Star Wars' Civil War

     Two sides.  Each battling for their principles.  Each doing what they believe is best for the galaxy. The Rebels are good guys and the Empire are the bad guys.  The Resistance are the good guys and the First Order are the bad guys.  The Jedi are the good guys and the Sith are the bad guys.  Can real life ever be that simple?  Even Obi-Wan Kenobi says, "MOST OF THE TRUTHS WE CLING TO DEPEND GREATY ON OUR OWN POINT OF VIEW." 

     I'VE BEEN A STAR WARS FAN MY WHOLE LIFE.  I remember seeing all of the Special Edition films in theaters(along with every other Star Wars film).  I remember my dad taking me and my brother to the comic book store, like he did every Saturday, and seeing the first issue of Dark Empire.  I remember reading a few pages of Heir to the Empire to prove to my dad that I could read well enough to get the novelization of A New Hope.  To this day, The Empire Strikes Back is my go-to sick day film.  I usually post a Han Solo "I Feel Terrible" meme as I lay on the couch resting.  I know I am not alone in my love of Star Wars.  Millions around the world have discovered this franchise at different times in their lives, and has become a myth that has been passed down several generations now. I was 15 when The Phantom Menace was released.  I saw it three times in theaters.  I saw Attack of the Clones four times in theaters.  These are my least favorite Star Wars films, and for a large number of people, thought of as the worst of the franchise.  That is until 2017.

     In 2012 Disney purchased Lucasfilm and announced a new trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII, and IX) would be on the way.  Also, that any existing mythology outside of the seven films and The Clone Wars TV series would be erased from Star Wars Canon as it "no longer counted".  As a person who grew up on the Expanded Universe it had it's good stories and bad, but Star Wars fans also knew it was hours upon hours of time spent that no longer mattered.  DISNEY AND LUCASFIILM WANTED TO START FRESH, and since parts of the Expanded Universe contradicted other parts it was just easier to wipe the whole board clean.  Some fans felt it was Disney saying "you wasted your time."  While Dark Empire, the Thrawn trilogy, Legacy, and Shadows of the Empire are Expanded Universe(or now referred to as Legends) stories I still enjoy to this day, there is a lot of Expanded Universe(and some of the current Canon) I don't care for.  

     In 2014 I remember going to see The Theory of Everything at the Alamo Drafthouse on Thanksgiving weekend to not actually watch the film, but to see less than a minute of footage from the newest Star Wars film that was over a year away.  It was glorious!  But, rumblings started to spread of the shot of JOHN BOYEGA AS A STORMTROOPER.  What I saw was Kylo Ren's cross blade lightsaber and the Millennium Falcon facing a TIE fighter with John Williams beautiful score playing in the background.  Why did the race of a stormtrooper matter?  Millions, if not billions, were part of the Empire.  While we never saw them take off their helmets, you had to assume not all the stormtroopers in the galaxy were white males. 

     In 2015 The Force Awakens arrives in theaters.  Daisy Ridley starred as Rey, the Force-sensitive orphan who became the hero of the sequel trilogy.  BUT SHE WAS A GIRL!  And everything is easy for her!  Some people accused Disney of making the main character a girl who can do anything just as a social justice message.  Anyone ever heard of Princess Leia?  How about the line, "Somebody has to save our skins.  Into the garbage shoot flyboy!"  When Rogue One was released in 2016 I didn't hear much about Jyn Erso in the same way, but I think we where all just mesmerized by the Vader hallway scene.

     THEN, IN 2017, THE WAR ERUPTED.  The Last Jedi was the Star Wars film that finally divided the fanbase.  Up to then, everyone agreed that the original trilogy was great, the prequels not so great, and the last two films were at least ok.  After two years of speculating, nothing I thought would happened did, but I still walked out satisfied with what Rian Johnson gave us.  Others did not.  Sure the Finn storyline can be called pointless(I wouldn't) and killing the Emperor-type villain, Snoke, so abruptly was jarring.  But the biggest critique I heard about The Last Jedi was how the hero of our childhood, Luke Skywalker, had become a bitter hermit who didn't want anything to do with the battle to save the galaxy. All of which I believe are valid points of opinion.

     The lines had been drawn, and while I could understand people's complaints, I DON'T UNDERTSAND WHAT FOLLOWED THE LAST JEDI.  The social media accounts of Daisy Ridley, Kelly Marie Tran, and Rian Johnson were full of hateful messages.  So many that Ridley and Tran deleted their accounts, and to this day I am still not sure they have returned.  Imagine getting your dream job.  You get to work in Star Wars.  You are told to play a part, and then you do as your told.  Then people personally attack your gender and ethnicity simply because they didn't like the character you played.   Star Wars hate was nothing new.  PEOPLE ACCUSED GEORGE LUCAS OF "RUINED MY CHILDHOOD" WITH THE PREQUELS.  Ahmed Best, Jake Lloyd, and Hayden Christensen were all subjected to personal attacks simply because of the characters they played.  But in the era where billions have a place to interact and voice their opinions, those voices turned vicious by some fans who celebrate films meant to be about diversity, acceptance, and no holding on to anger.

