Showing posts with label Carrie Fisher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carrie Fisher. Show all posts

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from December 18th to 24th, 2016 - Update #31

Support Leroy on Patreon.

STAR WARS - From Deadline:  Carrie Fisher is stable and out of emergency after having a heart attack on an airplane.

From ETCanada:  According to Carrie's brother, Todd Fisher, Carrie is not in "stable condition."

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MOVIES - From THR:  There is supposed to be a teaser released today in anticipation of the release of the first trailer for "Alien: Covenant," on Christmas Day.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooStyle:  Kristen Stewart (Twilight) is dating Stella Maxwell.

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SPORTS - YahooSports:  The NFL's Cleveland Browns will NOT become the second team to go winless in a 16-game NFL regular season.  The Detroit were 0 and 16 in 2008.  Several NFL teams have had seasons with no victories or ties.

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TELEVISION - From Deadline:  The "Cruel Intentions" reboot TV series is officially dead, but could rise again.

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TELEVISION - From IndieWire:  A&E's "Generation KKK" may get a name change.

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ANIMATION - From Variety:  Fox Searchlight has purchased worldwide rights to Wes Anderson's next film, the animated "Isle of Dogs."

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POLITICS - From YahooMusic:  Celine Dion says no to performing at the Trump inauguration.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  After "Blade Runner 2049," Dennis Villeneuve may move onto Legendary Entertainment's "Dune" reboot.

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MOVIES - From IndieWire:  Martin Scorsese offers an update on his upcoming film with Leonardo DiCaprio, "Devil in the White City."  A script is being worked on.

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TELEVISION - From TheWrap:  Michael Stuhlbarg added to "Fargo" Season 3.

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TELEVISION - From THR:  Starz cancels "Blunt Talk" with Patrick Stewart.

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BOX OFFICE - From YahooMovies:  Disney becomes the first movie studio to earn $7 billion in global box office.

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MOVIES - From YahooMovies:  Yahoo's 10 worst movies of the year.

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CELEBRITY - From ETCanada:  Margot Robbie secretly married in Australia.

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POLITICS - From YahooMovies:  Comedian/actor Tom Arnold claims he has outtakes of President-elect Donald Trump making racists comments.  It's too late to tell us that now - not that it would have changed the results of the election anyway...

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MUSIC - YahooMusic:  The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced the 2017 inductees into the hall:  Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur, Journey, Yes, Electric Light Orchestra, and Joan Baez. Chic's Nile Rodgers will be given the Award For Musical Excellence.  The induction ceremony will be held at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on April 7th, 2017.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooCelebrity:   There was a star-studded memorial for Alan Thicke, which included appearances by Leonardo DiCaprio, anti-gay advocate Kirk Cameron, and Alan's son Grammy-nominated son, Robin Thicke.

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ECO - From RSN:  Leonardo DiCaprio says the truth about climate change has spread like "wildfire."

From EW - DiCaprio remembers his co-star from his "Growing Pains" days, Alan Thicke.

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BOX OFFICE - BoxOfficeMojo:  "Rogue One" wins the 12/16 to 12/18/2016 weekend box office with an estimated haul of $155 million.

From Variety:  "Rogue One" has second largest December opening ever.

From TheWrap:   Denzel Washington's "Fences" makes sturdy indie box office debut.

From YahooMovies: With an estimated $7 million take for the weekend, "Collateral Beauty" is a career low for Will Smith.

From Variety:  In China, director Zhang Yimou's "The Great Wall" debuts with a $66 million box office.

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MOVIES - From IndieWire:  Michael Sheen is not quitting acting to be an activist.

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OBIT - From YahooMovies:  Zsa Zsa Gabor, Hollywood socialite and actress, has died at the age of 99, Sunday, December 18, 2016.

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BLACK LIVES MATTER - From Heavy:   The subject of the "Google Doodle" for Sunday, December 18, 2016 is Steve Biko.  Biko would have been 70-years-old today if he had not died while in police custody, essentially murdered by the White racist government of South Africa.  Heavy has 5 facts you need to know about him.

From YahooNews:  RE - Dylann Roof - don't be so quick to forgive.

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TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  This is the first official teaser trailer for "Blade Runner 2019," which is due October 2017.

From YouTube:  "xXx: Return of Xander Cage" first official trailer, which was released in early November 2016.


Thursday, June 23, 2016

Carrie Fisher, Gillian Anderson Headline Wizard World Comic Con Chicago 2016

Star Wars’ Carrie Fisher, the Cast of Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson and the X-Files’ Gillian Anderson to Attend Wizard World Comic Con Chicago August 20th-21st, 2016

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wizard World, Inc., (WIZD) the preeminent producer of Wizard World Comic Cons across North America, is proud to announce that Star WarsCarrie Fisher will make her first Wizard World appearance ever in Chicago, where she will join the Back to the Future trio of Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson. Also, The X-FilesGillian Anderson will join the previously announced David Duchovny, Mitch Pileggi & William B. Davis for a cast reunion, August 20-21, 2016.

    @carrieffisher, @realmikefox, @GillianA among @wizardworld Chicago guest August 20-21

"Great Scott! Looking forward to meeting everyone at Wizard World in Chicago,” exclaimed Christopher Lloyd.

“We are thrilled with these amazing new guest additions,” says John Maatta, Wizard World Chairman & CEO. “The fans have come to expect the very best TV & Film stars in Chicago, and we are delivering. Stay tuned for more exciting guest announcements over the coming weeks!”

The beloved Back to the Future stars will take part in a Wizard World Q&A panel, hosted by Michael Klastorin, the production publicist on the second and third films in the series, and author of “Back to the Future: The Ultimate Visual History.” The panel will discuss entertaining behind the scenes stories of the making of the films, and reflect upon the impact the film has had on movie-going fans of all ages for more than three decades.

Located at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, they will join previously announced guests including Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead), the cast of Netflix’s “Marvel’s Daredevil” including Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock/Daredevil), Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page), Elden Henson (Foggy Nelson), Jon Bernthal (Frank Castle/The Punisher), Elodie Yung (Elektra Natchios), and Rosario Dawson (Claire Temple), and more.

