Come to the Pork Side, We Have...Pigs

If I asked you to name a popular app, which one would come to your mind first?  Or if I said "angry," would "birds" be the next thing you'd think of?

Lucasfilm Ltd and Rovio Entertainment Ltd are hoping so.

Following the huge success of the Star Wars version of Angry Birds, these two companies are coming together again to offer a sequel.  According to starwars.com, "Angry Birds Star Wars II will follow the story of the three prequel Star Wars movies, including the introduction of never-before-seen Angry Birds Star Wars characters."  One of the biggest changes to highlight is that you don't have to just play as Angry Birds.  You can also play villainous Pigs like Darth Maul and General Grievous.

Pork Side, anybody?

The original Angry Birds Star Wars has been downloaded over 100 million times since it debuted, and it has some pretty good ratings in various app stores.  Lucasfilm and Rovio are hoping that adding new characters (like young Anakin, Mace Windu, and Darth Maul) will continue the appeal of the sequel.  Plus the new game will also come with TELEPODS, an interactive system from Hasbro that works a lot like the Skylanders game for Nintendo: place a physical toy representation of one of the characters on the phone or tablet camera to scan it in, and then play as that character in-game.

Angry Birds Star Wars II will be released on September 19th alongside an expected storm of new merchandise, and if you went to San Diego Comic-Con this past week you likely saw the first demo of the game in one of the exhibit halls.

Watch out, Angry Birds.  The Pigs have Sith Lightning.




 - Edessa, signing off

A New Direction

There's some big news circling around the Star Wars world, and it's most definitely worth keeping an eye on.

As all of you (hopefully) know, Disney recently bought the Star Wars franchise from George Lucas, including all of novels, merchandise, and television series.  While Disney is working on giving us another Star Wars trilogy - which, by the way, will also have Mark Hamil, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford reprising their iconic roles from the original trilogy - it's also putting The Clone Wars and Detours on new tracks.

After an absolutely wonderful fifth season, Disney has sadly decided to wind The Clone Wars series down.  This doesn't mean that they're just stopping with Season Five (there are still a  few more story arcs left for them to tell), but it does mean that the series is slowly drawing to a close.  It's really sad, particularly for big CW fans like myself, but I guess I also realize that Disney would rather focus its creativity on making an amazing new trilogy of Star Wars films.  I suppose I would rather have them devote more of their efforts to that, no matter how much I love CW.

For more information on the CW issue and to see a really exciting clip from one of the upcoming story arcs, check out this video: http://starwars.com/watch/the-future-of-star-wars-the-clone-wars.html

As for the animated comedy show Star Wars Detours, Disney has decided to postpone the series release until an unspecified later date.  Their reasoning is that it doesn't "make sense" to release a comedy series before the release of Episode VII.  Honestly, that logic doesn't "make sense" to me, but I guess Disney will do what Disney will do.  Hopefully the series will release fairly soon because I, for one, am really looking forward to it.

So whether you love or hate or are indifferent to Disney's purchase of George Lucas' iconic franchise, now is still a great opportunity to support that wonderful galaxy far, far away.  Change is most definitely hard and many people (myself included) hate change, but the potential for Star Wars' growth as a franchise is very real and very possible.

Let's rally around Disney and Lucasfilm, Ltd., and encourage them to make this the greatest century to be any type of Star Wars fan!  Viva la Star Wars!

 - Edessa, signing off

How Han Made Kessel Run in Less than 12 Parsecs.

First I would like thank Edessa for asking me to guest post on her blog. I am James The Movie Reviewer from the movie review and all around geek blog J and J Productions.

In Han Solo's introduction scene he claims that the Millennium Falcon made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs with the line “"It's the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.” which sounds ludicrous at first because a "Parsec" is a unit of length not time. Which has led many fans to speculate that Han was simply boasting or that it was mistake in the filming; however, there a few theories on the subject that might explain this discrepancy. After listening to the commentary track by George Lucas and various others on the DVD of Star Wars, he clearly explained the reasoning behind the statement. In space a ship has to navigate around objects (planets, asteroids, ect.) in hyperspace routes and either through Han's skill as a navigator or the Falcon's navigation computer he made the Kessel Run in a very shorter distance. On the other hand, in A.C. Crispin's Han Solo Trilogy, the Maw cluster of black holes distorts space and time, therefore the length of the route is shortened by flying close to it. Another possibility is that he was simply boasting and later information was changed to make that statment true. Because in the revised fourth draft of Star Wars in 1976, the description for "Kessel Run" is put as follows: “It's the ship that made the Kessel run in less than twelve parsecs! Ben reacts to Solo's stupid attempt to impress them with obvious misinformation. “This would imply that Han’s claim is only "misinformation", not truth, and it has nothing to do with the nature of the Kessel Run in any aspect. Even in the final edition of the script, the parentheses added to Han's line states that he is "obviously lying." I believe that Lucas’s answer is the most logical, although I assume he only thought of this well after he filmed Star Wars. What are your thoughts on the debate? Please comment below.

