The Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Revenge of the Sith was the film that all Star Wars fans were looking forward to. For the younger generations it meant the closure of the trilogy we had grown up with. For older fans it meant that the Star Wars saga might finally be complete in some sense of the word. All movies linked together in this crucial last piece that smoothed out any last ambiguities about how Anakin Skywalker evolved into the feared Darth Vader.

It was a pretty big deal because it would either close the series on a controversial sour note or with the type of visceral story telling George Lucas inundated us with in the 1970s. This certainly is no Empire Strikes Back (the darkest film of the original saga as many know), but it was probably the most enjoyable installment of the new trilogy and that is the most genuine of statements. As fans we liked it and it was a worthy installment full of action as well as personal conflict.

Is it even necessary to go over the plot of Star Wars? Before anyone answers I will give a recap more for my own sake than anything else. The Clone Wars are still being waged against the Separatists and the tides are slowly turning. Anakin is now even more renowned as he continues to team up with his Jedi Master and mentor Obi Wan. But Revenge of the Sith quickly turns into a story of inner turmoil and political unrest with young Skywalker caught in the middle.

He is secretly married to Padme, taken under the wing of Chancellor Palpatine and then called on by the Jedi Counsel to spy on the Chancellor. It's a web of confusion, anger and fear going way back to his mother's death, visions of his wife dying and perhaps his unfortunate nickname "Ani" leading to masculinity issues. Anyways, that is the situation that he finds himself and ultimately Palpatine (as we always guessed was Darth Sidious) poisons Anakin who slowly turns against his friends and the Jedi Counsel.

Although we always knew this moment was coming it is still so satisfying and painful to see it play out. It leads to some sad deaths (ie. Mace Windu) and some of the most epic lightsaber battles going so far as to pit friend vs. friend against the backdrop of lava and John Williams' score.

It is very hard not to appreciate this moment in the narrative where we finally see how the Empire came into being. How Anakin became Vader. How Luke and Leia were split up and how Obi-Wan became a hermit in order to protect the boy. As far as the films go the original trilogy will undoubtedly remain the favorites, but that does not take away from the entertainment and emotional energy of this film.

Sith take Revenge and Jedi simply Return to put things right. Now I have to go back and watch the original films, because I would not mind a happy ending about now. The beauty is that the bleak conclusion of this film is not the end of the story. Thank goodness we still have Yoda.

4/5 Stars

Star Wars (1977) - Updated

Star Wars has such a giant mythology and full blown culture surrounding it that it makes it impossible to separate the entire galaxy from the film franchise. It is so much more than just a movie with a plot and some characters going on an adventure. Sure, George Lucas let his boyhood imagination run wild taking pages out of numerous playbooks from John Ford's westerns, Kurosawa's samurai and the serialized sci-fi adventures of Buck Rogers.

However, when I look at this classic that I grew up with for so many years now, it is nearly impossible to shed the role of a pure fan and take on the role of a film critic. One prime example would be Sir Alec Guinness. All my knowledge of film history tells me he is one of the greatest English actors of all time and for good reason. However, there is also this innate conflict that says he's Obi Wan Kenobi since that's what I knew him for originally. That's what I identify him with and I probably always will. Because as I said before Star Wars: A New Hope (As it was later titled) means so much to so many people like me on a personal level.

But let me hold off on that for a moment and focus on Star Wars the film. First, and foremost you would be hard pressed to find a more colorful array of characters. C3PO and R2D2 are the films jesters and the story is told from point of view to begin with. You have the hapless farm boy, the wise old man, a spunky princess a dashing tough guy and his ever faithful fuzzy sidekick. Not to mention the greatest, most imposing villain every developed for the silver screen. And it took some developing with three different actors, a mask, a cape and SCUBA sounds all joined to create his persona.

That aside the world Lucas created is so astounding and inventive that it has become second nature to true Star War fans. Jawas on Tatooine, the Cantina in Mos Eisely and Storm Troopers on the Death Star are simply a no brainer. They are part of our lexicon just as many of these quotes easily role off our tongue. "May the force be with you," "I've got a bad feeling about this," "Help me Obi Wan Kenobi, your my only hope." You get the idea.

Then, it goes without saying that John Williams propelled this film from being good to great. Because without his iconic scoring Star Wars is just not the same. It lacks the same energy and epic vibrancy that pulses through every scene. One prime example is the final scene in the Throne Room on Yavin 4. That could have been the longest most awkward award ceremony in history.  When you think about it no one is talking, they just stair at each other as the medals get bestowed. But with Williams score it develops a grand crescendo that caps the film on the highest notes as the credits role.

I am also convinced that Ben Burtt is a genius, because he breathed still more life into the Star Wars world through his sound design. He gave us blaster noises, RD-D2's "voice," Chewie's distinctive growls and of course the hum of lightsabers and Darth Vader's iconic breathing. A personal favorite of mine is the ever present Wilhelm Scream, but I digress.

Thus, what we witnessed the first time we saw Star Wars (followed by countless more times) was not just a film, but a revolution and I'm not just talking about the rebel alliance blowing up the Death Star.

As I suggested before Star Wars is so affecting because it is not simply a movie we watch. In many respects it brings up flash bulb memories in our lives. I remember birthday parties, childhood afternoons playing Legos or being a Jedi with my very own lightsaber. Star Wars infected my entire adolescence and so when I watch this film it causes all the many great memories to flood back.

It is a joy to watch it again because I almost feel like a kid once more, experiencing the same excitement all over again as if it's the first time around. My taste in films may continue to mature and evolve, but I dearly hope I never lose my affinity for Star Wars. In many it would be like losing some of my memories and even a little bit of my humanity.

