Tag: Star Wars

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“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” reveals a shot of Luke Skywalker

Embed from Getty Images We saw him become one with the Force at the end of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” or we thought we did. Last week Vanity Fair released a series of new photo’s from the set of Episode IX. One that drew the most attention, Luke Skwalker.

There Luke Skywalker was, Not a Force ghost. With his old friend R2-D2. Was this a flashback? Perhaps. Was it a simply publicity picture? Perhaps. Did Luke teleport himself off of Ach-to? Again perhaps. Many more questions have come out of this picture.

It is a simple photo that has opened a can of worms. The disappointment that was The Last Jedi, soured fans as well as divided them. So, Disney/Lucasfilm turned back to JJ Abrams (director of “Star Wars The Force Awakens”) to step in and save the day. Given the teaser trailer Abrams seems like he is repairing some things.

The implied death of Luke Skywalker further angered fans, who were already on edge due to the poor film. Simply put, Fans did not feel Luke Skywalker should have died in the middle of the final chapter in the Skywalker saga.

On a personal note, I am staying spoiler free. That said I have no answer as to what the photo actually is. As the viewer can see, Luke looks like he did when we saw him at the end of The Force Awakens. If I had a guess, I would say it is a flashback. Remember the flashback in the Force Awakens, Luke’s robotic hand reached out and touched R2-D2. I think it is possible this is just a continuation of that flashback.

Needless to say, like any Star Wars fanatic. Whenever something new comes out and sparks questions. I like many of you like to dissect and talk about them. This is one of those times.

So what are your thoughts to the picture? What exactly do you think Luke Skywalker’s role will be in the Skywalker swan-song?

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The Knights of Ren have been confirmed for “The Rise of Skywalker.”

Embed from Getty Images It came as a shock of sorts to see Kylo Ren attack a Knight of Ren in the Episode IX teaser trailer. Fans did not know if it was real time or a flash back. They still do not know. But the Knights of Ren have now officially been confirmed for the hotly anticipated December 20 release.

Introduced in “Star Wars: The Force Awaken,” the Knights of Ren appear to be a mysterious group of fighters. Unsure if they were under the leadership of Supreme Leader Snoke or Kylo Ren himself. There was a build up in the movie that fell apart in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” They were not in the film or mentioned at all.

In a new Vanity Fair article and photo release, they are in the magazine. The Knights are described as wearing mismatched armor with oversized arsenals of weapons. What is unknown is if Kylo Ren took out the Knights so he would become sole leader. Or if Ren is turning to the Light side.

Whatever is the case, it appears the Knights of Ren will have a larger role in this film. No one knows what they look like. Weather they are a clone of Kylo Ren or they are their own fighters, with their own identity.

Fans hope they get to see the Knights in action weather fighting or other form.

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“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” in the works

Embed from Getty Images December 20th, fans will see the end of the Skywalker saga as “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” will hit theaters. Disney announced there would be a hiatus after the ninth Episode release, while they sorted through things. Now it looks like hints are being dropped.

“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” started in 2003 as a video game. The game was a smash hit. Leading to books and graphic novels and other games. On a more exciting and ground breaking note  Laeta Kalogridis is said to be working on the script. Big deal you say? It is! You see no female has ever written  a “Star Wars” script solely on there own.

While at this past Star Wars Celebration, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, hinted at the Knights movie or movies saying  “we are developing something to look at.” When she was asked point blank about a Knights fil and or trilogy.

“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” takes place during a war against the Mandalorian. Jedi leave and become Sith. Namely Darth Revan and Darth Malek. Once the war against the legendary Bounty Hunters  is over. Revan and Malek shift their focus to finding and killing Jedi.

The two sides chase each other throughout the galaxy. It is a great Star wars story, one that finds Darth Revan finding redemption. “Knights of the Old Republic” is a much darker story than the Skywalker saga and the two stand alone films to date, “Star Wars Rogue One” and “Solo: a Star Wars Story.’

