Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Directed by Gareth Edwards and screenplay by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy from a story by John Knoll and Gary Whitta with characters created by George Lucas, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the story of a group of Rebel spies who are tasked to find the plans of a new weapon by the Imperial Empire known as the Death Star. The film is a prequel to the original 1977 film as it play into a group of different individuals who go on a mission to find a way to destroy this new super weapon in the hope that a rebellion can bring balance back to the galaxy. Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Forest Whitaker, Alan Tudyk, Jiang Wen, Riz Ahmed, Genevieve O’Reilly, Jimmy Smits, Mads Mikkelsen, and James Earl Jones as the voice of Darth Vader. Rogue One is a sprawling and gripping film from Gareth Edwards.

The film follows a young woman whose father is a renowned engineer as he has left a message about how to destroy a secret weapon the Imperial Empire called the Death Star. After being freed by Rebel spies, she reluctantly joins them as she is aided by an Imperial defector, a reprogrammed Imperial droid, two outsiders, and a Rebel officer who would retrieve something that could give hope to the Rebellion against the Imperial Empire. It’s a film with a simple premise yet it play into not just the idea of rebellion but also what is at stake and how this young woman finds herself needing to deal with the loss she’s been carrying for years as she is also unsure if she wants to help the Rebel Alliance. The film’s screenplay is filled with not just some complexities of this conflict that is brewing between the Imperial Empire and the Rebel Alliance but also a young woman caught in the middle as she is more concerned about reuniting with her father and learn about what he has been doing since he was taken from her.

The character of Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is seen as someone who has been a small thorn for the Empire as she is first seen in a prison labor camp where she is released by some spies who want her help to find her father in Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) who has sent a message to the Rebel extremist Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker). Jyn knows Gerrera as he had raised her following her father’s abduction and her mother’s death where there is some history but Gerrera is reluctant to help the Rebel Alliance knowing that their own political ideals is what is holding them back. The script also reveal more about Galen who has been forced to help create the weapon that is the Death Star under the supervision of former friend/Imperial leader Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) who is hoping for some recognition but is contending with the thirst of glory with another Imperial leader in Grand Moff Tarkin (Guy Henry w/ digital facial re-creation and voice of Peter Cushing).

The script also reveal some of the flaws of the Rebellion as its intelligent officer Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is ordered to do something for the Rebel Alliance but he becomes unsure as he’s also filled with some guilt of what he had to do for the cause. Yet, there are those such as the former Imperial cargo pilot Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed), the blind warrior Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen), and mercenary Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen) who all believe that there is some form of hope no matter how bad things with the Imperial Empire trying to take hold of the entire galaxy. Even as there is a scene in the second act where Jyn is in the middle of a Rebel Alliance meeting where it is clear how worried and fractured they are as they’re unwilling to take some kind of chance. Another aspect of the script that is unique is that it shows a much broader view of the galaxy as it’s set in different planets to play into the way the Imperial Empire is controlling everything as it has something that does feel real.

Gareth Edwards’ direction is definitely vast in terms of not just the different planets that is set throughout the film but also this sense of danger and repression that looms throughout the film. Shot on various locations such as Iceland, Jordan, the Laamu Atoll in the Maldives, and some interiors shot at Pinewood Studios in Britain. Edwards create something that does feel more broader as it establishes a galaxy where the Empire has dominated so much from moons and bases where they’re controlling every aspect of life in the galaxy. It’s something that feels oppressive and real as the sequence on the planet of Jedha where it has these unique camera angles, compositions, and shots that almost mirror events that is happening in real life. That sense of grounding realism in a sci-fi adventure film give Edwards a lot to focus on the story and characters without having it be overwhelmed by the visuals.

The direction also has Edwards maintain something that is intimate as it relate to the characters where the film does have flashbacks as it relates to Jyn’s past but also opens with a sequence in which Jyn is forced to see her father be taken as well as the death of her mother in the hands of the Empire. While the film does have a dark and serious tone as it relates to the stakes and what this group of rogue rebels are going after. It does have some humor whether it’s comments from the reprogrammed Imperial droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk) or some of the Easter Eggs that relates to the franchise. Still, the film does have something that is immediate into what is happening where does bear elements of war films for its climax which is once again grounded in reality but also with a sense of adventure. Especially as Edwards uses a lot of wide and medium shots to capture the scope of the battles on the planet and in space to play into a conflict that forces the Imperial Empire that they’re not all invincible. Overall, Edwards create a thrilling and engaging film about a band of rebels finding the key to destroy a major weapon and bring hope to a rebellious faction.

Cinematographer Grieg Fraser does brilliant work with the film‘s cinematography from the way some of the scenes are lit in the exteriors for the different look in the planets as well as in the way some of the interiors are used in the lighting. Editors John Gilroy, Colin Goudie, and Jabez Olssen do excellent work with the editing as it play into the suspense and action while providing moments that do establish what is going on without deviating too much into conventional fast-cutting styles. Production designers Doug Chiang and Neil Lamont, with supervising art director Alastair Bullock and set decorator Lee Sandales, do amazing work with the design of some of the ships and bases of the two warring factions as well as the design other places including city exteriors from different planets. Costume designers David Crossman and Glyn Dillon do fantastic work with the design of the costumes from the ragged clothing of some of the rebels to the uniform of the Imperial including the one that Krennic wears. Makeup artist Amy Byrne and hair stylist Andrew Simonin do terrific work with the design on some of the creature in their facial designs as well as the look of Saw Gerrera in his declined state.

Visual effects supervisors Jonathan Cheetham, Luke Dodd, and John Knoll, along with special effects supervisor Neil Corbould, do incredible work with the visual effects from the design of some computer-created effects for some of scenes in space as well as the facial design of Grand Moff Tarkin that looks realistic as well as the usage of practical effects that help add a sense of realism to the film‘s look. Sound designers David Acord and Christopher Scarabosio, with sound editor Matthew Wood, do superb work with the sound as it play into the chaos of the battle scenes along with the sound of the droids and lasers. The film’s music by Michael Giacchino is great as it feature elements of bombast and soaring string arrangements to play into the adventure and drama while knowing when to use some of the music made famous by John Williams as it is a highlight of the film.

The casting by Jina Jay is marvelous as it feature some notable small roles from Warwick Davis as a member of Gerrera’s partisans, Alistair Petrie as General Draven who orders Cassian to do something secret for the Rebellion, Ben Daniels as a general who would take part in the climatic battle, Beau and Dolly Gadsdon in their respective roles as the young and younger Jyn, Nick Kellington as an alien who took part in the battle that is famous for his laugh, Valene Kane as Jyn’s mother Lyra, Genevieve O’Reilly as Rebel Alliance co-founder Mon Mothma, and Jimmy Smits as Senator Bail Organa who is also trying to find some hope for the Rebellion. Guy Henry’s performance as Grand Moff Tarkin with the digital facial impression of the late Peter Cushing is definitely marvelous to watch as it brings a famed character back to life and give him some crucial importance to the story.

