Obi-Wan Kenobi Prep Material

Well people, we have our release date! The Disney+ Obi-Wan Kenobi series will be debuting on May 25 (45th anniversary of Star Wars) on the streaming service.  Aside from Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi is my favorite Star Wars character.  He has so much tragedy in his life, yet through it all he proceeds with nobility, hope, and snark. From what it seems we'll be getting, I am psyched! On top of the Obi-Wan vs Vader rematch we're being promised I'd love to see some Clone Wars flashbacks.  Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen are back, and both actors have barely aged, so it wouldn't take too much CGI to give us some moments back when they were brothers-in-arms.  

Joel Edgerton and Bonnie Piesse are also coming back as Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru.  Maybe we even get a little Luke Skywalker too?  Concept art shows Obi-Wan could be going off world, some Inquistors, and more!  As I mentioned, I'm super excited for this Deborah Chow directed-series and I can only imagine all the Obi-Wan merch I will be buying when the show premieres (and at Star Wars Celebration). 

With all that in mind, I figured I'd suggest a few Obi-Wan based materials leading up to the timeline of Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Just some things to possibly check out in the next few months to dive deeper into the character.  Obviously, the prequels are a must review, but here are a few novels, comics, and The Clone Wars episodes I think are great to learn more about Obi-Wan Kenobi.  

*I only included current Canon stories*

Master & Apprentice

This novel by Claudia Gray sees Obi-Wan and his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, years before Episode I. You get to see more of their relationship as they take on a Jedi assignment, more about Qui-Gon's intrigue with "The Prophecy", and the epilogue flashes forward to Obi-Wan's thoughts during Qui-Gon's funeral.

The Phantom Menace

Every Saga has a beginning.  Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, travel to Naboo to settle a trade dispute.  The whole thing turns sideways and before they know it, they're battling the first Sith Lord seen in a millennia.  

Obi-Wan and Anakin

Several years into his training, young Anakin Skywalker is doubting his choice to become a Jedi. He ventures with his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, on a mission that may be their last.  To be honest, the assignment isn't really important. It's the epiphany of Obi-Wan knowing that if Anakin leaves the Jedi Order, Obi-Wan must go with him.

Attack of the Clones

Padme Amidala is in trouble.  On the verge of a Senate vote to create an army for the Republic her life is in danger.  Obi-Wan and Anakin have been tasked to protect her.  Their investigation leads Obi-Wan to Kamino and the creation of a secret clone army. But what are Anakin and Padme doing on Tatooine while he's getting shot at by Jango Fett and his bratty son, Boba?

Brotherhood

This book isn't going to be released till May 10, and I'm sure it will be a great read right before Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres, being that it deals with the relationship of he and Anakin.  From what we know, it takes place right as The Clone Wars are starting.  Anakin is now a Knight, and Obi-Wan a Master.  Their roles have changed, so how will their relationship change?

THE CLONE WARS

Below are various episodes of The Clone Wars animated series where Obi-Wan plays a pivotal role and each is a step in his Star Wars journey.  We learn about his past with a possible former love, as well as see an old foe come back into his life seeking revenge.  In one storyline, Obi-Wan goes undercover as a bounty hunter and tangles with Cad Bane, and in another he, Anakin, and Ahsoka land in the middle of a mystical family squabble that has deep ties to The Force and Anakin's future. 

Season 2: The Mandalore Plot, Voyage of Temptation, Duchess of Mandalore

         Season 3: Overlords, Altar of Mortis, Ghosts of Mortis

         Season 4: Deception, Friends and Enemies, The Box, Crisis on Naboo, Revenge

         Season 5: Revival, Eminence, Shades of Reason, Lawless

         Season 6: The Lost One 

Revenge of the Sith

The Clone Wars are winding down. Anakin and Obi-Wan's rescue of the Chancellor ended with the death of Count Dooku.  Obi-Wan is off to take down General Grievous and end the war while Anakin starts to make trouble back on Coruscant. Order 66 changes the galaxy and everything Obi-Wan knows.  

                      From the Journals of Obi-Wan Kenobi

From the pages of Marvel's Star Wars title, After Luke Skywalker has blown up the Death Star, he returns to Tatooine and finds the journal of Obi-Wan in hopes it will help him continue his Jedi training. In various tales we see Obi-Wan take on the scum of Tatooine, keep little Luke out of trouble, and even have a run in with the wookie bounty hunter, Black Krrsantan.

