I Have A Bad Feeling About This?

As anyone who knows me knows that I'm a pretty big Star Wars fan.  The guest room in my house has practically been turned into a Star Wars room with posters, lightsabers, and miniatures everywhere.  This was not how I planned it to be, but this is just all my stuff my wife wouldn't let me put in the rest of the house.  I suggested all seven original movie posters line the main stairwell but that didn't seem like a good idea in her eyes.  I pride myself in having those seven posters that I have acquired throughout my life, but it looks like I may have to buy more down the road if I want to keep saying, "I own all the Star Wars movie posters."

Today is was announced that Lucasfilm, the company that makes Star Wars, was sold to Disney for $4 billion dollars.  Now it isn't all just straight-up cash, some of it is stock options in Disney itself.  George Lucas, the creator and godfather of Star Wars, now owns 2% of Disney because of this deal.  Throughout the years Disney has turned into the corporate powerhouse that gulps up other successful companies like ABC network, ESPN, Marvel Comics, and Pixar Animation Studios.  The funny part about that is Lucasfilm actually started Pixar, then it was sold to Steve Jobs, who sold it to Disney. As Darth Vader said, "The circle is now complete."

Just as fanboys everywhere were worried when Disney bought Marvel Comics, social media sites have been in an uproar all day.  And I should know, I'm one of them who is causing it all.  Now some have said, "It'll be o.k., The Avengers was good."  Yes, but that film was set-up long before Disney had anything to do with Marvel, but at the same time they didn't seem to leave their fingerprints all over it either.  We didn't even see Iron Man fly around Cinderella's castle at the beginning.  So is this a good thing, or a bad thing?  From a corporate stand-point it is good.  Disney has the money and power to make sure Star Wars is around till the end of mankind.  In an interview Lucas said this was to make sure his characters last beyond his time, and with Disney's help they will.  But the second part of this story is that Disney is planning on releasing another Star Wars trilogy starting in 2015; Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, without Lucas at the helm.  Some old Star Wars fans were already pissed off when ol' George made Episodes I, II, and III: I don't think Disney making another trilogy will make them any happier.  If you think Jar Jar Binks is bad just imagine Goofy in a Star Wars film, yikes.  

First off people, let's not run for our torches and pitchforks just yet.  Like some have said, Disney seems to be managing Marvel pretty well, with the exception of creating rides at Disney Land with the Hulk on them, and of course everything from Iron Man toothpaste to Thor muscle shakes (not sure if those products actually exists, but if sounds like they should, right).  Star Wars has been a merchandising gold mine for years.  We've already got Yoda dolls and Star Wars thermoses.  So really, what else could Disney do except make three more movies that turn out to be crap and drag a beloved film franchise even more into the depths of movie hell where its companions will be Steel, Alexander, and movies with Pauly Shore . 

But true Star Wars fans know that when Lucas first thought about Star Wars he envisioned 9 films.  But as the years went by he knew he was getting too old for this shit so he decided to focus on the first 6, The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader or The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Anakin Skywalker.  You decide what to call it.  Anyway, Lucas still has an outline of VII, VIII, and IX which is already being looked at to be turned into a script.  The unfortunate situation is that just like Lucas, his three main stars have gotten old as well.  The next trilogy, I've read, is supposed to be the continuing adventures of Luke, Han, and Princess Leia.  But Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher are all pushing close to 60 I believe, so needless to say the next Episodes can't take place less than about 20 to 30 years from Return of the Jedi.  You could always just get all new actors for the three characters, but that's only if you want fanboys to burn down movie theaters in protest.  Luckily some good ideas have already been made thanks to the Expanded Universe of novels and comic book writers.  

After ROTJ, Han and Leia went on to have three kids; their youngest, Anakin, and a set of twins, Jaina and Jacen.  I'm still hoping to use those names if my wife and I ever have twins.  So I call dibs people!  Anyway, Luke also found love with a woman named Mara Jade.  But wait, Jedi don't get married, that's how Darth Vader started.  Well Luke seemed a little more lenient on that rule and somehow made it o.k. when he started the New Jedi Order.  He and Mara had a son, Ben.  And wouldn't you know it, their were many adventure of Anakin and Ben, again.  Unfortunately Anakin, along with Chewbacca, end up dying, which led Jacen down the road to becoming Darth Caedus, the new Dark Lord of the Sith.  Jacen ends up killing his Aunt Mara, and almost destroys the whole galaxy until his twin sister, Jaina, kills him in order to save everyone.  This would put Hamill, Ford, and Fisher in a role like Jeff Bridges in Tron: Legacy.  They're in the movie, but not in a lot of action, and the franchise is passed to the next generation.

