Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Category: Movies Page 29 of 33

Too Much Star Wars?

By

On August 19, 2015

In Geek Canon, Movies, Star Wars

master-lukeI know that is a surprising title coming from me, but hopefully that is what grabbed your attention. Let’s recap. There are 6 movies now. Episode VII is pretty much wrapped up. VIII and IX are in the works. The Rogue One movie cast has been announced. We have Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars Droid Tales animated series. There are rumors, still circulating, of Boba Fett and Han Solo spin off movies. Then, of course, there are the plethora of video games. We have been inundated with Star Wars since Disney took over, which is pretty much what Disney does. We know that it won’t end as long as people keep tweeting about it, posting on Facebook about it and buying memorabilia (guilty!) So is it too much Star Wars?

Right now any Trekkie reading this is vehemently screaming “YES” (complete with Daniel Bryan arm gesture). In fact there are probably quite a few Star Wars “fans” that also agree probably since The Phantom Menace. Personally, I’m not there yet. I am very excited for The Force Awakens. I’m actually even a little excited for Rogue One (especially since the great Alan Tudyk will be in it). I’m on the fence about the whole Boba Fett/Han Solo spin-offs but we’ll see how that plays out.

Then there is the Star Wars parks that Disney also announced because, again, that’s what Disney does, build parks. Therein lies the real conundrum. The rational side of me is thinking, a Star Wars theme park probably isn’t necessary. The idea is cool as hell, but economically it seems like a bad business venture. Of course there is every ounce of my inner child screaming “I wanna go! I wanna go!” so if the park(s) is/are actually built, and it doesn’t cost a small fortune, I definitely hope to arrange at least one visit, you know, for the kids!

So for now I guess I’m not feeling all that overwhelmed. Actually I’m rather enjoying all the love that Star Wars is getting right now. For years we have endured so many Star Trek movies and television series, while Star Wars sat silently in the background, that its about time the best science-fiction drama gets some deserved time in the lime light. So go watch tribble mating rituals on your holodecks while getting wasted on Romulan ale if you don’t like it! 🙂

/MTFBWY

P.S. By the way, Star Wars Rebels … really good! You should watch it!
Ls-purple-black-core

Ruminations of a Die Hard Fanboy

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On May 13, 2015

In Geek Canon, Movies, Star Wars

fanboys

Cast of 2009 film Fanboys

When I was ten years old I saw Star Wars for the first time and from that moment on there was no turning back. I remember when I was in my teens and my grandma once remarked “remember this because eventually I will grow out of it”. Sorry grandma, its 20 years later and I’m a bigger Star Wars nerd now than I was yesterday and the day before that … and the day before that. I love all the movies; and I mean ALL the movies. 1-6.

Why do I like the prequels, you ask? The reason is simple – because its Star Wars.

I had a conversation with a friend of mine about the movies and prequels recently. When I gave him the reason I enjoyed the prequels his response was “That’s awful”. I laughed. He isn’t a fan of the prequels, and I know there are hundreds and thousands of TOT (that’s my acronym for The Original Trilogy) that do not like the prequels. It occurred to me then that I believe there are two kinds of fans out there. Fans of the Star Wars movies and fans of the Star Wars Universe. I am the latter.

You see I liked the prequels because of the music, the characters, the history of the characters, the planets, the lore, the ships, and how all those things are part of this massive, albeit imaginary, universe. I do recognize that all three prequels were deeply flawed (i.e. Jake Lloyd, Hayden Christensen, Jar Jar Binks) but that hasn’t changed the fact that I still enjoy watching all six movies equally when I need to get my Star Wars nerd-fix. If I can’t get my fix from watching one of the movies, then I will get it from one of many other sources (by the way the books for the prequels are actually quite good).

I’ve noticed that most people that fall under the Star Wars movie fans are likely making comparisons between the prequels and TOT and, obviously, siding with the originals. I can respect their opinion, despite the 35 years of changes in technology and film-making. It’s interesting to ponder if TOT would be different if they had been made within the past 10 years and would they still have the same cult following. Be that as it may, I imagine the interest in Star Wars ends at the movies for those that are fans of the movies. I’m probably being a little presumptuous when I say those that are simply fans of the movies probably haven’t read any of the books, Essential Guides, Steve Sansweet‘s Encyclopedia, or played many of the games; all of which expand on the lore and add depth to the universe.

So the question on everyone’s mind now is will J.J. Abrams redeem Lucas from the prequels (especially among the haters)? I do not think there is a better person to direct 7, 8 & 9 (with the possible exception of Irvin Kershner but he’s kind of dead). I base that opinion on the fact that I enjoyed both Star Trek movies he has recently completed. I can tell you now, I already love The Force Awakens 🙂

P.S. Why is it that none of the Trekkies whine so much about any of their movies and TV series? Are they not as passionate? Or are they just better fans? 😉

/MTFBWY

The Force Awakens Trailer #2

By

On April 17, 2015

In Movies, Star Wars

Unless you have been living under a rock, you should have heard that the newest teaser trailer has been officially released. One of the local news anchors said he feels like he’s 9 years old again after watching this trailer, and I have to agree with him. Granted when he was 9 the first Star Wars movie was coming out and when I was 9, it had already been out for 12 years. Be that as it may, it still doesn’t change the fact that I also feel like I’m 9 years old again after watching this trailer; especially at the very end of the trailer.