To purchase Admissions and VIP Admissions for the event, set for August 18-21, and to view the schedule, location, show hours, hotel & travel info, please visit: http://wizardworld.com/comiccon/chicago


About Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB:WIZD)
Wizard World, Inc. produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched the Wizard World Store, CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™, a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

Wizard World 2016 schedule available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve certain risks and uncertainties. The actual results or outcomes of Wizard World, Inc. may differ materially from those anticipated. Although Wizard World, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any such assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, Wizard World, Inc. can provide no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements contained in this letter will prove to be accurate.

In light of the significant uncertainties and risks inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this letter, such information should not be regarded as a representation by Wizard World, Inc. that its objectives or plans will be achieved. Included in these uncertainties and risks are, among other things, fluctuations in operating results, general economic conditions, uncertainty regarding the results of certain legal proceedings and competition. Forward-looking statements consist of statements other than a recitation of historical fact and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "intend," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Because they are forward-looking, such statements should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties. These risk factors and uncertainties are more fully described in Wizard World, Inc.'s most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading entitled "Risk Factors." Wizard World, Inc. does not undertake an obligation to update publicly any of its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Friday, April 15, 2016

Review: Retro "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is Kind of Like a Reboot

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 9 (of 2016) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Running time: 135 minutes (2 hours, 15 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sci-fi action violence
DIRECTOR:  J.J. Abrams
WRITERS:  Lawrence Kasdan and J.J. Abrams, and Michael Arndt (based on characters created by George Lucas)
PRODUCERS:  J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, and Kathleen Kennedy
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Dan Mindel ASC, BSC (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey
COMPOSER:  John Williams
Academy Award nominee

SCI-FI/FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA

Starring:  Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Carrie Fisher, Oscar Isaac, Peter Mayhew, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Anthony Daniels, Max von Sydow, Greg Grunberg, Ken Leung, Warwick Davis, and Mark Hamill

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a 2015 science fiction-fantasy action film directed by J. J. Abrams.  It is the seventh installment in the Star Wars film series, which began with the 1977 Oscar-winning film, Star Wars, created by George Lucas.  The Force Awakens is set 30 years after the events depicted in Return of the Jedi (1983).  This film follows a desert scavenger, a renegade stormtrooper, and an X-wing fighter pilot as they fight a new enemy, which is personified by a young dark warrior who is strong with the Force.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens approximately 30 years after the Rebel Alliance's defeat of the Galactic Empire and the destruction of the second Death Star.  However, the most famous hero of that battle, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last Jedi, has since disappeared.  The First Order has risen from the remains of the Empire, and is led by the mysterious Supreme Commander Snoke (Andy Serkis), who has two immediate goals.  He wants to destroy the New Republic (which was created by the Rebel Alliance) and its military wing, The Resistance, and will use his super-weapon, Starkiller Base, commanded by General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson), to do so.

To find Skywalker, Snope has tasked Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a young dark warrior who is strong with the Force.  Ren's search for information about Skywalker's whereabouts has led him to the desert planet, Jakku.  There, Ren has a confrontation with a Resistance pilot, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), which troubles a young First Order stormtrooper, FN-2187 (John Boyega), who is a witness to Dameron's capture.

Meanwhile, an astromech droid, BB-8, escapes into the Jakku night.  BB-8 eventually meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a young scavenger who will be the key to getting BB-8 and the crucial information he holds to the Resistance.  And legends of the past, Han Solo (Harrison Ford), General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) will help her.

Truthfully, I am in love with the new Star Wars characters, especially Rey and Finn (known by his First Order masters as FN-2187).  I have also found a place in my heart for Poe, Kylo Ren, General Hux, Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong'o), and the actors playing them.  I have added BB-8 to my beloved droid duo of R2-D2 and C-3PO.  I think that Daisy Ridley as Rey and John Boyega as Finn are among the best actors ever to appear in a Star Wars film, and the script allows them to give what may very well be two of the best dramatic performances every given in this franchise.

On the other hand, the movie itself is odd.  I love Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but not unconditionally.  I have to admit that I have mixed emotions because this is the first Star Wars film that George Lucas has not directed (and he directed four of them) or at least guided to fruition.  Thus, a part of me wants to see this film as fan-fiction.

Lucas himself has described Star Wars: The Force Awakens as “retro,” and he is not far from the truth.  Star Wars: The Force Awakens is filled with visuals and a narrative that are similar and practically copy the first Star Wars (also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope).  At times, The Force Awakens seems like a remake and semi-re-imagining of the original film, or, if you want to be cruel, you can call it a rehash of the best moments from the beginnings of Star Wars.  I would not be surprised if Walt Disney Studios (the new owners of Star Wars) and the filmmakers intended Star Wars: The Force Awakens to be a reboot of the franchise, a fresh start after the much-maligned “prequel films,” but a reboot that is grounded in the original trilogy.

Whatever one might say about the prequel films (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith), they were ambitious.  Star Wars: The Force Awakens merely seeks to entertain and to thrill.  It is escapist entertainment like no other – just as Star Wars was back in 1977.  There was nothing like Star Wars, and its simple story, filled with universal themes, resonated with audiences.  That is true of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  I found myself exhilarated, and I often could not take my eyes off the screen.  I laughed and some scenes even tried to make me cry.

As I edit this, it has been over two weeks since I saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  I have thought about it often, and I put off writing this review.  I have read other reviewers' opinions.  A writer for The Village Voice called it “the third good Star Wars” movie.  I think it is the fourth best Star Wars movie, behind the original three films, and a little ahead of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

I think I need to warm up more to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which might happen after repeated viewings.  Still, I think the future is bright for the new films.  Right now, I'd follow Rey, Finn, Poe, BB-8, and even Kylo Ren anywhere, and my favorite Star Wars character is back.  Regardless of the story, the characters are the ones I have always loved.  I am glad that some of the classic ones are back and that they have brought cool new ones with them.