This is a great story, but with Disney running the show I feel it may be a little dark.  Another option would be based on the comic book series, Star Wars: Legacy.  It's set 100 years after ROTJ when Luke, Han, Jaina, and everyone else is dead, but the Skywalker line still runs the Jedi Order.  The Sith return to take over the Republic, which has again turned into an Empire, only not so evil this time.  The Jedi are all almost killed, again, and the Skywalker heir, Cade, is thought dead.  Years later he is found as a bounty hunter, using his Jedi skills to make him some money.  Not very Jedi-like, eh?  But once the Sith, the Jedi, and the entire galaxy realize a Skywalker is alive everyone is after him, but all Cade wants is to be left alone and not have the galaxy's fate in his hands like his ancestors.  

The comic book is little edgy as well, but with a few alterations it would make it no more adult than the Pirates of the Caribbean films.  This would also bring in a whole new cast, but Luke does make an appearance as a ghost and I'm sure Mark Hamill wouldn't mind returning for a cameo.  It's not like he has anything else on is plate except Comic-Con appearances. Plus, you would then not need to worry about Harrison Ford returning, which I don't think he would.  But wait, did I mention by Disney owning Lucasfilm they now own Indiana Jones as well? Sorry Harrison, Mickey Mouse now has control over your two best roles and your legacy.  I'd get a nice bottle of wine and a really big piece of cheese for that kiss-ass event. 

Anyway, Lucas wrote an outline of Episodes VII, VIII, and IX before any other Star Wars stories were created so chances are the next films will be neither of these ideas.  But hey, a fanboy can dream right?

Despite the quality of new things to come I feel like this doesn't change Star Wars.  They've always had a relationship with Disney, from Star Wars rides to Star Wars Weekends.  They're both about family entertainment, which is what they both do well.  I can't wait to take my daughter to see the new Star Wars films, just like I'm sure my dad was excited to take me to see Episode I.  Just remember people, no matter what happens, The Force Will Be With Us...Always.

The Force Will Be With Us, Always

I remember the night my dad took my brother and I to go see our first Star Wars film in theaters. It was 1997, the film was Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope, Special Edition. It was a late showing and the theater was packed. In the months following I would see Episodes V and VI as well. Skip ahead two years and I remember waiting anxiously to get off of school for the day because my dad and I were going to see Episode I on opening day. George Lucas was bringing us the next round of Star Wars films, and man were people pissed after they saw it. But everyone still went and saw two more films after Jar Jar Binks annoyed the crap out of them. I love Star Wars, always have. When I a kid I would fake sick because I wanted to stay home and not go to school. And after sleeping in I would always watch The Empire Strikes Back. To this day I consider it one of best films of all time. Now, 13 years later Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace is back on the big screen, in 3-D.

I’ve always tried to keep up on everything Star Wars. Books, comic books, cartoons; I always wanted to be in the loop. My wife to this day complains about how many lightsabers I own. A few weeks ago I had what you might call a crisis of faith. I know I watch a lot of TV, it’s my thing. But I decided to cut back a bit in hopes that it might inspire me to do other things like reading, writing, or exercise more. So I deleted about 5 shows off my Tivo, one of which was Star Wars: The Clone Wars. It was a show I thought it was decent, but I only watched it really because it was Star Wars. After a few days of thinking I realized, I had to still watch it, because it’s Star Wars.

Star Wars is the story of good vs. evil, right and wrong, and the underdog winning in the end. It’s a rich saga full of great morals and characters that taught a whole generation about possibilities in and outside of film making. I could go into more detail, but it’s probably better if you just watch the History Channel special, Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed, on YouTube. I may be too old for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, but this franchise is something I’ve always stayed true to, always enjoyed, and could be the one commitment that last my entire life.

A lot of fans may complain that Lucas ruined something special by making the prequels and special editions, but guess what people, you’re no George Lucas! He is a man who did something rare in this world; he completed his vision exactly how he wanted it. If other people don’t like it then stop buying the newest DVD edition every other year! I don’t watch the special editions, and I hate Jar Jar Binks, but that hasn’t stopped me from having a marathon at least once a year. I own all SEVEN Star Wars films, blu-ray counter parts, and bought more posters that I can think of in my life. I’m not in a rush to go see Episode I in 3-D, mainly because I am disappointed it won’t be IMAX 3-D, but I still plan on seeing it soon. My only wish is that I had a 6-12 year-old son to take to go see it for the first time. If I’ve never said it before, thanks for that dad.

