Why My Kids Will See Star Wars: Episode I, First

I have been a Star Wars fan all my life.  When I was a kid, the days when I had to stay home from school because I was 'sick' I'd always watch The Empire Strikes Back, and to this day it is one of my Top 10 movies of all time.  So, in every Star Wars fans life their comes that special day.  The day when you have to make a decision; in what order will you introduce your children to Star Wars?  

I've recently been on a podcast kick, to where, I don't even listen to music in the car anymore.  After sampling several Star Wars themed podcast I settled on my support for Far, Far Away.  They have good guests, great banter, and they don't crap on the prequels as much as all the other podcasters out there.  With 16 years of built-up anticipation for Episode I it fell into a zone that a lot of sequels fall into if the original was so dearly loved.  It would never have been as awesome as we built it up in our minds after all those years of waiting.  Now, like all of you, their are many things I don't like about Episodes I-III, but to disregard these three films just because you didn't like them seems petty.  After hearing all these voices scream out against the prequels I felt like I had to let my voice be heard as to why I am going to show my kids the worst Star Wars movie first.

If you take the first hour of The Phantom Menace, before they go to Tatooine, it's a Jedi adventure about rescuing the Queen of Naboo.  It's light-hearted, exciting, and something totally different than the post-Episode IV stuff we fans were used too at the time.  Skipping over the Tatooine stuff, we see the Jedi and the Queen arrive on Coruscant so the Queen can plead her case to the Senate.  They then return to Naboo, rally everyone together to fight a battle on several fronts, (which is very reminiscent of the end of Return of the Jedi) and complete one of my personal favorite Star Wars scenes; the bad ass lightsaber duel.  Now go back and watch The Phantom Menace and tell me that's not a good family film.  Yes, you aging nerds, Star Wars is family entertainment, unlike The Dark Knight trilogy that includes a homicidal clown killing people.  

Now of course, the whole Tatooine stuff is still in there.  I don't like little Ani, I don't like the podracing stuff, and I hated the biblical reference on how Anakin was "conceived by the midi-chlorians."  But if you read the Darth Plagueis book you'll see how Anakin's true birth came to pass and you can forgive his miraculous birth.....just a little.  In any event, Episode I, while it's my least favorite film in the franchise, is probably going to be my children's favorite till they are maybe 10-years-old because of the things I truly hate about it; like Jar Jar and the podracing.

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is actually a great follow-up to Episode I in regards to a child's progression in the saga.  It's a love story, though not a very good one, and it's got more swashbuckling adventures of the Jedi.  There is less Jar Jar in the film, (Yeah!) but also features the first adventure of that classic cinematic duo; R2-D2 and C-3PO.  

After years of being apart, Padme and Anakin are reunited and Anakin's feelings for her have grown stronger; much like his Jedi powers.  As Obi-Wan is sent on a mission to track down a bounty hunter Anakin is sent back to Naboo to protect Padme.  In the middle of the beautiful landscape that encompasses Naboo the two fall in love; knowing that it is forbidden.  Once Obi-Wan uncovers the coming threat Anakin and Padme must put their feelings aside and face their common enemy.  But not before they are wed on Naboo with only R2-D2 and C-3PO in attendance.

Attack of the Clones is not quite as light-hearted as The Phantom Menace but is still rather innocent for a pre-teen.  It has elements of adventure, love, and family.  Complain all you want about the horrible chemistry between Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman but the scenes that would have made it all work were actually cut out of the movie.  Check out the deleted scenes on the DVD and get back to me.  And yes, Anakin is whiny but think about all the kids in the country who freaked out and shot up a school.  They were unstable outcasts who felt like they weren't getting what they deserved; like Anakin.  So in his defense, he's playing the part rather well.  He's playing him like....a teenager.

Now, when my children are entering their teenage years it will be the time to bring in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Chances are at this point they'll have already seen all the Star Wars movies because I go through the entire saga at least once a year.  But in any event, Episode III is just as dark as Episode V, if not more. 

It's the end of a war that has gone on for three years.  Anakin has become something a Jedi was never supposed to be; a soldier.  He is still deeply in love with Padme, who is now pregnant, and he is afraid of losing her.  Every action he does is because of this.  He feels that Palpatine is the only one who can help him so he turns against the Jedi and everything he knows to supposedly save her.  Of course he doesn't realize that his vision of her dying is going to be caused by him.  Anakin's choice I feel doesn't stray too far from the one many of us would choose in his shoes.  Anakin tries to do something good by doing something bad.  It's called The Dark Side people.  

 From the moment Order 66 is unleashed I feel like the film is perfect, minus the "she has lost the will to live" idiocracy.  Her husband force-choked her and she lost so much oxygen she was going to die.  How hard is that to say?  I even feel that the well-hated "Noooooo" is fine.  Anakin/Vader just lost his wife and his child, what else is he supposed to yell?  Episode III ends on a dark note, and since Anakin ends up worse than a piece of fried chicken at a barbecue I think a young teen can see the lesson of 'consequences' in this film.  FYI, watch the deleted scenes on this DVD too and you'll see Padme actually had a purpose of being in the movie aside from just being pregnant, giving birth to Luke and Leia, and then dying.  

