The 18 Days of a Star Wars Christmas Miracle +7: Day 18 (SPOILER FREE MOVIE REVIEW)

  For today's advent, I decided to review the Force Awakens while being as spoiler free as possible. 
   
  For one thing, the Force Awakens is wicked fun. But it's not Empire Strikes Back- perhaps not only the greatest Star Wars film ever, but the best film of all-time- period. True, I have seen Episode V over 200 times and I might be a little biased. Multiple viewings of this film, which I am sure will be occurring in the next few weeks, will help me to really place this film at second or third place over A New Hope and Revenge of the Sith. 

   The acting was quite good. It was great seeing Han, Leia, Chewie, and some other friendly faces. But how did the new characters do? 
   Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron, the best pilot in the Resistance is cocky, fierce, and a little wild. But he's quite likable. The mysterious orphan Rey played by Daisy Ridley is a star in the making. I take that back, her performance as the scavenger from the planet Jakku is proof that a star is born. Another mysterious character is that of Kylo Ren, who plays a Sith Lord for the First Order. Played by Adam Driver- he's a creepy dude who I actually do not like at all (though his voice when helmeted rivals James Earl Jones' Darth Vader.)

   One thing about Episode VII that quite different from the other 6 movies are the villains. Unlike the Empire, the troops of the First Order don't strike me as evil. But they are baddies nonetheless. But whereas I love the bad guys characters of the Empire like the Emperor, Boba Fett, and, of course, Lord Vader, I hate these guys and hope that the resistance hands them their just desserts by the end of Episode IX. 

    Oh, I almost forgot one more character- the controversial Finn played by John Boyega. When he was first cast last year, some folks lost their freakin' minds over a black stormtrooper. The biggest argument was that the clones used as the original Stormtroopers were not black. Well, this is the second or third generation of stormtroopers made up of recruits and conscripts. So, haters: STIFLE!

    Boyega was the comic relief of the Force Awakens. But he wasn't annoyingly stupid like the notroious Jar Jar Binks. In fact, sometimes, his character of a conflicted stormtrooper played the straight man to an elderly Han Solo, who had some very funny moments as well. Still, Boyega's character was play with such heart and such charm that I openly welcome him into the Star Wars family. (On a side note, Boyega's Finn is rumored to be the son of Lando. If that becomes true, I'm totally fine with it because they both have that dapper swagger and a way with the ladies.)

   So, should you see Star Wars? Absolutely! The few trailers and commercials for the film haven't spoiled anything. In fact, expect some misdirects. JJ Abrams did a great job in making you think that Character A was going to turn out to be a Jedi or a villian, or someone's kid only to have it be Character B. (And yes, as I've been predicting a couple of characters from the Journey to the Force Awakens books do appear in this film. But do you have to read those books to understand what's going on? Not really, though Smuggler's Run does offer the most insight into the goings on in which we first are reintroduced to Han and Chewie.)

   Lastly, here's a couple of tips for seeing the movie this weekend.

   1. Get there early for seats but don't expect to see the film immediately at showtime. My tickets last night were for 7:30. It wasn't until 7:55 that the commercials and trailers finally ended.
   2. Cosplay is okay. But thanks to the a-hole in Denver, expect bag checks, head coverings and fake weapons to be banned, and regular appearances of ushers checking the emergency exits.
   3. There was a rumor of a secret scene at the end of Episode VII. If you hate staying through credits, go ahead and leave, there isn't anything waiting for you at the end of the movie except your car.
   4. Check your theatre for problems. I heard that one screening in Cary, NC was cancelled because their copy of the film was damaged. There were lots of upset folks last night.

   So there you have it. I hope you'll go out and see Star Wars this weekend. There are some many showings, you shouldn't have any troubles getting to see the Force Awakens. Was it a perfect movie? No, but even A New Hope had it's flaws. There were 2 moments that upset me and only 1 of which really pissed me off. Episode VII was a journey back to the Star Wars universe and JJ Abrams was the right man to do it. I hate that he's not directing the next 2 films. With lots of easter eggs, tributes, and original trilogy thrills, this is the next chapter of the House of Skywalker that we waited 32 long years for.

   The Force is strong with this one...

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

   

Star Wars: Moving Target, A Princess Leia Adventure

   Set just before the events of Return of the Jedi, the Rebel Alliance has learned that the Emperor is building another, more powerful Death Star. The fleet is in much disarray after the battle of Hoth and a diversion is needed in order to give the Rebels the time needed to mount an assault on Endor. While Luke is still trying to locate Han, Princess Leia volunteers to send the Empire on a wild goose chase setting up a number of homing beacons on various planets on the other side of the galaxy away from where the Alliance is really regrouping. 