In the role of Darth Vader, Spencer Wilding and Daniel Naprous provide the physical performances of the famed Sith lord with the voice of James Earl Jones as the character is more intimidating than ever as he’s only in a few scenes but make it so memorable to watch. Forest Whitaker is excellent as former Clone Wars veteran/Rebel extremist Saw Gerrera as an old family friend of Jyn Erso who is trying to deal with Empire any way he can as he is suspicious about many until he sees Jyn and Galen Erso’s message where he realizes there is some form of hope emerging. Mads Mikkelsen is superb as Galen Erso as a renowned engineer who is forced to take part in the creation of the Death Star as he would send a message revealing that he has exposed a vulnerability that would destroy the Death Star. Ben Mendelsohn is fantastic as Orson Krennic as an Imperial director who oversees the construction of the Death Star as he hopes to get some recognition for his work as well as deal with the emergence of the Rebellion. Riz Ahmed is brilliant as Bodhi Rook as a former Imperial cargo pilot who defects to the Rebellion as he carries Galen Erso’s message while being someone who is aware of the grasp of control of the Empire as he wants to do what is right.

Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen are amazing in their respective roles as the mercenary Baze Malbus and the blind warrior Chirrut Imwe as two friends who are resourceful and can do a lot with Malbus being the powerhouse of the two and Imwe is someone that is highly skilled as the latter is also aware of the Force and believes he can wield its power. Diego Luna is remarkable as Cassian Andor as a Rebel intelligence officer who is tasked with getting information about Galen Erso with Jyn’s aid where he becomes conflicted with his actions where he sees the bigger picture of what needs to be done. Alan Tudyk is incredible as K-2SO in a mixture of motion-capture and voice work as this reprogrammed Imperial droid that is often spouting numbers and probabilities as he is this fun comic relief that annoys Andor but proves to be quite helpful. Finally, there’s Felicity Jones in a phenomenal performance as Jyn Erso as a young woman who is reluctant to help the Rebellion as she’s been through a lot yet realizes what is at stake while coping with the loss of her family which only drives to wanting to do something and bring hope to the galaxy.

Rogue One is a tremendous film from Gareth Edwards. Featuring a phenomenal ensemble cast, dazzling visuals, a gripping story, and a killer score. It’s a film that doesn’t just give help bring in some new ideas and such to a popular franchise but also provide enough moments that its fans can and enjoy as well as casual audiences to be engaged by. In the end, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a spectacular film from Gareth Edwards.

Star Wars Films: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back - Return of the Jedi - The Phantom Menace - Attack of the Clones - Revenge of the Sith - The Force Awakens - The Last Jedi - The Rise of Skywalker

Related: The Star Wars Holiday Special - Caravan of Courage - The Battle for Endor - The Clone Wars - Fanboys - The People vs. George Lucas

Anthology Series: Solo: A Star Wars Story - (Untitled Star Wars Anthology Film)

George Lucas Films: THX 1138 - (American Graffiti)

Gareth Edwards Films: (Monsters (2010 film)) - (Godzilla (2014 film))

© thevoid99 2017

Summer of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

Directed by Richard Marquand and screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas from a story by Lucas, Return of the Jedi (Star Wars: Episode VI) is the third and final film of the original trilogy in which the Imperial Empire and the rebellion go out for one final battle in space as Luke Skywalker copes with the identity of the man who is Darth Vader. The film isn’t just another sci-fi adventure film where many of the characters of the previous film get ready for one final battle but also do whatever it takes to save the galaxy from this evil empire. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Billy Dee Williams, David Prowse with the voice of James Earl Jones, Kenny Baker, Anthony Daniels, Alec Guinness, the voice of Frank Oz, Sebastian Shaw, and Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine. Return of the Jedi is a thrilling and exhilarating film from Richard Marquand.

The film revolves the final showdown between the Galatic Empire led by Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader (David Prowse, with the voice of James Earl Jones), and the rebellion representing the former Galactic Republic as its heroes Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) get ready for the final battle. Yet, things become very tense as Palpatine arrives in a newly-constructed Death Star in which he personally oversees its completion while he and Vader both seek Skywalker. The film also plays into Skywalker’s own discovery of who Darth Vader is as he turns to a dying Yoda (the voice of Frank Oz) and the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) for the truth where another revelation is unveiled.

The film’s screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas does have a more traditional structure than the previous films as its first act involves Vader arriving to the Death Star telling his officers that the Emperor is coming while Luke, Leia, Chewbacca, C-3P0 (Anthony Daniels), R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), and Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) go on a personal mission to retrieve Han from the clutches of the reputed gangster Jabba the Hutt (voice of Larry Ward) and the bounty hunter Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch) at the planet of Tatooine. Its second act is set in Dagobah where Luke meets with Yoda while joining in the plan to destroy the Death Star’s shield in the nearby moon of Endor where the rebels are aided by a tribe of creatures known as Ewoks. The structure doesn’t just play into the development of the characters but also into Luke’s own understanding about Darth Vader’s identity and realize who the man used to be.

It’s not just Luke, Leia, and Han that become more realized in their development but also Darth Vader as it is clear that he is the good cop for the Imperial officers while it’s Palpatine that is far less forgiving. There is also tension that looms in the film between Palpatine and Vader where the latter does sense Luke’s presence while the former doesn’t where it plays into an internal conflict with Vader who has no choice but to follow his master. It would force Luke to find the good in Vader where the two would have another battle with light sabers as it is clear that they’re really pawns into the game that Palpatine wants. That conflict would parallel the battles that Han, Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3P0 would have against the Empire in Endor with the aid of the Ewoks while Lando Calrissian would lead the attack on the Death Star. It is there where the film’s third act and climax does come to ahead as something has to happen where it’s everything or nothing.

Richard Marquand’s direction doesn’t really do anything new in comparison to the previous films but he does manage to maintain some visuals and compositions that are very engaging. Shot partially on location in Tunisia as Tatooine and at the Redwood Forest in California as Endor, the film definitely goes for a mixture of not just a darker tone but also something that is light as it plays to the conflict over the two sides of the Force. The usage of wide and medium shots do play into the vastness of the story not just in the locations of its planets but also in space that includes some very entrancing shots of the Death Star in its final construction phase. Marquand’s close-ups do play into Luke Skywalker’s own realization about who Darth Vader is but also into the revelations that he would discover which added bigger stakes into what he has to fight for.

The scenes set in Endor are quite playful as it does bring in some humor as well as something that is more accessible to children in the form of the Ewoks. While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, the Ewoks do serve a purpose as it plays into their own brand of fighting which is primitive yet effective. The mixture of playfulness and adventure does give the film a liveliness in its third act where Han, Leia, Chewbacca, C-3P0, and R2-D2 would square off against the Empire in Endor with their own soldiers and the Ewoks. It is in sharp contrast to the more thrilling sequence in space where Lando is leading the rebellion in an all-out assault on the Death Star while Luke and Vader would have their own battle. Yet, their battle would really play more into what Palpatine wants as it would force one of these two men to do something to save the galaxy. Overall, Marquand creates a phenomenal and exhilarating film about a group of rebels going into one final battle against an evil empire.

Cinematographer Alan Hume, with additional work by Alec Mills, does excellent work with the look of many of the exteriors from the naturalistic look in the scenes at Endor as well as some of the interior lighting for the scenes inside the Death Star and in the rebel ships. Editors Sean Barton, Duwayne Dunham, and Marcia Lucas, with additional work by George Lucas, do amazing work with the editing with its stylish approach to transition wipes and rhythmic cuts to play into the action and suspense. Production designer Norman Reynolds, with set designers Michael Ford and Harry Lange and art directors Fred Hole and James L. Schappe, does fantastic work with the look of Palpatine‘s main room in the Death Star as well as the room in the rebel ship where the plan of attack occurs as well as the home of Jabba the Hutt. Costume designers Aggie Guerard Rodgers and Nilo Rodis-Jamero do terrific work with the costumes from the slave bikini that Leia would wear at Jabba’s home but also the black suit that Luke would wear to express his sense of loss.