After Revenge of the Sith I think it's time to open the flood gates!  At that point I feel like my children will be old enough to appreciate the original trilogy, even though,visually, it won't be as good as what they'll be used too; especially if it's 13 years from now!  They should be able to recognize the great story and characters and how this is 'The Trilogy'.  As Randall Graves put it, "Alright, look.  There is only one 'Return' and it ain't of the 'King' it's of the 'Jedi'."  Damn straight!

Some say they don't want to spoil the 'father' surprise in Episode V by showing them the prequels first.  I was born in 1983.  I always knew Vader was Luke's father.  It's common knowledge in this society and the center of many pop culture puns.  I expect my children to walk around the house by 4-years-old in a Darth Vader mask saying "Luke, I am your father."

So there it is people.  While some Star Wars fans deny the prequels ever existed I plan on embracing them as the progression in my children's Star Wars cultural knowledge.  By that time too, they'll have released a dozen other Star Wars TV shows, movies, and who knows what else.  I enjoy the comics and the movies.  Other people enjoy the books and video games.  Some kids have grown up watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars.  Everyone has their own Star Wars.  So don't hate on something just because you weren't the target audience.  Also, May The Force be with us all.

  

End, The Clone Wars Has

As a kid growing up I always thought I was a Jedi.  I had good instincts, I was very perceptive, and I could handle myself with a lightsaber.  A while back I realized I had the power to predict the future, because I knew exactly what was going to happen when Disney decided to buy Lucasfilm.  I saw Dark Horse comics stopping their 20-year publishing run of Star Wars comics and Marvel now publishing Star Wars comics.  Later this year, that is exactly what will happen since Disney owns Marvel comics.  I also saw the animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, switching over to DisneyXD and leaving Cartoon Network.  Then word came that they were canceling the show all together and making a new Star Wars animated show on DisneyXD.

Now I am an unbashful Star Wars.  I try to soak up everything I can that is Star Wars. So, I have been watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars since it started.  In the season 5 finale, Ahsoka Tano, the character specifically made for the show, left the Jedi Order.  I was shocked that the series was going to be left with such an open ending like that!  It was later announced that the 6th, and final, season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars would air directly on Netflix.  My only hope was that all the questions about season 5 would be resolved.  

One thing I have liked about Star Wars: The Clone Wars through the years is that even though it was a 1/2 hour program most story lines took several episodes to get through; like having lots of mini movies.  Occasionally you had the childish episode, like one starring Jar Jar Binks, in which case I skipped over those episodes.  But this really was a family show in that it had something for all age groups.  The later seasons started getting a little darker, but it was still good plots with good characters.  So after finishing season 6 on Netflix I've decided to share my favorite story lines from a series that I hope I can watch with my kids in about 10 years.

Season 1: Episodes 2-4

Rising Malevolence, Shadow of Malevolence, Destroy Malevolence

This is the first multi-episode story line in the series and it really set the tone for the show.  The main characters were Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, and Ahsoka. This was also the first introduction of General Grievous in the show since the character had not been in The Clone Wars theatrical movie that set-up the series.

The Separatists have a new weapon, the Malevolence, and it threatens to hurt the Republic unless it is stopped.  Anakin leads a fleet against this massive ship and after disabling it he, and Obi-Wan, must rescue Padme who is on Malevolence.  The third act is Star Wars it's finest!  It's action-packed, fun, funny, and makes us remember why we love the classic characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi and C-3PO.  In one scene Obi-Wan is surrounded and Grievous drops in and says, "hello there."  Obi-Wan paid Grievous back for that one in Episode III. 

When The Clone Wars began Dave Filoni, show creator, said that this series was going to finally show Anakin Skywalker: the war hero and good guy.  He was right.  Throughout the course of the show we saw Anakin and Obi-Wan's relationship and why Obi-Wan loved him so dearly.  We also see how brave and valiant Anakin was, but with the occasion anger management issue.

Season 2: Episodes 1-3

Holocron Heist, Cargo of Doom, Children of the Force

The end of the first season introduced a new bounty Hunter, Cad Bane.  Bane is everything some Star Wars fans think Boba Fett is, but we have yet to see it on-screen.  Bane is bad ass and makes being the bad guy look cool.  

Bane is hired by Darth Sidious to steal a Jedi holocron from the Jedi Temple.  Then he has to find himself a Jedi to open it.  The main three (Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka) chase Bane down for the holocron and later must stop him when they find out he's kidnapping children who are potential Jedi.  This leads Anakin and Ahsoka to Mustafar, the planet of Anakin's future damnation and his epic battle with Obi-Wan.  Just seeing Anakin on Mustafar was enough foreshadowing to get me excited.  These episodes also begin to show Anakin's attachment to Ahsoka and how they both have a lot to learn from each other. 

Season 2: Episodes 12-14

The Mandalore Plot, Voyage of Temptation, Duchess of Madalore

Did anyone else know Obi-Wan had a girlfriend?  Apparently he met the Dutchess Satine years ago when he was still Qui-Gon's apprentice.  But Obi-Wan stayed true to his vow to the Jedi Order and continued his training to become a Jedi Knight.