Please checkout my blog J and J Productions for more Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Comic Book and all around geek, movie news, reviews and more.

 

 

  

If you want to contact us or have any question please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

The Star Wars Saga

Hey ya'll!

This is Helen from Star Wars Here & There and The Lifeof a Musician and Dancer. As you all know from Edessa's last post, Edessa is pretty busy this week, so she invited several bloggers to guest post on her blog while she was gone.Since I am also pretty busy, I thought I would post my reviews of the Star Wars Saga. :D

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

This movie is amazing and holds a special place in my love for Star Wars.  Some people complain that the movie is so old fashioned compared to the rest of the Original Trilogy, but I love it for that! You can see George Lucas is still figuring out his whole universe especially the lightsabers, characters, and the Force!

The characters are waaayyy to epic for their own good. I love Leia in this episode for all her pride and bossiness...and her buns! Han is awesome. Nuff' said. But many people think of Luke as a whiner.  I do think that George Lucas could have strengthened his character just a little at the beginning, but I don't think he is really a whiner.

"But I was going into Tosche Station to pick up some power converters!"

The music is amazing.  John Williams is by far the best composer out there today. Most memorable pieces are probably Star Wars Main Title/ Rebel Blockade, Binary Sunset, Cantina Band, Princess Leia's Theme,and The Throne Room/ End Title.

If I was going to rate this movie, I would definitely give it a 10.  You couldn't be a true Star Wars fan if you gave this movie anything less. :D

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

The Empire Strikes Back is probably one of the most exciting, edge-of-seat, movies in the Star Wars trilogy.  You can't help but scream, "NOOOOO!!!!!" when Han is carbon frozen...even if you have watched it over and over again like I have. And then of course we get our first look at Yoda, the former master Jedi who we know nothing about until the prequel trilogy, and BobaFett! He is one of the most awesome, mysterious characters in the whole Star Wars series.

The romance in this movie was very classic and beautiful. I wish we could see more of that today! I just have to say that I love Princess Leia, not just for being the most epic and awesome character ever, but for her whole attitude to Han.  She did not see him and immediately think, "Wow! This guy is super super hot!" and then go and flirt with him. Instead, she kept her distance until she knew him for the true person he really was. Admit it! How many movies do we see now a days where they have women like that?!

"I love you!" 

"I know."

This soundtrack especially is very well done with a huge amount of emotion.  Even listening to the

 soundtrack as background music, I can feel the emotion when the rebels evacuate Hoth or when Leia kisses Han or even the betrayal when Han, Leia, and the rest are captured by the Empire.

The soundtrack and movie completely deserve five stars.

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

I remember when I watched this for the first time.  From the moment it started to the moment it ended, I was glued to the screen and did not see or hear anything else. This episode has the most action in the Original Trilogy, and George Lucas ended the whole story with one of the most satisfying endings I have ever watched.

I am not as impressed with the beginning in Jabba's Palace. I definitely think there could have been a different way to rescue Han, but as soon as Jabba's Sail Barge explodes, things begin to pick up speed.  We get our first real look at the Emperor, find out Luke and Leia's history, discover Ewoks, and so much more! I must say that Darth Vader's turn from the dark side is one of my favorite parts in the whole Star Wars Saga...besides the Anakin vs Obiwan fight. 

The music is awesome though not the strongest soundtrack. Some popular pieces are 

The Pit of Carkoon/ Sail Barge Assault, Luke and Leia, The Emperor's Throne Room, 

Parade of the Ewoks, and Victory Celebration/ End Title.

I would give this movie a ten and the soundtrack a ten!

