Star Wars Archives - Page 22 of 45

Happy Birthday George Lucas

On May 14, 2021

The 14th day of Star Wars month is George Lucas’ birthday. This is the man that built the universe that has brought us all together from all over the world. Regardless of how you feel about him, he accomplished something no politician could ever do. Despite our lots in life, our creeds, our religions, our lifestyles, we are all united under one common theme. Our love for Star Wars and all its characters.

The happiest of birthday’s to the legendary George Lucas.

Thank you and May the Force Be with You!

Breathe. Just breathe. Now reach out.

The Bad Batch First Impressions

By Biggs

On May 4, 2021

In Star Wars

On May the Fourth in 2021 Star Wars fans are treated with a new animated series, The Bad Batch. We are first introduced to these “unique” clones at the beginning of Season 7 of The Clone Wars. They are a ruckus and elite squad of “genetically modified” clones with a penchant for “creative solutions” to their missions. They are a big hit with the fan base, so we were all very excited when Disney told us we’d be getting more of Hunter, Tech, Echo, Wrecker, and Crosshair. This is The Bad Batch First Impressions of the first episode titled “Aftermath”.

There are going to be 16 episodes so I’m not sure I’ll write something for every episode. The Bad Batch stars Dee Bradley Baker, Dee Bradley Baker, Dee Bradley Baker, Dee Bradley Baker, Dee Bradley Baker, and Michelle Ang.

spoiler alert!!!

The following content contains spoilers for The Bad Bath Episode 1.

Order 66 and Omega

We start out with Jedi Master Depa Billaba and her, very familiar, padawan Caleb. Within the first five minutes, we are already getting a tie-in to another series. I’m already enjoying myself. This is that dreaded moment in Revenge of the Sith when Palpatine issues Order 66. We learn why Caleb doesn’t trust the clones. It appears, by and large, the genetic modifications to the clones of Clone Force 99 have also interfered with their inhibitor chips. The Bad Batch boys seem confused by this “Order 66” and the chatter they are hearing on the coms. Things become more interesting and confusing as the Clone War ends and they return home to Kamino. Reality takes a harsh turn when it seems not all of them have malfunctioning inhibitor chips … because “good soldiers follow orders”.

I love that we get to see Kamino again and we learn who is behind the decommissioning of the clones and initiates the conscripting of Stormtroopers. So far I really like this new Omega character, though I’m not sure what her role is yet. She’s as curious about Hunter and his merry band of misfits as I am about her. Is she the overarching plot of the series? The “Baby Yoda” of The Bad Batch, perhaps? Then we find out there is a significant connection she has with Clone Force 99, and that’s when it gets really interesting.

Finally, who is this mysterious contact Hunter knows on J-19? There are some interesting theories going around. Some think it’s Rex, but I don’t think they know where Rex is right now. I like the idea that it’s Cut Lawquane (from Season 2 of The Clone Wars). What are your thoughts?

Happy Star Wars Day (2021 Edition)!!!

By Biggs

On May 4, 2021

In Star Wars

It’s the biggest Star Wars holiday of the year. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of just the originals or a fan of it all, this is the day we celebrate all things Star Wars. Keep an eye open for some great deals on Star Wars merchandise. Share your findings in the comments!

/MT4BWY

Breathe. Just breathe. Now reach out.

Star Wars: Why I’m A Fan of It ALL!

By Biggs

On May 1, 2021

In Star Wars

IT’S STAR WARS MONTH!!!! May is when all of us Star Wars fans (should) celebrate the franchise that brings us all so much joy! Today is 501st Legion Day whom we thank for all their wonderful charity work while spreading their love and enthusiasm for the franchise. I’m not going to go into too much detail about them as I already did that last year. However, in the spirit of their commitment of promoting interest in Star Wars I will go into why I’m a fan of ALL things Star Wars.