It's years later and Obi-Wan has returned to Mandalore to protect Satine against the rebel group known as 'Death Watch.'  These are the guys that Jango Fett came from.  Satine and Obi-Wan bicker for all three episodes making us believe these two must really have liked each other.  When Anakin shows up we see him try to encourage Obi-Wan to be alone with Satine.  To me, this gives insight that Anakin sees Obi-Wan put into the same situation he was in with Padme, only Anakin gave in to his desires.  

I love that this was not only an Obi-Wan centered story, but also we get told a little more about Obi-Wan's past.  He did love someone at some point in his life, but he chose to stay with the Jedi.  Iron Man director and actor, Jon Favreau, also lends his voice to the Death Watch leader in these episodes.

Season 3: Episodes 12-14

Nightsisters, Monster, Witches of the Mist

For those fans still saddened that Darth Maul died so quickly then this is the story for you.  We get to learn where Maul came from and how many more where like him.  And by the time the story is done we get a hint that Darth Maul just may not be done in the Star Wars universe after all.

After countless failings, Count Dooku decides to let his apprentice, Asajj Ventress, die.  Ventress makes it back to her home world with her people, the Nightsisters, and begins plotting her revenge against Dooku.  We learn about Ventress's past and that she comes from a tribe of very powerful women. The Nightsisters persuade Dooku to take a new apprentice of their choosing, one who came from the same place as Darth Maul.  

Savage Opress is given extra powers by the Nightsisters and goes to work for Dooku.  Soon Ventress comes to exact her revenge with Opress by her side just as Obi-Wan and Anakin have tracked down Opress, whose been leaving a body count throughout the galaxy.  All the characters escape with their lives and Opress returns to the Nightsisters lost, but is given the location of his brother; Darth Maul.

Season 3: Episodes 15-17 

Overlords, Altar of Mortis, Ghosts of Mortis

This story line was very character driven that focused on 'The main three' but was mainly about Anakin being 'The Chosen One'.  After being sucked into a magical world that is very powerful with the Force the Jedi are introduced to Father, a force-wielder who wants to know if Anakin truly is 'The Chosen One'.  Father has two children; Daughter, who represents the light side of the Force, and Son, who represents the dark side of the Force.  

After a test Anakin refuses to take Father's place in keeping his children in balance.  Son then tries to persuade Anakin to the dark side and help set him loose upon the galaxy.  Along the way Daughter is killed by Son, Ahsoka sees her future self, Obi-Wan sees Qui-Gon Jinn, and Anakin sees what he will become in a giant, black, formed cloud accompanied by some heavy breathing.

At the end of the story Father makes Anakin forget what he just learned and 'The main three' feel like they just had a really bad acid trip.

Season 5: Episodes 14-16 

Eminence, Shades of Reason, The Lawless

This was the last episode I went back and re-watched because it had been so long since I watched it.  And I gotta say, I think The Lawless is one of my top 3, if not my favorite episode, in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.  When Darth Maul comes onto the show I feel it got a little darker and The Lawless is the kind of episode I never thought I'd see in this show if I was back watching season 1.  WARNING!! MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW!!

Darth Maul and Savage Opress are picked up by Death Watch and they swap stories about their mutual hatred for Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Maul then convinces them to join him in uniting all the criminal underground in the galaxy under them; even The Black Sun and the Hutts.  Then they stage an attack that puts Death Watch in charge of Mandalore and imprisons Satine in hopes of luring Obi-Wan to Mandalore.  Maul then kills the Death Watch leader, still voiced by Jon Favreau, and takes control of Mandalore for himself. 

Obi-Wan of course comes to save the day, but is captured.  Then Darth Maul kills Satine right in front of him!  I totally forgot about this event and it shocked me as if I had just watched 'The Red Wedding.'  But someone else who doesn't like Darth Maul in charge of Mandalore is Darth Sidious.  He comes to confront his former apprentice, tells him he is messing with his own plans, and then kills Savage Opress.  The Lawless ends with Obi-Wan fleeing Mandalore, vowing to return and restore order, and Darth Sidious sparing Darth Maul's life saying that his has plans for him still.

These cliff hangers are ones I hoped season 6 would tie-up but didn't.  So now we're just left hanging in regards to Mandalore, and Darth Maul, because he doesn't pop-up in Episode III as part of Sidious's plan. 

Season 5: Episodes 17-20

Sabotage, The Jedi Who Knew Too Much, To Catch A Jedi, The Wrong Jedi

As if The Lawless didn't shake up this animated series enough the following story line left us coming up with more questions and theories as to what will happen to these characters.  This story is Ahsoka centered.  Which is nice because at the time we all thought this was the last of The Clone Wars we'd ever see.  So wrapping it all up with the character who was specifically made for The Clone Wars seemed right.

The story starts out with Ahsoka and Anakin investigating a bombing at the Jedi Temple, but soon all the evidence begins to point to Ahsoka.  She stages a prison break after she is expelled from the Jedi Order and Asajj Ventress becomes her most trusted ally as she is a fugitive on the run.  It kind of reminds me when Batgirl teamed up with Catwoman on Batman: Animated Series.