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

This movie is definitely different from the Original Trilogy because of the animation, characters, and time.  I think of all the episodes, this is probably my least favorite.  I don't hate it like many people do, but I do think it is the weakest episode.  Still it does have some exciting concepts in it such as we meet the young Darth Vader or Anakin when he was a boy, Luke and Leia's mother, Padme, Obi-Wan Kenobi, who is a character we already know from the Original Trilogy, the epic Darth Maul, Chancellor Palpatine, who is  the person behind the whole Galactic Empire, and then Jar-Jar Binks.

"Dissen berry berry bad!"

Many old Star Wars fans (by old I mean the people who watched the Original Trilogy in theaters 

when it was released) find Jar-Jar Binks extremely annoying.  I do think he is a somewhat strange 

sidekick for Star Wars, but he isn't half as bad as some people say he is.  In fact, I think some of the 

funniest scenes involve Jar-Jar Binks and his clumsiness. 

The music by John Williams is excellent (of course!) and exciting. Some memorable pieces are 

Dual of the Fates, Anakin's Theme, Panaka and and the Queen's Protectors, and Qui-Gon's Noble End.

Overall I would give the movie a nine and the soundtrack, a ten. 

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Attack of the Clones definitely has an interesting plot with romance, Sith, clones, and Anakin! Anakin is definitely a different person in this movie...mostly because he is so much older. I find him somewhat annoying in this episode (Anakin is not my favorite character) but I think he has a huge resemblance to Luke in A New Hope which is pretty cool. They both whine...a little XD...they both want adventure and excitement...they both fall in love with a girl...they both try to save the girl...yup. I think that is pretty cool.  

The romance in this one isn't as smooth a romance as in the Original Trilogy, but I think George Lucas did do an excellent job.  John Williams also contributed to the romance with the amazing theme, Across the Stars. I love this piece and play it a million times everyday. Some other memorable pieces are Anakin and Padme, The Tusken Camp and the Homestead, and Love Pledge and the Arena. 

Overall, I would give this movie a nine and the soundtrack a ten.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

This movie is probably the most intense, action-packed movie in the Star Wars Saga. This is one of my favorite episodes, and I must have watched the Anakin vs. Obi-Wan fight at least a thousand times.

General Grievous is really cool, but I have to admit that my favorite character in this is Anakin.  I think Anakin is annoying in the first two, but I think in this one, he is totally epic.  Padme has a smaller role in this one, and I find her annoying though I am not exactly sure why.  Emperor/Chancellor Palpatine is really awesome, and Obi-Wan is still my favorite character. :D Embarrassingly, another of my favorite scenes is when Obi-Wan is giving baby Luke to Owen and Beru. I want to cry, squeal, laugh, and cry again. Then I have to go and watch A New Hope just to make sure that it turns out alright in the end.

This soundtrack is AMAZING. I love it, love it, love it. I listen to this one so much. According to iTunes, I have played Anakin vs. Obiwan over 200 times since I got it some time last year. Some other top pieces are Star Wars and the Revenge of the Sith, Anakin's Dream, Anakin's Dark Deeds, and  A New Hope and End Credits.

The movie and soundtrack both get a 10

Star Wars 1313

Lately the Star Wars community has been going nuts over the newest SW video game.

Star Wars 1313 is "Named for Level 1313, a ruthless criminal underground deep below the surface of the planet of Coruscant. Star Wars 1313 puts players in control of a deadly bounty hunter as he uses an arsenal of exotic weaponry to hunt down his marks and uncover the truth surrounding a criminal conspiracy. Star Wars 1313 emphasizes epic set pieces and fast-paced combat with a hero who uses human skills and gadgets, rather than supernatural Force powers, to make his way through this dangerous world" (IGN).

Developed and Published by Lucasarts, Star Wars 1313 is a third-person action shooter that has been called a sci-fi version of the Uncharted video game franchise. From what I have seen in the trailers, the game has amazing graphics, especially in the surroundings.

Currently, SW 1313 is in the development phase, so no platforms have been announced and the release date is TBA until further notice.

DISCLAIMER!: With Star Wars 1313, Lucasarts has specifically stated that they are going for a rating of M for Mature. It should not be rated AO, but don't expect it to go any lower than M.

Demo for Star Wars 1313.

Demo #2 for Star Wars 1313

More details about Star Wars 1313



So, what are your thoughts on this game? Do you think the Mature rating will bring down sales, or is it a good idea? Would you play this game?