8 of 10
A

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Edited on Thursday, April  14, 2016

NOTES:
2016 Academy Awards, USA:  5 nominations: “Best Achievement in Film Editing” (Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey), “Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score” (John Williams), “Best Achievement in Sound Mixing” (Andy Nelson, Christopher Scarabosio, and Stuart Wilson), “Best Achievement in Sound Editing” (Matthew Wood and David Acord), and Best Achievement in Visual Effects” (Roger Guyett, Pat Tubach, Neal Scanlan, and Chris Corbould)

2016 BAFTA Awards:  1 win: “Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects” (Chris Corbould, Roger Guyett, Paul Kavanagh, and Neal Scanlan); 3 nominations: “Best Production Design” (Rick Carter, Darren Gilford, and Lee Sandales), “Best Original Music” (John Williams), and “Best Sound” (David Acord, Andy Nelson, Christopher Scarabosio, Matthew Wood, and Stuart Wilson)



The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, December 31, 2015

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" - A Negromancer Link-O-Rama - Update #243

Posted by Leroy Doureseaux - on Patreon.

[I will shut down this post on Thursday, December 31, 2015.  I will open a new post, "Star Wars: Rogue One," on Friday, January 1, 2016, but I will continue to post about The Force Awakens as necessary.  Thank you all for visiting - Leroy]

From Negromancer:  My "The Force Awakens" review.

From YahooNews:  Lucas ain't feeling "The Force Awakens."

From Polygon:  The story behind the baton-wielding stormtrooper that yelled "Traitor" at Finn.

From YahooTech:  5 intriguing ideas cut from the film.

From YahooTV:  More speculation of Rey.  Is she Han and Leia's daughter?

From BluRayCom:  Blu-ray release on April 5, 2015?

From ScreenRant:  Dissecting the meanings of Kylo Ren's name.

From YahooMovies:  Ranking the Star Wars movies.

From Variety:  21 reasons TFA deserves every dollar.

From Variety:   Smashes Christmas Day box office record.

From Variety:  Vatican newspaper gets its hate-on.

From ScreenRant:  The return of Anakin?

From Vox:  Reboot the prequels?

From YahooTech:  There are critics who do not like "The Force Awakens."

From CinemaBlend:  Captain Phasma will get more screen time in Ep. 8.

From Polygon:  J.J. says the script for Episode VIII is so good...

From BGR:  Will Han Solo come back in some form?

From YahooTech:  Who are Rey's parents... and grandparents?

From YahooMovies:  The "Associated Press Entertainer of the Year" is "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

From VillageVoice:  "The Force Awakens" inspires right-bloggers.

From YahooMovies:  The Ultimate Force Awakens FAQ, and it is quite good.

From YahooTV:  Carries Fisher to Daisy Ridley - don't go through the crew...

From HitFix:  Carrie's infamous "Good Morning America" interview.

From YahooMovies:  Ewan McGregor has a cameo.

From BusinessInsider:  Harrison Ford made a mint for returning for "The Force Awakens" and will make more.

From YahooNews:  Is "The Phantom Menace" more ambitious than "The Force Awakens."

From BusinessInsider:  Theories about Rey's parents.

From YahooNews:  J.J. says that Alec Guinness is in TFA.

From TheWrap:  Without China, TFA falls short of breaking global and foreign box office records set by Jurassic Park earlier this year.

From BoxOfficeMojo:  "The Force Awakens" has the largest single day opening, $120 million, including the $57 million from Thursday night showing.  The film has also set other box office records.

From HollywoodLife:  5 biggest spoilers in the film. (SPOILERS)

From Variety:  $72.7 at international box office.

From YahooMovies:  Daniel Craig's has a cameo as a member of the First Order. (SPOILERS)

From YahooMovies: Record setting opening night on Thursday.

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From VillageVoice:  Amy Nicholson calls TFA the third good Star Wars film.

From TheVox:  A not exactly glowing review by Todd VanDerWerff.

From THR:  Todd McCarthy reviews the film WITH spoilers.

From NYT:  Manohla Dargis reviews for The New York Times.

From TheVerge:  A spoiler free review by Bryan Bishop.
 
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From YahooMovies:  Star Wars: The Force Awakens - the second teaser/trailer.

From YouTube:  Star Wars: The Force Awakens - the first teaser/trailer.

From Instagram:  A 15-second clip from the film that is a straight tease.

From TheVerge:  The new trailer is here.

From SlashFilm:  Eeeek!  Japanese trailer has new footage.

From Deadline:  Chinese trailers with lots of new footage and dialogue!

From TechCrunch:  There is a new TV spot... with new footage!!!

From YouTube: TV Spot #1
From YouTube:  TV Spot #2
From YouTube:  TV Spot #3
From TheVerge:  TV Spot #4
From YouTube:  TV Spot #5
From YouTube:  TV Spot #6
From YouTube: TV Spot #7
From YouTube:  TV Spot #8
From YouTube: TV Spot #9
From Facebook:  "All the Way" TV spot (#10).
From YouTube:  TV Spot #11
From YouTube: TV Spot #12
From YouTube: TV Spot #13
From YouTube: TV Spot #14
From YouTube: TV Spot #15 - Oscar Isaac introduces the clip in Spanish.
From YouTube: TV Spot #16
From YouTube: TV Spot #17
From YouTube: TV Spot #18
From YouTube: TV Spot #19
From YouTube: TV Spot #20
From YouTube: TV Spot #21

From YouTube:  "In 5 days" spot.

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From YouTube:  The long version of the Chewbacca BB-8 Verizon commercial:  "A better network as explained by Star Wars.

From YouTube:  C-P30 and R2-D2 meet BB-8 in commercial for "Priority."

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From YahooNews:  Angry fans who want the return of the Expanded Universe (Star Wars Legends) threaten to spoil the film if they don't get their way.

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From YahooNews:  Katie Couric talks to John Boyeag.

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From YahooMovies:  The Rey toy reveal freak-out.

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From Vulture:  Harrison Ford snuck into a preview.

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From YahooMovies:  Actors replay their expressions from watching the movie.

