Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Category: Movies Page 19 of 28

Biggs On: Cancellation of the Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Movies

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On November 11, 2018

In Biggs On, Movies, Star Wars

I’m sure many are waiting for my manbaby to emerge and tantrum after the cancellation of the Boba Fett and Obi-Wan movies. The truth is that I’m not bothered by it at all. In fact the decision makes sense. It has absolutely nothing to do with the poor box office performance of the Solo movie. As much as the butt-hurt manbabies try to rationalize, the poor performance is not the result of fan protest. Fans actually went to see the Han Solo movie! That being said, why am I not butt-hurt about the cancellations?

We Know Boba Fett’s Origin

Fan art of Boba Fett’s escape – by Deviant Art

I don’t think Disney mentioned the plot of the Boba Fett movie. The other non-Skywalker movies take place between Episode 3 and Episode 4. I really doubt that a Boba Fett origin film was planned. Attack of the Clones is essentially the origin story. He’s a clone of Jango Fett that remained unaltered. I think it would be a surprise if this was the intended plot of the movie.

So if it’s not an origin story, there is only one other logical story line. The story line that has been an enigma since Return of the Jedi. Boba Fett’s rumored escape from the Sarlacc in the Pit of Carkoon. This is the story I believe Disney would have pursued. Everyone wants to know how Boba Fett survives the Sarlacc but I’m glad we won’t. I would prefer this remain a mystery, why ruin it? Now we are left to the manifestations of our own minds, which are better than any producer, writer or director could ever imagine. Besides, we wouldn’t have as much excellent fan art and depictions.

What Would We Learn About Obi-Wan?

The bigger mystery of these two movies is what would the plot be of the Obi-Wan movie? We learn more about the Death Star plans in Rogue One. We learn about how Han and Chewie met, the Kessel Run and the Millennium Falcon in the Solo movie. What would we have learned about Obi-Wan? The prequels told us how he became a General and the Clone Wars animated series told us how he and Anakin became friends.

A couple of reports emerged that suggested the story was going to take place while Obi-Wan was in exile in the Jundland Wastes on Tatooine. He would become involved with some kind of conflict between local farmers and the Sand People. It’s not a story I was terribly excited about, therefore cancelling this movie made sense to me. Besides, I think what we all really wanted to see is Ewan McGreggor as Obi-Wan Kenobi again.

The cancellation of the Boba Fett and Obi-Wan movies was the smart move by Disney. While we all really want to see more of the two biggest bad asses in the franchise, I think it’s better they remain enigmatic. I don’t think this is the end of more “Star Wars Story” films. I would love to see Donald Glover reprise Lando in his own film, which Lucasfilm has hinted at before.

/MTFBWY

The Force. It calls to you. Just let it in.

Movie Review: Incredibles 2

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On June 17, 2018

In Movies, Reviews

Incredibles 2Incredibles 2

Directed By: Brad Bird
Starring:  Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson

My Rating: [rating=4]

It’s been 14 years since the last Incredibles movie. During the 14 years, animated movie fans have been clamoring, relentless for the sequel. Disney/Pixar finally gave in to the cacophony. I don’t know why it took over a decade to produce a sequel. I understand animation takes quite a bit of work, but perhaps it was the challenge of bringing the entire cast back.

Whatever the case may be, they pick up exactly where the last movie ended. The family of heroes work together, in a group storming sort of way, to thwart Underminer. An ambitious mogul sees the value super heroes bring to society after defeating Underminer. He recruits Elastigirl to help him show the world that Super Heroes should not be illegal, while Mr. Incredible has to play Mr. Mom. Of course, a new nefarious and enigmatic villain appears, The Screenslaver, which puts these plans, and all super heroes, in jeopardy.