Obi-Wan

Another piece of literature set to help ramp up for the Disney+ series, all we know about this miniseries is that is supposed to come out in May and follow Obi-Wan through various parts in his life.  I believe it is supposed to be a 5-issue miniseries so I would recommend youngling, padawan, knight, master, and then hermit.  Either way, I'm in!

My 34 Years With Star Wars

A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far, Far Away......to me those word means everything.  Today marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Star Wars(A New Hope subtitle was added later).  This film touched the world in a way no one ever expected, including it's creator; George Lucas.  Decades later, there are Star Wars fans world wide.  Last month I got to meet other Star Wars fans from Australia, Germany, and Japan at my first ever Star Wars: Celebration in Orlando.  Where hundreds of thousands of people gathered to bask in the phenomenon that all started with a young man on a desert planet who craved an adventure. 

I've been a Star Wars fan my whole life.  When my dad would take my brother and I to the local comic book store I used to get back issues of the original Marvel series.  I remember the day Dark Empire #1 was released(still coolest cover ever).  I remember begging my dad to buy me the Star Wars novelization, but first, to make sure I was advance enough to read it, he made me read several pages from the most recent Star Wars book he was reading; Heir To The Empire. I remember seeing every Star Wars movie in theaters(starting in 1997) and how mad I was at my parents for not letting me go to the midnight showing of The Phantom Menace(looking back on that one I should thank them).  When I used to drive my car in the snow with my headlights on it made me feel like I was traveling through hyperspace. I've had more Star Wars toys than I can count(still have my lightsabers), and to this day The Empire Strikes Back is my go-to Sick Day movie.  

I have been lucky enough to share my love for Star Wars with lots of people in my life, but probably my favorite has been my wife; Lisa.  When I first met her, she liked the Star Wars films, but had never read any of the books or comics.  Now, she's always listening to the audiobooks in the car, she has just as much apparel as I do, and any time I find something Star Wars related she rarely says "No".  I honestly believe it has brought us closer together as couple. I told her years ago if she didn't at least like Star Wars I never would have even dated her.  So why do I love Star Wars so much?  Because, to me, it's about the biggest "war" of all; the one within us.

When it began, Star Wars seemed pretty simple.  It was about a young man who yearned for more, and ended up being taken on a journey that changed him forever.  He saved the princess and defeated the evil man in black.  But as Luke Skywalker's story goes on the details get more complex and layered.  The evil man in black is really his father, whom had suffered great tragedy.  So Luke must decide if he should kill his father, or forgive him for all the horrors he's committed.

On the other side of the coin, Anakin Skywalker was a young boy who was forced into a life of slavery, only to be saved and taken to a place that told him he was special.  He fell in love, let his feelings control him, and in the end it cost him everything he cared about.  Regardless of how you feel about the prequels, the story of Darth Vader is a very real one.

We all have people we care about in our lives.  As a husband and father myself, I would kill to keep them safe.  Anakin wanted more power to try and save the people he loved.  I honestly believe the decisions he made are the same ones we would all make.  It may sound evil, but I think it's really just our humanity.  Anakin's son, Luke, also faced a similar situation but chose a different path.  He put his faith in his father, and trusted that his love would be enough to safe them both.

Another reason I think Star Wars has lasted as long as it has it because of the deep mythology Lucas created.  Up until The Force Awakens he created it all, and filled it with people we all know.  I can't tell you how many times my wife reminds me of Hera, my smart-mouth sounds like Obi-Wan, and I know someone I actually call "Snips."  He imagined this world of excitement we can all live in.  We can swing a laser sword and take down the ice monster.  We can see ourselves running for our lives as we escape the horribly inaccurate stormtroopers.  And who hasn't thought about having a dogfight in a spaceship?  It's our wildest dreams we'll never get to live, but we can watch it on screen time after time.

Many years ago The History Channel(back when it actually showed historical programs) did a documentary on the Star Wars saga called Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed.  It was about how Star Wars took notes from ancient mythology, religion, and history.  But it shows how Star Wars is similar to stories that have survived centuries because they tell us something about ourselves.  It's on YouTube.  I highly recommend it! 

  Today I did the math, I will easily be alive for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars(I hope), but to make it to the 100th year anniversary I'm going to have to live to be 94.  It's no impossible, but I'd better start cutting back on the brownies and bacon just in case.  