 - Edessa, signing off

"Star Wars" Quotes

One of the things I really like about Star Wars is how quoteable the series is. So, for this Commentary Friday, I have created a list of some of my favorite quotes from all seven Star Wars films. Enjoy! :D

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace –

Beed: I don’t care what universe you’re from, that’s got to hurt.

Obi-Wan: But Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future.

Qui-Gon: But not at the expense of the moment.

Shmi: No, be brave, and don’t look back. Don’t look back.

Padme: You’re a slave?

Anakin: I’m a person and my name is Anakin.

Shmi: You can’t stop change anymore than you can stop the suns from setting.

Darth Maul: At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi. At last we will have revenge.

Jar Jar: How wude!

Qui-Gon: Credits will do fine.

Watto: No, they won’t-a

Qui-Gon: Credits will do fine.

Watto: No, they won’t-a. What? You think you’re some kind of Jedi, waving your hand around like that?

Episode 2: Attack of the Clones –

Jar Jar: Dellow Felegates…

Jango: I’m just a simple man, trying to make my way in the universe.

Jango: Always a pleasure to meet a Jedi.

Elan: You wanna buy some death sticks?

Obi-Wan: You don’t want to sell me death sticks.

Elan: Ah, I don’t wanna sell you death sticks.

Obi-Wan: You want to go home and rethink your life.

Elan: I want to go home and rethink my life.

Obi-Wan: I was beginning to wonder if you’d got my message.

Anakin: I retransmitted it to Coruscant, just as you’d requested, Master. Then we decided to come and rescue you.

Obi-Wan: Good job.

Yoda: Mmm. Lost a planet, Master Obi-Wan has. How embarrassing. How embarrassing.

Yoda: Victory? Victory, you say? Master Obi-Wan, not victory. The shroud of the Dark Side has fallen. Begun the Clone War has.

Episode 2.5: The Clone Wars –

Captain Rex: “In my book, experience outranks everything.”

Ahsoka: Great. You woke the baby!

Ahsoka: Master, my Jedi training didn’t prepare me for this. What are we going to do?
Anakin: Well since you think that smelly larvae is cute, you’re gonna carry it.

Clone Pilot: Welcome to paradise, rock jumpers!

Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith –

The Emperor: In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society which I assure you will last for ten thousand years.

Padme: So this is how liberty dies…with thunderous applause.

Anakin: What was that all about?
Obi-Wan: Well, Artoo has been—
Anakin: No loose wire jokes.
Obi-Wan: Did I say anything?
Anakin: He’s trying.
Obi-Wan: I didn’t say anything.

Emperor: The time has come. Execute Order 66.

Obi-Wan: Another happy landing.

Grievous: Anakin Skywalker. I expected someone with your reputation to be a little…older.
Anakin: General Grievous…you’re shorter than I expected.

Padme: Obi-Wan…there…is good in him. I know there is…still…

Obi-Wan: You were the Chosen One! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them. You were to bring balance to the Force, not leave it in darkness.

Grievous: That wasn’t much of a rescue.
Battle Droid: You’re welcome.

Episode 4: A New Hope –

Tarkin: Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station.

Darth Vader: Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you have created. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.

 

Darth Vader: I find your lack of faith disturbing.

Han: Uh, everything’s under control. Situation normal.
Comm: What happened?
Han: Uh, we had a slight weapons malfunction, but, uh…everything’s perfectly all right now. We’re fine. We’re all fine here now, thank you. How are you?
Comm: We’re sending a squad up.
Han: Uh, uh…negative, negative. We had a reactor leake here now. Give us a few minutes to lock it down. Large leak, very dangerous.
Comm: Who is this? What’s your operating number?
Han: Uh… [shoots intercom] Boring conversation, anyway.

Luke: It’s not impossible. I used to bull’s-eye womp rats in my T-16 back home.

Leia: Governor Tarkin. I should have expected to find you holding Vader’s leash. I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board.

Leia: Will someone get this big walking carpet out of my way?!

Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back –

Leia: I am not a committee!

Han: And I thought they smelled bad on the outside!

Darth Vader: No, Luke. I am your father.
Luke: Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Leia: Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking Nerf herder!
Han: Who’s scruffy looking?

Han: Never tell me the odds.

Han: Afraid I was gonna leave without giving you a goodbye kiss?
Leia: I’d just as soon kiss a Wookiee.
Han: I can arrange that.

Yoda: Wars not make one great.

Yoda: No. Try not. Do…or do not. There is no try.