Makeup designers Stuart Freeborn and Phil Tippett do brilliant work with the look of some of the alien creatures including the Ewoks and some of that characters at Jabba the Hutt‘s palace including some puppetry for the Jabba character. Visual effects supervisors Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Ken Ralston, and Phil Tippett do incredible work with the visual effects look for the scenes in space as well as the designs for scenes in Tatooine and in Endor such as the Imperial walkers with its usage of stop-motion animation. Sound designer Ben Burtt does superb work with the sound from the layering of sound effects for the battle scenes as well as in some of the sound that occurs for the droids. The film’s music by John Williams is wonderful for its thrilling and soaring orchestral score that plays into its sense of adventure and humor along with some of its brooding and melancholic moments.

The casting by Mary Selway is great as it features notable small performances from Denis Lawson as the rebel pilot Wedge, Jeremy Bulloch as the bounty hunter Boba Fett, Timothy M. Rose as the rebel military leader Admiral Akbar, Caroline Blakiston as the rebel alliance co-founder and leader Mon Mothma, Larry Ward as the voice of Jabba the Hutt, Michael Pennington as the Death Star commander who oversees the Death Star’s construction, Kenneth Colley as the Imperial Admiral Piett, Warwick Davis as the young Ewok Wicket that Leia befriends, and Sebastian Shaw as the unmasked Darth Vader. Frank Oz is superb as the voice of the great Jedi master Yoda who would tell Luke some startling news and some revelations while Alec Guinness is fantastic as the late Obi-Wan Kenobi who would also provide some revelations to Luke about Darth Vader.

Ian McDiarmid is great as Emperor Palpatine as the Galactic Empire’s leader who tries to steer Luke to join the dark side of the Force in the hopes he can gain another apprentice. David Prowse, with voice of James Earl Jones, is amazing as Darth Vader as the Empire’s great warrior who would also try to steer Luke into the dark side while displaying the sense of conflict from within him as it relates to whom he once was. Billy Dee Williams is brilliant as Lando Calrissian as an old friend of Han who would help free him from Jabba the Hutt while leading the attack on the Empire and the Death Star. Kenny Baker and Anthony Daniels are excellent in their respective roles as the droids R2-D2 and C-3P0 as the former would provide some key moments in the film’s first act and its climax while the latter would be responsible for forging an alliance between the Ewoks and the rebels.

Peter Mayhew is marvelous as Chewbacca as the Wookie who helps rescue Han Solo as well as provide a key role in battling the Empire in Endor. Carrie Fisher is sensational as Princess Leia Organa as a rebel leader who gets more hands-on in the fighting while making a major discovery about who she is as well as a bigger role she has to play for the rebellion. Harrison Ford is remarkable as Han Solo as the former smuggler who was imprisoned by Jabba the Hutt as he later leads an attack on the Empire in Endor with the help of the Ewoks where Ford brings some humor to his role. Finally, there’s Mark Hamill in an incredible performance as Luke Skywalker where Hamill brings a more reserved performance to display Skywalker’s grief and maturity as he copes with Darth Vader’s identity while knowing what he has to do to save the galaxy as it’s a dark but engaging performance from Hamill.

***The Following is Based on the 1997 Special Edition and its Subsequent Revised Editions***

Of the versions that George Lucas would get involved in, it is in this film where there’s a lot of changes with the aid of editor T.M. Christopher, sound designer Ben Burtt, and various visual effects people that would change things from the original. Among them is the pit of Sarlacc scene where there’s more arms added via computer-based visual effects as well as additional scenes near the film’s ending. Most notably scenes where other planets celebrated that featured the voice of a much-maligned character from the prequels. There’s also some changes in the visual effects in the battle scenes that are distracting yet the biggest change from its 2004 DVD release is one of the most controversial. It relates to its ending where Sebastian Shaw’s appearance in the end would be replaced by Hayden Christensen who would play Anakin Skywalker in the prequels. It’s an ending that is very disrespectful to Shaw as well as the series itself. While Lucas claims he’s trying to make the film better, it just shows how out of touch he is with his audience.

***End of Special Edition Tidbits***

Return of the Jedi is a phenomenal film from Richard Marquand. Featuring a great cast, sprawling visual effects, and an offbeat yet effective tone. The film isn’t just a worthy end to the original trilogy but it’s also an adventurous and fun film that manages to do a lot and more. In the end, Return of the Jedi is a remarkable film from Richard Marquand.

Star Wars Films: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back - The Phantom Menace - Attack of the Clones - Revenge of the Sith - The Force Awakens - The Last Jedi - The Rise of Skywalker

Related: Holiday Special - Caravan of Courage - The Battle for Endor - The Clone Wars - Fanboys - The People vs. George Lucas

Star Wars Anthology Films: Rogue One - Solo - (Untitled Star Wars Anthology Film)

George Lucas Films: THX 1138 - (American Graffiti)

© thevoid99 2015

Summer of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Directed by Irvin Kershner and screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Leigh Brackett from a story by George Lucas, The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars: Episode V) is the story where the Empire tries to find the small band of rebels who had destroyed their most powerful weapon as the group of rebels each go into different journeys where one of them would seek his destiny to become a Jedi. The second part of a trilogy about a civil war between an evil empire and a resistance group, the film plays into characters trying to evade the Empire as its evil leader is trying to pursue the young man who could destroy that empire. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, David Prowse with the voice of James Earl Jones, the voice of Frank Oz, Billy Dee Williams, and Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Empire Strikes Back is a riveting and intense film from Irvin Kershner.

Set three years after the events of the previous film, the film is a vengeance story of sorts from the point of view of its antagonists in the Imperial Empire led by Darth Vader (David Prowse with the voice of James Earl Jones) as he is trying to hunt down the group of rebels that had managed to defeat them in a big way. Most notably in Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) who has become a top pilot for the rebellion while having the abilities to become a Jedi where his journey would lead him to be trained under one of the Jedi’s great masters in Yoda (voice of Frank Oz). Meanwhile, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) tries to leave the rebellion in order to pay some long-standing debts to a criminal as he is chased by the Empire along with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), his sidekick Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and the protocol droid C-3P0 (Anthony Daniels). It’s a film that has a lot that is happening as it shows exactly how angry the Empire is in their pursuit to crush the rebellion. At the same time, it also plays into the sense of hope that the former Republic longs for in the hands of a young man who needs to learn the ways of the Force.

The film’s screenplay not only explores the complexity of what the Empire is trying to do in the aftermath of their major defeat but also into who is really running things where Vader is revealed to be under the orders of its leader in Emperor Palpatine (Elaine Baker with the voice of Clive Revill). While Darth Vader is still a very dangerous and cunning antagonist, the script allows to reveal much more into who he is as he’s not a man that is totally evil as he’s willing to give those who work for him second chances. Even in the film’s climax where he and Luke Skywalker have a battle with lightsabers where Vader offers Luke the chance to join him where it reveals an ambiguity into Vader. The character of Luke Skywalker also becomes more layered in the film but as someone who is more unsure about the ways of being a Jedi as he travels to the swampy planet of Dagobah to meet Yoda with the astromech droid R2-D2 (Kenny Baker). Upon learning who Yoda is and Yoda’s reluctance to train him because of Luke’s lack of patience.