So eventually Anakin finds out that is was Ahsoka's friend, Offee, who framed Ahsoka.  Offee accused the Jedi of losing their way in this war and doesn't believe in the Jedi Order anymore.  This is something that was brought up by Anakin in Episode III and is how the galactic public starts to feel about the Jedi, which makes it that much easier when Order 66 comes to pass.  The Jedi Council re-instates Ahsoka but she turns them down.  After a heart-felt goodbye with Anakin the last shot of her is walking into the sun set.  Seriously, that's the last we see of her in the whole series except for a dream/vision.

When Star Wars: The Clone Wars started I felt like something had to happen to Ahsoka; mainly death.  She's not in Episode III and it would fit to help bringing Anakin closer to the dark side.  But she walks into the sunset with all her limbs still attached!  Looking at it now I'm glad they didn't kill her.  This now gives Star Wars creators use of this beloved character in other stories.  Maybe she'll pop-up in Star Wars: Rebels, maybe she'll be in Episode VII, or maybe we'll get a story where Ahsoka and Anakin, I mean Darth Vader, meet later and he kills her?    

Season 6: Episodes 1-4

The Unknown, Conspiracy, Fugitive, Orders

The last couple of episodes in the series were centered around Yoda and how he learned to better become one with the Force, and why he went to live in Dagobah at the end of Episode III.  There is also a nice lead-in to that one about the Jedi finding out what happened to Master Sifo-Dyas, who ordered the creation of the clones, and how they learn that Count Dooku might actually have been responsible for the creation of the clones.

However, this story was one that really stuck out to me in season 6.  One of the clone troopers in Anakin's platoon ends up snapping and killing a Jedi.  Everyone is stunned and wants to know why.  The trooper's friend, Fives, then goes on a grand suspenseful tale about what happened, what Order 66 is, what Palpatine has planned, and how nobody believes him.  

It's quite interesting how this show really did have so many great characters.  I like how they showed that even though the troopers were all cloned from the same person, they still had their own personalites.  I know that Cody turns against Obi-Wan in Episode III, but I'd love to know that happens after that.  Does he have remorse for someone he spent years with?  What about Anakin's right-hand man, Rex?  What happened to him?  

There are so many things that are left unanswered in this series I hope at some point within the Star Wars universe we get some answers.  But I think that's how you know it's a good show.  It's not about how many Emmy's it won (several by the way) but that you want the series, and the characters, to continue.  Seriously though, if they never bring Ahsoka back, ever, I'm going to have carved on my tombstone, "What happened to Ahsoka?"

Movies To Watch: Summer 2014 Edition

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  No, it’s not Christmas.  It’s almost time for the summer blockbuster season!  Every summer Hollywood fills our theaters with high budget, high action, films that make us all get out of the pool and sit in a cold theater for several hours.  Ever since I was a boy I’ve loved going to see these types of films.  In fact, they’re the only ones I see nowadays. 

I don’t really go see a lot of movies in the theater anymore.  Somewhat do to my availability, but mainly due to the fact that it’s just so damn expensive.  I mean, $15 for an evening show, another $10 for snacks at least, and this is if I go myself and not bring my wife.  Also, when I watch a movie I want to sit and enjoy it.  I don’t want some dumb teenagers making jokes the whole time, or have to sit all the way in the back, or front, just because everyone else thinks their uber-fans even though they haven’t ever seen or read the original source material.  In my old age it’s just becoming a pain to go to the theaters.

I save my money for the action and fantasy films.  The films that are meant to be seen on a big screen.  A drama or comedy will be just as good watching it in my quiet living room, maybe even better because I can watch it while drinking a beer and wearing my pajamas.  Sure I have to wait a little longer to get from Redbox or the library, but I don’t mind waiting a few extra months for movies I’m only mildly interested in. 

With that being said, listed below are the films I’m thinking about going to see this summer.  All of them should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me, or anyone who knows what the most anticipated films are being released between May and August.  I don’t know if I’ll have the time to see them all, but these are all ones I would recommend checking out just based on what I've seen from trailers, word of mouth, etc.  I’m either MAYBE going to see a film, I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT, or it’s A MUST-SEE.

Captain America: The Winter Solider (April 4)

Early screenings of this film have created even more of a buzz that it already had.  I have a feeling an April release date gives Marvel Studios the advantage seeing how no other big contender will open till May.  Or perhaps, like Christmas, the summer blockbusters just get released earlier and earlier every year.

In this sequel to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, and I guess technically The Avengers, Steve Rogers is fighting crime by working with S.H.I.E.L.D. to take down bad guys in a modern world he doesn’t quite understand.  When the mysterious Winter Soldier comes out to cause chaos Captain America must step up to take down this global threat alongside Black Widow, Nick Fury, and Falcon.

This is probably my #1 movie to see this year; and I’m a much bigger X-Men fan than Captain America fan.  Marvel Studios has just blown me away at how they are treating their heroes.  They know what works, they know what loyal readers love about the characters, and then they apply that to a mass audience, and it makes billions of dollars!  I love the cast, I love the original story, and everything I’ve seen or heard about this film leaves me drooling to see it.  It’s being called the best Marvel movie yet.  If Scarlet Johansson gets naked it’s got my vote for best movie of the decade!