It’s been almost 40 years since the original Star Wars came out in theaters and it’s still going strong with re-releases, new books, new comic books, new tv series, and from what I saw at Target today, still dominating the toy aisle. It’s a tale of fantasy that can be watched with the whole family, and those are some of the best kinds of films. I mean come on people, it’s either Episode I in 3-D or Channing Tatum in The Vow this weekend. I think we know what the better movie experience will be, even if you’ve seen Episode I ten times.

The Force Lives on with Qui-Gon

I was saddened last week when I realized the only Star Wars comic book I find worthy of collecting was coming to an end. For almost five years I followed the adventures of Cade Skywalker, and with the end of his era I felt it was the end of me collecting Star Wars comics for a while. Little did I know an old master was about to teach me something new.

Qui-Gon Jinn returns from the dead in a new mini-series Star Wars- Jedi: The Dark Side. In this tale by writer Scott Allie we see Qui-Gon before Obi-Wan Kenobi was his apprentice. In fact Qui-Gon has another apprentice named Xanatos who seems just as emotionally unstable as Anakin. Perhaps this is a look into what it would be like if Qui-Gon had actually been Anakin’s master.

The two are sent on a mission to Xanatos’s homeworld, Telos Four. Along with Master Tahl and her apprentice they must find out what is happening on Talos Four. Xanatos believes the council is sending him back to his home because he doesn’t have what it takes to be a Jedi. Qui-Gon assure his apprentice he is mistaken, but something is definitely up on Talos Four when their ship is shot down and the head of their rescue party is Xanatos's father. My guess is he may be the planet’s leader as well, but we don’t know that for sure.

I love in-depth character stories with familiar faces and this one seems to be setting up for a good one. Xanatos’s fate is in motion, and since he’s not in any of the prequel films or other media I’m guessing things don’t go well for him soon. I also think Master Tahl and her apprentice, Orykan, could go some place good as characters. Either way I’m just glad to see Liam Neeson’s character live on through what I hope is a min-series.

There are few Star Wars books that I enjoy reading, but I’ve always enjoyed collecting Star Wars comics. It started with Dark Empire, then the Clone Wars years, followed by Legacy. Although I feel Dark Horse has come out with some bad Star Wars comics lately, and are letting others slip away, I think The Dark Side could be something great. The Force is strong with this one, I can feel it.

My Top 12 Fictional Brothers

If there is one thing that I’ve learned lately in life it’s that family is important. They are the people who will always be with you, especially your siblings. I grew up with an older brother and he used to be such a pain in the ass! I remember this one time we were fighting over the remote control, so he held me down and just started punching me. But as we’ve grown up I’ve realized that he is the best friend I’ll ever have. He knows everything about me, and I about him. We’ve been through the good and the bad. But, I also know that you don’t have to be blood to be brothers.

12) John and Dan Dorian (Scrubs)

“Hey little brother,” is a phrase I would love to use, but unfortunately being the little brother I don’t get too. Dan always says it to his brother, while he’s scaring the crap out of him, wrestling him to the ground, or coming to tell him their dad has died. Through eight seasons on Scrubs we saw J.D. tell his brother to grow up, and he actually did. Meanwhile Dan made sure J.D. had a good role model, even if it wasn’t him, and bought him a car so he could go visit his child. They’re typical brothers. No one bugs them more, but no one care for them more either.

11) Wolverine and Sabertooth (X-Men)

Talk about dysfunctional. These two take sibling rivalry to a whole new level. Origin writer Paul Jenkins never said that the two were brothers, but in his tale he had a character named Dog, which resembled the beginning of Sabertooth. And in the 2009 film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 20th Century Fox ran with that idea. I for one think it fits well so I’m now running with it too.

Sabertooth has always been jealous of Wolverine because he knew he was everyone’s favorite. Their powers are similar, but though Wolverine suppresses his animal side, Sabertooth embraces it. Sabertooth’s jealousy even brought him to kill Wolverine’s lover, Silver Fox. After many years of fighting it all came to an end when Wolverine decapitated Sabertooth with the Muramasa sword. Recently Wolverine’s soul was sent to hell and guess who was there? Nothing like a family reunion to warm your heart. Warm you’re heart, get it?

