I had expressed my concern recently about George Lucas' decision to sell off Lucasfilm (along with other subsidiaries like Skywalker Sound, Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasarts etc) to Disney. The announcement that Disney would be making Episodes VII, VIII and IX filled me with dread especially given the fantastic flop that was their sci-fi epic John Carter.
In the early hours of the morning however all this changed. I was reading a copy of Star Wars Insider (issue #138) which contained a very candid interview with George Lucas himself and Kathleen Kennedy (who was George's choice to head up Lucasfilm under Disney as he retires). This interview has put mind at ease. George has faith in Kathleen and knows her well. Kathleen will be heading up the making of the movies and running the company. George will be creative consultant for the films.
They are working with George's original ideas to formulate scripts. That's good enough for me. Having had this revelation and now also not so bothered about JJ "Star Trek" Abrams being appointed as director for Episode VII.
On that note I bring you this piece of joy (anybody want to bet what actual date this is going to hit our cinema screens?):
Freshly excited we embarked on a movie marathon today and started working our way through the saga...... once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away... on a Blu-ray special edition....
Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Toni vetoed it last time we tried this but I insisted that we had to do it properly today much to her disgust. This is probably the weakest of all the Star Wars films but it does it have its moments. There are some stunning visual effects, there is Darth Maul, a two handed lightsaber and pod races. The story is weak in places for sure but as an overall sci-fi yarn in the Star Wars universe it's OK.
Episode II: Attack Of The Clones. If you can overlook the whining of Hayden Christiansen then is is a good film. The story is much stronger and starts to build up lots of the history that we created what we know and love about the Star Wars universe. We have clones, Jango and little Boba Fett, Darth Tyranus and more stunning visuals especially with the planets Coruscant, Geonosis and Kamino.
You gotta love the battle on Geonosis at the end too!
Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith. This movie was a return to form for me. Christiansen is less whiny in this one plus he gets his butt kicked by Obi Wan so thats a good thing from the off. Once again the visuals are top notch, epic space battles, General Grievous, wookiees, the planet Mustafar and all it's fiery lava glory! The final battle between Anakin and Obi Wan nicely adds substance to the story that we've all known for years and the final creation of Darth Vader is great (apart from the awful, "Nooooooooo!". Oh yes, and Order 66!!!!!
Episode IV: A New Hope. The start of the holy trilogy, what can I say that you don't already know. This was where it all began, the start of the dream. Even allowing for Mr Lucas' mucking about with the special editions this still remains a fantastic film. I'm sure loads of people say it but this film really cemented my childhood and I was a Star Wars fanatic from that point in and yes, I did get to see it at the cinema.
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. My personal favourite this one as it is so dark. We have bounty hunters, the father moment, asteroids, great effects, the plane Hoth and Cloud City and more Boba Fett! Plus we have the delights of Han Solo being frozen in carbonite.
At this point we had passed midnight and strong coffee was called for to complete the quest!
Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi. Hands up if you know that this was originally going to be called Revenge Of The Jedi but the title was changed when it was decided that Jedi wouldn't go after Revenge, hence the title of Episode III! This is another one that has it all. Effects, Boba Fett, "that" Leia outfit, Endor, Ewoks, speeder bikes, a new Death Star a dramatic space battle and of course redemption at the end. What's not to like about this film?
And thus concluded Star Wars was day. I'm all excited like a kid again, fucking awesome! Thank you George Lucas!
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