It is also a war charged story, with a lot of deaths. Yet, it offers some of the greatest Sith in Star wars history. The best most powerful and totally evil Sith-type character ever, Darth Nihilus. Who is held captive by the dark side so much his body begins to breakdown and fail him. So, Nihilus rips his soul from his body and places it in a robe and mask. There is no body in it. Nihilus, is neither Sith or Jedi, just pure evil.

This is a Star Wars story with so much possibilities that all Star Wars fans should be happy.

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Why Solo a Star Wars story 2 should be made

Embed from Getty Images When “Solo: a Star Wars story” came out, it was missed by and large because fans were disappointed with “Star Wars the Last Jedi.” Which lead to Solo doing poor at the box office. Which is a shame. Solo is a much better film than The Last Jedi.

Why should Disney/Lucasfilm invest time, energy and money into a Solo sequel. Let’s dive in. First and foremost Donald Glover was fantastic as Lando Calrissian. As was Emilia Clarke as Qi’ra.

Alden Ehrenreich made us believe he was a young Han Solo. The film was very solid. What needs to be explored more are a few things. Things that would make Solo 2 as enjoyable as the first film.

Enfys Nest, she has a great role in the film. But more is needed in her backstory. He was a great Star Wars character. We also need more from the Han/ Chewbacca  relationship that started in the first film.

Now we get to the real fun. Darth Maul. Who is no longer a Darth. He left the Sith because he did not agree with everything they stood for. Also the fact he was left for dead after Obi-Wan Kenobi sliced him in half. Maul used crime syndicates to take over Mandalore. After he was removed by the Republic, he escaped.

Maul, who did use the Force, started the crime gang Crimson Dawn. More is needed from this aspect of the story. Not to mention Qi’ra. Is she really with Maul and Crimson Dawn? Or is she leaning to following Han Solo and Chewbacca?

Fans of the film, of which I am one. Would love to see a sequel to a film that was missed by so many. If you have not seen “Solo: a Star Wars story,” do yourself a favor and watch it.

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Star Wars theory: Anakin is the Skywalker in “Rise of the Skywalker”

Embed from Getty Images Going back before “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” was released creator and director George Lucas said episode’s 1-9 were “Anakin’s story.” Flash forward to what we know heading into “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” All signs point to Anakin being the Skywalker who will rise. Let’s take a look at facts and my own personal theory.

We now know through the teaser trailer, Emperor Palpatine is back in one form or another. Weather he did learn from his former master Darth Plagueis and was able to cheat death. Or if he went an ancient Sith route like Darth Nihilus and was able to separate his soul and transplant it into another form.

 

 

Anakin Skywalker, was the chosen one. The one would would bring balance to the Force. At least that is what many thought. Until he followed his own path and went down a dark path until redemption found him. We do know he became one with the Force after the battle on the second Death Star.

To have Palpatine return (again in some form) would cheapen the death of Anakin. To have the person who’s story is being told not have a role in the final chapter of his own story would be bad story writing.

Think of the possibilities, Palpatine vs Anakin Skwalker. Weather Anakin is a Force ghost or turned the table on his former master and learned how to truly cheat death and come back in human form. It would be perhaps the greatest ta-da’s in movie history.

Rey, who seems ill equipped to be able to handle the Emperor on her own, would yield to Anakin and perhaps Luke Skywalker much like we saw in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” Father and son unite to  defeat the galaxies most feared enemy.

I have no idea what director JJ Abrams is going to do. But, to leave out THE central character in the entire saga would cheapen the story and  leave fans feeling empty. Abrams is a better writer and director than to just leave the story unfulfilled. It is known that JJ sought help from George Lucas as to how to wrap Episode’s 1-9 up. That is a good thing.

 

 

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Solo a Star Wars story is under appreciated

Embed from Getty Images It was never meant to fit into a trilogy. It was the first real Star Wars stand alone. Yet, it was not well received. That does not change the fact Solo a Star Wars story is a fun break from the same old, same old.

 

Much was made of the director switch early in production. Ron Howard, was brought in and made a solid piece of art. Which is no small task given the movie that was involved.