Darth Vader: I am altering the deal. Pray I don’t alter it any further.

Boba Fett: He’s no good to me dead.

Episode 6: Return of the Jedi –

Admiral Ackbar: “It’s a trap!”

Luke: I’ll not leave you here. I’ve got to save you.
Anakin: You already have, Luke. You were right. You were right about me. Tell your sister…you were right.

Yoda: When 900 years old you reach, look as good you will not.

Han: I think my eyes are getting better. Instead of a big dark blur, I see a big lright blur.
Luke: There’s nothing to see. I used to live here, you know.
Han: You’re gonna die here, you know. Convenient.

Jabba: This bounty hunter is my kind of scum: fearless and inventive.

Luke: Never. I’ll never turn to the Dark Side. You’ve failed, Your Highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me.

C-3PO: His high exaltedness, the Great Jabba the Hutt, has decreed that you are to be terminated immediately.
Han: Good. I hate long waits.
C-3PO: You will therefore be taken to the Dune Sea, and cast into the Pit of Carkoon, the nesting place of the all-powerful Sarlaac.
Han: Doesn’t sound so bad.
C-3PO: In his belly you will find a new definition of pain and suffering as you are slowly digested over a thousand years.
Han: On second thought, let’s pass on that, huh?

Han: I don’t know. Fly casual.

Han: Who are you?
Leia: Someone who loves you.

C-3PO: Wonderful. We are now a part of the tribe.
Han: Just what I always wanted.

Luke: Your overconfidence is your weakness.
Emperor: Your faith in your friends is yours.





What are some of your favorite Star Wars quotes?




 - Edessa, signing off

"Who Shot First?" Commentary

Commentary Friday is back! For this entry, one of my sisters will be helping me muddle through one of the most puzzling and debatable Star Wars issues of all time.... Who shot first: Han Solo or Greedo?

Note: This is one of our sillier commentaries. Feel free to laugh or shake your head and say, "Ooookay, these two are really....weird...." (and, trust us, we are! :D).

Note 2: And, yes, this is actually a real discussion we had about this issue last night. No, none of this was made up..... except for Ahsoka's arguments, that is...... XD

Edessa: Ok, so before we begin, what would you like me to call you?

Ahsoka Tano: Just call me “Ahsoka Tano.”

Edessa: Alrighty. So the question before us is one of galactic importance: who shot first, Han Solo or Greedo? Who do you think shot first?

A: Just because everyone says that Han shot first, I’m gonna say that Greedo did. Just to be different.

E: Then I’ll say that Han shot first. Ok, so give me one good reason why Greedo shot first?

A: Because…..because Han knew that Greedo was coming, so he hired a purple chicken with Force powers to knock any blaster bolts that came his way. So when Greedo shot, the purple chicken – which was on the opposite side of the bar, still in view – the chicken moved the bolt to the left side of Han, into the wall, instead of his head. So then Han whipped out his blaster and shot Greedo. So that’s why Greedo shot first. So what are your reasons why Han shot first?

E: Um, well, because it’s well-known that Greedo is not the best bounty hunter in the galaxy, but even he probably wouldn’t miss at point-blank. Han, who is way more experienced, shot first which caused Greedo to pull his trigger reflexively – and miss – when the first bolt hit him. Besides, watch a video of the very original cut and you’ll notice that Greedo doesn’t shoot at all. It’s elementary, my dear Ahsoka.

A: Well, Greedo had an orange cow working for him. After it was filmed, the orange cow went in and tampered with the footage so it would look like Han shot first and that Greedo was just an innocent guy trying to make a living.

E: But there’s no such thing as an orange cow or a purple chicken, not even in Star Wars.

A: If you dump paint on them, then they will appear to be the right colors.

E: But don’t you think we would have seen those creatures in the actual film?

A: They disguised themselves.

E: As what?

A: Who was all in there? [thinks for a minute] Ok, the orange cow was dressed as a Bith. The one playing the long thingie, whatever that thing is. And the purple chicken was the bar tender. So that way he could see everything that was going on.

E: A four-legged animal can dress up as a Bith?

A: Apparently so. I don’t make up these things. I just say them as I hear them.

E [sarcasm]: From the little voices in your head?

A: Exactly. And why would the little voices in my head ever lie to me?

E: Ooookay. So, if we follow your theory and say that Greedo really did shoot first, how in the world could he have missed? I mean, Han was at point—

A [interrupting]: I told you, the purple chicken Forced the bolt away from Han’s head so he wouldn’t be shot.