10) Alvin, Simon, and Theodore (Alvin and the Chipmunks)

The brothers that sing together, stay together, or something like that. These bros. have been doing their thing for almost fifty years now and I doubt they’ll ever stop. They’ve been on trips around the world, created a timeless Christmas song, and starred as CGI animals with Jason Lee and Zachary Levi. Alvin is always up to something and he seems to pull his brothers in with him. Simon is the intellectual one, and Theodore is a slave to his stomach. If it wasn’t for those two I feel like Alvin would have been road kill years ago, but if it wasn’t for Alvin the other two would be the biggest losers alive!

9) Nathan and Peter Petrelli (Heroes)

Both of these guys are out to save the world, but they just have very different ways of doing it. In season one of Heroes, Nathan tried to keep his powers a secret while Peter tried to embrace his. When it came down to the end and it looked like Peter was going to destroy New York it was his brother who saved him.

As the series continued these two were always there for each other, even when they disagreed. I could always feel the mutual love for one other. Even when they were against each other they were always on the same side. When Sylar killed Nathan their mother and Noah Bennet had Nathan’s mind put into Sylar’s body to keep Nathan alive, but it was always doomed to fail. Nathan’s subconscious was eventually driven out as Peter and Nathan had one last moment before Nathan fell to his death. Too bad flying couldn’t save him then.

8) Dick Grayson and Tim Drake (Batman)

Dick Grayson, then Nightwing, went to the circus looking to reminisce in his past, but what he found was a young boy who had a dream of getting the band back together. Tim Drake had done something nobody else had done, he figured out Bruce Wayne was Batman. Not bad for a boy who hadn’t even hit puberty yet. Tim knew Batman needed Robin to tow the line and keep him from going over, but Bruce was still mourning from Jason Todd’s death. Tim had to prove himself, but eventually he became the third Robin.

Since then Dick has been a big brother to Tim. They train together, both growing-up in the crime fighting life, and they bitch to each other about what a hard-ass Batman is. The two have become closer than any brothers, and this was never more apparent than when Bruce supposedly died, leaving both without their surrogate father figure. When a god kills your father it’s always nice to have a brother there.

7) Seth Cohen and Ryan Atwood (The O.C.)

Life in the Orange County was a beach for every kid except Seth Cohen. This comic loving geek got picked on constantly until his dad brought Ryan home after he was caught stealing a car. Ryan was the first person to stand up for Seth and help him calm his neurotic ways. If it wasn’t for Ryan, Seth would never have even showed up on Summer’s radar and they never would have gotten married. I wonder if the rest of the comic book club was in attendance at the wedding?

6) Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

What can I say except, Cowabunga! Created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird these brothers have been tearing up the entertainment industry since the mid-80’s. They were mutated by a mysterious ooze and then trained by Splinter in the ways of ninja. But it wasn’t until their highly successful cartoon series in 1986 that the Turtles really took off.

They’ve been in live-action films, CGI films, comic books, and several television series. They are all very different, but “when the evil Shredder attacks, these turtles boys don’t cut him no slack.” Oh come on, you know the lyrics! Word has it another live-action film is on the horizon and as a child of the 80’s I can’t wait to see the boys in green back on the big screen. Turtle Power! “Leonardo leads, Donatello does machine. Raphael is cool, but rude. Michelangelo is a party dude!”

5) Vincent and Johnny “Drama” Chase (Entourage)

Johnny always looks out for his baby bro, from making sure he has a good breakfast every morning, to kicking anybodies ass who bad mouths his brother’s films. Johnny started out as the star, but when his career went sour it was Vince who rose to be the Hollywood blockbuster. Vince is there to support Johnny by helping him hook-up with ladies, and re-start his career. Meanwhile, Johnny helps Vince when he feels blue. Let’s just hug it out now bitch.

4) Rex, Speed, and Spritle Racer (Speed Racer)

Speed was just Spritle’s age when he saw his brother die right before his very eyes. He idolized his big brother so much that it’s part of the reason be became a race car driver himself. But Rex didn’t die, he faked his death to save his family and become Racer X. Racer X takes down villains and along the way tries to protect his brother Speed, and likewise. While they defeat the bad guys Spritle and Chim-Chim occasionally catching a ride, causing all kinds of mischief. Speed doesn’t know his brother is alive, but I think deep down he knows his brother is always watching over him.

3) Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars)

When you go through ten years of training and missions followed by a three-year-war together you become very close, and that’s why Anakin’s betrayal hurt Obi-Wan so much. Obi-Wan never wanted Anakin to even become a Jedi, but he made a promise to his dying master. Anakin was wreck less, arrogant, and always seemed to know just how good he really was. But you could always tell with every act of disobedience of Obi-Wan there was also an act of love to go along with it.

Anakin’s attachment for his mother and wife helped him fall to the dark side of The Force, which concluded in an epic battle between the old friends that ended in Anakin’s own damnation. They met years later on the Death Star, where Darth Vader got his revenge. But Obi-Wan went on to become more powerful than Anakin could possibly imagine.

2) Scott, Alex, and Gabriel Summers (X-Men)

When Scott and Alex jumped out of that plane, leaving their parents to their own fate, they never knew what lives they had ahead of them, or that they had a younger brother. Scott and Alex went into foster care, became mutants, and both found their way to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Alex has swayed several times from good to bad, sometimes being jealous of Scott, but eventually returning to his brother’s side. But then the third Summers brother revealed himself.

When Scott and Alex’s parents were captured by the Shi’ar they killed their mother, but not before taking the baby out of her womb. For years Gabriel was a slave to the Shi’ar until his mutant powers developed and he broke free. Xavier helped re-unite the brothers until tragedy struck. Xavier erased Gabriel from Scott’s mind to spare him the pain of his brother's death, but Gabriel returned very powerful and exposed the truth. He vowed revenge on Xavier and the Shi’ar. He went to space looking to destroy the Shi’ar. Xavier, Alex, and a handful of X-Men followed.

The boys father, Corsair, now a space pirate, joined the small band of X-Men to stop his son, but his own child was his end. Gabriel seized control of the Shi’ar Empire and killed his father in the process. While Xavier returned to Earth to help Scott lead the mutant race from becoming extinct Alex stayed in space to fight, stop, and possibly kill his own brother. Good stuff, eh? And this doesn’t even include the boys love lives. That’s a whole blog unto itself.

1) Sam and Dean Winchester (Supernatural)

Of course it’s fate that my own brother turned me on to the greatest brother duo of them all. Years ago their mother found a demon hovering over Sam’s crib. Then their father walked in and found his wife burning to death. He took the boys and got out, and then spent the next 20 years trying to find the demon that killed his wife. But it was his sons that completed that mission, and along the way they’ve killed a lot of monsters in between.

They cruise the country hunting monsters, blasting classic rock, and driving a 1967 Chevy Impala. It’s every boy’s fantasy. Unfortunately Sam and Dean’s fates were decided for them long ago, back when their mother made a deal with the devil, literally. Come Armageddon Dean was to be the vessel for the angel Michael, and Sam the vessel of Lucifer. The boys refused, which pissed God and all his angels off, but they eventually stopped Judgment Day from happening.

Their adventures started out simple and continue to get much bigger as the seasons go on. They are each other’s one weakness, and every supernatural being knows it. They've both been to hell and back, but they are there for each other no matter what. I think if you’re not willing to go to hell for your brother then you’re not allowed to call them that.



My Top 12 Third Film Franchise Movies

When the phenomenon known as Twilight hit theaters teenage girls everywhere swooned to the pale skin of Robert Pattinson. I took this as a time to show these teenie boppers what real vampire films are supposed to be, and listed by top 12 vampire films-of-all-time. A year later the sequel to Twilight, New Moon came out, and the same fans got to see Taylor Lautner all buffed up, but still sounding like he hadn’t hit puberty. I took this as another opportunity to speak my mind and had a monster showdown with some of favorite vampires and werewolves from television and films. The great showdown ended with Blade coming out victorious over Michael from the Underworld franchise.

Now with the third Twilight film weeks away from opening I struggled to find something to write about. Then I remembered an even bigger third film is coming out before Eclipse; Toy Story 3. I loved the first two Toy Story films and can’t wait to see what Wood and Buzz have been up too since we last saw them. That revelation led me to think of my top 12 third film franchise movies. Now if history has shown us anything it’s that the third film destroys the franchise 95% of the time. However, if done right, they can make all three films look like one-giant-mega-saga. I’m not saying my 12 picks do that, or are even that great, but to me these are the lesser of all the other evils.

12) Child’s Play 3 (1991): At the end of Child’s Play 2 we saw Chucky get melted and chopped up into gew at the Good Guy doll factory. But Chucky’s blood just got put into another doll, and years later came back for his little buddy Andy. However Andy was no longer a kid, but a teenager in military school. A psychotic doll in a school full of guns; tell me that tagline doesn’t sell itself? Andy has to be the hero now and stop Chucky’s killing spree before he can find another child whose body to take over.