Biggs Review

I really enjoyed this movie. I love the fact that it literally begins where the last one ends. It’s almost as if the past 14 years never happened, which is probably Pixar’s intention. I love the role reversal of Elastigirl moonlighting as a covert super hero, even listening to police scanners, just like her husband in the first movie. I felt like the movie was slow at times, particularly during the time when Elastigirl is just beginning her “new job”. They tried to balance it out with Mr. Incredible dealing with Jack-Jack getting his powers; while it was funny I don’t think it was successful. Perhaps they should have introduced “The Screenslaver” a bit earlier, to liven up the plot sooner.

As with all Pixar movies, this movie is not without its Easter Eggs. Of course John Ratzenberger is in the film, reprising the role of Underminer. A Pixar movie is not complete without their good luck charm. I feel like there is some homage paid to Tony Stark/Iron Man. Deavor explains that one of the houses he owns he acquired from an “eccentric billionaire” that wanted to be able to “come and go without notice”. If you have seen all the Iron Man movies, you may notice that the living room has a striking resemblance to the one in Tony Stark’s house.

I’d say, if you’ve got the time, go see it (after you’ve seen the Solo movie). Take your kids, my 4-year-old enjoyed it. I don’t think it’s worth the extra fees for 3D or BigD, a simple digital viewing is the more worthwhile, economic choice.

/cheers

film_reel“The screen is a magic medium. It has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle.”
– Stanley Kubrick

 

Movie Review – Solo: A Star Wars Story

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On June 4, 2018

In Movies, Reviews, Star Wars

Solo A Star Wars StorySolo: A Star Wars Story

Directed By: Ron Howard
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke

My Rating: [rating=4]

Let’s face it, this movie was doomed from the moment it was announced. It’s poor opening weekend is as lackluster as the fan reaction of the original announcement. Critics are all pathetic so I could care less what they think; and I generally ignore the fare-weather fans. Admittedly, I have been skeptical of this movie since its announcement, but I prefer to keep an open mind.

For what it’s worth, calling it a “flop” seems a little harsh and unfair. How can you expect a movie to succeed when it was mired in doubt and disappointment since its announcement? Obviously people made up their minds before the movie was even released. It’s destiny was determined before it even had a chance. Ranting about fake fans aside, time to discuss what I think of the movie.

Biggs Review

This line from ESB has a much deeper and humorous meaning, now

**Spoiler Alert** Han, Chewie and Lando survive! Haha. I couldn’t resist. The negative expectations for this movie are completely unwarranted. If you have not seen this movie because of a preconceived notion that it’s a flop, then stop listening to the Internet and go anyway. I really enjoyed this movie! Much more than I was expecting. Alden Ehrenreich isn’t as terrible as he was in Beautiful Creatures, he actually does surprisingly well (maybe even better than Hayden Christensen). Donald Glover is a brilliant Lando Calrissian, I am really looking forward to see him in the Lando movie! Honestly, Donald Glover’s performance isn’t surprising, Woody Harrelson, however, is the biggest surprise. I cannot recall too many action rolls for Woody Harrelson but the battle sequence on the tram is really impressive. He makes a better Beckett than he does Haymitch (sorry Hunger Games fans).

There are two things I have to criticize about the movie, which is why I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5. First, I did not find Lady Proxima terribly impressive or intimidating. A large, purple alien worm is not a scary crime lord nor does she fit the Corellia fauna. I’m sure they wanted to use something other than a Hutt as a crime boss, but even a large slug appears more menacing. The second thing, Han actually attempting to speak Wookie the first time he meets Chewbacca. I understand his predicament warrants an alien language, but it didn’t feel like a “Han” thing to do.

And then there is the music.

The Soundtrack Is Amazing

The music is just as important to a movie as the acting, plot and story. If the soundtrack is excellent, 9 times out of 10, so is the movie. The one exception, in my experience, is Ang Lee’s Hulk movie (amazing soundtrack, mediocre movie). Now when you think Star Wars soundtrack, everyone always thinks John Williams. The man IS Star Wars music. You may be surprised to learn that John Williams did not compose this soundtrack. In fact he only composes for the main saga (FYI, Michael Giacchino is the composer for Rogue One).