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From IMDb:  Actors describe their characters in "The Force Awakens."

From YahooNews:  Lupita Nyong'o talks a little about Maz Kanata.

From THR:  J.J. suggests Ava DuVernay for future Star Wars film.

From Deadline:  Spielberg thought it should be J.J. Abrams.

From YahooMovies:  Beastie Boys and "Lost" influence the name of new Star Wars character.

From YahooMovies:  Robert Downey, Jr. mentors John Boyega.

From YahooMovies:  Kylo Ren is a mess and other press junket reveals.

From YahooMovies:  Abrams talks about the best way to watch the movie.

From Deadline:  New character posters featuring Finn and Poe Dameron.

From CinemaBlend:  Lucas has seen "The Force Awakens."

From YahooTV:  Who is Supreme Leader Snoke?

From RollingStone:  The magazine's in-depth feature on Star Wars.

From HitFix:  Speculation on Vader's helmet.

From Mashable:  Harrison Ford saw the film and likes it.

From YahooTV:  J.J. talks to Howard Stern.

From HitFix:  "The Force Awakens" soundtrack listing.

From YahooNews:  The new planets are revealed.

From Variety:  It's official: PG-13 for "sci-fi action violence."

From Variety:  Win tickets to the Los Angeles or London premiere.

From Variety:   More commentary from Lucas.

From CheatSheet:  A essay about Lucas' "displeasure" at being left out of the making of Episode 7.

From YahooMovies:  Why do people care what this bitch said?

From Deadline:  John Boyega trying to manage expectations.

From CBS:  The network's morning news airs part of an interview Charlie Rose conducted with George Lucas.  The rest of the interview will air in December in conjunction with the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, which Lucas is receiving.

From CinemaBlend:  Meet the "Starkiller Base."

From YahooNews:  More about Lupita Nyong'o's character "Maz Kanata."

From YahooGames:  Don't call her princess.

From YahooGames:  Stills to be published in Entertainment Weekly reveal a few things.

From YahooNews:  Still more EW stills.

From FlickeringMyth:  Supreme Leader Snoke?

From CinemaBlend:  What is Daisey Ridley going to do on opening day?

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From Hitfix:  Daniel Fleetwood died just days after getting a special screening of "The Force Awakens."

From TheVerge:  Dying fan sees unedited version of "The Force Awakens."
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From SideshowCollectibles:  Cause you want to see it again.  Plus 10 moments worth experiencing again.

From SideshowCollectibles:  See the new posters.

From FlickeringMyth: Will Yoda return?

From TheCheatSheet:  More speculation on why Luke was left out of second trailer.

From FlickeringMyth: No more trailers, says J.J.

From CinemaBlend:  The Luke Skywalker/Kylo Ren theory.

From YahooNews:  Stormtroopers mass at Great Wall of China.

From CinemaBlend:  10 things Cinema Blend noticed about the new trailer.

From Hitfix:  See Daisy Ridley's reaction to the latest trailer.

From CinemaBlend:  Boyega flips over latest trailer.

From TheWrap:  Crashing results from being trying to buy tickets online.

From SheKnows:  Sad Star Wars boycott.  It is put on by people who certainly will see the film.

From Forbes:  The new "Star Wars" is not for you, fanboy.

From Variety:  New (and final) poster revealed; tickets on sale Monday; trailer during Monday Night Football (Oct. 19th).

From YahooFinance:  Netflix is negotiating to get the rights to "The Force Awakens."

From CinemaBlend:  136 minutes long; that's the rumor about TFA's run time.

From YahooMovies:  New Star Wars characters accidentally unveiled.

From YahooNews:  Rumor about Michael B. Jordan and Boba Fett solo movie.

From YahooMovies:  John Boyega brushes past the haters.

From THR:  "The Force Awakens" gets a date for its world premiere, December 14, 2015 - in Los Angeles, CA.

From YahooNews:  Full trailer / final trailer due this month?  Oct. 19th?

From Cinelinx:  Lots of speculation about Finn.

From ScreenRant:  New rumors: Skywalkers and Finn.

From YahooNews: Admiral Ackbar will be in "The Force Awakens."

From BleedingCool:  More Hayden Christensen rumors.

From YahooNews:   Rumors about Max Von Sydow's character in "The Force Awakens."

From THR:  Script made Boyega cry.

From YahooNews:  Hayden Christensen rumors about Episode 8.

From YahooNews: Disney might release the original theatrical cuts of the original Star Wars trilogy.

From YahooMovies:  Star Wars film artifacts on auction.

From IGNAsia:   Mark Hamill in Ireland to film Episode VIII?

From ScreenRant:  A character guide with the website's own evaluations and speculations.

From ScreenRant:  Trading cards may release more tidbits, especially about Rey.

From CinemaBlend:  Rumor is that there will be a post-credit scene on "The Force Awakens."

From Comicvine:  How Marvel Comics' "Shattered Empire" comic book connects to "The Force Awakens."

From Forbes:  What is more important? That "The Force Awakens" be a big hit or be really good?

From TheGuardian:  Anthony Daniels on secrecy and playing C-3PO.

From iDigitalTimes:  Finn and Rey revealed?

From YahooMovies:  33 of the coolest new Star Wars items.

From YahooMovies:  A first  look at "The Force Awakens" toys.

From YahooTech: Meet the high-tech BB-8 from Sphero.

From Collider:  A new villains international poster.

From YahooMovies:  An article about the 15-seconds of heavenly tease.

From YahooGames:  Kylo Ren is not a Sith!

From YahooMovies:  Toy leak reveals Zuvio.

From YahooMakers:  Young girl bullied for being a girl who likes Star Wars gets a special Stormtrooper suit.

From CheatSheet:  They think they have good news about Han Solo solo film.

From HitFix:  "The Force Awakens" heroes make cover of "Empire" magazine.

From Collider:  "The Force Awakens" villains make cover of "Empire" magazine.

From CinemaBlend:  Maz Kanata may stay under wraps until release of film.

From FlickeringMyth:  Early concept art for Maz Kanata, the motion-capture character played by Lupita Nyong'o.