   Along with the pilot Nein Nunb and a ragtag band of soldiers, Leia must mount a decoy fleet in hopes of attracting the Empire's attention. Using old codes, that the Empire can and will break, will cause countless Rebel sympathizers to put their lives on the line for the ploy. More importantly, has Leia signed ber own death warrant when an Imperial star destroyer shows up before she's even activated the first beacon?

    True, since Leia appears in Jedi, we know that she'll come out alright. But, this is still a thrilling adventure that sheds light on some key moments in Episode VI. However, I think that this book eradicates 'Shadows of the Empire,' the multimedia storyline that was to bridge together Episodes V and VI, from Star Wars canon. So, that possibility might infuriate some people.

   Moving Target is the next book in the Journey to the Force Awakens series of young adult novels. Though the book isn't numbered 'volume 2' or 'book 2,' the character of Ematt makes an several appearances and his rescue by Han Solo are mentioned in this book. So, if you are trying to figure out which book to read first the order (thus far) is 1. Smuggler's Run and 2. Moving Target. Not sure where the Luke Skywalker adventure finds in this 'trilogy', but I will very soon. 

   Another thing tying Smuggler's Run and Moving Target together is that the main story is sandwiched between an prologue and epilogue that occurs just prior to the Force Awakens. Here, Leia is now a General in the fight against good and evil, dictating her memoirs. The premise of these books is to offer clues to the forthcoming blockbuster directed by JJ Abrams. Whereas Smuggler's Run gave us little more than a glimpse at old Han, this book was brimming with clues.

     First of all, with the character of Ematt appearing in both the past and current Star Wars timelines, I'm now sure he's going to play a role in Episode VII. Also, Leia makes several remarks about another character that leads me to believe that he or she is one of Leia's kids but living under a different name to keep them safe from the dreaded First Order. Thirdly, well I can't really say much about the clues surrounding it because it will all but give away another possible spoiler. 

  All I can say is this- a lot about the speculations of Episode VII surrounding several mystery players is all but confirmed here. Authors Cecil Castellucci and Jason Fry craft a very good tale without giving away too much. If anything, this book has just gotten me even more pumped up for December 18th! 

   An exciting read that leave's Han and Chewie's tale lagging 12 parsecs behind.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

It's beginning to Look Like Episode VII...

I decided that this year's Advent theme will be: The 18 Days of a Star Wars Christmas Miracle +7. Since Episode VII comes out this year, I thought it was fitting... Here's just a preview of the holiday mayhew- I mean mayhem to expect beginning Tuesday. 

Star Wars: Smuggler's Run: A Han Solo & Chewbacca Adventure by Greg Rucka

     Smuggler's Run is one of about 5 or 6 books issued by Disney to make new and established fans alike get psyched for Star Wars Episode VII. (Like we needed prodding...) Published as part of the 'Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens Series,' this line of books is supposed to contain vital 'clues about the highly anticipated film.'

    I've been a Star Wars fan since birth. Born in 1977, Star Wars and I have been through thick (Empire Strikes Back) and thin (the introduction of Jar Jar Binks.) The film series is like an old friend that I just cannot imagine any part of life without it. So of course, I had to snag up as many of these teaser novels as possible before the deadline of December 18th (In my case, it's December 17th, as I have tickets to see the film the day before it officially releases.)

    This book is written by Greg Rucka (Gotham Central) and features occasional artwork by Phil Noto (Birds of Prey.) Together, they craft an enjoyable tale set between Episodes IV and V. The majority of Smuggler's Run takes place immediately after the Battle of Yavin. The Rebels, despite being glad to have just defeated the Empire in this important battle, know that they've got to hightail it somewhere fast before the Empire retaliates. 

   A Rebel by the name of Ematt has gone into hiding on the planet Crykon. The leader of a covert team know as the 'Shrikes,' Ematt has been scouting out potential sites for a new rebel base. Should the Empire find the Rebel, the entire fate of the Alliance could go up in smoke with no potential place left to hide in the galaxy.

   Han and Chewie are hired by Princess Leia to rescue Ematt. But the task will not be easy as the Emperor has made the capture and interrogation of Rebels a top priority after the destruction of the Death Star. Now, an Imperial Security Chief named Beck is hot on Ematt's trail. Oh, and don't forget the team of bounty hunters that followed the Millenium Falcon to Crykon on a mission to capture Solo and his Wookiee for payments owed to the crime lord Jabba the Hutt. The smuggler's are going to need much more than luck if they hope to survive this suicide mission.