STATUS:  MUST-SEE

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (May 2)

I’ve never been a big Spider-Man fan.  That title I left to my brother.  I’ve always been X-Men & Superman, and he’s always been Spider-Man & Batman.  I like the character, I see his appeal, and I think the first 2 Spider-Man films by Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire are still some of the best comic book/superhero films ever made.  When I heard Sony was rebooting the franchise less than 10 years since the original Spider-Man movie came out I thought it was a big mistake. 

As I sat in the theater watching The Amazing Spider-Man I was bored because I had already seen all the origin stuff done, and recently.  Plus Andrew Garfield looked no different than his bully; Flash Thompson.  But the action was cool, they got some of Spider-Man’s quirks right, and Kristen Dunst was no where to be seen.  So it was ok I guess. 

This film is kicking off Sony’s attempt to do a Spider-Man Cinematic Universe like Warner Bros and Fox are attempting to do with their properties because they’ve seen how well its worked for Marvel.  Since the Spider-Man properties are mainly villains they’ll be villain films, maybe even a Blackcat film, and definitely a Venom.  But Blackcat and Venom may be the only two I think will work, especially if they go with the current Venom; Flash Thompson.  Check it out.

Anyway, this sequel sees Garfield spinning webs again with Emma Stone has his leading lady.  There are heavy rumors that Stone’s character, Gwen, dies in this film like she does in the comics and makes way for Mary Jane in the 3^rd film.  I think I speak for everyone when I say, who cares.  Just shows us some bad ass villains like Electro, Rhino, and Green Goblin.  Meanwhile tease to us all the other villains you’ll do later.  I do think the action in this film will look great on the big screen and in 3-D.

STATUS:  I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT

Godzilla (May 16)

I still remember seeing the Matthew Broderick version in theaters when I was twelve.  At the time I thought it was cool, just like at one time I thought Batman and Robin was cool.  Boy, was I a dumb kid.  It looked more like a bad offspring of Jurassic Park than the classic Godzilla movies my dad watched. 

The giant reptile is back and accompanied by a great cast that includes Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Olsen; the good Olsen actress.  I’ve never been a big fan of Godzilla but the hint that Godzilla may face not 1, but 2 other monsters in the film has definitely peaked my interest.  The trailer makes it look cool and I love watching me some cities being destroyed digitally.  Unless it’s over excessive and pointless.  Yes, I’m talking to you Zach Snyder!

STATUS: MAYBE

X-Men: Days of Future Past (May 23)

I remember when I was young my brother and I would watch the X-Men animated series on Saturday mornings and then my dad would take us to the comic book store where I would buy the latest issue of X-Men.  To this day I would say I’m a big of X-Men fan over anything else, except maybe Star Wars.  That’s why I have been so pissed and disappointed about how Fox has treated the X-Men property.  Aside from the first 2 X-Men films and The Wolverine I have found them all to be atrocious.  Though, 3 out of 6 ain’t bad I guess.

I could not be more happy that Bryan Singer has returned to the world of mutant to direct one of the greatest X-Men story lines ever told.  I know it won’t be much like the original Days of Future Past story but I’m just happy to see cast members that I love return after years of being gone and maybe correcting some of the mistake Brett Ratner made in X3: The Last Stand; namely trying to end this franchise by killing every important character in the X-Men universe.

In the original plot Kitty Pryde gets sent back to her younger body to stop an assassination that will hurt not only the mutant community but the rest of the world as well.  Of course the X-film star, Wolverine, goes back instead of Kitty, but, I expected this so I’ll let it slide.  This is also technically a sequel to X-Men: First Class so most of that cast is back, the good ones at least, minus Havok.  Don’t get me started on how the Summers family has been screwed over with their live-action interpretations.

With a sequel, X-Men:Apocalypse, already planned I think this franchise may be heading back in the right direction, especially with Singer back at the helm.  Now the question is how long before Hugh Jackman stops playing Wolverine?  If only he had a healing factor like Logan so he could play this character forever.

STATUS: MUST-SEE

Maleficent (May 30)

Angelina Jolie stars in this highly anticipated film based off of the classic Disney film; Sleeping Beauty.  Jolie stars as the villain of the original story, but something tells me like Wicked and the Star Wars prequels, their used to be a good person inside of her and a good story has to how that good person turned bad. 

My wife is a big Sleeping Beauty fan so she’s excited to see this film, and I think it looks like Jolie will give a good performance.  So if my wife wants to see it bad enough I guess I’ll go.  If not, I can wait for Redbox.

STATUS: MAYBE

Transformers: Age of Extinction (June 27)

When the first Transfomers film came out I walked out of the theater hoping my 1990 Jeep Wrangler would turn into a giant robot in front of my eyes.  It didn’t happen, but it was one hell of a film!  It recaptured the fun of the 1980’s cartoon series and re-spawned the toy franchise. Shia LeBeouf was a great lead and Megan Fox was so hot.  Then the sequel came out it sucked!  They tried take everything good about the first film and intensified it 10x and it sucked.  Transformers: Dark of the Moon was also not as good as the 1^st film, but leagues above the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.  Now Michael Bay is back at it to satisfy all those Paramount executives who want to squeeze more milk out of a dry cow.