From YahooMovies:   Oscar Isaac was a Lando fan.

From YahooMovies:  John Boyega and the rest of the cast had lots of fun on the set.

From IndieRevolver:  Concept art for the "Knights of Ren," that may also have been early designs for Kylo Ren.

From IndieRevolver:  The first real good look at Luke Skywalker as will possibly be in "The Force Awakens.

From Collider:  Abrams on Captain Phasma.

From FlickeringMyth:  D23 interview with Abrams and cast.

From Collider:  Initial cut of "The Force Awakens" is 124 minutes long (2 hours, 4 minutes).

From Variety:  Cast photo from "Rogue One."

From HitFix:  D23 exclusive Star Wars poster reveals something about Finn.

From AccessHollywood:  New Star Wars details revealed at D23.

From EW:  Entertainment Weekly goes whole hog on coverage of "The Force Awakens."

From YahooMovies:  Some info on some character names from "The Force Awakens."

From YahooBeauty:  CoverGirl launching "Star Wars" makeup line.

From YahooMovies:  "Anakin" as a baby name.

From Toybox: Micro Machines returning for "The Force Awakens."

From EpochTimes:  Rumors about the relationship between the villians.

From YahooMovies:  Mark Hamill gives the best autographs.

From YahooMovies:  No midi-chlorians.

From ScreenRant:  SPOILER:  In "Rogue One," Felicity Jones' character might be Boba Fett's daughter.

From EntertainmentWeekly:  J.J. Abrams apparently broke his back trying to help Harrison on the set of "The Force Awakens."

From Cinelinx:  Rumors of a Star Wars/Netflix deal on a live-action series or more than one abound.

From IBTimes: Tie-Fighter upgrades?

From YahooMovies:  Michael Jackson wanted to be Jar Jar Banks.

From Variety:  Benecio Del Toro for "Star Wars Episode 8."

From TheVerge:  Leaked excerpt of the book, Star Wars: Aftermath, which is set immediately after the events of Return of the Jedi.

From FlickeringMyth:  John Boyega shares image of Finn and Chewbacca in action together.

From TechCrunch:  All in on this Rancor cosplay.

From YahooMovies:  Amy Schumer does the metal bikini.

From ScreenRant:  Han Solo back story revealed in The Force Awakens?

From CinemaBlend:  Production Darren Gilford talks about the lengths to which J.J. Abrams went to connect his film to the original trilogy.

From Fortune:  A short article on Star Wars sequels, spinoffs and re-releases.

From YahooMovies:  Video of Princess Leia's return and more in the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" behind-the-scenes video from ET.  You must watch this..

From THR:  Comic-Con 2015 panel footage raises questions.

From YahooMovies:  Some advice Harrison Ford gave to Daisy Ridley.

From YahooMovies:  Watch entire San Diego Comic-Con 2015 "Star Wars" panel.

From YahooMovies:  Return of Harrison Ford...

From YahooFinance:  Star Wars Comic-Con panel video offers surprises.

From Collider:  Colin Trevorrow is rumored to be the choice to direct Star Wars IX.  Trevorrow directed the box office smash, Jurassic World.

From Variety:  May the donuts be with you.

From YahooMovies:  Debut of new TIE fighter that is supposed to be huge.

From SunTimes:  Darth Vader to make an appearance in "Rogue One."

From YahooMovies:  Who and what from The Force Awakens will be at 2015 Comic-Con International.

From THR via YahooMovies:  The LEGO Movie team of Chris Miller and Phil Lord are reportedly directing a Han Solo standalone Star Wars film.

From CinemaBlend:  Donnie Yen for Episode 8.

From CinemaBlend:  Marvel Comics ' "Star Wars: Shattered Empire" fills in some of the gap between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens.

From ScreenRant:  Rey Solo... maybe or maybe not.

From CinemaBlend:  Ewan McGregor down to come back.

From CinemaBlend:  A new look Stormtrooper.

From MakingStarWars:  Alan Dean Foster talks (a little) about writing novelization of The Force Awakens.

From MakingStarWars:  Concept art for Han Solo, Poe, and Finn.

From CinemaBlend:  Ken Leung is reportedly a cast member in "The Force Awakens."

From HitFix:  177 days until...

From IBT:  Greg Grunberg's role revealed.

From CinemaBlend:  Keeping The Force Awaken screenplay secret.

From Examiner:  J.J. Abrams friend, actor, and The Force Awakens actors says the film is awesome.

From Hitfix:  179 days until... a look at "Star Wars Rebels" and a hint at a future duel between Darth Vader and Ben Kenobi.

From SlashFilm:  Forest Whitaker for "Rogue One."

From FlickeringMyth:  The week in Star Wars, ending June 20th, 2015.

From FlickeringMyth:  New clip from the first episode of "Star Wars Rebels" Season 2.

From TechnoBuffalo:  Leaked photos reveal the return of old friends.

From FlickeringMyth:  Two new photos from The Force Awakens... maybe.

From Deadline via YahooTV:  John Boyega has signed with talent agency WME.

From FlickeringMyth:  A possible first look at Princess Leia in The Force Awakens.

From IBT: Who is Captain Phasma - some spoiler filled (maybe) answers.

From GuardianUK:  A legend died recently, Christopher Lee.  IMDb lists well over 200 TV and film credits for him, and two of those were in Star Wars films (as Dooku).

From EW:  Star Wars toy peeks.

From FlickeringMyth:  Daisy Ridley hints at parentage of Rey

From Toybox:  Possible first look at new Stormtrooper action figure.

From CinemaBlend:  Billie Lourd, the daughter of Carrie Fisher, says that she does not play Princess Leia's daughter in The Force Awakens.

From ThePlaylist:  Han shot first - at least according to an early draft of the Star Wars script.

From ScreenRant:  C-3PO with a red arm?

From SideshowCollectibles:  Everything you need to know about The Force Awakens from the "Hot Toys" people.

From YahooGames:  The "Original Trilogy" novels retold, beginning September 2015.

From YahooGames:  Han Solo married?