In case you haven’t seen it yet, I am going to put it right here:

Movie Review: Ender’s Game

By

On March 2, 2014

In Movies, Reviews

enders-gameMy Rating: [rating=5]

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Sir Ben Kingsley

Plot: I’m not going to go into the plot much because I encourage you to read the book. The book is amazing and pretty much my all time favorite book. Andrew Ender Wiggin is a prodigy. He has the ability to counter nearly any enemy attach, and he’s only 11 years old. His remarkable abilities attract the attention of military leader Colonel Graff who believes that Ender may be Earth’s last hope against an alien attack, but first Ender must complete Battle School to receive the proper training.

Biggs’ Synopsis: As an avid fan of the book, I was pretty apprehensive about the movie. Everyone knows that Hollywood loves to destroy a good book (ex: Eragon). I know the author, Orson Scott Card, was standing between Hollywood and the making of this movie, leaving all of us anxiously awaiting the day when the movie will finally be made. Personally, we were not disappointed. I think the movie was great! It stayed fairly true to the book and I think it nailed Ender’s philosophy. There are a few sub-plots the movie leaves out, but it doesn’t really take away from the main story. I do wish they had spent more time on the battle room where we really got to see Ender’s abilities shine.

Also, the soundtrack is amazing! I bought it immediately after watching the movie and have already listened to it numerous times. If you haven’t read the book, do that first. Seriously, don’t watch the movie until you have read the book. If you have read it and are reluctant to see the movie, I would still encourage you to see it. If you are not the kind of person that can take the time to read the book, then go ahead and see this movie (but I would still strongly urge you to read the book).

/cheers.

New Respect for Ashton

By

On August 15, 2013

In General Cogitation, Movies

[embedplusvideo height=”388″ width=”640″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1a7QYb2″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/zuBSRC1zpHw?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=zuBSRC1zpHw&width=640&height=388&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep4098″ /]

Whether you’re a fan of Ashton Kutcher or not, the advice he gives in this video is almost as important as the audience whom he is addressing. He won a Teen Choice Award and, as you can tell from the video, he has thousands of screaming fans. You know there are teens hanging on his every word and when you have a captive audience who is easily influenced by celebrity behavior, I’m glad he took the opportunity to provide sound, practical advice instead of trying to influence teens with some hippy, celebrity political nonsense.

I think what I love most about his speech is the passion in which he delivers some of the key points. The notion that opportunities don’t always just fall in your lap, they are acquired through lots of hard work is something that I think is lost in younger generations. You learn to appreciate the things you have when you work hard to obtain them. I love his attitude toward his success as an actor and that he had to do all the shit jobs before he got his big break.

I wasn’t all that motivated to see his latest movie where he portrays Steve Jobs. I had a hard time imagining “Kelso” as one of the biggest innovators of the modern era. I even joked that Kutcher as Jobs seemed about as plausible as American Pie’s “Steve Stifler” as Bill Gates. However, after watching this video, our Kelso has grown up. He even admits that one of the points he makes in his speech was something he just learned after playing the role of Steve Jobs. It’s rare to see a rising star appear humble in front of thousands of screaming, doting girls.

It’s that humility, and his great advice, that has given me new respect for Ashton Kutcher. Now I do feel motivated to go see his new movie.

For the Love of Movies

By

On July 8, 2013

In General Cogitation, Movies

film_reelI’m among a fairly large group of folks that really enjoy movies. Though, I’m not talking about just watching a movie for its entertainment value, I really get into the movie making process. When I watch a movie, I’m watching it for the plot, the script, the score, sometimes even the cinematography. In some films I even try to image how they accomplished some special effects. I’m the guy that actually watches the special features on all the blu-ray or DVD discs, especially if there are behind-the-scenes and/or “the making of …” featurettes.

When I was in college I actually tried to apply for internships with Lucasfilm. I was pretty adamant about it; I would resubmit my resume for even the slightest change. I knew I didn’t have a hope in hell but my chances were better than if I hadn’t submitted at all. Obviously I was never contacted, but that’s OK.

It might seem a little childish and/or a silly pipe dream, but I still wonder what it would be like to work on a movie. I often wonder what it’s like to be there when the magic happens. I know its not a glamorous career regardless of what your role is in the process. I know there are a lot more happening with green screens and computerized special effects these days but, being in the computer industry myself, I would still find that extremely fascinating. I’m not an actor by any means, so that is definitely not something I would be any good at; however I did have a professor in college tell me that I might have a knack for directing.

I’m reluctant to say it would be a dream job because would I still consider it a dream after working in the industry for a few years. Be that as it may, I will continue to live vicariously through the performances of some of my favorite actors, blu-ray special features and HBO behind-the-scenes. Is that show Movie Magic still on? I use to watch that all the time in my teenage years!

/cheers

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