It’s a whole new cast in this film as Mark Wahlberg finds the remains of what appears to be Optimus Prime.  The government shows up at his door, who appear to be sour on all Cybertronians after the battle in Chicago.  Lucky for the humans the Autobots are still around because the Decepticons are also back, and well, I’m sure you can imagine the rest.

This is all just what we know based in the first trailer released.  Optimus Prime looks more bad ass than ever and I’m still waiting for my favorite Autobot, Hot Rod, to make his live-action debut.  If you don’t know who Hot Rod is watch the 1986 animated movie, then come ask me for the soundtrack; it’s awesome.

STATUS: I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (July 11)

A re-vamp of this franchise has worked out great.  I never got my dad’s obsession with these "damn dirty apes" but after all the buzz I heard about Rise of the Planet of the Apes I had to check it out, and it was sweet!  It also freaked the hell out of me.  The apes looked so real and Andy Serkis should have got some kind of Oscar nomination for bringing Caesar to live so wonderfully.  I actually didn’t feel bad when the apes started attacking people.

I don’t know much about the sequel.  It seems that it takes place years later and a plague has threatened mankind.  Now it’s all-out-war between the remaining humans and Caesar’s growing ape army.  Given the high caliber of the first film I have high hopes for this one.  But if I see it in theater I may need my mommy there to hold my hand.  Seriously, those apes really freaked me out.

STATUS: MAYBE

Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1)

These last few months I keep getting the same question, “who are the Guardians of the Galaxy?”  Up until last year I didn’t even really know who they were, except that Marvel Studios was making their next film about the GotG.  So I went and read up on the Guardians and what I found was great!  The 2008 comics series was full of action, laughs, and great characters.  I can see why Kevin Feige wanted to make the film and now I've spent my time trying to educate everyone I know about GotG. 

Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, and his band of criminal misfits roam the galaxy causing trouble for an intergalactic tyrant named Ronan.  Quill is in possession of an orb that Ronan plans in use to harm everyone so it’s up to Star-Lord and his crew to keep it safe and do something good…for once.

I was hoping this film would be good, and after seeing the trailer my hopes are now even higher.  This looks like it’ll be a great story, with a great cast lead by Chris Pratt.  This film is full of well-known actors and soon-to-be well known characters.  If Marvel strikes gold again with this unknown property I think they should send Warner Bros a special copy labeled 'Suck It.'  At least that’s what I would do if I was Kevin Feige.

STATUS: MUST-SEE

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (August 8)

It’s no secret that I have watched a lot of TV and movies in my time.  I mean A LOT! And in my childhood there are two cartoons that I hold as 'sacred.'  Thundercats and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hold a special place in my heart and anyone who f*cks them up, like maybe director Jonathan Liebesman, will fall under the same disdain that I have for Brett Ratner and now Zach Snyder.

I remember going on opening night to see the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie.  We had to sit all the way in the back, the theater was crowded, and it was "radical."  I own that movie on blu-ray, despite my wife’s curiosity as to why.  The Turtles represent some of my best childhood memories; Halloween costumes, birthday parties, Christmas toys.  All of these things the Turtles played a huge part of.

We have yet to see a trailer from this new film but set pictures and the designs for the toys have been released and so far I am unimpressed.  I know things have to be updated to change with the times, but these Turtles look like crap!  Read the IDW comic series, see how the Turtles are still relevant while being classic, and then get back to me.  Come on Mr. Liebsman, pull your head out of your ass!

STATUS:  MAYBE

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For (August 22)

I’ve never read a Sin City comic, and I didn’t even see the first film in theaters.  But once I did see it I was blown away by the style and story of it all.  I forgot who Mickey Rourke was, and forget The Wrestler, his role as Marv is his best ever.  It was a unique film with cool guys and hot dames.  I for one am looking forward to seeing what Mr. Rodriguez has brought us this time because the trailer looks pretty sweet.

Speaking of Robert Rodriguez, he occasionally comes into my place of business in Austin and last time I was lucky enough to help him and his son.  He was on the phone talking about a pre-screening.  My mind immediately thought it was Sin City to which he spoke of.  I played it cool and acted like he was just another customer.  I should have asked if I could be on set the next time Jessica Alba is in her Nancy costume; damn.

STATUS:  I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT

5 Questions, 3 Seasons, and 1 Iron Throne!

I didn't sleep much last night.  I kept thinking about this morning and how excited I was to wake-up at 7am on a Sunday.  Today was the day I waited months for.  It was the day I finally sat on the Iron Throne of Westeros!  The Game of Thrones Exhibition has traveled to several cities throughout the world and I am lucky enough to live in one of those cities.  I must really credit the South by Southwest Film Festival; because without it being such a big deal no one would ever have thought to bring it to Austin, TX.  We don't even have a professional sports team.  