Justification Shouldn’t Be Necessary

Honestly, I don’t need to justify, to anyone, why I enjoy all of the Star Wars movies. The Original Trilogy, The Prequel Trilogy, the Sequel Trilogy, Rogue One and Solo; I love them all. All of them are Star Wars to me. Having to justify why I enjoy any of the movies makes as much sense as justifying why I like a certain type of music. Nobody criticizes and belittles people for liking Hip Hop vs Country.

In my opinion, if you’re ridiculing or shaming anyone because the movies didn’t meet some kind of conjured fan theory then that makes you a bully. You’re entitled to your opinion but I will not be bullied and I have zero tolerance for bullying. If you can’t respect my personal choice for enjoying the sequels and the prequels then take your vitriolic comments someplace else. As Mark Hamill said at the World Premiere of The Rise of Skywalker “I hope they enjoy it and if they don’t just keep it to yourself”.

I enjoy the characters and I LOVE the music and, yes, I even enjoy the story. I own shirts, all the books, soundtracks and several collectibles from each of the sequel movies. Furthermore, my daughter likes the movies, especially Rey. I couldn’t ask for anything more than to have my child enjoy the movies too.

More In Smaller Packages!

If you have not watched any of the series, you are missing out. There are at least three other reasons why I’m a fan: The Clone Wars, Rebels and The Mandalorian. Currently there are at least 10 more reasons in the works. Star Wars Resistance is OK but not a top three pick for me.

Be that as it may, some days you want to sit down for a dose of Star Wars but you don’t have time to indulge in 2 hours of ecstasy. You need that short 30-40 minute gratification. I’m sure, by now, nearly everyone has watched The Mandalorian but you really need to check out the two animated series. If I had to pick the best of the animated series, Rebels is a clear winner but The Clone Wars is definitely worth checking out. In fact I would recommend watching the first few episodes of Season 7 before “The Bad Batch” comes out in just a couple of days.

Every day I read or watch something that continues to fuel my love for these movies and these characters. This has been especially true since I’ve joined certain Facebook groups, left other Facebook groups and/or blocked certain posts and websites. I have also greatly reduced how much I read Twitter (the home of butthurt vitriolic toxicity), although I do like to check in on @MarkHamill from time to time.

/MTFBWY

Confronting fear is the destiny of the Jedi.

HMDYK About Gina Carano

By Biggs

On March 10, 2021

In HMDYK, Star Wars

I know I’m probably taking a rather large risk here talking about Gina Carano. She is in some hot water recently and there are many who are fairly upset with her right now. I will not be offended if you chose not to read this post, however I assure you that I will not take a side. More on that later.

Be that as it may I still really like her character in the Star Wars Universe. Therefore I have no shame writing about her career and demonstrating that you’ve probably seen her more frequently then you thought.

From Fighting in the Cage to Fighting On Screen

Gina Carano was born in Dallas, Texas; she is the daughter of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Glen Carano. When she was 7 her parents divorced and she was raised by her mother in Las Vegas. In 2006 she began her MMA career in the Featherweight division. In 2009 she left Mixed Martial Arts, with a record of 7-1-0, to begin acting.

If I had to compare Gina Carano to another television and movie actor, it would be Chuck Norris. Coincidentally she received the first Chuck Norris Award for best female action star for her role in “Haywire”. By the way, if you haven’t checked out Haywire, I highly recommend it. Carano stars along side fellow Star Wars alum Ewan McGregor as well as Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas and Michael Fassbender. She stars in a few other movies I plan to check out such as Scorched Earth and Heist.

You will also spot her in a couple of other more popular films. She is Riley in Fast & Furious 6 and Angel Dust in the Deadpool movie.