Luke would go through a rigorous training as he would also learn about the dark side of the force where a vision he would have would become the catalyst for the film’s climax. A climax that would involve Han and Leia where their storyline involves the two finally realizing their attraction for one another after years of tension where they seek shelter in a friend of Han in Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) who is an ambassador in a planetary city known as Cloud City. Calrissian is a unique character who is someone that is loyal to Han but is forced to reveal that his city had been taken by the Empire as he becomes consumed with guilt into what Vader is doing. The climax at Cloud City wouldn’t just be a moment where many of its protagonists would come together but also would create a resolution which would bring more motivation to destroy the Empire.

Irvin Kershner’s direction maintains the vast tone of its predecessor by not just setting it into different worlds but also create something that is very dark as it relates to Darth Vader’s pursuit of Luke Skywalker. Shot partially on location in Norway with much of it shot in studios in London, the film has a very broader look in terms of how diverse the galaxy is. The film would begin in a snowy and icy planet where the rebels are in hiding where Luke’s encounter with a monster would play into his evolving powers with the Force. Kershner’s usage of wide shots not only plays into the ground battle between the rebels and the Empire but also in some medium shots and close-ups that add to the sense of suspense and drama. Even in the action where many of the scenes set in space such as the chase between the Star Destroyers and the Millennium Falcon through asteroid fields and such do play into the vast tone of the story.

There’s also some humor in the film as one of the running jokes involves the Millennium Falcon’s attempt to jump into hyperdrive where it is this great attempt at dark humor. The scenes set in the planet of Dagobah where there’s all of these creatures and such play into Luke Skywalker not just being out of his comfort zone but also in a land that is quite damp and desolate which is the last place he would expect to find someone like Yoda. Some of the visual effects that are used aren’t just miniatures and puppets but also in stop-motion animation for the battle scenes in Hoth as it adds a realism to the film. The film’s climax as this sky-based city known as Cloud City isn’t just one of the most chilling moments in the film but it would also feature a moment that is very shocking. Overall, Kershner creates a gripping and exhilarating film that explores a group of rebels trying to escape and defy an evil empire.

Cinematographer Peter Suschitzky does brilliant work with the film‘s cinematography with the damp look of the scenes set in Dagobah as well as the usage of orange lights for some of the exteriors in Cloud City as it creates something that is gorgeous as well as eerie. Editor Paul Hirsch, with additional work by George and Marcia Lucas, does amazing work with the editing with its usage of dissolves, transition wipes, and other stylish cuts to play into the action and suspense. Production designer Norman Reynolds, along with set decorator Michael Ford and art directors Leslie Dilley, Harry Lange, and Alan Tomkins, does fantastic work with the look of the rebel base at Hoth as well as the bridge inside the Star Destroyer Excelsior Class and the rooms inside Cloud City. Costume designer John Mollo does nice work with the clothes from the look of the Imperial uniforms as well as the clothes the main protagonists wear in their journey.

Makeup designer Stuart Freeborn does excellent work with the look of Emperor Palpatine as well as some of the alien creatures that appear in the film. Visual effects supervisors Richard Edlund, Brian Johnson, Dennis Muren, and Bruce Nicholson do phenomenal work with the visual effects from the look of the AT-AT Walkers with its usage of stop-motion animation to the design of the scenes in space. Sound designer Ben Burtt does superb work with the sound in not just the sound of the droids but also in the creatures and other aspects in the sound. The film’s music by John Williams is incredible for its bombastic orchestral score that includes some lush and soaring string arrangement pieces as well as some low-key orchestral moments to play into the drama.

The casting by Bob Edmiston, Irene Lamb, and Terry Liebling is marvelous as it features notable small roles from John Ratzenberger and Bruce Boa as a couple of rebel military leaders, Julian Glover as General Veers who leads the attack at Hoth, Michael Culver as Captain Needa who tries to capture the Millennium Falcon, John Morton as Luke’s gunner at Hoth, Michael Sheard as the Imperial Admiral Ozzel who would make a fatal mistake at Hoth that angers Vader, Kenneth Colley as Ozzel’s replacement Admiral Piett who would be the one to find the rebels at Hoth, Denis Lawson as rebel pilot Wedge, and Jeremy Bulloch, with the voice of Jason Wingreen, as the bounty hunter Boba Fett who is tasked to capture Han Solo for a major reward. Clive Revill is terrific as the voice of Emperor Palpatine with Elaine Baker as the character in physical form as it displays a figure that is truly evil.

Alec Guinness is superb as the late Obi-Wan Kenobi who appears as a spiritual guide of Luke through the Force while Frank Oz is fantastic as the voice of Yoda that is an alien figure who would teach Luke the ways of the Force and show him that nothing is impossible. Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker are excellent in their respective roles as C-3P0 and R2-D2 as the two droids who both endure separate adventures with Daniels being the comical protocol droid who complains about what is happening to him while Baker brings a more whimsical yet low-key approach to his role as he would play a crucial part for the film’s ending. David Prowse is great as Darth Vader as he maintains a dangerous presence with James Earl Jones providing the voice that would show glimpse of the humanity that makes Vader a very interesting antagonist. Peter Mayhew is amazing as Chewbacca as Han Solo’s Wookie sidekick who often brings some comical commentary to Han’s attempt to woo Leia while being the guy that everyone can count on.

Billy Dee Williams is brilliant as the smooth-talking Lando Calrissian as an ambassador of Cloud City who is an old friend of Han while being forced to work with the Empire over Han’s capture. Carrie Fisher is remarkable as Princess Leia Organa as a top rebel leader who copes with her feelings for Han while dealing with the chaos that is surrounding her as she tries to keep things calm. Harrison Ford is incredible as Han Solo where he brings in some charm and humility into his anti-hero character that is being chased by the Empire while dealing with his feelings for Leia. Finally, there’s Mark Hamill in a sensational performance as Luke Skywalker as he displays not just an immaturity and naiveté in his training as a Jedi but also a determination to prove himself to become a Jedi.

***The Following is Based on the 1997 Special Edition and its Subsequent Revised Editions***

The 1997 Special Edition and its subsequent revised versions of the film not only featured new visual effects and remastered sound design by Ben Burtt along with additional edits by T.M. Christopher. What George Lucas does in this edition aren’t a lot of new things as it’s only a few subtle changes with new effects for the scenes in Cloud City as well as a fully-realized look of the monster that would attack Luke early in the film. The one big change that is most evident in the film that would emerge in later editions is the Emperor Palpatine character as he would be played by Ian McDiarmid in a 2004 revised version as McDiarmid would play the character in Return of the Jedi and its prequels. Another change is in the character of Boba Fett as the 2004 revised version would feature a new voice by Temura Morrison who would play the role of Jango Fett in 2002’s Attack of the Clones and the many storm troopers in 2005’s Revenge of the Sith. While it is a different version than the original film, the revised versions is able to at least maintain some of the heart of the film’s original story and its dark tone.

***End of Special Edition/Revised Versions Tidbits***

The Empire Strikes Back is a magnificent film from Irvin Kershner. Armed with a great cast, sprawling visual effects, and a thrilling story that is dark as well as raising the stakes. It’s not just one of the best sci-fi adventure films ever made but also a standard into what blockbuster cinema is and more. Even as it’s revised editions don’t do much to deter some of the elements of the original films. In the end, The Empire Strikes Back is an incredible film from Irvin Kershner.