I walked up to the Austin Music Hall this morning with a giant 'Game of Thrones' banner hanging on the side of it.  I was immediately thrilled, and also shocked to see that about fifty people or more were already in line before the doors even opened on a chilly Sunday morning.  Once inside we were all immersed in our wildest fantasies.  We saw costumes, props, and a memoriam to all those already killed during the first three seasons of the show. There was a virtual experience where you rode to the top of The Wall as cold air blew at your belly.  And of course, the Iron Throne was for everyone to sit on if you had the time to wait in line.  Once I sat my buttock down it felt more like plastic than iron to me, and with other people anxiously waiting there turn it was hard to fully enjoy the moment.  But it still makes a good damn picture. 

 All this did was get me more excited to watch season 4 next month when it premieres.  I'm not the type of person to read all the books.  I like to be surprised and be held in suspense while watching the show.  So after each book has been aired in the TV series I then read the book.  Unfortunately the third book is broken up into the 3rd and 4th season so I'm going to have to wait a bit before reading A Storms of Swords.  In any event, I'm psyched for the new season to begin.  And as the interactive viewer that I am I've come up with 5 questions I hope get answered with this season, or before the series is done.

#1) Where is Arya's direwolf, Nymeria?

At the beginning of the series all the Stark children were given direwolves by their father.  The direwolf is the sigil of the Stark House and was seen as a good omen. When Robb Stark died his direwolf, Grey Wind, was killed.  Sansa Stark's direwolf, Lady, was killed by her father; a sacrifice made for Nymeria biting Joffrey and then running off, or chased off, by Arya.  

I love these direwolves.  They are faithful, lovable, killer, best friends for the Starks.  Every one of the direwolves have come in handy and I refuse to believe that the last we see of Nymeria is her running off. I believe Nymeria will return at some point to save Arya, or one of the other Starks.  The ones that are left at least. 

 

#2) Will Cersei actually marry Sir Loras?

In season 3, Tywin Lannister saw the Tyrells make a play of power which he gladly answered back with by trying to wed his son, Tyrion, and his daughter, Cersei.  Tyrion is now married to Sansa Stark with Tywin's hope that it will secure the North for them.  The widow of Robert Baratheon , Cersei, is now set to wed Laros Tyrell just as his sister is set to marry Joffrey and become Queen.  Cersei has stated her displeasure with this decision and believes she can get out of.  Given what I've seen of her character so far I believe her.

My theory is that she is going to have him killed.  This of course will upset the Tyrells and then Kings Landing will all start to fall apart.  Plus, Cersei's brother, and lover, Jaime, is back home now.  So is he just going to let his sister/love marry some boy for his father's political gain?  Plus we all know Loras plays for the other team; if you know what I mean.  I think he'd be happier wedding Jaime than Cersei.

#3) Will Jaime keep his promise and free Sansa?

Something weird happened in season 3 of Game of Thrones; I actually started to like Jaime Lannister.  In fact, in season 3 I started to not hate all the Lannisters, except Joffrey of course.  I saw things from their point of view.  Tywin is trying to secure his families power and legacy and Cersei is just trying to protect her children and herself in this man's world.  

When Catelyn Stark released Jaime she did so on the condition that the Lannister's free her daughters.  Before Jaime left Brienne for Kings Landing, but later came back for her, he promised to help Sansa.  Now that Jaime is back will he make good on his word?  From the season 4 trailers it looks like Jaime Lannister might not be the asshole he was when he left Kings Landing.  This could put him at odds with his sister, father, and everyone he is supposed to be loyal too.

#4)  When will we see Jon Snow's mother?

As Ned Stark was about to part ways with his bastard son, Jon Snow, he vowed he would tell him about his mother next time they met.  Ned Stark was beheaded at Kings Landing before Jon or we found out the origin of Jon's mother.  The reason I'm so interested in her is because this is a woman who made the most noble man in the Realm, Ned Stark, break his marriage vows to Catelyn.  This must have been one hell of a woman!  I think at some point Jon's mother will play a role, just as Jon's part in the story gets bigger and bigger.

#5) When will Daenerys Targaryen reach Westeros?

This 'War of Kings' seems to be coming to an end.  Robb Stark and Renly Baratheon are dead.  Stannis Baratheon has lost a major battle and is trying to regroup.  Meanwhile, Balon Greyjoy is just trying to keep a hold on the North.  It seems Joffrey, or rather Tywin, has almost won.  But we all know it's meaningless.  The Wildlings and White Walkers are coming from the North.  Daenerys Targaryen, along with her army and dragons, are coming from the east; but when?  Will she arrive before the war is over?  She's been heading that way for over two years now. Will she arrive just as the White Walkers do?  Will we have several wars going on at the same time? Who will Daenerys spare when her dragons unleash their fire? 

There is a lot that could come to head at the same time, and if it does it'll be chaos in Westeros.  I am looking forward to it!  It's what keeps the show exciting and what has created legions of fans around the world.  Fans who line-up at 8am on a Sunday morning when it's 30 degrees outside.  

Of course my favorite family is the Starks; mainly because I can relate to them.  They come from a land of honor and civility towards your neighbor; basically describes growing up in the Midwest.  I also have a father who tries to do the right thing so much it can get him into sticky situations.  And also, there are people who live farther north than I grew-up that laugh at how much I think I can withstand the cold.  I feel the same way about people in Texas.  Just remember: The North Will Never Forget!  