I guess what I've been trying to say in this somewhat scattered post is that Star Wars is in my DNA(possibly midi-chlorians) because it taps into something inside of me.  I love the characters I relate to and the adventures those characters take me on. I know people who don't like Star Wars, and while I respect their opinions I also feel like they don't get what the core of it is.  It was/is about a young man who craved an adventure, but ended up getting one he didn't expected. I just think we can all relate to that.  Because it's called life.

My "The Force Awakens Prep Guide" Part II: The Clone Wars

"You fought in The Clone Wars?" Luke asked Ben Kenobi this question in the very first Star Wars film and fans speculated for years what exactly The Clone Wars was.  There has been several interpretations of The Clone Wars; the very first being in the comic book series Star Wars: Republic.  The next would be a series of novels from Shatterpoint to Labyrinth of Evil.  On our TV screens, we've gotten Genndy Tarakovsky's miniseries, and an animated series that lasted five seasons on Cartoon Network with a sixth season on Netflix.  

Despite what some say about the prequel era of the Star Wars franchise, The Clone Wars has a rich tapestry of stories and great new characters that were added to Star Wars lore like Asajj Ventress, Ahsoka Tano, and the return of Darth Maul.   

Probably the brightest shine in The Clone Wars was something Obi-Wan referenced back in 1977. "He was the best star pilot in the galaxy. And a cunning warrior.  And a good friend."  We see Anakin Skywalker as all these things, and not just the annoying character from Episodes I-III.  We also see the adventures of Obi-Wan and Anakin like we always dreamed they would be.  If you're an Anakin hater than you don't know The Clone Wars.

While I don't expect people to check out everything Clone Wars related, I've highlighted below some of my favorites from this era.  Again, I'll be using a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being my most recommended.

OMNIBUS: CLONE WARS VOL. 1-3 (1)

This is the ongoing comic series that was running through the years the prequel films were released.  After Attack of the Clones the series was the first to show us what The Clone Wars was.  There is a lot of content to read, but I always focus on the stories involving Obi-Wan and Anakin.  There are a few good ones with Mace Windu, Yoda, and Quinlan Vos as well.  But you can pick and choose what characters you want to follow through The Clone Wars.  One of my favorite story lines is Obsession, and right before that we get something no other Clone Wars interpretation has given us; an explanation as to how Anakin got that scar on his eye.  This is still my favorite interpretation of The Clone Wars.

  

CLONE WARS: 2003-2005 (3)

Before Lucasfilm made an entire TV series they agreed to let Dexter's Laboratory and Samurai Jack creator, Genndy Tarakovsky, produce a series of 5 minute shorts taking place during The Clone Wars.  A sequel was then made leading right up to the events of Revenge of the Sith as we see General Grievous kidnap the Chancellor and Mace Windu give Grievous the vicious cough he has at the beginning of Episode III.  The miniseries was then put into two 1 hour volumes on DVD, or you can watch them on YouTube now.  Highlights of this interpretation include the knighting ceremony of Anakin Skywalker, Skywalker's deadly(yet badass) battle with Asajj Ventress, and Mace Windu having a phenomenal battle against an entire army of battle droids.

THE CLONE WARS: 2008-2015

In August 2008, Lucasfilm and WB released the seventh Star Wars theatrical film.  It was a CGI animated film that would set-up an animated series on Cartoon Network come Fall.  The series, supervised by Dave Filoni and George Lucas himself, would be centered around Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and the rest of the Jedi as they fight against the Separatists for the Republic.  A new character was also introduced; Ahsoka Tano as Anakin's padawan.  While not my favorite character to start off, by the end of the series I was really hoping we'd get to see Ahsoka later on in the Star Wars mythology.  

Listed below are some of my favorite episodes out of the 125 that were made.  All these episodes, along with the movie, can be found on Netflix.  This series was very theatrical, and with several episodes spanning one storyline it's like a bunch of mini movies.  The Clone Wars is like a spin-off film series unto itself. And I put The Clone Wars above The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones in my Star Wars film preference.

Season 1 Ep. 4: Destroy Malevolence (2)

The last episode in the first multi-episode arc of the series sees Anakin and Obi-Wan trying to save Padme, who is being held captive by General Grievous.  It's a very light-hearted episode, much like the early seasons of this series were.  But it's fun, and the series does get more mature as it continues.