     Since then I feel like Star Wars fans have been divided on everything.  I KNOW ITS TAKEN ME SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS TO GET TO THE POINT OF THIS ENTRY.  I apologize. But we've gotten to the point in fandom where some believe that if you have a different opinion about film, a piece of art, you are wrong and stupid.  I'm not a big fan of The Rise of Skywalker, but when I watch it I try to focus on the things I like about it, and don't lash out at those who do enjoy it.  Or, I just choose just not to watch it again like I do the other Star Wars films. I believe the Star Wars fanbase has become a representation of the bigger divide not about Star Wars, but about the world around us.  

     Of course what prompted me to write this entry was the firing of The Mandalorian actor Gina Carano.  I admit I only read one or two of the tweets she published that led to her getting fired, so I may not have a full view of the situation.  I can only judge from what knowledge I possess.  And while it is her right to speak about the things she believes, it is also her employers right to let her go if her actions jeopardize their business.  If I was a cashier at Target and swore to all the time I would expect Target to fire me.  They would lose business because of my vulgar words and that is not the kind of image they want to project to their customers.  AND THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO GINA CARANO.

     But this is just another incident in the Star Wars fan community within the last few years.  Headlines about fans shouting hatred, treating humans beings like they aren't real, or have no feelings. Believing that if a story does not go how they wanted it too that it is wrong.  And honestly, I'M TIRED OF BEING A STAR WARS FAN. It is so exhausting reading about personal attacks on people who work for Disney and Lucasfilm. People bagging on books that they haven't read.  If you don't like the idea for a book, just say it doesn't look interesting, and move on with your life.  Not everything is for everyone. YOU DON'T NEED THIRTY TWEETS ABOUT HOW THE THING YOU'RE NOT INTERESTED IN IS GONNA SUCK.  I see so many fans talking not about what they love, but what they hate.  And for the life of me, I can't understand what they fear.  "Fear leads anger.  Anger leads to hate." Is it not getting what they want?  Not being open to something unexpected?  Or just the belief that their opinion is the only one that is right?  

     TO HEAL THE STAR WARS FANBASE WOULD MEAN HEALING THE WORLD.  But we're all too selfish to take a look at ourselves and realize we are the problem.  I've always grown up believing Star Wars was about unity, fairness, understanding, love, and acceptance.  That's why I don't understand people who say they love Star Wars, but don't believe in what Star Wars is. 

    

  

'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.

Star Wars Episode VII: My Fantasy Plot

After months of rumors, speculation, and flat out lies the cast of the new Star Wars film has been announced!  As no surprise to anyone, the original cast from Episodes IV-VI are all returning, with the exception of Billy Dee Williams(so far).  Along with them is a slew of actors, most of which aren't anyone on the Hollywood A-List.  This has some fans excited since the original Star Wars film back in 1977 was filled with unknowns like Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher.  

Now that the main cast has been announced another array of speculation has begun as to who these new actors will play and what the plot of the film will be.  We now know that the infamous Expanded Universe that continued the Star Wars story after Return of the Jedi will not be the basis of Episode VII.  But it's been said that they may cherry-pick certain ideas from the EU into this new Star Wars canon.  Every uber Star Wars fan has their own thoughts and ideas as to how they hope this cast comes together in a film.  And here is mine.

Max von Sydow as The Imperial Commander
It'll be 30 years since the events of Return of the Jedi.  I'm sure the Empire didn't just give up after the death of the Emperor and the destruction of the second Death Star.  I'm sure it still took several years of fighting before peace was given a chance.  And while the "New Republic" won out, I'm sure their were some compromises.  Everyone seems to think that Sydow will play an old Sith Lord, but I think that just seems to obvious.  I see him more as the liaison of the once mighty Empire.  He could be this man who actually believed the Empire was the best form of government.  He has a strong sense of duty, and is now proud to be representing the old regime in this new era.  I also wouldn't be surprised though if he has a hidden agenda, perhaps working with some Sith Lords to cause unrest in the Republic making the galaxy wish for the days of the ordered Empire.

Adam Driver as The Sith Lord
Let's just all face the facts.  Adam Driver will be a bad guy.  He just looks creepy.  I've only really seen him in the HBO show Girls and even in that show he was just weird.  I see Driver playing the Darth Maul-type character.  He could be the Sith that everyone sees carrying out his master's plans, and even the one holding secret meetings with Sydow's character.  It also wouldn't surprise me if Driver's character does the non-Darth Maul route and survives past the first film; eventually becoming the master!

Andy Serkis as The Sith Master
I'm of the strong opinion that Serkis should have gotten some kind of Oscar for his role as Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.  He was phenomenal in that film!  Serkis has become synonymous with body acting so everyone assumes he'll be doing the same in Episode VII.  Some think he'll be the "New Jar Jar" and play the comic relief.  I personally think it' d be nice if Serkis would actually play Jar Jar Binks!  He could totally redeem the character and maybe make him not look so bad in Episode I if we then know where the character was going to end up.