Star Wars Films: Star Wars - Return of the Jedi - The Phantom Menace - Attack of the Clones - Revenge of the Sith - The Force Awakens - The Last Jedi - The Rise of Skywalker

Related: Holiday Special - Caravan of Courage - The Battle for Endor - The Clone Wars - Fanboys - The People vs. George Lucas

Star Wars Anthology Films: Rogue One - Solo - (Untitled Star Wars Anthology Film)

George Lucas Films: THX 1138 - (American Graffiti)

© thevoid99 2015

Summer of Star Wars: Star Wars

Written and directed by George Lucas, Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope) is the story of a young farmhand from a distant planet who finds two robotic droids that is carrying a secret plan as they seek the help of two smugglers and an old knight to save a princess from the evil empire and aid the rebellion to destroy its secret weapon. The film is a space opera that is set in planets far away in the galaxy where a young man learns about who he is and the powers he would have to help save the galaxy from the darkness. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, David Prowse with the voice of James Earl Jones, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, and Alec Guinness. Star Wars is an enthralling yet rapturous film from George Lucas.

Set in a galaxy far away during a civil war between the Galactic Empire and a group of rebels representing the old Galactic Republic. The film revolves around a young farmhand who encounters two robotic droids as one of them carries a message as well as secret plans that would help the rebellion destroy the Empire’s newest weapon in a large space station known as the Death Star. With the aid of an old knight who was part of an elite group of peacekeepers known as Jedis, the two get the help of a smuggler and his alien first mate to not only save the princess but also give the plans to the rebel forces to stop the Empire. It’s a story that is very simple where it’s not just an entire galaxy at stake but also a world of good that has been covered by darkness for so many years.

While there are flaws in George Lucas’ screenplay as it relates to his dialogue, Lucas is able to create characters that are engaging such as the droids in the protocol droid C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and the astromech droid R2-D2 (Kenny Baker with sound effects by Ben Burtt) as the latter is carrying a message from Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) to an old Jedi Night in Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and secret plans that might help destroy the Death Star. Upon landing on this desert-planet called Tatooine where Kenobi was supposedly last seen, the droids are bought by a farmer named Owen Lars (Phil Brown) and his nephew Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The latter of which would discover Princess Leia’s message as he knows someone named Kenobi as he would eventually learn that a man named Ben is actually whom Princess Leia is asking for. At the same time, Luke would learn about his father who was a Jedi knight that was killed by one of Kenobi’s old pupils in Darth Vader (David Prowse with the voice of James Earl Jones).

The characterization of Luke is an interesting one as he is this young man that is eager to get out of Tatooine and become a fighter as he is an accomplished pilot. Yet, circumstances would finally realize that he does have a destiny to fulfill in not just wanting to help rebellion but also become a Jedi like his father. With Kenobi’s help, the two team up with a couple of smugglers named Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and a large dog-like creature named Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) who would take them to a planet for a price. Solo is an unusual character as he is modeled after many Western archetypes as he has no qualms killing people if it helps him such as a scene where he kills a smuggler who wants to collect a bounty on Solo’s head. Though Solo is reluctant to save Princess Leia, he only decides to help her once he realizes how much money he can get which shows an ambiguity to who he is. Princess Leia herself is anything but a damsel-in-distress as she is quite adept in shooting with a blaster while being very opinionated and knowing what to do in tense situations. Especially where is confronted by a member of the Imperial government in Grand Moff Tarkin (Peter Cushing) to find the whereabouts of a secret base.

The character of Darth Vader is an interesting antagonist as someone who is seen wearing black with a helmet and breathes through a mask. He is someone that can pretty much get the job done and get some answers but he is also very intelligent in knowing that not everyone will be swayed easily. Like Kenobi, he is also a trained Jedi knight but leans towards the dark side and knows when to use the Force to do things. He and Kenobi would have a confrontation in the middle of the film as it would play into exactly what Kenobi would do in order for Luke to learn the ways of the Force for the film’s climax.

Lucas’ direction is quite vast for a sci-fi film in terms of not just the world that he creates but also in how he would introduce it starting with this chase between a small space cruiser and this large Imperial ship called the Star Destroyer as it comes in from above the frame. It sets the tone for what is to come though the film actually opens with some exposition about this civil war between the Empire and the rebellion. With some of the locations shot in Tunisia for the scenes in Tatooine and other locations in Guatemala, much of the film is set in space as it plays into a galaxy where it’s very diverse and very different. Tatooine is seen as this desert world where it’s sort of unruly and desolate but it is a place where things can happen. Even for someone like Luke Skywalker who feels like he doesn’t belong as he is among the small group of humans who wound interact with all sorts of aliens in the world.

The world of outer space is also quite big in terms of the way it is presented with Lucas using a lot of wide and medium shots as well as the look of the Death Star that looks like a large moon that can shoot a giant laser to destroy a planet. The way Darth Vader is first presented is among these rich compositions that Lucas creates to establish what kind of man he is. The light saber battle between Vader and Kenobi plays into the world of traditional sword fighting but involving and old man and a tall one where there aren’t a lot of big movements but rather on instinct. Many of the battles in space are presented with these very intense visual effects that mixes miniatures and optical effects to make it feel as realistic as it can. Especially for the film’s climatic battle against the Empire at the Death Star where it has a lot of thrills and moments that are just gripping. Overall, Lucas creates a spectacular yet engaging film about a group of people trying to save the galaxy from an evil empire.

Cinematographer Gilbert Taylor does brilliant work with the film‘s cinematography from capturing the sunny look of the scenes set in Tatooine as well as some of the interior lighting for some of the ships in space including Solo‘s spaceship the Millennium Falcon. Editors Richard Chew, Paul Hirsch, and Marcia Lucas, with additional work by George Lucas, do amazing work with the editing as it includes some unique rhythmic cuts for some of the film‘s action scenes along with a few dissolves and some stylish transition wipe that play into the film‘s mixture of adventure and action. Production designer John Barry, with set decorator Roger Christian and art directors Leslie Dilley and Norman Reynolds, does fantastic work with the design of the Death Star and some of its interiors along with the Millennium Falcon and its interiors plus some of the places in Tatooine such as the Mos Eisley Cantina.

Costume designer John Mollo does nice work with the look of Darth Vader as well as the Imperial officer uniforms and the look of the its soldiers in the Stormtroopers. Makeup designers Rick Baker and Stuart Freeborn do excellent work with the look and design of the creatures in Tatooine including the little Jawas and some of the aliens at the Mos Eisley Cantina. Special visual effects supervisors John Dykstra and John Stears do phenomenal work with the special effects in the way the lightsabers look and the way lasers are presented as well the battle scenes set in space.

Sound designer Ben Burtt and sound editor Sam F. Shaw do incredible work with the film‘s sound work from the way R2-D2 and other droids sound as well as some of the sound effects of how TIE Fighters sound in space as well as other aspects in the film‘s sound work. The film’s music by John Williams is great as it is one of the defining film scores with its orchestral bombast filled with lush string arrangements and vast brass section to play into its many themes along with a few playful pieces.

The casting by Diane Crittenden, Irene Lamb, and Victor Ramos do wonderful work with the film’s casting as it includes notable small roles from Phil Brown and Shelagh Fraser in their respective roles as Luke’s uncle Owen and aunt Beru, Denis Lawson as the rebel X-wing pilot Wedge Antilles, Garrick Hagon as Luke’s friend/rebel X-wing pilot Biggs Darklighter, and Jack Purvis as a chief Jawa. Peter Cushing is superb as the Death Star commander Grand Moff Tarkin as an Imperial governor who tries to get Princess Leia to reveal vital information into the rebel base as well as keep Vader in line.

Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker are fantastic in their respective roles as C-3P0 and R2-D2 with Daniels providing some unique movements and dialogue that makes the character a fun and sometimes annoying persona while Baker provides just movements that makes R2 such a loveable droid. Peter Mayhew is excellent as the Wookie named Chewbacca as Mayhew brings a unique physicality to the role as well as creating some of his own language that makes him sort of a moral compass for Han Solo. David Prowse is brilliant in bringing the sense of physicality and presence that is Darth Vader that is added by the phenomenal voice work of James Earl Jones who adds a lot of eerie textures to the role of Vader. Alec Guinness is amazing as Obi-Wan Kenobi as a former Jedi knight who helps Luke in saving Princess Leia and carry out the Death Star plans to the rebels as he would also teach Luke the ways of the Force.

Carrie Fisher is incredible as Princess Leia Organa as a princess who is captured by the Empire as she refuses to give information while being a badass with a blaster that makes her a far more compelling character. Harrison Ford is remarkable as Han Solo as this anti-hero who takes part in the journey for money to pay a debt while being someone that is reckless and funny. Finally, there’s Mark Hamill in a marvelous performance as Luke Skywalker as a young farmhand who dreams of flying and being part of the rebellion as he learns about his father and the destiny he is to take part in.

***The Following is Based on the 1997 Special Edition and its Subsequent Revised Editions of the Film***

The film’s 1997 special edition and its subsequent versions not only would feature some new scenes under Lucas’ direction with the contributions of editor T.M. Christopher and sound designer Ben Burtt, along with visual effects supervisors Dave Carson, John Knoll, Joe Letteri, Bruce Nicholson, Alex Seiden, and Stephen Williams,. The changes and added scenes aren’t just controversial but also play into the debate of film revisionism. One notable change that is controversial is a scene where Han shoots Gredo in cold blood as it plays into his anti-hero persona. In the special edition and later versions to follow, it would have Gredo shooting first and Han firing afterwards. It is a change that isn’t very good and certainly messes with Han’s development from anti-hero to hero.

While some of the visual effects do help polish the film as well as new sound effects and design by Ben Burtt to add more layers. There’s elements in the film that don’t work such as the Jabba the Hutt character who would be seen in Return of the Jedi as he appears in a computer-animated format in a scene with Han Solo that was originally deleted from the original film. In this special edition, the scene is restored but with Jabba the Hutt as this creature who is trying to get Solo to pay the debt that he owes him. There’s other scenes that are restored such as a brief conversation between Luke and Biggs before the climatic battle which is a good scene that was added. Then there’s the explosion of Alderaan in the scene where the Death Star displays its power as the original explosion was big but primitive in its 1977 release. In its revised and subsequent versions, it is much bigger with a force field that actually makes it look ridiculous.

***End of Special Editions Tidbits***

Stars Wars is a tremendous film from George Lucas. Armed with a great cast, amazing visual effects, a phenomenal score, and a thrilling story. It is a film that isn’t just one of the finest sci-fi adventure films ever made but it’s also cinema that manages to appeal to audiences of all ages. While the 1997 special edition and its following revised versions are a mixed bag, the original version is still a fascinating yet engrossing film that still holds up and proves to be just as fun to watch as it did back in 1977. In the end, Star Wars is a glorious and sensational film from George Lucas.

Star Wars Films: The Empire Strikes Back - Return of the Jedi - The Phantom Menace - Attack of the Clones - Revenge of the Sith - The Force Awakens - The Last Jedi - The Rise of Skywalker

Related: The Hidden Fortress - Holiday Special - Caravan of Courage - The Battle for Endor - The Clone Wars - Fanboys - The People vs. George Lucas

Star Wars Anthology Films: Rogue One - Solo - (Untitled Star Wars Anthology Film)

George Lucas Films: THX 1138 - (American Graffiti)

© thevoid99 2015

Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 4/30/07 w/ Additional Edits.

Based on a novel by Peter George, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb tells the story about a delusional U.S. general who plans an attack on Russians as a bomber plane is on his way to bomb the Soviets. During a meeting, the President tries to talk to the Russian premier before all hell breaks loose while a RAF officer tries to intervene. Directed by Stanley Kubrick with an adapted script written by Kubrick, Peter George, and Terry Southern with uncredited contributions from James B. Harris and the film's star Peter Sellers. The movie is a satire on the paranoia about an outbreak in the Cold War. Done with irreverent humor, cynicism, wit, and a tense atmosphere, Dr. Strangelove marked the beginning of Kubrick achieving greatness. With an all-star cast that includes Peter Sellers in three roles plus George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, James Earl Jones, Keenan Wynn, Tracy Reed, and Slim Pickens. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a superb yet hilarious film from Stanley Kubrick.

RAF officer Colonel Lionel Mandrake (Peter Sellers) is called upon by his superior General Ripper (Sterling Hayden), who has become paranoid about the Cold War that he ordered a bombing attack on the Russians. Notably as he claims that there's a conspiracy by the Russians in order to destroy bodily fluids. Mandrake learns that Ripper uses a secret emergency plan that isn't authorized by the joints chief of staff as well as the American president. Ripper's claims become more troubling as he claims that the Russians are here as his troops are getting ready to fight the Russians in their Air Force base. Mandrake realizes that Ripper has no proof since there is no warning on the radio and demands Ripper to give him the recall code. Unfortunately, it's too late as the code is reached to bombers making their way to Russian including one led by Major T.J. "King" Kong (Slim Pickens) and his team that included Lieutenant Goldberg (Paul Tamarin) Lieutenant Lothar Zogg (James Earl Jones).

Back in Washington D.C., a secretary named Miss Scott (Tracy Reed) receives a call for General Buck Turgidson (George C. Scott) who is needed in the Pentagon with a special meeting that included the President. Turgidson meets President Merkin Muffley (Peter Sellers) who learns that bombers are on their way to Russia as Turgidson thinks it's a good opportunity to attack. Muffley is aware that things are going to hell with the Russians going to retaliate. Making things worse, Muffley invited Russian ambassador Alexi di Sadesky (Peter Bull) to the war room as Turgidson claims he's here to spy on the war room. The look at the attack brings tension as Muffley tries to talk to the Russian leader and learns that if the bombers reach their proposed target, a doomsday machine will be triggered. The ambassador explained that the machine is created by computers to trigger a series of nuclear bombs that will mark the end of the world.

Muffley immediately wants the recall code but the paranoid Ripper is already in battle as he's joined side-by-side with Mandrake. Mandrake understands why Ripper prefers to drink a certain brand of water and stuff while revealing his own issues with bodily fluids. The battle rages on as Mandrake eventually gets the recall code but finds himself in trouble with Army Colonel Bat Guano (Keenan Wynn) who was fighting in the battle. The President meanwhile, calls upon a strategy expert and former Nazi named Dr. Strangelove (Peter Sellers) about what to do. Dr. Strangelove reveals his excitement for the doomsday machine. The President finally receives the code though aware that four planes were shot but one of them managed to survive. The plane revealed to be Major Kong's as he lost communication and everything as he attempts to bomb a base. Just as things look great for both the Americans and Russians, the President receives a call from the Russian leader about one of the bombers on his way. There, everyone ponders what is about to happen.