From YahooMovies:  I didn't know that there was a short film shown before The Empire Strikes Back, when it was first released back in 1980.  I actually saw it back then, but I arrived late and the movie had already been started for about 5 minutes at least. Anyway, the short, entitled Black Angel, is being turned into a full-length film.

From YahooGames:  Andy Serkis will play a character named Supreme Leader Snoke.

From CinemaBlend:   A look at Lupita Nyong'o's character Maz Kanata via conceptual art.

From YahooMovies:  John Boyega is a total Star Wars nerd.

From TheVox:  Lightsaber colors explained.

From Mashable:  Madame Tusands in London prepares to open Star Wars exhibition.

From YahooTV:  No Princess Leia flashback in "The Force Awaken" ... or so she says.

From HuffingtonPost:  More girls in Star Wars says little Miss Hanks.

From TheVox:  Someone has found the "best" version of the original Star Wars.

From YahooMovies:  Vanity Fair covers "The Force Awakens."

From AccessHollywood:  More about the Vanity Fair shoot.

From YahooGames:  More on Disney not using George Lucas' treatment for a new trilogy.

From YahooMovies:  Episode VII's six confirmed new characters

From YahooMovies:  Disney wary of Star Wars overload.

From Variety:  The first merchandise from "The Force Awakens" hits stores September 4th, 2015.

From HuffingtonPost: "Chewie, we're home."

From Toybox:  BB-8 has his own teaser toy website.

From ScreenRant:  Who is the narrator in Trailer #2?  Is Luke or... the son of Luke.

From YahooMovies:  At Star Wars Celebration - Mark Hamill talks about being wary of J.J. Abrams and about a pivotal meeting with George Lucas.

From IGN:  At Star Wars Celebration - fans learns what could have been had "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" not been cancelled.  Some episodes would taken place after Revenge of the Sith.

From BleedingCool:  Alan Dean Foster, the master of adapting science fiction films into novels, is writing the novelization of "The Force Awakens."

From YahooMovies:  Yes, the release of the second trailer caused a fan freak out.

From CinemaBlend:  The Empire and Rebel Alliance get new names.

From YahooTech:  So how does that awesome little droid, BB-8, work?

From YahooMovies:  What crashed that Star Destroyer in the second teaser.

From YahooMovies: 6 surprises as secrets from the second trailer/teaser for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

From CinemaBlend:  7 big moments in the second teaser that you may have missed.

From YahooMovies:  5 scenes from second trailer that remind us of original trilogy.

From GuardianUK: Second trailer returns to franchise's strengths.

From YahooMovies:  How much it costs to get an autograph or take a picture with a Star Wars personality.

From YahooFinance: Second teaser confirms one leaked plot detail... spoiler alert!

From Polygon: A closer look at the villain's costume and lightsaber.

From YahooTV:  Fun with the fake Carrie Fisher/William Shatner feud.

From YahooMovies:  George Lucas on corporate movie making and Episode VII.

From YahooGames:  See the trailer for the hot "Star Wars: Battlefront" game, due November 2015.

From YahooMovies:  "The Force Awakens" design team talks about designing the next generation.

From TechnBuffalo:  Darth Vader returns for Season Two of "Star Wars Rebels."

From YahooMovies:  30 million views of "The Force Awakens" Trailer #2 in first 24 hours.



Thursday, March 26, 2015

StarWars.com Sneaks Marvel Comics' "Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens"



Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire #1 from Marvel – Sneak Peek!

This is the first image from Marvel's highly-anticipated event series.

StarWars.com presented the debut image from Marvel’s first entry in Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens: the cover to Shattered Empire #1, with the art drawn by comics artist, Phil Noto.  The series is scheduled to debut in September 2015.

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Thursday, May 1, 2014

Star Wars 7 Cast Revealed















PHOTO CREDITS: April 29th, Pinewood Studios, UK - Writer/Director/Producer J.J Abrams (top center right) at the cast read-through of Star Wars Episode VII at Pinewood Studios with (clockwise from right) Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Producer Bryan Burk, Lucasfilm President and Producer Kathleen Kennedy, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Writer Lawrence Kasdan. Copyright and Photo Credit: David James.

Of course, dear readers, you are already aware that Lucasfilm has announced (Tuesday, April 29, 2014) the main cast for the next Star Wars film, the as-yet-untitled Episode VII.  Click on link below to see a bigger version of the above photo.

The press release:

Star Wars: Episode VII Cast Announced
April 29, 2014

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

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Saturday, August 3, 2013

Review: Something for Everyone in "Amazon Women on the Moon" (Happy B'day, John Landis)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 207 (of 2004) by Leroy Douresseaux

Amazon Women on the Moon (1987)
Running time: 85 minutes (1 hour, 25 minutes)
MPAA – R
DIRECTORS:  Joe Dante, Carl Gottlieb, Peter Horton, John Landis, and Robert K. Weiss
WRITERS:  Michael Barrie and Jim Mulholland
PRODUCER:  Robert K. Weiss
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Daniel Pearl
EDITORS:  Malcolm Campbell, Marshall Harvey, and Bert Lovitt
COMPOSER:  Ira Newborn

COMEDY

Starring:  Arsenio Hall, B.B. King, David Alan Grier, William Bryant, Roxie Rocker, Rosanna Arquette, Steve Guttenberg, Ed Begley Jr., Carrie Fisher, Sybil Danning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Griffin Dunne, Henry Silva, Andrew Dice Clay, and Russ Meyer

The subject of this movie review is Amazon Women on the Moon, a 1987 satirical comedy and parody anthology film.  The film spoofs 1950s sci-fi movies by featuring a fake 50s sci-fi movie called “Amazon Women on the Moon.”  In between segments of “Amazon Women on the Moon,” the movie offers 21 comedy sketches meant to parody the experience of watching low-budget movies and infomercials on late-night television.