E: But it was point blank!

A: The force-using chicken did it! I don’t know everything about the Force, but I know it can move blaster bolts.

E: So, if we follow my theory and say that Han shot first, then why didn’t Greedo’s orange cow friend save his life?

A: Because he was busy playing his instrument and didn’t want to blow his cover. And besides, a cow in a Bith suit can’t run very fast.

E: I’ll take your word for that.

A: So you don’t believe me?

E [mock surprise]: No. Whoever said that?

A: So you’re saying your proof is irrefutable, and mine is just hogwash?

E: I didn’t say it like that—

A [interrupting]: So what makes your proof irrefutable?

E: Um, maybe because mine actually makes sense logically. Yours….is just crazy.

A: So it’s logical for there to be an entire other galaxy with a bunch of other planets that all can sustain life and all have different creatures on them, and they are more technologically advanced and can build lasers to shoot at each other? That’s logical?!

E: When you say it like that, it sounds stupid. But you and I both know that you’re just as big of a Star Wars geek as I am, so you shouldn’t diss it.

A: But that has nothing to do with it being logically correct. So, therefore, your proof is not irrefutable and mine is just as good as yours.

E: If that’s the case, then why are we even having this discussion to begin with?

A: Because the world needs to be educated about the purple chicken and the orange cow that were behind the scenes in this whole affair.

E: So we agree to disagree, then?

A: Yeah. Basically.

E: So there you have it readers: the argument for Han shooting first, and the argument (or lack thereof)—

A [exclaiming]: That is discrimination! You can’t do that!

E [continuing]: …or lack thereof for Greedo shooting first. We leave it up to you to decide which is the more logical.

A: Neither of them, but if you really have to go by logical then it’s definitely mine.

E: You keep telling yourself that.

A: Ok. I will. Mine’s more interesting.

E: More interesting, perhaps, but not accurate.

A: You keep telling yourself that.

E: I think I’m done here.

So who did shoot first? I don't think we'll ever really know. There will always be Han Solo advocates and there will always be Greedo advocates.

Who do you think shot first?


And, in other news, today is International Star Wars Day! So pull out your Star Wars LEGO sets, dust off your old Jedi costume, have a lightsaber battle in your backyard, make a mini Star Wars film, play a Star Wars game, and don't forget to show off your love for that amazing galaxy far, far away!

Have a happy, wonderful Star Wars Day! And May the Fourth Be With You!











 - Edessa, signing off

"Star Wars: Underworld" Commentary

Nope, I'm not talking about the website "Star Wars Underworld" (which is awesome, btw. If you haven't checked it out, you should :D).

I'm talking about the live-action TV series that Lucasfilm, Ltd., is currently working on.

No, that's not a typo. You read that right.

According to all of the articles I've read, George Lucas has been working on Star Wars: Underworld ever since at least 2005.

And I'm just hearing about it seven years later?!

Better late than never, I suppose. But it's good timing, though.

It will make a good topic for my first Commentary Friday post! :D


What Do I Think Of.....


.....The Title:
     Star Wars: Underworld sounds like a pretty epic title to me. It rolls off the tongue very nicely, the acronym is pronounceable - "swoo" - unlike The Clone Wars (how in the world do you pronounce TCW??), it's catchy, and it gives us a little synopsis into what the overall plotline of the show will be.

Underworld equals smugglers, crime lords, Black Sun, mercenaries, and my personal favorites...bounty hunters.

If that doesn't make a Star Wars geek's heart flutter then I don't know what does.

Sure, it's still a what production people call a "working title" (one that hasn't been officially okayed), but it's pretty epic for a working title.


.....The Plot:
     SWU will take place between 19 and 0 B.B.Y. (Before the Battle of Yavin), filling in the nice 19 year long gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.

Sorry, Original Trilogy fans, but your main Jedi and Sith friends (Vader, Kenobi, Luke Skywalker) aren't gonna be in it. SWU is about what goes on in the underworld of Star Wars: bounty hunting, assassinating, smuggling, etc. No moisture farms in sight, just space ports.

Oh, and podracing. Quite a bit of podracing, apparently.

Maybe they'll include some limmie, too. Go Bylluran Athletic!!

The series has been described as "dramatic," "darker," and "adult".....whatever that means. I just hope that by "adult" they don't mean that this isn't going to be a family friendly show. I know that Star Wars sometimes has rough spots, but it's always been a place where families were welcome.