I like this film because Andy was the victim in the first two films. He was helpless and had to rely on others to save him from Chucky, but now he has to step up and be his own man. Andy has to face down the thing that terrified him as a child. I find it very symbolic as Andy reaches the end of his hero’s journey. He just has to stop Chucky from killing his friends, switching paintball bullets with real ones, and try to get the school’s tough girl to fall in love with him. “Oh Andy, my how you’ve grown.”

11) D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996): After winning the Junior Good Will Games against Iceland the ducks return home to find scholarships to a Minnesota prep school waiting for them. Unfortunately the varsity team looks to make their lives a living hell, and Bombay isn’t going to be there to help them through those rough high school years.

The Mighty Duck movies are why I first started loving hockey, and probably a lot of people my age as well. Gordon had his movies, and now in this film Charlie has to overcome his obstacles, like dealing with the new coach, trying to lead his friends, and not failing out of school. This isn’t the pee-wee leagues anymore; which means the pranks aren’t amateurish either. The first film was by far the best of the trilogy, but I’d put this one over the sequel any day. It’s a whole new game as the ducks head into this third period of play.

10) Blade Trinity (2004): But wait you say; this film sucks! Sure the third film wasn’t as hard core, or as enticing, as its predecessors; but let’s look at it from another angle. Forget the fact this is a Blade film and just remember how funny Ryan Reynolds was, and just how hot Jessica Biel looked when she kicked-ass. Now do you get where I’m coming from? To me this film just needed to forget Blade and have a Nightstalker’s film. Reynolds and Biel hunt down Dracula while trying to end the vampire disease? That could have been a lot more interesting than the broody black guy looking to kill more vampires. I rest my case.

9) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Turtles in Time (1993): The second film I feel was far more inferior than the first TMNT film. I think mainly because it was fluffed up with characters like Keno and tried to be too funny. In the third film Corey Fieldman returns as the voice of Donatello as the fab four head back to ancient Japan to rescue April, and stop an evil samuri empire. Along the way Michelangelo falls in love, Raphael meets someone with a worse temper than he, and Casey Jones is stuck in the present babysitting ancient samuri warriors. It’s a shell of a good time.

There are only so many times you can see the turtles take down the Shredder, so it was refreshing to see the guys have a new adventure. While this film is not as badass as the first film the jokes are a lot better than the second. It’s been reported that the turtles on their way to another live-action movie soon. Cowabunga says it all!

8) The Bourne Ultimatum (2007): After his love interest was killed in the second film the Bourne films take a detour from the books, but nobody who watched movies seemed to mind. In the third installement a reporter is looking to undercover the truth about Treadstone, the agency that made Jason a killer. However it was a set-up and now the CIA is looking to take Bourne down once again. Meanwhile CIA operative Pamela Landy, played by Joan Allen, is helping to piece together Jason’s life.

I like this film because it interweaves with the second film making it all one big story. The first film is still the best, but this one goes into more depth about who Bourne is, and how he became the CIA’s best assassin. Character depth is always one of my favorite things about stories, and this film has it. I just hope the next Bourne film comes out before Matt Damon has too many grey hairs.

7) Naked Gun: 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994): Leslie Neilsen is back as Frank Drebin of the Police Squad. However Frank has given up his dangerous life to start a family with his wife, played by Priscilla Presley. But when someone threatens to blow up the Academy Award Frank is the only man for the job.

For Airplane to Dracula: Dead and Loving It, anything Leslie Neilson does is hilarious. O.J. Simpson returns to co-star in this film before his famous Branco high speed chase. If you’re looking for a solid, funny, trilogy then these films are the ones than can hold their own. The late Ann-Nicole Smith even makes a cameo as a woman who tries to seduce Frank. Speaking from one man to another I don’t see that being an issue.

6) Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005): Ok, so most people think the Star Wars prequels suck, but let’s at least agree that Episode III was the best of the prequels? This was the film that Star Wars fans waited 20 years for, and I for one was only mildy disappointed. From the moment Order 66 was given I thought the film was flawless, especially the Obi-Wan vs. Anakin lightsaber duel. Yes, I even disagree that Vader’s sissy cry was fine. The guy just thought he killed his wife, what was he supposed to do say, “whatever”, and then go about his day?   Sure Anakin’s still whiny, but to quote Kevin Smith, “That’s who the galaxies greatest villain would be. He’d start out as an emo kid with some issues.”