Season 2 Ep. 1-3: Holocron Heist, Cargo of Doom, and Children of the Force (3)

The introduction of Cade Bane is pivotal because he is the badass bounty hunter everyone thinks Boba Fett is.  Darth Sidious hires Bane to break into the Jedi Temple, steal Jedi Holocrons, steal potential Jedi babies, and deliver them to Sidious.  Anakin and Ahsoka finally catch up to Bane on Mustafar; the future planet of Anakin's damnation.

Season 2 Ep. 12-14: The Mandalore Plot, Voyage of Temptation, and Duchess of Mandalore (1)

Obi-Wan has a girlfriend!  Master Kenobi is sent to protect the Duchess of Mandalore from rebel terrorists(whose leader is voiced by Jon Favreau).  But the Duchess and Obi-Wan have a past.  They had feelings for each other back when Obi-Wan was a padawan, but unlike his own padawan, Obi-Wan chose the Jedi Order over his desires for the Duchess.  And hell hath no fury like a Duchess scorned.

Season 3 Ep. 12-14: Nightsisters, Monster, and Witches of the Mist (2)

Count Dooku tires of Asajj Ventress's constant failures so he decides to cut her loose.  Ventress escapes back to her home world of Dathomir, where her Nightsister family helps her in plotting Dooku's death.  They even recruit a warrior who will aid her.  One who comes from the same tribe as the former Sith Lord; Darth Maul.

Season 3 Ep. 15-17: Overlords, Altar of Mortis, and Ghost of Mortis (4)

Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka become shipwrecked on a planet very powerful in The Force.  It is ruled by The Father who is the balance between the Light Side, The Daughter, and the Dark Side, The Son.  But soon The Father can not keep The Son at bay and the balance begins to shift.  This puts The Chosen One in a very tough place.  A place where Anakin and his friends begin to prophesies what their destines in tale.  Liam Neeson comes back to voice Qui-Gon Jinn and The Force Unleashed & Being Human star Sam Witwer voices The Son.

  

Season 4 Ep. 18: Crisis on Naboo (5)

Cade Bane is back in the series, and this time he's after the Chancellor.  It's up to Obi-Wan Kenobi to go undercover to try and stop the infamous bounty hunter.  Did I mention because of this TV series Obi-Wan Kenobi has become my 2nd favorite Star Wars character?

Season 4 Ep. 19: Massacre (5)

After learning that the Nightsisters helped Asajj Ventress try to assassinate him, Count Dooku sends General Grevious to Dathomir to eradicate the sisterhood, and leaves Asajj truly alone in the galaxy.

Season 4 Ep. 21: Brothers (4)

Mother Talzin has told Savage Opress where to find his brother, Darth Maul, but Opress finds Maul having gone mad from spending years on a junk planet.  Now Opress must try and piece together his brother's mind in order to save them both.

Season 4 Ep. 22: Revenge (1)

With the help of Mother Talzin, Savage Opress is able to save Darth Maul's soul, but Maul has only one thing on his mind; revenge.  Maul and Opress seek out Obi-Wan in hopes of giving him a slow and painful death.

Season 5 Ep. 1: Revival (5)

Darth Maul and Savage Opress rip across the galaxy looking for allies against Obi-Wan and the Jedi.  Master Kenobi and Master Gallia find them on a pirate world hoping to end their reign before it begins.

Season 5 Ep. 14-16: Eminence, Shades of Reason, and The Lawless (1)

Darth Maul and Savage Opress find their allies in the Madalore rebels and begin taking over the planet.  When Maul finds out about Obi-Wan and the Dutchess's past he is all to eager to lure Kenobi to Mandalore in hopes of finally ending his life.  The Lawless is probably my favorite episode of The Clone Wars.  It ends so tragically it had me begging for a sequel to this story line.  But with the series cancelled soon after we never see it.  I've heard ideas on how this all gets resolved, but sadly those episodes were never made.

Season 5 Ep. 17-20: Sabotage, The Jedi Who Knew Too Much, To Catch A Jedi, and The Wrong Jedi (1)

Ahsoka has come a long way since we first see her step out of that shuttle on Christophsis. Now she is being framed for destruction to the Jedi Temple and multiple murders.  Ahsoka is banished from the Jedi Order and is hunted by her own Master; Anakin Skywalker.  She'll have to team up with Asajj Ventress if she has any hope of clearing her name.  Another story that was terrific, but we never saw a climax to the character of Ahsoka due to the shows cancellation.  I am so glad to see her back in Rebels.......oh yeah.....SPOILER.

