERMANY – DECEMBER 16: Boba Fett character at the German premiere for the film ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (german title: ‘Star Wars: Das Erwachen der Macht’) at Zoo Palast on December 16, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images)

What seems interesting yet calculated, word of the Maul show broke yesterday after The Book of Boba Fett had it’s trailer release. Maul has an interesting history in the Star Wars Universe.

In The Phantom Menace, Maul appeared to die at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Yet, he survived out of anger and was fitted with robotic legs. His role in both Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels left fans wanting more.

Maul made a cameo in Solo: A Star Wars Story as the leader of Crimson Dawn. So the question is how does Maul, Crimson Dawn and Boba Fett connect? I can only submit my thoughts here. So her goes.

I believe it is possible that the Maul show will show how he put Crimson Dawn together and the effects of the groups work had on the galaxy far far away. In The Book of Boba Fett trailers there is a quick shot of Fett talking to a group of people.

STAR WARS REBELS – “Twilight of the Apprentice: Part I and II” – After gaining information about the Sith, Kanan, Ezra and Ahsoka battle the Inquisitors with the help of a new ally, but are overmatched when Vader arrives. This episode of “Star Wars Rebels” airs Wednesday, March 30 (9:00 10:00 P.M. EST) on Disney XD. (Disney XD via Getty Images)
DARTH MAUL

I believe those people are none other than the members of Crimson Dawn, the same Crimson Dawn that ( I am going out on a limb here) Boba Fett now runs. While those are my thoughts, I believe this is how they can connect the stories together.

Hold on Star Wars fans, it’s about to get interesting and fun. Very soon.

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In what has been kept under lock and key, Boba Fett is getting a special on Disney +

It is no secret to Star Wars fans that Boba Fett is a huge fan favorite. Fett is also the greatest Bounty Hunter the Star Wars Universe has ever seen. Thought to be left for dead in the Sarlacc Pitt on the the sands of Tatoonie, Boba Fett made his triumphant return to Star Wars, in Disney +’s The Mandalorian. The Disney streaming channel is set to launch The Book of Boba Fett, December 29, 2021.

BERLIN, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 15: Actor Temuera Morrison is photographed for Self Assignment on February 15, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Nicolas Guerin/Contour by Getty Images)

History and Legacy, that is what Disney + is centering the Boba Fett special (no official title has been released as of yet,) around. While much is unknown about just what the show will focus on other than history and legacy, it is fair to say we should be getting some familiar Star Wars characters to go along with Boba Fett, as Disney likes to do.

Temuera Morrison, who portrayed Jango Fett in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy and Boba Fett (his cloned son) in The Mandalorian, will also be staring as the younger Fett in the special. It is not known at this time if the story will be told in flashback time or real time with flashbacks. Also what is not known at this time is if The Mandalorian character and Fett’s right hand helper Fennec Shand, will appear. While Fennec will be in the Book of Boba Fett.

So when is this, Boba Fett’s History and Legacy special getting released? It is rumored to be November 12, 2021. This will be a primer for December 29 when the Book of Boba Fett releases.

MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 15: A Boba Fett 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)

Also, a nice bit of rumored information, at the conclusion of Boba Fett’s special there will be a trailer for The Book of Boba Fett. It could be during the after credits so do not stop streaming or you will miss the trailer.

Late fall/ early winter is shaping up to be a very happy time for Star Wars fans everywhere.

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PlayStation announces the remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

In what started out many years ago as a roleplaying game, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic which was made for Xbox and released for PC and mobile devices is getting a makeover. Star Wars fans are thrilled. The announcement was made yesterday.

A Sony PlayStation 5 home video game console and DualSense controller, taken on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Olly Curtis/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic allows game users and players to to either serve the light side or dark side. The game gave birth to some new  characters who fans quickly identified with.

“KOTOR” is what fans refer to Knights of the Old Republic as is getting a total remake. Could there be more behind the game remake? Like say live action shows or full length featured films, this in my opinion is something to keep a close eye on.

Not long ago Star Wars books released The High Republic. A book series that has gained popularity with each book release. The High Republic and Knights of the Old Republic are in the same timeline.

It could be that plans are to work the stories together. Or keep it as is. The safe bet is that fans of KOTOR who have wanted to see the games characters come to life will get some wishes fulfilled.

After all Darth Revan is widely popular within Star Wars fandom as are other Sith such as Darth Malak and Darth Nihilus. There is so much Disney/Lucasfilm could do with these characters that would please fans.