John Powell is the composer for Solo A Star Wars Story. Powell is mostly known for his work on the How To Train Your Dragon movies and the Jason Bourne movies. I bought, and listened to, the soundtrack a week before I even saw the movie. The music draws you in so quickly it amazes me John Williams isn’t the composer. However, he clearly collaborated with Powell as there is a track that is a montage of some of the original music. In fact, I may be so bold as to say this soundtrack is better than the Rogue One soundtrack and the John Williams montage gives credence to that assertion.

This movie is definitely worth seeing at least once in the theater. Ignore the trolls, the fake fans and the critics and go with an open mind and I think you will find it very entertaining.

/MTFBWY

Breathe. Just breathe. Now reach out.

Newest [and Last] Solo Movie Trailer

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On April 10, 2018

In Movies, Star Wars

So I fail again as I did not realize a new trailer for the Han Solo movie is out. I guess while I’m very cautiously optimistic about this movie, I’m avoiding hype. I have been saying often that I’m skeptical about Alden Ehrenreich’s acting abilities. Before I make any further comments, here is the latest (and probably the last) Solo movie trailer.

Perhaps It’s The Chewie and Han Dynamic

This is the best trailer yet (of course that makes sense with only 6 weeks left). I’m actually a little more excited for the movie. While I’m still not completely sold on Ehrenreich’s acting, but so far the writing seems great. I hope the dynamic between Han and Chewie in the trailer is consistent with the rest of the film. I really hate it when all the best dialog is in the trailer. If the dynamic is maintained throughout the rest of the film, and Ehrenreich’s acting is improved, this movie has a chance to be pretty good. It’s also very encouraging that Ron Howard is the director. I’ll probably have to watch this a few more times to try to glean more.

There are two items from canon that must be kept the same. 1) Han should win the Millennium Falcon from Lando in a game of sabacc. 2) Han and Chewie’s bond forms as a result of a life debt Chewie owes Han for saving his life.

/MTFBWY

The Force. It calls to you. Just let it in.

 

Amazing. Everything They Say Is Wrong

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On March 9, 2018

In Movies, Star Wars

Last Jedi Haters Are WrongThe Last Jedi seems to be the most polarizing movie among fans in the history of the franchise. This is the impression one will get while reading social media and blogs. Granted it is difficult to believe everything you read because there are numerous trolls intentionally trashing the movie and driving down audience scores. I think the percentage of haters is far lower than we are all lead to believe. However, to that end I thought I would select a few particular themes these obtuse and belligerent fans allege are “wrong” with The Last Jedi.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD – If you haven’t seen the movie yet, stop reading now.

Rey’s Parents

Let’s begin with the most highly anticipated question we wanted answered: Who are Rey’s parents? There were so many fan theories scattering the Internet, I even proposed my own. I think everyone was expecting one of them to be right. When Kylo Ren told Rey that her parents were nobodies; drunken junk traders looking for their next fix, I think we were all pretty shocked. I was not disappointed but apparently that rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.

I admit that I may have felt a little let down, perhaps even confused. Her Force abilities seem too exceptional to be from humble beginnings. While I could learn to appreciate the existential explanation (that Rey and Kylo are essentially the yin and yang of the Force), I don’t think that is the truth. I think either Snoke implanted images in Kylo Ren’s visions or Kylo chose to lie to Rey about her parents to bait her into joining with him. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time the facts about the protagonists parents were skewed.

Snoke’s Back Story

Speaking of Supreme Leader Snoke, why do we care about who Snoke is? Since when does every supporting character suddenly need a back story? When the “Empire Strikes Back” came out (and, subsequently “Return of the Jedi”), we weren’t clamoring for Emperor Palpatine’s backstory. We just knew he was the “head bad guy” who was manipulating Vader. Sure, the various theories are exciting and entertaining (ex: Darth Plagueis, Mace Windu, Revan etc). I’ll admit that I was trying to conjure up my own theory about Snoke but after his death I realized that he’s just another pawn. He is the Count Dooku of this trilogy. He is simply a means to an end and who he was is completely irrelevant. Complaining about his lack of a back story is simply belligerent.