If it's got a lot of "adult material," I don't think I'm gonna be the only one who's not happy.

And how is Lucas gonna work around all of the Expanded Universe canon? I have no idea, and I am so glad that I'm not the one who has to figure that out. :D


.....The Characters/Cast:
     Technically no one's been hired yet because the show is still in the Concept phase (Pre-Production is when cast get hired), but there have been a few leaks.

Lucas wants Daniel Logan (young Boba Fett in Attack of the Clones and The Clone Wars) to play teenage Boba Fett, who will (supposedly) be one of the main characters.

Guess who may be baaaaaaack?

Boba Fett?!

YESSSSS!!

After the clone troopers, Fett is probably my favorite character. Plus, he's an epic bounty hunter. And the rumor that he may be one of the main characters in SWU? Well, I think I like this show already!

Anthony Daniels wants to reprise his C-3PO role....which he better, 'cause I know I couldn't stand having C-3PO being played by anybody else! Will Kenny Baker come back as R2-D2? He'd better....

Ian McDiarmid (Chancellor Palpatine, the Emperor) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) both want to reprise their very famous roles in SWU.

Oh, and did I mention Sam Witwer wants to play his Force Unleashed character, Galen Marek/Starkiller, in SWU?

And that there might be cameo appearances by Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and even - drum roll, please - Mara Jade?

If you are a Star Wars geek - like me - you are probably seriously geeking out right now.

I'll give you a minute to collect yourselves before I move on... :D


.....The Estimated Run-Time:
     Each episode will have a run-time of one hour.

One whole hour devoted to pure Star Wars awesomeness (plus the mandatory commercials, but I guess I wouldn't mind those too much).

Now if only they'd make The Clone Wars one hour long, too....


.....The Score:
     John Williams is in talks to score SWU, and the idea is for each episode to have its own unique score.

You may now geek out again. :D


.....The Release Date:
     2014.

That's right, people: SWU won't come out until at least 2014, but it'll probably be more like 2016.

It's a big letdown after such a hype, but I can understand it.

1. Money. Big issue. Terra Nova was canceled because it cost too much to make each episode, even though the fan-base was so big it could probably colonize its own world. And Star Wars will be very expensive to make just because of special affects alone, not to mention costuming, equipment, locations, crew, and cast among a gazillion other expenses. I'm not saying that Lucas doesn't have the money to make the show (he probably could pay for a whole season with his checking account alone), but networks are usually extremely wary of super expensive shows.

They canned Terra Nova, remember?

2. Technology. Apparently Lucas is waiting for the technology to get a bit better before he starts filming (they already have about 50 scripts ready to go). I'm not sure exactly what he's waiting for (better 3D technology? Better motion-capture?), but he is waiting for something, so that's why he won't move on to Pre-Production for quite a while yet.

And I guess I don't mind him waiting. After all, I want these episodes to be the very best they can be. I want Kaminoan quality, not Centax II speed.

Quality over quantity. I think most Star Wars fans would rather wait twenty years for a few good, quality, excellent episodes than one year for cookie-cutter, standard episodes.


.....The Reactions:
     This is how I think some groups of people will react:

The Hater: "Stop making Star Wars stuff already! Don't you have enough money, Lucas?!"

Star Trek vs. Star Wars

The Trekkie/Trekker: "You can make as much Star Wars stuff as you want, but it'll never be as good as Star Trek. Vulcans rule, and Sullustans drool!"

The Pessimist: "It won't be as good as the Original Trilogy. Nothing is as good as the Original Trilogy!"

The Casual Fan: "Could be interesting, but I probably won't watch it."

The Fan: "I'll try it. Might be fun."

The Fanatic: "Give. Me. The. Pilot. Episode. Right. NOW!!"

The Uninformed: "What are we talking about?"


Final Tally:

Title: 10/10

Plot: 10/10 (unless it turns out to be a very adult show, then I'll push it down to 5/10)

Characters/Cast: 10/10 (but only if Fett is a main character and many of the original actors return)

Run-Time: 100/10 (I know that fraction doesn't work, but one hour is just too epic!)

Score: Infinity/Infinity

Release Date: 9/10 (disappointed that it won't release sooner than 2014, but I understand why.)



Final Comments: BRING ON SWU!! :D



What do you think?




 - Edessa, signing off