The Star Wars prequel’s was the story about how a good man, with good intentions, turns bad. The prequels may not have been what uber-dorks wanted from their Star Wars, but when you’ve got as much money as George Lucas has you can make films that you want to see, and that’s what he did. That makes him a pimp in my book.

5) Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009): I think any Underworld fan can agree that this prequel does not disappoint. In the third installment we find out how the war between vampires and lycans (or werewolves) began. It started as a Romeo and Juliet love story, only with vampires and werewolves. Rhona Mitra takes over as the badass beauty for Kate Beckinsale, while Michael Sheen reprises his role as Lucian, the lycan leader. Acting great Bill Nighy also returns as the vampire we love to hate, Victor.

Underworld fans knew the story of how the blood feud began, but this film helps add more detail and personality to the faces of the legend. I’m a fan of medieval films; films that have horse riding and sword fighting. I’m also a fan of vampire and werewolf films. Put those all together in one movie and you’ve got a movie sandwich I’m going to eat up.

4) Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003): As I sat in the theater and watched this film there were about six times I got out of my seat towards the end because I thought the movie was over. By the fourth time it was like prom night; just give me a happy ending so I can go home. The ending to this colossal trilogy may have dragged but the film itself was awesome. Frodo and Sam finally make it to Mt. Doom in hopes of destroying the ring before it takes over Frodo completely. Meanwhile, Aragorn must step up to claim the throne of Gondor before Sauron’s forces can destroy the kingdom.

I could make fun of these films till I don’t any more oxygen left, but they really are good films, and a nice way to kill a day; or perhaps a weekend if you watch the extended editions. Return of the King helps put everything to rest, and has some really cool action sequences. Although I was always more interested in the relationship between Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli than Frodo and the ring.  This film aslo gives me my favorite line in the entire trilogy. When Aragorn walks up to the hobbits and says, “My friends, you bow before no one.” Well done Mr. Jackson, well done.

3) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): They went across America, they traveled through Europe, but the Griswold’s greatest adventure was in their own front yard. As the family welcomes relatives from all over Clark tries to stay in the Christmas spirit as the holiday slowing tumbles down around him. His Christmas lights won’t work, his tree goes up in flames, and his annoying cousin just won’t seem to leave.

Anyone who has seen this film knows it’s a must watch during the Christmas season. There are some many great scenes and lines I can’t even begin to say them all. Let’s also remember that this was the beginning of two young careers, Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki, better known as Leonard from The Big Bang Theory.

2) Back to the Future Part III (1990): My friend Andrew and I once agreed that these last two are the only solid film trilogies that are all great to watch. However, I think we can probably now throw Lord of the Rings into the mix to make it a trinity. When we last left Marty McFly he was stuck in 1955 after seeing the Doc electrocuted and sent back to 1885. As Marty finds Doc from 1955 and prepares to go back to 1985 he finds out that Doc of 1885 is shot violently, and so Marty must go back to save his old friend. Still following the timeline ok? Marty goes back to the old west where he has to learn how to ride a horse, win a shoot-out, and not let his ancestors think he’s a chicken. Meanwhile, Doc isn’t looking to head back to 1985 as he falls in love with a school teacher, played by Mary Steenburgen.

Luckily with some help from a hoverboard it all turns out alright. These films are one of the best to watch all in a row because each picks up exactly where the other left off. The first film is again superior to the last two, but people always seem to argue which of the last two Back to the Future films is better. My money is on this one. Who wants to challenge?

1) Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983): There is a reason they call it “The Trilogy.” Because it’s the greatest one there is, and I swear if any LOTR geeks give me grief I will start quoting Clerks 2. In the final episode of the Star Wars saga Luke must figure out what to do with the knowledge that Darth Vader is his father, and he must do it without the help of Master Yoda. But before his confrontation with Vader and the Emperor, Luke must save his friends from the clutches of the gangster, Jabba the Hutt. It’s the final battle for the galaxy, and not everyone is making it out alive.

This film isn’t as gritty as Episode V, but it’s more serious than Episode IV. Luke is no longer a whiny character; he’s a Jedi badass. Sure there are a lot of muppets in this film, but it’s got character revelations, dire situations, and Leia in an iron bikini. How could Star Wars fans not want more after this film ended?

As always I'm open for critcism and comments on what you think of my list.  Will Eclipse and Toy Story 3 help continue their franchises glory, or will they turn them towards what I call Superman and Batman territory?  We'll find out in a few weeks!  Until then, may the force be with us all.