Season 6 Ep. 1-4: The Unknown, Conspiracy, Fugitive, and Orders (4)

Clone trooper Tup assassinates a Jedi in the middle of a mission after the number "66" is spoken.  Clone trooper Five is the only one who knows why Tup went crazy, and must get to the Jedi to warn them about "Order 66".  Something tells me Supreme Chancellor Palpatine doesn't want that information getting out.

Season 6 Ep. 5-7: An Old Friend, The Rise of Clovis, and Crisis at the Heart (3)

Clovis used to be an old friend of Padme Amidala's.  That is until he tried to kill her for the Separatists.  Now Padme must partner with a reformed Clovis in order to convince the Banking Clan to give the Republic more money for the war.  But Anakin still doesn't trust Clovis.  This puts tension on Anakin and Padme's secret marriage, more than we've seen in the series or the entire Clone Wars.

Season 6 Ep. 10: The Lost One (1)

Master Sifo-Dyas, the Jedi Master who allegedly commissioned the creation of the clone army, has been found.  Obi-Wan and Anakin are sent to retrieve the dead Master's remains and investigate the still mysterious origins of the clone army.  Along the way the two Jedi run into Count Dooku, and the Jedi begin to believe the entire war might be the work of the still mysterious Sith Lord.

My "The Force Awakens Prep Guide" Part I: The Film Saga

Next week is Force Friday.  For those of you who don't know it's the day when the toys and products for the upcoming Star Wars film, The Force Awakens, hits stores around the country.  Star Wars merchandise has been a huge part of the Star Wars franchise going all the way back to 1977.  When Revenge of the Sith was released I had to hold myself back from buying all the lightsabers and collectables I could.  I assume I will need that same will power come next week.

As The Force Awakens approaches I am becoming more and more excited for the film.  Growing up as both a Star Wars and comic book fan I've read quite a few Star Wars comics in my day.  I've also read quite a few Star Wars novels, played some video games, and tried almost anything baring the Star Wars logo.  I've even gone as far as re-editing the prequel films.  I've added deleted scenes from the DVD extras and deleted some scenes in Episodes I-III to make them more enjoyable for myself. 

To prepare for December 18th, I'll be spending the next three months re-reading some of my favorite Star Wars comic book story lines, re-watching some Clone Wars and Rebels episodes, and of course re-watching the entire Star Wars film saga.  

The other day a friend of mine asked what she could watch and read to help prepare her for Episode VII.  And she's not the only one.  So, I decided to do these blog entries as a way to give my advice on what comic books, novels, TV episodes, and anything else Star Wars that I enjoy, and others may like.  I'll give several suggestions and rate them on a scale from 1 to 5 as to what you should check out with a 1 being my most highly recommended.  Hope everyone enjoys this, and May the Force Be With You!

EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE (5)

In the "machete order" of watching Star Wars movies this film is actually not included, and for good reason.  It's my least favorite of the Star Wars saga and the one I only watch when I'm doing a marathon.  But, if you want to get kids started on Star Wars it's the one that is the most "kid friendly" with the goofy Jar Jar Binks, and the hero of the film being 10-year-old Anakin Skywalker.  When I edited this film I took out as much Jar Jar and Anakin as I could and ended up cutting 30 minutes out of the movie.

  EPISODE II:  ATTACK OF THE CLONES (4)

George Lucas called this film a love story, but he forgot to add the "love story" part of it.  All the DVD deleted scenes are expanding the relationship between Anakin and Padme.  So I added them back into the film as well as took out some parts I thought would make Anakin a little less creepy and annoying.  Say what you will about Hayden Christensen in this role, I think he played the part as best as he could with what little direction Lucas gave him.  My second least favorite Star Wars film, but I actually enjoy watching it when all the deleted scenes are added back in.

EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH (3)

I think we can all agree this is the best of the prequel films, and I think had this been the only prequel Star Wars movie released some fans would not have the disgust they seem to have for Episodes I-III. This is also the film I edited the least.  My big gripe is Natalie Portman getting totally shafted in this one. Padme is built up as such a strong character in the first two films, but all she does is cry over Anakin.  This sucks because there are several deleted scenes that include her helping start the Rebellion.  If you read How Star Wars Conquered The Universe (which I'll get to in another part) it's said that Portman and Lucas started having disagreements.  Maybe that's why she is barely in Episode III.

EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE (1)

The one that started it all!  My second favorite Star Wars film.  When Revenge of the Sith first came out on DVD I skipped all my college classes for a day and ended up spending 14 hours watching the entire saga.  By the time I got to this film I A) had a greater understanding of who Darth Vader was under the mask, and B) felt so bad for Obi-Wan and all the horrible things he had to live through.

EPISODE V: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1)

My favorite Star Wars film AND one of my Top 10 favorite movies ever.  When I was a kid I used to fake being sick just to skip school and watch this movie.  I hate what Lucas has done with all the Special Edition add-ins; from seeing the wampa, to Luke shrieking as he falls into the abyss because he'd rather die than join the Dark Side.  I own the Star Wars blu-ray set and I never watch it!  Because I prefer my prequel edits and the original versions of the original trilogy.

EPISODE VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI (1)

All those who said Luke was a whiney girl in the first two films, this one will shut you up!  Luke is the man with one of my favorite movie lines ever.  "Jabba, this is you last chance.  Free us or die."  What he basically is saying is, "I'm about to open a can of whoop ass on you."  This ends the originally trilogy and is the last we see of Luke, Han, and Leia in theaters until their return on December 18th in Episode VII: The Force Awakens that takes place 30 years after this film.

'The Force Awakens' Excitement for Star Wars: Episode VII

If you thought that the biggest thing that happened today was Black Friday shopping then you can just go ahead and un-friend me on the various social networks because I will no longer be talking to you. To any Star Wars fan it was like Christmas came early as we waited patiently this morning for our post-Turkey Day present.  The teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was not only put online today, but is also being show in select theaters throughout the country this weekend.  The overwhelming reception of this trailer has been great with only a few gripes about the 88 seconds we all saw.  

However, there is still no official synopsis released as to the plot of the film.  With this footage speculation is only going to grow as December 2015 can't get here quick enough.  When the cast was first announced for Episode VII I made an entry has to who I thought each character type the actors will play.  The trailer has debunked a few of my theories and replaced them with a whole new batch.  And it only takes four screenshots for me to explain them.

DISCLAIMER: THESE ARE JUST THEORIES I MADE UP.  I HAVE NO INSIDE KNOWLEDGE, NOR DO I KNOW ANYONE HAVING ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS FILM. IF I KNEW ANYONE AT DISNEY OR LUCASFILM SURELY I'D HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO WITH MY TIME THAN WRITE THIS SILLY BLOG.

Most dedicated fans have theorized that Attack the Block star, John Boyega, was going to be the main character in this new trilogy.  I now no longer believe this. In the opening shot of the teaser we see Boyega in a stormtrooper outfit.  He looks scared.  Perhaps he is running from something?  Perhaps he doesn't remember something?  Perhaps he realizes he is in the middle of the f$cking desert?  I think he's either an Alliance spy who has been caught, or a stormtrooper who is trying to defect, and he figures Tatooine is a good place to hide where nothing ever happens.  Guess again.

Enter Daisy Ridley.  This actress was a complete unknown before being put in one of the most anticipated films of the century.  In my casting theories I thought she could be the daughter of Han and Leia, but now, I no longer believe this.  I think Daisy Ridley is the center of this new trilogy.  It's a great change-up to make the main character a female.  

I'm thinking Ridley is a Tatooine native who runs into Boyega trying to hide, and maybe runs into Luke Skywalker as well.  Much like Luke found R2-D2, C-3PO, and then Ben Kenobi.  My other thought bubble is that she is Luke's apprentice.  There have been rumors that Luke never started the new Jedi Order, but instead went into hiding.  Much like Obi-Wan did. What if Ridley has natural Jedi skills and Luke is training her to become a Jedi?  Maybe even starts training Boyega as well.

 Oscar Isaac is starting to make a name for himself in Hollywood by being in films like Sucker Punch and Inside Llewyn Davis, and also he was just cast as the villain in the upcoming film; X-Men:Apocalypse.  Based on his previous work I saw Isaac as the new Han Solo type, with even more of an anti-hero vibe.  Maybe even a bounty hunter.  I no longer believe this.  It looks like he may be a part of Rogue Squadron.  I see him as the X-Wing hot shot who may be like Maverick from Top Gun.  He's the best of the best, but hard to work with.  

