From time to time here on BabuLife I break from the musings of church life, family life and ministry to share one of my other enjoyments in life. That'd be Star Wars. So to all you readers...here's your warning...I'm letting my geek flag fly with this post. If you're not interested, check back on another day...this post is for my fellow sci-fi friends. Here's the countdown to give you an opportunity to enter another address in the web browser, click your "back" arrow on your browser, or move along to the next blog in your RSS feed reader of choice...here goes...3....2.....1....you've been warned.
In 1977 my parents took me to see the original theatrical release of Star Wars at the age of three. Since that time I've been enveloped in this little creative world George Lucas imagined. And over the past 8 years or so, I have been able to enjoy it again with the releases of Episodes 1-3. In 2005 many Star Wars fans celebrated and grieved at the closing of this epic tale of good vs. evil...until this evening.
It was rumored in late 2005 that George Lucas was so impressed with the creative way of telling the Star Wars story through animation in the "Clone Wars" shorts broadcast on the Cartoon Network in 2003 and 2005, he wanted to continue to fill in that story between Episodes 2 and 3 using the same technique. Giving more details to the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin along with providing more information surrounding this time-frame in the Star Wars universe. It was a bold idea that any die-hard Star Wars fan would love to see. What resulted was the new "Clone Wars" movie and upcoming TV series coming this fall. Tonight I saw the movie and I LIKED IT...a lot.
Earlier in the week I began reading early reviews of the movie which began providing me doubts. When I read them I remembered back to the comments regarding the prequels and how many reviewers instantly hated them for various reasons. Yet I was one of those who actually enjoyed them along with a few million other people in the world. I was determined to enter the movie with an unspoiled frame of mind. I honestly think many former fans of Star Wars and professional movie reviewers don't get it.
They have forgotten what it's like to view movies like these through the eyes of children. That's what George Lucas and Co are creating...animated episodes of Star Wars that tell swashbuckling stories about good vs. evil. It's nothing more than that. I can tell you that kids will love these movies whether the geeky adults who harken back to their childhood remembrance of Star Wars professing to know all things about film and story telling enjoy them or not. The Clone Wars movie is not made entirely with them in mind. I know my 8 year old daughter is going to love it when I take her this weekend.
The Clone Wars film is an incredible achievement in animation. It's unique style of incorporating the Japanese Ainme into the CGI world make this film stand out far above many other animated films. I was impressed with the telling of the story and appreciated the continued character development of the main hero (ahem...villian) in the Star Wars universe, Anakin Skywalker (ahem...Darth Vader). When you watch this film then continue to follow the story with the upcoming TV series, you'll get an even deeper understanding and appreciation for the character and his relationship to his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi (my personal fave in the Star Wars universe). There is also the deeper story built upon the clones. Those who were the soldiers of the Republic following the lead of their Jedi generals they eventually turn on at the orders of their political ruler. There is a friendship built and modeled as a band of brothers in this movie that could not be expounded upon in any of the previous movies. This relationship building could make the scene in Revenge of the Sith where the clones turn on the Jedi even more compelling.
I enjoyed the film immensely and am looking forward to seeing it again with my kidlet. Once again, George Lucas and CO. have done something that the rest of Hollywood will stick their noses in the air about. But that's what he's done best over the years. Challenging the status quo and doing what he sees fit to tell the story he wants...no matter how many people tell him it can't/shouldn't be done. I think we could learn some great leadership lessons from that.
Final grade on Star Wars: The Clone Wars....B+
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