A Star Wars: A New Hope movie original lightsaber used by Luke Skywalker and valued between $150,000 to $200,000 that will be auctioned on December 13 at the Paley Center for Media, by the ‘Profiles in History’ auction house in Calabasas, California on December 6, 2018. (Photo by Mark RALSTON / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)

Until then, the satisfaction of an updated Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic will keep fans attention. After the game comes out what comes next could set the fan base in total euphoria or cause a rift. There is no need to add more games to the already two game story.

But, perhaps films and other merchandise would be a good start.

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A new rumor suggests that Disney is planning a new Star Wars trilogy

It’s only a rumor….. it’s only a rumor….. it’s only a rumor. Keep that in mind when reading and sifting through what is about to be presented to you. Den of Nerds, over at Youtube, who have excellent sources and have never missed the mark dropped a bombshell. It seems that Disney understands the mess they have on their hands with the widely disappointing Star Wars Sequel Trilogy would like to right the ship.

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 26: A view of Kylo Ren on display as part of a Star Wars themed holiday window at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street Store on November 26, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

It seems that “The Rise of Skywalker” may not be the last story in the Skywalker Star Wars arc. That is just fine with me. What is interesting is that Den of Nerds says that the show will focus around Ben Solo/ Kylo Ren. How? After all he died.

Kylo Ren was 100% the best part of the Sequel Trilogy. The character returning would be an interesting move after all he seemingly died. But then again Emperor Palpatine seemingly dies in “Return of the Jedi.”

But then again there is that whole cloning thing. I’m not going to deep on that right now. Also, in what now appears to be more than a rumor it seems that a Finn series is in the works. Which seems likely. Finn actor John Boyega swore off any return to Star Wars shortly after the release of “The Rise of Skywalker.”

HOLLYWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 14: Actor John Boyega attends the World Premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at the Dolby, El Capitan, and TCL Theatres on December 14, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images)

Then a bit later Boyega changed his tune and said he would not mind a return at some point. It was about that time a Finn series was rumored to be in development. Not only is a Finn series getting more real by the day, but it seems that Disney is planning other Sequel Trilogy stories as well.

This seems to signal Disney is trying to right the wrong  as seen by the fans. Time will tell if the rumor is more than just that at least at the moment. But again, Den of Nerds has a very solid track record with these sorts of things.

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Disney +’s “Kenobi” show needs to have this Star Wars character

Star Wars fans around the world remember this scene from “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.” Yoda offers a somber bit of information that Obi-Wan Kenobi’s former master Qui-Gon Jinn had mastered death and been able to return from it, presumably as a Force Ghost. With Disney +’s ‘Kenobi” series said to have wrapped production fans can not help but wonder if the character first introduced in “Phantom Menace” will return.

Actor Liam Neeson (L) poses with the lightsaber he used in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” at the “Movie Action for Children” auction 06 March 2001 at Sotheby’s in New York. Movie memorabilia is on the auction block to raise money for a UNICEF program to prevent mother to child HIV transmission in Zambia, Zimbabwe and The Ivory Coast. AFP PHOTO/ Stan HONDA (Photo by STAN HONDA / AFP) (Photo by STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images)

Actor Liam Neeson, brought Qui-Gon Jinn to life. Not only did serve as master to Obi-Wan Kenobi but was also instrumental in teaching a young Anakin Skywalker. He knew there was something different about Anakin.

Qui-Gon Jinn was a respected member of the Jedi order. Yet when he was offered a seat with the Jedi council’s Jinn declined. He was never afraid to follow the will of the Force, even when it rubbed others the wrong way.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was instructed by Yoda to take an infant Luke Skywalker to a safe place and watch over him. He took him to the one place Anakin (who was Darth Vader by this point) vowed he would never go again, Tatoonie.

For Star Wars fans, it would be a fantastic moment if Qui-Gon Jinn was to show up during the “Kenobi” series. After all, Yoda said it was to be. We know by the time “Star Wars: A New Hope” fits into the overall story Obi-Wan has learned the skill of becoming one with the Force.

British actors Anthony Daniels, Alec Guinness and American Mark Hamill 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)

That means it would complete Obi-Wans training while further enriching Qui-Gon Jinn’s character as one of the more instrumental in the Star Wars universe. As other Jedi’s such as Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, as well as other Jedi’s including Yoda himself would be able to return from death as a Force Ghost.

While it is unknown if Qui-Gon Jinn will appear, it almost feels as if he will. To leave him out will leave a rather large void in the story.