However, I don't think they'd waste a great talent like Andy Serkis on just some funny character who will sell toys.  I see Serkis playing a more pivotal role; The Sith Master.  Much like Darth Sidious was in Episodes I-III, he'd be the man behind the curtain pulling all the strings.  But because it's Serkis he wouldn't be human. I say they make the big bad some kind of weird/scary alien.  I think this would be a terrific use of Serkis and he can bring out a much better performance than we got from Ian McDiarmid. A blind man could have seen Palpatine was up to no good for Christ sakes!  

Oscar Isaac as The Bounty Hunter
I've seen Driver and Robin Hood, but the only thing I really remember seeing Oscar Isaac in is Sucker Punch, which makes me sad.  I've heard that people are seeing him as the new Han Solo character.  Isaac could be the anti-hero who is rebellious and out for himself, but of course later learns the value of friendship and fighting for a cause.  I think this would be a good idea, but let's make him more edgy.  A trailer for the current The Old Republic computer game saw a cowboy smuggler with a lot of attitude.  I think this type of character would be great for Isaac, only a little more ruthless.  Perhaps Isaac is hired to kill Luke or Leia and ends up joining their side?  Then he spends the other films fighting his own nature, and we never quite know if he'll return to his old ways.

Domhnall Gleeson as The Ben Skywalker
In the Expanded Universe Luke Skywalker marries a woman named Mara Jade, who just happens to be a redhead.  So when I saw Gleeson was going to be in the film my first thought was that he'd play Luke's son; Ben Skywalker.  I remember Gleeson from playing Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise, but it was his starring role in About Time that made me excited to see him on the Episode VII roster.  I thought About Time was wonderful little movie and Gleeson did a superb job as the lead.

With that being said, I think Luke Skywalker is going to die in Episode VII.  Let's think about it.  Episode I, Qui-Gon Jinn, the mentor, dies.  In Episode IV, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the mentor, dies.  I think Episode VII will continue that trend.  Of course Mark Hamill will become a ghost like Obi-Wan did and still be in the rest of the trilogy, but in a heroes journey the mentor always dies.  I think this tale will be no different.  Plus, this will affect every character; including his son.  In the Expanded Universe, after the death of his brother, Jacen Solo turns to the Dark Side.  But what if, it's Luke's son that turns after his father's death?  It wouldn't be a big leap to imagine another Skywalker turning to the Dark Side.  I can see Driver's character being a secret Sith who helps sway Gleeson to the Dark Side as well.  And finally, cast Julianne Moore as Mara Jade. Mark Hamill can thank me later.

John Boyega as The Jedi Hero
Admit it.  As soon as you heard Boyega's name you thought, "Lando's son."  I'm not going to call you racist; I'm just saying it's too obvious.  I can see him being a descendant of Mace Windu though.  Speaking of, I would also like to see Mace Windu back.  I mean, come on, we never saw Mace actually die.  And you're going to tell me the second most powerful Jedi in the galaxy couldn't survive a little fall?

I plan on seeing Attack of Block before I see Episode VII, but I've heard nothing but good things about this actor.  I see him as Luke's star pupil.  The guy who is a hero through and through, and because he's is so beloved by Luke this could be another trigger for Gleeson to go dark.  Boyega could even be the one thought to take-over the "New Jedi Order" when Luke passes on, and this would make his son a little pissed. 

Daisy Ridley as The Jaina Solo
This young woman has become the talk of the cast!  Not only is she the only new female actress announced in this ensemble, but she's also the most unknown actor in the bunch.  This leads me to believe she might have the biggest part in the upcoming trilogy.  Many have already mentioned her resemblance to Carrie Fisher, which of course screams Jaina Solo; Leia's daughter in the Expanded Universe.  In the EU Jaina ended up killing her twin brother Jacen because he turned to the Dark Side.  But instead of her brother, what if she faced off against someone like her brother?  Perhaps her cousin?

Also, being the new female of the group, I can also see her the center of a love triangle.  In A New Hope you never knew if Leia was going to end up with the smuggler, Han, or the hero, Luke.  Of course George Lucas settled that debate when Leia was revealed as Luke's sister.  I can see Isacc and Boyega's characters fighting over Ridley.  But instead of Ridley ending up with the bad boy she goes for the good guy.  Perhaps with the help of Boyega they are able to turn Gleeson's character back from the Dark Side of the Force.

Another reason I can see Ridley being a child of Han and Leia is that if you look at the current Star Wars: Legacy comic book, specifically the first issue's cover, the main character, Ania, is a descendant of Han and Leia, and looks so much like Daisy Ridley.  She just has the Solo look to her. Having an even stronger woman than what Leia is can only help bring in more female viewers to go see Star Wars: Episode VII.