Science Fiction

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: Star Wars: The Last Jedi
  • IMDb: link

Star Wars: The Last Jedi movie reviewI love Star Wars. I’m a fan. Always have been. My love of film, science fiction, and movie merchandise can be traced back to the film that sprung from the mind of George Lucas. I mention this because, as a fan, it’s not always easy to look critically at what you love. However, I will do my best (while avoiding spoilers).

Star Wars: The Force Awakens gave me a taste during its final moments, but Star Wars: The Last Jedi finally delivers on the Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) film I have been waiting impatiently for since 1983. Adding to my interest in the latest installment of the Star Wars franchise was the fact that a grizzled Luke would get paired with my favorite of the new characters introduced in the previous film. Those expecting Luke to jump immediately into action on behalf of Rey‘s (Daisy Ridley) plea might be initially disappointed, but (despite small complaints I have with the film) I think you’ll agree that writer/director Rian Johnson succeeds in paying homage to what has come before while shading a bit more outside of the lines than J.J. Abrams was willing, or able, to do.

…

Star Wars: The Last JediRead More »

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Read More »

War for the Planet of the Apes

/ / Home Video
  • Title: War for the Planet of the Apes
  • IMDb: link

War for the Planet of the Apes movie reviewThe third (and likely final) entry to the modern retelling of The Planet of the Apes saga focuses on the war between remaining human military (this time led by Woody Harrelson) and Caesar’s (Andy Serkis) race of intelligent apes. After an attack on the ape’s base that left his family dead, Caesar sets out on a quest for vengeance against The Colonel (Harrelson) which will become complicated by the discovery of a young human girl (Amiah Miller) and learning his followers have been captured by the enemy.

While the real conflict in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was between the apes themselves, War for the Planet of the Apes focuses instead on painting the humans, particularly Harrelson, as the villains in a more straightforward storyline of revenge leading to a definite conclusion to Caesar’s story. This works in the film’s favor, allowing the series to end on a high note (even if director Matt Reeves misses on several key moments, such as hamfistedly spelling out far too much in the final scene).

…

War for the Planet of the ApesRead More »

War for the Planet of the Apes Read More »

Darth Vader #8

/ / Comics

Darth Vader #8 comic reviewSometimes it’s hard to be a Dark Lord of the Sith (especially after you’ve murdered most of your friends, choked out your wife, and had your best friend cut off your legs and leave you to burn in a pool of lava… okay, that last one he probably deserved).

Darth Vader #8 picks up with a bored Darth Vader getting the chance to stop terrorizing Imperial officers and direct his attention elsewhere. While the arc also focuses a bit more on the Emperor‘s Inquisitors, we don’t see much of them here as the two halves of the story are split between Vader and Jedi Master Jocasta Nu who returns to the Jedi Temple to safeguard hidden Jedi relics from the Sith.

…

Darth Vader #8Read More »

Darth Vader #8 Read More »

Star Wars Rebels – Rebel Assault

/ / Television Reviews
  • Title: Star Wars Rebels – Rebel Assault
  • wiki: link

Star Wars Rebels - Rebel Assault television review

After several episodes teasing Thrawn‘s (Lars Mikkelsen) military prowess and strategy, “Rebel Assault” finally delivers a major victory for the Grand Admiral with his troops thwarting the Rebellion’s attempts to destroy the Imperial factories on Lothal. After loosing an entire squadron of their best fighters and Hera (Vanessa Marshall) being taken captive by the Empire, but not before showing off some impressive piloting skills allowing the squadron to get past the first wave of Thrawn’s planetary defenses, things are looking bleak for our heroes. While the immediate path for the rest of the Rebels is uncertain, Kanan (Freddie Prinze Jr.) will stop at nothing to see Hera freed… even if that means making a bargain with his unusual new friends.

…

Star Wars Rebels – Rebel AssaultRead More »

Star Wars Rebels – Rebel Assault Read More »

Star Wars Rebels – Kindred

/ / Television Reviews
  • Title: Star Wars Rebels – Kindred
  • wiki: link

“How have you people stayed alive so long?”

Star Wars Rebels - Kindred TV review

On Lothal, surrounded by Imperials, the Rebels work quickly to get the stolen hyperdrive and TIE Interceptor plans off-world. Things are complicated by the arrival of Thrawn‘s (Lars Mikkelsen) assassin Rukh (Warwick Davis) whose tracking ability leads the Empire to the Rebels on multiple occasions. Following up from the previous episode, Ezra‘s (Taylor Gray) encounter with the Loth Wolves will be built upon, although the reasons behind it remain shrouded in mystery. As Hera (Vanessa Marshall) takes to the skies with her precious cargo, Ezra and the rest of the team follow the wolves deeper into the rocks leading them to a destination none of them could have expected.

…

Star Wars Rebels – KindredRead More »

Star Wars Rebels – Kindred Read More »