The thing I loved and hated about this teaser trailer is that even though we saw X-Wings, Tie Fighters, and the Millennium Falcon we didn't see Luke, Han, or Leia.  They showed us all the new characters/actors.  And I think they focused on these three because they are the main characters in this new trilogy.  

At the beginning of the teaser there was a voice over saying something had "awakened."  Which means something had been sleeping, probably for a long time.  I'm guessing that sleeping beauty is pictured above.  The Sith seem to be all dead after Episode VI.  But what about Sith followers/groupies?  Asajj Ventress was never officially a Sith, but wanted to be one.  Perhaps the wannabe's "awakend" something old, bad, and powerful to take down the Alliance.  Aren't people saying Lupita Nyong'O looks like she would play a good Ventress?  Hmmm.

Whoever this dude is, look at his/her lightsaber.  When the side blades come out it reminds me of a medieval broadsword.  It looks primative.  It's not stylish like the Jedi sabers from the prequel films.  It looks more like the drawings of lightsabers in the Dark Horse comics, Tales of the Jedi.  The various miniseries chronicled the rise and fall of the Sith Empire thousands of years before Luke or Anakin Skywalker were born.

 I was showing this trailer to people all day at work and they were all getting excited.  Even though the film is still over a year from be released it shows the power of The Force.  People want to believe in Star Wars because we've all got happy memories of the original trilogy. Director J.J. Abrams has already promised a call back to what we all love. This was the man who was able to take the nerdiest things ever, Star Trek, and make it cool.  I believe he is going to lead Star Wars out of it's dark days and bring us all a new hope.

P.S. If this movie sucks I'm asking for a lobotomy for Christmas next year.

My Top 6 Lightsaber Duels

Last week starwars.com came out with their Top 10 Fights from the Star Wars live-action films.  This list seemed a little peculiar to me.  Not only did I disagree with spots certain fights fell on their countdown, but how some of their fights weren't lightsaber fights.

I will openly admit, the minute an actual lightsaber becomes available to sell to the public I will max out every credit card I have for it.  For me, my love of Star Wars has always been rooted in the Jedi mythology and ideology.  Sure I enjoy the spaceships and bounty hunters, but the Jedi(and Sith) are what has made me a life-long fan.  

So because of my quarrels with starwars.com's list I decided to make my own.  These choice are mainly based on emotional impact.  I think a fight, or any scene, is so much better when their is a history behind it, or high stakes at risk.  Since their are six films in the Star Wars saga I'm counting down My Top 6 Lightsaber Duels.

6) Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Vader (Episode IV: A New Hope)

It's the first ever lightsaber duel in history so it gets major points for that.  But when you look at the saga as a whole it's really quite epic.  20 years after Obi-Wan left his best friend for dead they meet again.  Their both off their game a little, but the scars from that day on Mustafar still seem fresh.  

In the end Obi-Wan gives up citing, "if you strike me down I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."  To this day I still ponder Obi-Wan's reasoning behind his surrender and have come up with three answers. He A) knew his sacrifice was the only way for Luke to escape 

B) knew he could serve Luke better by joining The Force or 

C) feared he would fail Luke as he did Anakin and would rather him seek Yoda to complete his training.

5)Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn vs Darth Maul (Episode I: The Phantom Menace)

Before Episode I was released George Lucas said that this will be the first time we get to see an actual Jedi in action.  In the original trilogy we saw an old man, a half-trained Jedi, and a half-machine Jedi.  This fight did not let down.  The duel starts with a door opening and Darth Maul behind it ready for a skirmish.  And when Qui-Gon says, "we'll handle this." You know some real sh*t is about to go down.  

Darth Maul brings out the double-edged lightsaber that makes every uber nerd in the audience wet themselves a bit.  The fight is long and far as Obi-Wan eventually watches his master fall.  Then, Obi-Wan and Darth Maul engage in a sword fight so fast and unreal our eyes could barely keep up with our brains as to how cool(yet short) it was.  

The finale of this fight does two key things.  It turns Obi-Wan into an apprentice who agrees with the council on Anakin's training, to a Jedi Knight who will see his mentor's dying wish fulfilled.  And as most Star Wars fans know, it isn't the end of Darth Maul.  Instead it sets up a great rivalry between Kenobi and Maul that will continue in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and hopefully beyond.