During those times of the Cold War, many people feared about how something like Communism would spread onto American soil while wondering about the aftermath that would lead to World War III. What Stanley Kubrick and his writers chose to do was pretty much make fun of these things. Notably the paranoia starting with General Ripper's claims of the Russians poisoning American water supplies. What the film is really about is misinformation and mis-communication. It's in those two themes where the film's humor and satire lies.

The screenplay that is co-written by satirist Terry Southern reveals the way American politics often duel with each other. You have the more patriotic General Turgidson wanting to help the American cause while he's often clashing with the more peaceful but timid President Muffley. Muffley represents a moral conscience of the film while also reveal the lack of strength he has as a world leader whenever he's trying to talk with the Russian president.

Some of the film's humor in both the war room scenes and in the bomber scenes with Major Kong reveal the absurdity of the Cold War. Notably on how a war against the Russians can be provoked. Some of the dangers about the missiles and most of all, the doomsday machine show how bad the Cold War was at the time and how close the Russians and Americans had gotten into some serious conflict. It's in Kubrick's observant, eerie direction that really captures the tension, morality, and humor of the movie. His camera always is on some kind of moment whether it's Turgidson wanting to go at with the Russian ambassador or Mandrake trying to understand Ripper's paranoia. Some of the film's most memorable sequences is definitely in the bomber scenes with Major Kong that is really the funniest in the film. Notably because Major Kong is a gung-ho American pilot wanting to bomb the Commies while things go wrong.

The film's most horrifying and funniest moment is included in an iconic image that's often parodied throughout pop culture. It is afterwards that Kubrick gives the audience an open interpretation of what might happen after this as Muffley, Turgidson, the Russian ambassador, the staff, and Dr. Strangelove discuss the future. It is there that Dr. Strangelove has his moment which ends on a funny but dark note.

The direction by Kubrick is really the highlight where he puts humor in places that often doesn't have humor. The comedy feels natural and relatable. Even in the paranoia and tension in the war room scenes, the Ripper sequences, and of course, the bomber scenes are just amazing and none of them overshadow anything. Kubrick really brings it all together as the film moves very leisurely while letting the audience to sit back and enjoy. Overall, it's a really damn good film that's very funny and spot-on about the times.

Helping Kubrick in his visual presentation is cinematographer Gilbert Taylor whose black-and-white photography showcases the dark intimacy of the war room with its wonderful shades of light. Taylor's photography also works in the intimate, hand-held work in some of the scenes in the bomber while adding tension to the scenes with Mandrake. Taylor's camera work is amazing in conveying the sense of horror. Longtime production designer Ken Adam and art director Peter Murton do amazing work in creating the war room with a circular table and screens that looks so eerily authentic that it almost looks like a real war room.

Adam's work is just amazing for capturing the atmosphere and tension, even in the bomber where things are cramped and no one really knows what's going on. Editor Anthony Harvey does great work in bringing all three stories together to convey the sense of chaos while making it nicely paced in the film's 96-minute running time. Even the use of stock footage and the scenes with the bomber plane are wonderful to convey the absurdity. Sound editor Leslie Hodgson also does great work in capturing the tension of each sequence to reveal its chaos.

Music composer Laurie Johnson creates a wonderful opening score that starts off as very serene and dreamy only to put the audience off of what is coming. There's a great music theme by Louis Lambert that plays to the humor of Major Kong getting ready for battle while a song by Vera Lynn in We'll Meet Again appears in the end to convey what had just happened.

The film's cast is wonderful featuring memorable small performances from Shane Rimmer, Paul Tamarin, and in an early film appearance, James Earl Jones as bombardiers in the war plane trying to understand what Kong is doing as well as their destination. Tracy Reed is memorable as her brief appearance as General Turgidson's secretary/mistress Miss Scott while also appearing in a Playboy spread that Kong is reading. Peter Bull is great as the Russian ambassador who tries to help things out though in reality, he is a spy of sorts while trying to think about his own leader and the future of the world. Bull is funny for how he reacts to the absurdity in which, he makes the Americans feel a bit stupid. Keenan Wynn is also great in his small role as Col. Guano who captures Mandrake who doesn't believe what is going on really while having a funny moment that involves a Coke machine as Mandrake tries to persuade him about what's really happening.

Sterling Hayden is wonderful as the paranoid, mis-informed General Ripper whose talks of bodily fluids and water makes him a complex yet sympathetic character who loses grip with reality while trying to protect the recall code. Hayden is great in his role for being the man who causes trouble but didn't mean to. George C. Scott is also great as the patriotic, war-loving General Turgidson who is more concerned about American pride rather than what's right for the people. Scott, who is often seen in dramatic films, really showcases his talents in comedy both physical and in word play as it's a great performance from the late yet legendary actor. Noted character actor Slim Pickens is hilarious as the gung-ho Major Kong with his Texan drawl and determination to nuke the Commies with all of his might. Pickens is just a hoot to watch in every scene he's in, notably when a missile causes an error for the plane that would lead to one of the film's iconic images.

Finally, there's the late Peter Sellers in one of his greatest performances in playing not one but three roles in the film. In the role of Colonel Mandrake, Sellers plays it straight as his character is the least-humored of the three. Sellers plays Mandrake with a sense of morality and intelligence while often being frustrated in how he's trying to handle things. Sellers performance as Mandrake is amazing. In the role of President Muffley, Sellers again plays it straight but with a lot of humor that is restrained. Sellers not only sells the American accent just right but shows Muffley's timid, frightened expression when dealing with the Russian during the hysteria of what's happening. In the title character, Sellers' comedic talents is very evident with a German accent, being on a wheelchair and wearing strange blond hair. Sellers exudes the psychotic humor and excitement of Dr. Strangelove as he has some of the film's best lines including the last one. The character of Strangelove is very funny and downright strange since he brings all kinds imagery to a character that is dark.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a funny, intelligent, and haunting film by Stanley Kubrick. This film is no doubt one of the must-see films ever made thanks in large parts to its humor, Kubrick's eerie direction, the script, and the cast, notably Peter Sellers. Fans of satire will no doubt enjoy this film while for those new to Kubrick and Sellers will find this movie as a nice place to start. Particularly in how relevant the film is in relation to today's time as the world is in chaos. In the end, Dr. Strangelove is a powerful and funny film from the late, great Stanley Kubrick.

Stanley Kubrick Films: Fear & Desire - Killer's Kiss - The Killing - Paths of Glory - Spartacus - Lolita - 2001: A Space Odyssey - A Clockwork Orange - Barry Lyndon - The Shining - Full Metal Jacket - Eyes Wide Shut

Related: Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures - The Auteurs #18: Stanley Kubrick

(C) thevoid99 2012

Coming to America

Directed by John Landis and screenplay by David Sheffield and Barry W. Blaustein that is based on an original story by Eddie Murphy. Coming to America is the story of an African prince who travels to America with his friend/servant to find a woman he can marry and fall in love with. The film marks a reunion between Landis and Murphy since the hit 1983 film Trading Places which Murphy starred in as in this film, he plays multiple characters. Also starring Arsenio Hall, John Amos, Shari Headley, Madge Sinclair, Eriq La Salle, and James Earl Jones. Coming to America is a heartwarming yet riotous comedy from John Landis.

Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) of the African country Zamunda has just turned 21 as he lives a pampered yet lavish lifestyle but feels unhappy as he wants to take care of himself while wanting to find a bride who will love him for who he is and not what he is. Meanwhile, his father King Jaffee Joffer (James Earl Jones) and mother Queen Aeoleon (Madge Sinclair) are searching for a bride suitable for their son. At a ceremony to celebrate Akeem’s birthday, Akeem would meet his bride-to-be Imani Izzi (Vanessa Bell) as he tries to get to know her but instead is obedient to his command. After talking to his father about wanting to go on a trip, the king decides to give Akeem 40 days of freedom to sow his wild oats. Akeem takes his friend Semmi (Arsenio Hall) with him as he decides to travel to America to find his bride as they decide to land in the section of Queens in New York City.

Arriving at Queens, they move into a very poor, rat-infested apartment and getting rid of their rich attire much to Semmi’s dismay. He and Akeem go on a search for a bride for Akeem until they meet the local barber Clarence (Eddie Murphy) who takes them to local charity that features a young woman named Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley) whom Akeem falls for as she speaks at the function. With her father Cleo (John Amos) running a local fast food restaurant called McDowell’s, Akeem and Semmi work at the place as Akeem tries to win Lisa over against her boyfriend Daryl (Eriq La Salle) who is the son of a Jeri curl hairspray manufacturer. After various attempts including going on a double-date with Lisa, Daryl, and Lisa’s sister Patrice (Allison Dean), Akeem manages to win over Cleo after fighting off a robber (Samuel L. Jackson) as he invites him and Semmi to work at a party in his home.

The party turns into an engagement party though Lisa doesn’t feel ready to marry Daryl as she and Akeem start to become close. With Akeem finally finding the woman he wants, Semmi becomes frustrated with their living situation as he sends a telegram to the king asking for money. Instead, the king comes to New York City to find Akeem as Akeem learns that his family has arrived. When Lisa learns who Akeem really is, she meets the royal couple which only adds to her own confusion about who he is. Learning what his father said to her, Akeem goes on a search to find Lisa to proclaim his love for her.

The film is about a prince who travels to America to find a suitable bride as he wants to find someone who will love him for who he is. It’s a simple premise that is told with a lot of humor with an element of romance while it features a lead character who just wants to be accepted a man despite his royal background. The screenplay by David Sheffield and Barry W. Blaustein manages to create a narrative that is quite formulaic but inject a lot of humor about the way a prince tries to make himself be a common man with a bit of naiveté about how common people lived yet he takes in stride much to the chagrin of his friend Semmi who is used to being pampered and living a rich lifestyle. Yet, Akeem is aware that is more and he is more interested in having a woman with an opinion.

While the script does have some very interesting characters and ideas about class differences. There’s a looseness to the script in the way the comedy is handled which allows director John Landis to create a film that extremely funny but also has a very touching romantic story. There’s also a sense of ambition in the way Landis presents this grand palace of the royal family while being able to shoot on location in the sections of Queens and Manhattan in New York City. The compositions have more depth for large crowd scenes as well as an intimacy for smaller yet straightforward moments. Still, Landis let things play out naturally while creating moments that are dramatic without being too heavy. Overall, Landis makes a truly solid yet roaring comedy that is filled with memorable one-liners and moments that keeps viewers watching endlessly.

Cinematographers Sol Negrin and Woody Omens do an incredible job with the photography from the grimy yet lush look of the cold winter of Queens in its poor section to the more vibrant look for the posh set pieces in the film. Editors Malcolm Campbell and George Folsey Jr. do nice work in the editing in creating some rhythmic cuts to some of the film’s funny moments while maintaining a very straightforward presentation for the film. Production designer Richard MacDonald, along with art directors Richard B. Lewis and Christopher Nowak, does a fantastic job with the look of the Zamundan royal palace with all sorts of amazing rooms and exteriors along with quaint but lovely home of Cleo McDowell.

Costume designer Deborah Nadoolman does a superb job with the costumes from the regal look of Akeem and his family wore to the more casual American clothing he wears when he arrives in the U.S. Special effects makeup work by Rick Baker does an excellent job with the look of the various characters that both Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall play which has the former play a Jewish white man. Sound editors Paul Timothy Carden and Richard C. Franklin do a wonderful job with the sound work to convey the chaotic atmosphere of Queens as well as maintaining an intimacy in smaller moments of the film.

The film’s score by Niles Rodgers is terrific for its dance-based score filled with synthesizers and 80s R&B to emphasize the American world that Akeem lives in while the score also has an orchestral element with bombastic arrangements to emphasize the world of Africa. The soundtrack features a mix of 80s pop, R&B, and hip-hop to display the world of America while there’s also brief snippets of music by Elmer Bernstein from his work in another Landis film in Trading Places.

The casting by Jackie Burch is brilliant from the ensemble that is created as it features cameos from Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche reprising their Duke Brothers character from Trading Places. Other small roles include Jake Steinfeld as a cab driver, Vondie Curtis-Hall as a basketball game vendor who recognizes Akeem, Cuba Gooding Jr. as a barbershop customer, Garcelle Beauvais as one of the rose-bearers, Frankie Faison as a landlord, Paul Bates as the top royal family servant Oha, Clint Smith as the barber Sweets, Louie Anderson as a McDowell’s employee, Vanessa Bell as the beautiful future bride Imani, Allison Dean as Lisa’s partying sister Patrice, Eriq La Salle as Lisa’s jeri-curl sporting boyfriend Daryl, and Samuel L. Jackson as a robber.

Other notable supporting roles include Madge Sinclair as Akeem’s kindly mother Queen Aeoleon, John Amos as Lisa’s warm and hard-working father Cleo, James Earl Jones as Akeem’s intimidating yet well-meaning father King Jaffee Joffer. Shari Headley is wonderful as Lisa, the woman Akeem falls for as she displays a sense of worldly realism and grace that Akeem wants in a woman. Arsenio Hall is excellent as Akeem’s friend Semmi who has a hard time dealing with not having money and such while Hall also gets to play various characters such as the boisterous Reverend Brown, the funny barber Morris, and an extremely ugly woman in a hilarious club scene as Akeem and Semmi try to find what Queens has to offer.

Finally, there’s Eddie Murphy in what is truly one of his best performance as Prince Akeem of Zamunda. Murphy brings an enthusiasm and maturity to his role as a man wanting to seek true love while discovering the world outside of being rich and pampered. It’s a very funny and sensitive performance for Murphy as he also plays various characters. Among them is the barber Clarence who always say Joe Louis is the greatest boxer ever while playing a white Jewish man named Saul who hangs out at the barber shop. Then there’s another character Murphy plays in an untalented/actor singer named Randy Watson where he gives a hilarious rendition of Whitney Houston’s The Greatest Love of All in one of the funniest moments on film.

Coming to America is an extraordinary yet entertaining film from John Landis that features Eddie Murphy in one of his outstanding performances. The film is among the best of Landis’ collaboration with Murphy as well as a comedy that is still funny nearly twenty-five years since its release. With a superb supporting cast that includes Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, John Amos, and James Earl Jones. It’s a film that has a lot more to offer in terms of what is expected in a comedy. In the end, Coming to America is a tremendous and exciting film from John Landis.

John Landis Films: (Schlock) - (Kentucky Fried Movie) - (National Lampoon’s Animal House) - (The Blues Brothers) - (An American Werewolf in London) - (Coming Soon) - Trading Places - (The Twilight Zone (1983 film)) - (Into the Night) - (Spies Like Us) - (Three Amigos!) - (Amazon Women on the Moon) - (Oscar) - (Innocent Blood) - (Beverly Hills Cop III) - (The Stupids) - (Blues Brothers 2000) - (Susan’s Plan) - (Slasher) - (Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project) - (Burke & Hare)

© thevoid99 2012