Not to worry though, because based on this most recent viewing I will not be dismissing Star Wars any time soon. As some wise man once  said, "absence makes the heart grow fonder." I forgot how much I missed "a long time ago in a galaxy far far away." It was great seeing an old friend.

5/5 Stars

American Graffitti (1973) - Updated

The year was 1962. Cars were cool, the music was hopping and teens were young and in love. It's a simpler world, but it is not a world without your typical worries, especially since high school is over and college is just around the corner for some.

Curt (Richard Dreyfuss) is destined for college with a big scholarship under his belt, but he is still not convinced it's the right fit for him.

Steve (Ron Howard) is also college bound, but he finds himself spending his last night patching things up with his girlfriend, Curt's sister Laurie (Cindy Williams).

Their friend Toad (Charles Martin Smith) has the night of his life with Debbie (Candy Clark), leaving his puny Vespa behind after Steve's loans his ride to the lovable geek.

Cool king of the strip John Milner (Paul Le Mat) gains an annoying co-passenger and winds up having an unorthodox but memorable night all the same.

It would be a pleasure to dive further and further into each arc, but it seems wholly unnecessary. The joy of American Graffiti is the ride it takes you on. The differing perspectives, varying experiences and ultimately a full realization of a certain time and place. True, I was never around in 1962, but it feels like I was. Some of Buddy Holly's thunder has been stolen by the Beach Boys. JD (James Dean) is boss and Ozzie and Harriet can be seen on the picture tube. It goes without saying that the hottest pastimes are cruising and necking.

Understandably, George Lucas pulled from his own past love of cars and music to transport us back in time. That would have been impossible without the music that acts as the ultimate jukebox and it is pervasive wherever the night takes us. With that nostalgia comes Wolfman Jack who highlights the lightness of the age while also making a more somber cameo which contrasts with the image that he created on the radio waves.

This is a story about young adolescents and it certainly is a comedy as life is often a comedy. There are memorable moments, fights and times where we just need to puke. Through it all we learn a little about ourselves and those around us. Dreams can be made and re-imagined as they were for Steve and Curt. However, when it all comes down to it, each one of us has our own path we must carve an existence out of. For each individual it looked a little different. However, one of the reasons I always come back to American Graffiti is the timelessness or rather the way it so wonderfully freezes time. I feel like I'm there in the moment with these characters. I laugh, cheer and empathize with them. Perhaps the time and place of their world differs from mine, but their worries and aspirations are universal.

No one wants to fade into the past and we all are looking for our girl in the white T-Bird. Only time will tell what actually happens. We just have to live life and see what kind of ride we get taken for.

5/5 Stars

The Best Films of George Lucas

1. Star Wars
2. American Graffitti
3. Revenge of the Sith
4. Attack of the Clones
5. The Phantom Menace
6. THX 1138

Raider's of the Lost Ark (1981)

This film is a nod to all the old time serials and it put us face to face with one of the greatest cinematic heroes of all time . Raiders is wonderful because it is a pure and simple adventure with wonderful characters, a great score, and intriguing scenes. This truly is one of the best action films of all time.

*May Contain Spoilers

 Introducing a great hero in Indiana Jones this movie is a blast every minute. With his whip, pistol, and iconic fedora, Indy travels the world in order to track down the Ark of the Covenant. However his arch rival Belloq is also searching for it backed by the Nazis. Indy's search kindles an old flame in Marion Ravenwood and reunites him with his friend Sallah. Jones has a knack for adventure and despite constant obstacles he is never truly beaten. However Belloq does seem to have the last laugh by testing the uncovered Ark. Its power is so great though it destroys all who look at it. So Indy and Marion escape narrowly with their lives. With its great combination of George Lucas and Steven Speilberg along with a great score, this film is a lot of fun. It is difficult not to like the adventures of this classic hero.

5/5 Stars

American Graffiti (1973)

Starring Ron Howard and Richard Dreyfuss with a host of others, this George Lucas directed film follows the lives of young people in California during the early 60s. It is the night before Curt and Steve are going off to college. They both want to make the most of the time left. However, Steve spends all his time trying to strengthen his relationship with his girlfriend (Cindy Williams). Curt on the other hand finds himself out in the town talking with girls and proving himself to a group of thugs. The rest of the film consists of the hot rodding antics of two other characters. A tough speedster (Paul Le Mat) finds himself driving around a 12 year-old girl. "Toad" the nerdy one (Charles Martin Smith), finds himself spending a wild night with a nice but peculiar girl.

With its classic music accompanied by Wolfman Jack and the vintage cars, American Graffiti is a blast of nostalgia that allows us to remember simpler times. It takes this important day in the life of these young individuals and it allows us to be a part of it. Each character has his own experiences that cause them to grow. Toad matures, Curt realizes he must experience college, Steve learns the importance of his girlfriend, and Milner realizes he really does not want to be "The King" anymore.

This film may have slower parts but that just makes it more enjoyable because then the night kicks into high gear when Toad loses the car, Milner beats up the thugs, or Curt has visions of a blonde in a T-Bird. Fittingly as he flies away to his unknown future he sees her white car cruising down the road. It was something that I had wanted to see the first time around but I had seemingly missed it. It made the ending even better.

5/5 Stars

Star Wars (1977)

Arguably one of the most successful franchises ever, it is easy to understand how Star Wars became so popular. This galaxy far far away and the characters that graced the screen were so intriguing. You had Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, C3PO, R2D2, and of course Darth Vader. The idea of George Lucas which seemed laughable at first, quickly became a hit. I have always been enthralled with Star Wars like many others before me. However, after watching the original saga again it became clear how wonderful these films were because the tales they told were so fun and entertaining. The relatively simple story of this small time farm boy deciding to fight against evil in the galaxy has always been enjoyable. On top of that the action was great and the characters were even better. This is still one of my favorite films all time easily.

5/5 Stars