  4)Master Yoda vs Darth Sidious (Episode III: Revenge of the Sith)

While Obi-Wan has been sent to deal with his former padawan Yoda decides to take on the Phantom Menance himself; Darth Sidious.  The rest of the Jedi are being slaughtered throughout the galaxy so Master Yoda makes an effort to stop the bloodshed at its source. 

The two start out with their lightsabers and end up going through the rage of Force powers such as throwing giant objects, Force pushes, and Force lightning.  It's a step-up from the Yoda/Dooku fight in Episode II, with the stakes even greater.  Sadly, Yoda flees knowing that he may not have what it takes to take down the Dark Lord of the Sith, but perhaps someday, someone will.  

3) Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader (Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back)

Let's rundown what Vader has done to Luke at this point in Episode V.  Luke thinks Darth Vader killed his father and his killed Obi-Wan, his mentor.  He has also captured his closest friends and tortured them, and plans to sell them to a bounty hunter.  And this is on top of killing millions, if not billions, of people throughout the galaxy.

Luke comes into this carbon freezing chamber looking for a fight, but only half ready.  He is outmatched, but still foolish enough to think he can win.  He is that consumed by hatred for this man.  Luckily, Luke is a little more spry then Obi-Wan in Episode IV so we get a decent fight.  But then, at the end of the battle, Vader drops the bomb.  "I am your father."  The idea blows up Luke's entire outlook on life.  The man he hates so much is his father.  Luke is so confused by this information he bails into a thousand foot drop that he may not survive knowing it's either that or get taken my Vader.  This is where everything gets Shakespearean. 

    

2) Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Vader (Episode III: Revenge of the Sith)

This is my favorite duel to watch because it's so fast and choreographed.  From a fantasy perspective these two Jedi are so powerful in The Force they can fight this fast and make it an even battle.  From a real-life perspective these two actors are actually swinging their swords that fast, which is awesome.

At this point in the film Obi-Wan finds his best friend choking his wife.  Anakin, who is now calling himself Darth Vader, has just killed children and Jedi, and plans to enslave the galaxy because Sidious has twisted his mind into thinking it's what's best for everyone.  Obi-Wan doesn't want to fight, he begs his best friend and brother-in-arms not to fight him.  But they do.  It's pretty awesome, and of course Vader's arrogance becomes his undoing as he tries to leap over Obi-Wan, but Obi-Wan cut him down.

Obi-Wan stands there, seeing what he has just done, what he had to do, to is closest friend.  The man is almost in tears.  "You were my brother Anakin.  I loved you." As Vader begins to burn Obi-Wan walks away.  I'm not sure if it's because he feels that the flames will finish him off or that Obi-Wan just can't bring himself to finish Vader off himself.  Either way, the two meet 20 years later on the Death Star to finish the duel.  When I watch the Star Wars saga from Episodes I-VI, by this point I feel so bad for Obi-Wan Kenobi and all the people he has lost over the course of three films.  When he then reappears in Episode IV you know everything the character has been through and it makes Alec Guiness's performance in the original Star Wars film that much better.

1)Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader (Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)

To me, these last two lightsaber duels on my list are what the entire Star Wars saga is all about.  The Obi-Wan/Vader fight was what the prequels all lead too, and this fight between Luke and Vader is what the original trilogy, if not the saga, is all about.

When Luke finds out the most evil man in the galaxy is his father he has a tough choice to make.  Does he join him or does he kill him?  Instead, Luke wishes to redeem him, a feat that nobody; not Obi-Wan, not Yoda, not the Emperor, and not even Vader himself; believes is possible.  It is only when Vader threatens his sister does Luke lash out, and takes off his father's hand.  He looks at his own hand and realizes if he takes one step more he will become Vader.  Luke then does something nobody saw coming.  He is willing to sacrifice himself to bring back Anakin Skywalker.  The Emperor is electrocuting him and he pleads to his father to save him.  And it works!  Vader sees his son dying before his very eyes.  In that moment Vader/Anakin reaches inside himself and finds the love he had for Padme and his unborn child and decides to stop Luke's suffering.  He kills the Emperor and sacrifices himself to save his son.  I don't care who you are, there is no greater storytelling than the events that unfold in that throne room while the rest of the galaxy battles outside the window. 

  

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.