The Star Wars Legacy Ends

It was the kind of day that makes me happy.  I went out to breakfast, came back home, put on my sweat pants, and watched the Star Wars trilogy on my LCD television.  Like any purest, I only watch the original versions and not the special editions that have tainted “The Trilogy.”  Having watched all three films about a billion times I can’t help but mimic each line while I cruise the web for Star Wars products, downloads, and etc.  What I came across was news that the only Star Wars comic book I deem worthy of spending money on is targeted for Order 66. 

Star Wars: Legacy was released in 2006, and is set 125 years after Return of the Jedi.  After The Yuuzhan Vong War, the New Republic that Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia helped build has become an Empire.  Civil war was upon the galaxy once again and the Jedi Order had to choose a side.  Unfortunately the Sith re-appeared siding with the Empire first.  The rule of two was longer in play so the Sith has become a small army.  Together with the Empire they all but destroyed the Jedi.  Kol Skywalker, Luke’s descendent, sacrificed his life to save his son, Cade.  As Cade escaped his ship was hit and was thought dead. 

Years later the galaxy finds out Cade was picked up by bounty hunters, raised to be one of them, and tried to forget he was ever a Jedi.  Now everyone is after the heir to the Skywalker legacy.  The Jedi hope he can save them, the Sith wish to bring him to the dark side, and the Empire wants to use him against the Sith.  But all Cade want to do is be left alone.  Ever since this series started Cade has been trying to escape his destiny.  Now, in the final issue, #50, Cade is tired of running and hopes to be the one man that can destroy the Sith for good.

 I was shocked to hear this series was ending.  Star Wars: Legacy is Dark Horse Comics best selling title behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  Why is it being cancelled?  I hit the web to see if I could figure out why the best Star Wars series ever was joining with the Force, but I couldn’t find anything conclusive.  Series creator, John Ostrander, said that the comic looks like it’s ending, “from a certain point of view.”  Could this mean the series will continue under a new name?  Dark Horse editor Randy Stradley used the company’s website messaging board to assure Legacy fans that their loyalty will be rewarded.  Will there be further adventures with Cade Skywalker, or further adventures into a future past ROTJ? 

In February another Star Wars comic book, Knight of the Old Republic was cancelled.  I don’t know what is going to happen to Star Wars comics now since the only remaining titles (Dark Times, Invasion, and The Clone Wars) are in my professional opinion, crap.  Not one of them has the complexity of characters and storytelling Legacy has. It’s hard to find a good Star Wars book, let alone comic series. 

When the series does end in July I hope it goes out with an ending worthy of Ewok guest appearances.  In four years Cade has hallucinated his ancestors while being hooked on death sticks, tried to fool the Sith by pretending to succumb to the dark side, and gotten his childhood sweetheart turned into the next General Grievous.  As I look back at the series it reads very much like an epic Star Wars trilogy, but can it finish strong with the Force?

In the first part, issues #1-19, the galaxy finds out that Cade is alive and working as a bounty hunter.  He owns a ship called the Mynock and his friends, Jariah and Deliah, have no idea he was ever a Jedi.  But when everyone comes looking for him Cade finds himself in the Sith’s clutches as Darth Krayt needs Cade’s powers to heal himself.  Along the way we meet Cade’s mom, who is a double-faced assassin, and see Cade try to take down the Sith from the inside; but not before getting some nookie from a red-skinned dark lord.  Eat your heart out Han Solo.

The saga continues in issues #20-35 as Cade has escaped the Sith and is looking to rally the remaining Jedi to take down their enemies.  Jariah finds himself face-to-face with the Jedi that killed his father, and Deliah finds herself jealous after Cade hooks up with his old friend, Azlyn.  When the ending battle goes wrong Azlyn is on the brink of death and wishes to join the Force, but Cade won’t let her.  This decision turns her into a half woman-half droid walking disaster. 

The trilogy ends with issues #37-50.  Cade has retreated to Tatooine for solitude, but ends up finding his mother and half sister looking to set him straight.  Cade must clean up a mess his father left before going to kick some Sith ass!  I’m anxious to see how these episodes turn out.  

Needless to say I’ve enjoyed watching this Skywalker make a mess of his life, as opposed to Anakin and Luke’s whining.  Two Star Wars comics are now cancelled with only a few to face off against the imperial walkers of time.  Whatever the future holds for Star Wars comics Legacy will be a treasure for fans as long as Star Wars last.