My Top 5 Harold Ramis Films

Last night all of Hollywood celebrated the biggest night of the year; The Academy Awards.  This event marks the end of awards season in the land of make-believe with thespians who have had so many plastic surgeries they look like their own wax standees.  Meanwhile, those of us who love movies were also busy for at least four hours watching as 12 Years A Slave ended up winning the Best Picture award; suck it Gravity!  So because I was watching the Oscars last night I didn't get a chance to put out this entry on time, so for those of you who actually read this silly little blog (Mom) I do apologize for the delay.  I had several topics I thought about doing for this week's entry, but the one I felt would be most appropriate would be to talk about the passing of Harold Ramis.  I always thought of Harold Ramis as just Eagon from Ghostbusters.  I knew he directed a few things, but never considered his impact in film until last Monday when I heard of his passing.  I was surprised to find out that Ramis practically invented the Ghostbusters.  He helped write both of the feature films, the video game, and any TV series that had the brand name on it.  Word has it he was in development of Ghostbusters III, but that's supposedly been in the works for over two decades.  

When I ran down the list of films Ramis wrote, or helped write, I realized Ramis had a hand in some of the greatest comedies spanning over three decades.  Also, Bill Murray pretty much owes his career to Ramis, seeing how his most famous films were all written by Ramis.  Murray gave a nod to Ramis last night at The Academy Awards while presenting the award for Best Cinematography. I counted about a dozen of Ramis's films I've thoroughly enjoyed, but I figured I'd narrow it down to just my top five he wrote.

5) Animal House (1978)

Along with Douglas Kenney and Chris Miller, Harold Ramis penned this story about a bunch of frats boys, and will go down in history as one of the ultimate college movies ever.  This film set the bar for many films to come with it's raunchy comedy style, and perhaps showing college students for the idiotic jokesters most of them are.  

After knowing Ramis helped write this film I realizes the style matched up with other films like Stripes and Ghostbusters.  It was a little more rough than Ramis's later works, but a classic none the less.  John Belushi doing his zit gag makes me laugh every time.   

4) Groundhog Day (1993)

Ramis not only co-wrote Groundhog Day with Danny Rubin, but also directed this film, starring his long-time-partner-in-crime; Bill Murray.  Minus a few small Ghostbuster-themed projects this would be the last time Murray and Ramis would work together; a professional relationship that started back in 1979 with Meatballs.  In this film Murray is a cynical weatherman who ends up reliving February 2nd over and over again.  In time, Murray does everything from trying to kill himself in the bathtub with a toaster, stealing the groundhog, and romancing his co-worker, played by Andie MacDowell.  A funny movie that is always good to watch whenever you might be feeling a little blue and realize "it could be worse."

 3) Caddyshack (1980)

Every time I think of this film I can't help but think of all the classic quotes and the Kenny Loggins theme song.  This is another Bill Murray classic that only sees him as a supporting character, but memorable.  To be honest though I love Chevy Chase in this film the most.   

Ramis wrote this little ditty with Brian Doyle-Murray and Douglas Kenney as well has it's 1988 sequel.  Due to the time frame in which I grew up I seemed to watch more of Caddyshack II then the original, but as I grew older I realized how fantastic Caddyshack is, even though I still do appreciate the goofy follow-up.

2) Stripes (1981)

If you haven't seen this film then you should not be allowed to watch another comedy until you do.  Harold Ramis not only wrote this film with Daniel Goldberg and Len Blum, but co-starred with Bill Murray in this hilarious story about two guys who joined the army and the knuckle heads that enlisted with them, including the late John Candy and Judge Reinhold.

This film was directed by Ivan Reitman, who directed Meatballs and both Ghostbuster films, which Murray and Ramis were also involved in.  It doesn't get much better than this folks, but sadly newer generations haven't even seen this well-crafted film that Ramis helped bring to theaters and homes everywhere.

1) Ghostbusters (1984)

Remember when I wrote above "it doesn't get MUCH better?" Well this is that little exception to Stripes. Ramis wrote this imaginative film along with co-star Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray also starring.  The three of them are comedy at it's best.  They played their parts perfectly, especially Murray.  This film started a franchise that audiences still can't seem to get enough of.  From this film came a sequel, several cartoons, video games, board games, toys, lunch boxes, and a brand name everyone around the world knows and loves.

Every time I watch this movie I bust up laughing; every time.  This last weekend I went back and re-watched both Ghostbuster films after I heard of Ramis's passing, and I while I was laughing constantly Ramis seemed to deliver some of the best lines.  His character, Eagon, is a serious scientist, and Ramis's delivery of the material he helped write was perfect.  Eagon has a dry sense of humor and a weird view that was hilarious when played against Murray's constant joking and Aykroyd's constant fear.

I love this movie and it makes me so sad that the person who basically created the Ghostbusters is gone.  I think the world is little less funny now that Ramis is gone, but the legacy of laughs he left behind will always be in our thoughts. When I need I laugh, I know who I'm gonna call.