Amazon Women on the Moon is kind of a sequel to The Kentucky Fried Movie, the cult classic spoof film comprised of several skits lampooning TV news, commercials, and films.  Amazon Women on the Moon does much of the same thing – using short comedy sketches to spoof late night porn, commercials, infomercials, and educational films.  The movie also spoofs 1950’s sci-fi films in the form of the title skit, Amazon Women on the Moon.  The tale of three astronauts who travel from the Earth to the moon and discover a race of superwomen led the buxom Queen Lara (Sybil Danning).  The Amazon Women skit not only pokes big fun at the super low production values of old science fiction films, it even makes fun of the technical difficulties that occasionally plague late night TV and old movies.

Perhaps, the subject that the film best skewers is tabloid news fodder, the kind of sensational human interest stories one would find in tabloid magazines because of their shock value.  Some of Amazon Women on the Moon’s best moments include skits about a doctor loosing a couple’s newborn son (featuring Michelle Pfeiffer), a woman who uses a credit card machine to download a consumer dating report on her blind date, a funeral home that uses a celebrity roast in lieu of a funeral service to send off the recently departed, and a man who is killed by his rabidly malfunctioning household appliances (featuring Arsenio Hall).

I found Amazon Women on the Moon not quite as funny as I did the first time I saw it about 16 or 17 years ago, but it’s best moments are still quite hilarious and irreverent, even jaw dropping and surreal, at times.  Imagine “Saturday Night Live” or “Mad TV” with a harder edge or with a more brutal sense of humor.  It’s wacky, wild, and weird, and I heartily recommend it.  Even those who won’t like it much will still find at least one skit that strongly assaults their funny bone.

7 of 10
B+

Updated:  Saturday, August 03, 2013



Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Review: "Return of the Jedi" is the Ultimate Summer Movie

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 139 (of 2004) by Leroy Douresseaux

Return of the Jedi (1983)
Running time: 134 minutes (2 hours, 14 minutes)
MPAA – PG
DIRECTOR: Richard Marquand
WRITERS: Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas; from a story by George Lucas
PRODUCER: Howard Kazanjian
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Alan Hume (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Sean Barton, Duwayne Dunham, and Marcia Lucas
COMPOSER: John Williams
Academy Award winner

SCI-FI/FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Sebastian Shaw, Ian McDiarmid, (voice) Frank Oz, (voice) James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Alec Guinness, Kenny Baker, and Denis Lawson

Return of the Jedi is a 1983 epic science fiction film and is the second sequel to the film, Star Wars (1977). It is also the concluding film in the original Star Wars trilogy. Personally, Return of the Jedi is the one for which I am most nostalgic.

The original Star Wars saga concluded with Return of the Jedi (also known as Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi). As the film begins, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), and Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) lead a charge to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from the gangster Jabba the Hutt, a giant, nasty, slug-like creature.

However, the fight against the Empire also continues. The Rebel Alliance has received sensitive data about the Empire’s new Death Star satellite, so our favorite rebels head for the Forest Moon of Endor on a mission to cripple the Death Star’s defense systems. But Luke must once again confront his father, Darth Vader, (David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones), the evil face of the empire, and Darth Vader’s master, The Emperor (Ian McDiarmid). Are the heroes walking into a carefully orchestrated trap, and will they win the day?

As with the other two original films, Return of the Jedi is a thrilling ride in the tradition of matinee serials, or serialized adventures in general. The film moves at a fast, brisk pace, and the script tightly and concisely moves through the plot. The film has two glaring weaknesses. First, some of the acting is terrible, and in a few scenes the actors deliver the dialogue with a total lack of inspiration. Secondly, the inclusion of the new characters, the Ewoks (basically a tribal group of human dwarf-size teddy bears), is a painfully obvious attempt to sell toys, because that’s what the Ewoks are – toys and merchandising.

Otherwise, Return of the Jedi is a very entertaining film; it is the least in terms of quality of the original trio, but it’s still great and fun entertainment. It gets better with age, especially when one considers that as the closing shot gives way to the credits, this signals the end of an era – the original cinematic run of the original Star Wars films.

8 of 10
A

NOTES:
1984 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Special Achievement Award” (Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Ken Ralston, and Phil Tippett for visual effects); 4 nominations: “Best Art Direction-Set Decoration” (Norman Reynolds, Fred Hole, James L. Schoppe, Michael Ford), “Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing” (Ben Burtt), “Best Music, Original Score” (John Williams), and “Best Sound” (Ben Burtt, Gary Summers, Randy Thom, and Tony Dawe)

1984 BAFTA Awards: 1 win: “Best Special Visual Effects” (Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Ken Ralston, and Kit West); 3 nominations: “Best Make Up Artist” (Phil Tippett and Stuart Freeborn), “Best Production Design/Art Direction” (Norman Reynolds), and “Best Sound” (Ben Burtt, Tony Dawe, and Gary Summers)

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Review: "The Empire Strikes Back" is Still the Best Film of 1980

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 81 (of 2004) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Running time: 124 minutes (2 hours, 4 minutes)
MPAA – PG
DIRECTOR: Irvin Kershner
WRITERS: Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan (from a story by George Lucas)
PRODUCER: Gary Kurtz
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Peter Suschitzky (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Paul Hirsch
COMPOSER: John Williams
Academy Award winner

SCI-FI/FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA
/THRILLER with elements of romance

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Alec Guinness, Jeremy Bulloch, Clive Revell, Denis Lawson, Jason Wingreen (voice) and James Earl Jones (voice)

The Empire Strikes Back is a 1981 epic science fiction film and sequel to Star Wars (1977). The film continues the Star Wars saga and the adventures of Luke Skywalker, as the hero who destroyed the Death Star moves closer to his destiny.

After imperial forces destroy the rebel base on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) leaves his associates to begin his Jedi training with the wizened and tiny Jedi master Yoda (Frank Oz). Meanwhile, Darth Vader (David Prowse with James Earl Jones voice) pursues Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), et al across space to capture them and use them as his bait for trap Skywalker, with whom he’s become obsessed.

Seeking safe refuge, Solo takes his friends to the Cloud City of Bespin, a mining operation run by a rival and “old friend,” Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams). But Cloud City becomes the place where friends unite and face tragedy and where young Skywalker learns a secret too horrible to believe and almost too terrible to false.