New Force Abilities

This one makes absolutely no sense to me. Apparently some of the complaints were regarding some of the new Force abilities. I guess mind tricks and floating things are the only acceptable Force powers? The Force is so much cooler than that, why on Earth would we want it so limited?? Luke’s ability to create a Force illusion of himself, in his stand-off with Kylo Ren, was one of the powers that received criticism. This isn’t some random ability Disney conjured up, it’s always been a Force ability. In The Jedi Path it’s referred to as Doppleganger.

This also includes Snoke’s Mind Probe ability. We know that Kylo Ren has the ability to perform a Mind Probe, we see him use it several times in The Force Awakens. Kylo Ren is Snoke’s apprentice, therefore one can assume Snoke taught Kylo Ren the Mind Probe ability. This is the same ability Snoke uses not only to manipulate Kylo Ren but also to bridge the connection between him and Rey. The Dark Side has always been notorious for clouding and manipulating the minds of the innocent and righteous; what Snoke has done is well within those expectations.

The list of Force Powers is quite extensive. It’s built upon by decades of books and video games and never has a complaint been lodged. The Force Unleashed is one of the most popular Star Wars console games. The Force abilities players could use were unparalleled and awesome. It would be incredibly short sighted of Disney to not introduce new Force abilities and it’s obtuse to expect less.

Luke’s Demeanor and Fate

I think the trailer painted a pretty clear picture as to Luke’s demeanor. If he’s on a secluded island, disconnected from the Force, he clearly doesn’t want to be found. I don’t know what people were expecting. Perhaps they were hoping for Luke to become some wizened sage, eager to train new Jedi. We know from The Force Awakens that he failed training his own nephew. The Jedi have a known history of disappearing into seclusion after a major loss. Remote locations, such as the swamps of Dagobah or the Jundland Wastes of Tatooine, are common places of escape for reflection and meditation.

I admit that I was really bummed when we saw Luke poetically vanish into the Force. I had hoped that he would come out of his funk and stick around for Episode IX to complete Rey’s training. Alas, the Force has other plans for him. While many fans were really sad to see Luke fade away and become one with the Force, I think we are all forgetting one, inevitable fact. We will see Luke in Episode IX, in the form of “Force Ghost”!

So there you have it. The Last Jedi is a worthy entry into the saga, those who wish to continue to lament and cry, please opine on Twitter, where the rest of the butt-hurt vitriol lives.

/MTFBWY

The Force. It calls to you. Just let it in.

 

The Official Han Solo Movie Trailer [UPDATED]

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On February 4, 2018

In Movies, Star Wars

UPDATE: The trailer that we saw during the Super Bowl was merely a teaser trailer. I have updated the link below to be the real official Han Solo movie trailer. Again, we have all been waiting a long time to finally get a trailer and it did debut on Good Morning America (which seems to be Disney’s choice media outlet for debuting Star Wars content). See the full length trailer below.

A Good Star Wars Story?

The development and production of this movie has been under a lot of scrutiny since it was announced. The success of Rogue One has set a pretty high bar for all remaining Star Wars spin-off movies. I want to be optimistic about this movie. Rogue One was a great movie so it’s difficult not to use it as the basis for comparison. I know that a Han Solo spin-off movie was not everyone’s top choice.

So will this be a good Star Wars Story? I don’t think Alden Ehrenreich is that good of an actor so I don’t have confidence that he will provide a fitting portrayal of Han Solo. However Donald Glover looks amazing! Despite the questionable quality of this movie, I still can’t help but feel excited.

/MTFBWY

The Force. It calls to you. Just let it in.

 

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