Social Media and Lucasfilm Controversy

In February of 2021 Lucasfilm released Gina Carano from further Star Wars projects as a result of some controversial social media posts. Again, I won’t take sides on this subject but I will say that I am upset this happened; I’m upset with both parties involved. I admire Gina Carano for sticking to her guns and standing up for what she believes, especially in the face of the intolerant liberal Hollywood. However, I do not agree with the manner in which she expressed her belief; she should have chosen a different metaphor. This is especially true given she’s had a target on her back since late last year. I think Lucasfilm was just waiting for the right time and, unfortunately, she gave it to them.

Lucasfilm’s response is exactly the action I expected so as to save face in an industry that is predominately left wing. However their response has made Gina Carano a martyr. It’s been over a month and I still see her and/or news about her popping up on social media. The content is often in support of her and, as a result, her martyrdom has further cemented Cara Dune’s legacy in the Star Wars Universe.

Whether you love her or you hate her, she is permanently part of the Star Wars family, whether her character lives or dies. Personally, the biggest disappointment in all of this is that it is extremely unlikely she will make any appearances at any Celebrations and/or Comic Cons. It’s a real shame because I’ve heard she is a very nice person. I hope for the best for her and I pray that her and Lucasfilm will, one day, reconcile and she makes a triumphant return to Star Wars.

I am open to comments and thoughts, however, any comment I deem rude and/or intolerant will be denied/removed.

Breathe. Just breathe. Now reach out.

Soapbox: So Many Bad Blog Writers!

By Biggs

On February 28, 2021

In Random Cogitations, Star Wars

First a few qualifying statements. I know I’m not a gifted blog writer however I just write for fun; nobody pays me. Also, this isn’t a blanket statement because there are plenty of good blog writers. Most of my observations have been various writers for Star Wars blogs, though I have seen the occasional tech writer or other cultural blog writer whose prose and research are abysmal. Bad grammar is a common offense, which is shocking. Learning basic grammar is not difficult and using it is even easier.

Grammar is so important and I cannot emphasize that enough. In a world where social media has such influential power, grammar even matters on your Facebook posts. Potential employers will research you and they will judge how lazy you are or even how intelligent you are simply based on your Facebook posts. If I were a hiring manager or if I am screening potential candidates, I will research your social media. I don’t expect people to have the grammar prowess of an Oxford English professor but I do expect people to know proper comma usage and punctuation.

By the way, I know many hiring managers and recruiters that do check social media, such as Facebook, to learn about potential applicants. If you’re not careful with social media, it can hurt your job candidacy and safety. The dangers of social media is a different topic for a different time.

Research Or Know Your Canon!

Honestly, based on most of my observations, it isn’t grammar that is the greatest offense. It’s research! This is most common in several of the Star Wars blogs I’ve seen. The inaccuracy of some of these blog writers is astounding. Sometimes I question whether the author is actually a fan or if they were just assigned a topic by their editor. Honestly I hope that’s what is happening. It would be more disconcerting if these authors really are “fans” because then I question their knowledge of Star Wars canon.

I admit that I don’t know everything there is in Star Wars canon, however I research what I don’t know before I make any assumptions or comments. These Star Wars authors are sacrificing accuracy for clicks, which is a shame because finding accurate details doesn’t require a lot of research. The other explanation is worse, however. Clickbait websites thrive on gullible and obtuse users to drive up their visitation. Websites like “We’ve Got This Covered” and “Collider” are some of the worst offenders. DO NOT TRUST ANYTHING FROM THESE SITES! Also, be careful of other blogs you read that might use these sites as “references” or “sources”.

The most sickening thing I’ve seen are blog authors taking advantage of the fan divisiveness to attract readers. Instead of reporting accurate information, they tailor facts to prey on people’s emotions simply to manipulate them to read their awful articles. This isn’t a prevalent blog but I still won’t sacrifice quality just to attract more readers. I will never manipulate the facts and I will never try to disguise my opinion as fact. I’m concerned this is a microcosm of all journalism.

If you want loyal readers then use basic grammar, do the research and know your canon.

/cheers

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Tag: Star Wars Page 22 of 45

Happy Birthday George Lucas