Of the three original Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back is the best film in terms of quality of filmmaking. The writing, acting, and directing are much better, and director Irvin Kershner (who is otherwise known for his work directing TV series and movies) emphasizes the drama, whereas Star Wars creator George Lucas focused on making the original film more of a fun and rollicking movie in the tradition of the old movie serials. While Kershner’s film did not have the element of surprise that Lucas’ had, his movie (although he obviously had much guidance from Lucas) is better than Lucas’ in some aspects. It’s a darker film, but is still enthralling with its razor’s edge of tension. The thrills are still there, but The Empire Strikes Back also has an atmosphere of dread hanging over it, as if bad things simply must happen to the protagonists.

It’s simply a good film, and virtually anyone who likes, or at least, doesn’t mind watching sci-fi, fantasy, or space opera films will like this. But everything aside, while the film’s subject matter may seem frivolous, the filmmakers present it in such a fashion that this is truly one of the best-made films and most fun to watch movies of the late 20th Century. I’d recommend it and sing its praises even through the roar of a thousand of dissenting voices.

10 of 10

NOTES:
1981 Academy Awards: 2 wins: “Best Sound” (Bill Varney, Steve Maslow, Gregg Landaker, and Peter Sutton) and “Special Achievement Award” (Brian Johnson, Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, and Bruce Nicholson for visual effects); 2 nominations: “Best Art Direction-Set Decoration” (Norman Reynolds, Leslie Dilley, Harry Lange, Alan Tomkins, and Michael Ford) and “Best Music, Original Score” (John Williams)

1981 BAFTA Awards: 1 win: “Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music” (John Williams); 2 nominations: “Best Production Design/Art Direction” (Norman Reynolds) and “Best Sound” (Peter Sutton, Ben Burtt, and Bill Varney)

1981 Golden Globes: 1 nomination: “Best Original Score - Motion Picture” (John Williams)

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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Review: Original "Star Wars" is Still Powerful

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 67 (of 2004) by Leroy Douresseaux

Star Wars (1977)
Running time: 121 minutes (2 hours, 1 minute)
MPAA – PG
WRITER/DIRECTOR: George Lucas
PRODUCER: Gary Kurtz
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Gilbert Taylor (D.o.P)
EDITORS: Richard Chew, Paul Hirsch, and Marcia Lucas
COMPOSER: John Williams
Academy Award winner

SCI-FI/ACTION/ADVENTURE/FANTASY

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, James Earl Jones (voice), Phil Brown, and Shelagh Fraser

Star Wars is a 1977 epic science fiction film, specifically a space opera, which is a genre of science fiction literature. For a time, Star Wars was the highest grossing film in movie box office history (when not adjusted for inflation). I believe that the film’s special effects (revolutionary for its time) and narrative purity (how straightforward the plot and story were) are two of the main reasons the film was so popular and had broad audience appeal. Star Wars may be entertainment and escapist entertainment, at that, but there are elements, ideas, and characters that ring true and feel familiar to the viewer.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away a young farm boy, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), joins the rebellion against an evil galactic empire. It starts when his Uncle Owen (Phil Brown) buys two druids, C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), sent by a rebel leader, Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), with a message and coded information to an old Jedi Knight, Ben/Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guiness).

Luke joins Obi-Wan, and with the help of a rakish smuggler, Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and his hairy compatriot, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), they embark on a mission to rescue the princess. But waiting for them is the Empire’s most dangerous weapon, the Death Star, and its most fearsome thug, Darth Vader (David Prowse with James Earl Jones providing the voice), and Luke is in for the fight of his young life.

Much has been made of Star Wars since its appearance in the summer of 1977; the story behind the film’s production and how it almost never made it to the big screen is a popular part of Hollywood film lore. Star Wars officially ushered in the era of the blockbuster film, as its box office take set the standard by which studios judged a film’s success. The film’s special effects, though seemingly dated, were considered a landmark achievement in the late 70’s and inspired SFX artist to reach higher.

In terms of art, Star Wars is a great film no matter how you cut it. The story is simple and straightforward, but it also hits on many mythological themes that resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds. It’s the ultimate popcorn movie – a fantastic time at the cinema. Fun to watch and occasionally heart-stopping, Star Wars is epitome of the matinee movie’s promise of thrills and chills. When the lights in the theatre dim, Star Wars begins and takes you on an extraordinary journey to another place and time.

10 of 10

NOTES:
1978 Academy Awards: 7 wins: “Best Art Direction-Set Decoration” (John Barry, Norman Reynolds, Leslie Dilley, and Roger Christian), “Best Costume Design” (John Mollo), “Best Effects, Visual Effects” (John Stears, John Dykstra, Richard Edlund, Grant McCune, and Robert Blalack), “Best Film Editing” (Paul Hirsch, Marcia Lucas, and Richard Chew), “Best Music, Original Score” (John Williams), “Best Sound” (Don MacDougall, Ray West, Bob Minkler, and Derek Ball), and “Special Achievement Award” (Benjamin Burtt Jr. for sound effects, for the creation of the alien, creature and robot voices); 4 nominations: “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” (Alec Guinness), “Best Director” (George Lucas), “Best Picture” (Gary Kurtz), and “Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen” (George Lucas)

1979 BAFTA Awards: 2 wins: “Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music” (John Williams) and “Best Sound” (Sam Shaw, Robert R. Rutledge, Gordon Davidson, Gene Corso, Derek Ball, Don MacDougall, Bob Minkler, Ray West, Michael Minkler, Les Fresholtz, Richard Portman, and Ben Burtt); 4 nominations: “Best Costume Design” (John Mollo), “Best Film,” “Best Film Editing” (Paul Hirsch, Marcia Lucas, and Richard Chew), and “Best Production Design/Art Direction” (John Barry)

1978 Golden Globes: 1 win: “Best Original Score - Motion Picture” (John Williams); 3 nominations: “Best Director - Motion Picture” (George Lucas), “Best Motion Picture – Drama,” “Best Motion Picture Actor in a Supporting Role” (Alec Guinness)

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