 

Alden Ehrenreich, was fine as the lead Han Solo. One thing that bothered me was how he received his last name. From and empire employee. Just did not sit well with me.

 

Emilia Clarke as the love beauty Qi’ra delivered a solid performance. She seemed to fit with other Star Wars leading ladies very well.  Woody Harrelson was a veteran actor who brought stability to the film as did Dydren Vos who was portrayed by Paul Pettany.

 

The greatest acting job came from Donald Glover. Lando Calrissian, came to life in a young fun ways. He really became a young Billy Dee Williams. Other than an awkward moment where he seemed to treat his droid shutting down like his girlfriend. Glover was fantastic.

 

I don not want the same settings in my Star Wars films. I want new. New locations, new ships, new characters. Yes this had characters we have all come to love and know. But in a new light.

 

The film was interesting as it felt like we knew what was going on but we did not. The story was sort of ho-hum. But where the story lacked. The acting carried it.

 

I went into the film not knowing anything. I walked out feeling good. Not great like “The Force Awakens.” But, good. Better than I thought I would.

 

If there are more stand-alone films. They should look to Solo as a blueprint. Star Wars fans would rather a solid film than mass produced junk. As a Star Wars fan I would rather a film every two years. Not one right after another.

 

 

 

 

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Star Wars: and the power of costume

Embed from Getty Images Being a lifelong unapologetic Star Wars fan. I took some time and headed to Detroit and visit the power of costume exhibit at the Detroit institute of art.

It was a day trip. But, not just any mind you. Since I was a kid just the excitement of anything Star Wars, was an adrenaline rush greater than any caffeine rush.

Hopped in the SUV and made the three plus hour trek to my favorite city. It did not disappoint! Not for Star Wars, fandom reasons mind you. It did not disappoint because it was a well put together exhibit.

From the Prequel trilogy, up to Episode VII “The Force Awakens.” The Costumes from the original trilogy were simple. It was layered fabrics. Simple and it did not take away from the all important character introduction of Star Wars “A new hope.”

I must say seeing Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Jedi robe from 1977 and Luke Skywalker’s outfit from 1983’s “Return of the Jedi” were great. My personal favorite was the Tusken Raider. The detail was fantastic!

The prequel trilogy, saw much more complex costumes as many characters had been established already. I must say the inner bounty hunter in me loved Jango Fett’s, Mandalorian aromor.

My two favorite exhibit displays (in no certain order) were the evolution of the Stormtroopers. And the Tie pilots. But Darth Vader, stops people in their tracks. His mask from “Revenge of the Sith” is way cool. As is the full Vader costume from “Return of the Jedi.’

Also, seeing C3PO, R2D2, and BB8 is all their glory was a fun moment. A lot of people seemed to enjoy the droids.

It is a fantastic event. It is well worth the drive. Not to mention Detroit’s Greek food is out of this world. It has a great family feel. The rest of the art museum is well worth checking out before or after depending the tour time.

Take time and go to that galaxy far, far away.

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Star Wars: this one is personal

Embed from Getty Images Then He said “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:3

It always takes me back to my childhood. Star Wars. I have been blessed to see every film in original format in the theater. By the way Han Solo shot first.
As a child, I really identified with Luke Skywalker. He was an orphaned boy who had big dreams and aspersions. Much like Luke, I had been orphaned and adopted. Which I am grateful. Some people do not get out of the holding cell.
Thanks to my parents, I too got to have big dreams and aspirations. As a child seeing Star Wars for the first time and before it was subtitled “A new hope” was everything a child could want. Robots, cool settings and more action than you can shake a stick at.
The lesson was clear to me. No matter what the background of a person and no matter a person’s belief we can all work together for a greater cause. Something I feel we need to get back to.
Time has flown by and now I find I’m actually more like Han Solo. Confident, a leader, yet need to rely on others to achieve success. More open to advice and options.
But Star Wars, always brings me back to 1977 when I was young and life was easy. Back to a child like faith that there is something greater out there.
That is a good place to be. May the force be with you.