    That's the plot of Smuggler's Run in a fairly large nutshell. So, where do clues to Episode VII fall in with all of this? Well for one, the story of Ematt's rescue is sandwiched between scenes of an older Han Solo biding his time in a cantina. Also, with characters such as Ematt and Beck playing such prominent roles, I wouldn't be very surprised if they pop up at some point in the Force Awakens, even as minor characters. 

   This is just speculation here but the stormtrooper character of Capt. Phasma is played by a woman- so maybe Beck becomes Phasma after the fall of the Empire? Both Beck and the actress playing Phasma, Gwendoline Christie, are blond so it's possible. Heck, there's such a tight lid over who many of the actors appearing in the film are playing, anyone new in this book might show up in the upcoming film and I not know it yet.

   Smuggler's Run was an enjoyable read. But it just didn't have as many Easter eggs as I expected. Now, I might very well revise this after I watch Episode VII- we'll just have to wait and see. But for less than $15, this isn't a bad read and despite being a young adult book, it's not something any fan of Star Wars should pass up.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

   

What's Missing from the Force Awakens Trailer? A Theory About Episode VII...

  

I must confess, I didn't stay up to watch the Star Wars trailer last night during Monday Night Football. But when I got home today, I immediately went online and viewed it. As much as I enjoyed it, I was struck by a nagging feeling that I couldn't put my finger on- until now... Where is Luke Skywalker?

   This is the third trailer I have seen for Episode VII. Except for his voice, the character played by Mark Hamill doesn't appear in any of them.

    Then I kept coming back to Han Solo saying that everything you here about the Jedi is true. Consider how big a skeptic in the Force Han was in the original trilogy, what would cause him to change his tune? That's when something else finally came to the forefront of my mind about why these trailers bother me- where are all the Jedi?

   You would think 30 years after the fall of the Empire that Luke would have created an impressive collection of Jedi Knights. But the only character that brandishes a lightsaber with any confidence is the Sith character of Kylo Ren. (At this point you might be yelling at my post saying " What about Finn? Don't worry, I'm coming to him.)

    Anyway, the whole thought of lightsabers got me thinking about another new character named Poe Dameron. This guy is an X-wing pilot tasked with retrieving the weapon Luke had lost, along with his arm, in his battle with Darth Vader on Bespin in Episode V. It's been 35 years since that happened, so why would Princess Leia wait until now to make someone other than Luke fetch it unless....
( this next sentence is A) speculation, not a spoiler and B) likely to make you mad. So, you've been warned.)

... Luke Skywalker is dead.

    Think about it, We've not seen Luke in any of the trailers, there's no army of Jedi, just this mysterious Sith character, Han waxes poetic about the Jedi, and when someone finally wields Luke's old lightsaber, it's the controversial character of Finn. So here's my theory:

   Luke tried to train the next generation of Jedi, but like with Obi-Wan, his apprentice became seduced by the Dark Side, became Kylo Ren, and killed Luke. Thus no further Jedi Knights.

   The movie is titled 'The Force Awakens.' If Luke was around, wouldn't it already be up? What if the character of Finn, played by John Boyega isn't a Skywalker but the new New Hope? Thus, the Force Awakens when Leia, who has some Force abilities, sees potential in this reformed stormtrooper. His teacher? Why, the ghost of Luke Skywalker! In a twist to the original trilogy, the ghost has become the master. Since revealing Luke to be a spectre would be a major spoiler- that is why Hamill has yet to appear in any of the trailers  (He's not even on the official movie poster!!! See above right...)

   Addendum: Luke might be alive but in typical Skywalker fashion, he has turned to the Dark Side of the Force. It's possible that we've seen Luke in all three trailers, it's just we've not seen his face. This actually makes a little bit of sense as in the most recent trailer, the Sith Lord, Ren seems to be in possession of the skull of Darth Vader. But how did he get it if Luke had his father's body at the end of Return of the Jedi? That's because Luke betrayed the New Republic, became a Sith lord named Kylo Ren and joined/ started the First Order. (Yes- I know that Ren is played by Adam Driver, but maybe that's only when the character is wearing his mask! Unmasked, Ren is played by Mark Hamill. It's happened before with Vader being played by two different actors in Episode VI!)

    So that's my theory. What do you think? I know it sounds wild. But if you find that my post was blocked by Disney, then I was on to something...