"The Transformers: The Movie" exists in the shadow of "Star Wars." The young Autobot Hot Rod's ascension to Rodimus Prime parallels Luke Skywalker becoming a Jedi, Arcee's head is modeled after Leia's bun hairstyle, and the film's Orson Welles-voiced villain, Unicron, is a mechanical planet that eats other planets — it's like the Death Star, but if it were a Transformer.
"Star Wars" didn't become the media franchise of the world because of its box office haul, but largely because of merchandise sales. Toy companies made a killing on "Star Wars" action figures, among them Hasbro, owner of "Transformers." Partly thanks to "Star Wars," movies and TV shows began to be designed to include characters and vehicles that could be turned into toys. "The Transformers" and its sister show, "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero," were the epitome of this -- they were literal toy commercials disguised as cartoons,...
"Star Wars" didn't become the media franchise of the world because of its box office haul, but largely because of merchandise sales. Toy companies made a killing on "Star Wars" action figures, among them Hasbro, owner of "Transformers." Partly thanks to "Star Wars," movies and TV shows began to be designed to include characters and vehicles that could be turned into toys. "The Transformers" and its sister show, "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero," were the epitome of this -- they were literal toy commercials disguised as cartoons,...
- 2/11/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Harrison Ford is one of the biggest movie stars of all time. He went from the "cool big brother" in roles like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, then graduated to "America's Dad" in the Jack Ryan movies and "Air Force One." What kid in the '80s didn't want to be Ford, and what kid in the '90s didn't want to be raised (and rescued from terrorists) by him? As an '80s and '90s kid, I'm well-versed in Ford's filmography, having seen almost all of his movies. Yes, even the obscure ones like "The Frisco Kid." Okay, I've missed a lot of his 2000s and 2010s run, but let's be honest, Ford's choices have been pretty inexplicable ("Cowboys & Aliens?"; "Extreme Measures?"; "Morning Glory?"). No, I prefer prime Ford.
Rather than be smothered by Captain Solo and Dr. Jones, Ford used his most famous roles to craft...
Rather than be smothered by Captain Solo and Dr. Jones, Ford used his most famous roles to craft...
- 2/11/2023
- by Hunter Cates
- Slash Film
Han Solo is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars franchise. When he was trapped in carbonite at the end of The Empire Strikes Back, fans couldn’t wait to see what came next. Did you know the real reason why George Lucas decided to freeze Han Solo?
The dramatic ending to ‘The Empire Strikes Back’
The Empire Strikes Back came out in 1980. In the second movie of the original Star Wars trilogy, things look hopeless for the trio of main characters: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia.
Han, played by Harrison Ford, and Leia are captured by Darth Vader in an attempt to lure Luke into a trap. Vader then freezes Han in carbonite as a test to see if Luke could be imprisoned in the same fashion. Han is successfully frozen and given to the bounty hunter Boba Fett, who in turn hands the...
The dramatic ending to ‘The Empire Strikes Back’
The Empire Strikes Back came out in 1980. In the second movie of the original Star Wars trilogy, things look hopeless for the trio of main characters: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia.
Han, played by Harrison Ford, and Leia are captured by Darth Vader in an attempt to lure Luke into a trap. Vader then freezes Han in carbonite as a test to see if Luke could be imprisoned in the same fashion. Han is successfully frozen and given to the bounty hunter Boba Fett, who in turn hands the...
- 2/11/2023
- by India McCarty
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If one were to read George Lucas' original 1974 script draft for "Star Wars: A New Hope," entitled "The Star Wars," without any context, one would be forgiven for assuming they had stumbled upon the script for a weird, bootlegged ripoff of Lucas' 1977 classic. The script speaks of "Jedi Bendu," referring to them as "the most feared warriors in the universe," and features an 18-year-old boy named Annikin Starkiller. Other key characters include the "large," grizzled General Luke Skywalker and a "huge," green-skinned non-human named Han Solo.
Major elements of "The Star Wars" would be dropped entirely in later drafts, with many of them eventually being re-imagined for future "Star Wars" projects. "Bendu," for example, is the name of the mystical entity that exists between the light and dark sides of the Force in the animated series "Star Wars Rebels." By the time he got to his fourth script draft, entitled...
Major elements of "The Star Wars" would be dropped entirely in later drafts, with many of them eventually being re-imagined for future "Star Wars" projects. "Bendu," for example, is the name of the mystical entity that exists between the light and dark sides of the Force in the animated series "Star Wars Rebels." By the time he got to his fourth script draft, entitled...
- 2/10/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
"Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" is one of the funniest movies of 2022, and I will die on this hill. The fake totally accurate biopic stars Daniel Radcliffe of "Harry Potter" fame as the accordion-playing songster who brought us such classics as "Like a Surgeon," "Amish Paradise," and "Eat It," which are parodies of "Like a Virgin," "Gangster's Paradise," and "Beat It," in case you somehow didn't know.
The film tells the not-so very real tale of Al's life, from his father's disapproval of his wild accordion-playing days to his rock star bingeing to his toxic romantic relationship with Madonna (Evan Rachel Wood in the best casting choice of the year). Of course, none all of this is true, and it makes for a fun story.
One of the best scenes in the film is a pool party where a young Al meets pretty much every niche superstar who was famous in the 1970s and 1980s,...
The film tells the not-so very real tale of Al's life, from his father's disapproval of his wild accordion-playing days to his rock star bingeing to his toxic romantic relationship with Madonna (Evan Rachel Wood in the best casting choice of the year). Of course, none all of this is true, and it makes for a fun story.
One of the best scenes in the film is a pool party where a young Al meets pretty much every niche superstar who was famous in the 1970s and 1980s,...
- 2/10/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
For many, pairing up fictional characters is more than just frivolous fun. Shipping isn't just a pastime; it's a playground filled with possibilities, and it's serious business. You get a surge of serotonin when you revel in your romantic headcanons — as long as you're not toxic when you preach your personal shipping gospels to creators and fellow fans.
Eros, or romantic love, is a powerful Force in the galaxy far, far away. "Star Wars" fans have witnessed Han Solo and Leia Organa's will-they-or-won't-they tango, Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala's star-crossed love, and a rather controversial relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren, which culminated in a kiss. Now, it's time to indulge in some imaginary (or maybe not-so-imagined) romances. If you don't see your chosen "Otp" (one true pairing) here, the glorious thing about shipping is that you can conjure your own ships elsewhere, be it your imagination, fanart, or fanfic.
Eros, or romantic love, is a powerful Force in the galaxy far, far away. "Star Wars" fans have witnessed Han Solo and Leia Organa's will-they-or-won't-they tango, Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala's star-crossed love, and a rather controversial relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren, which culminated in a kiss. Now, it's time to indulge in some imaginary (or maybe not-so-imagined) romances. If you don't see your chosen "Otp" (one true pairing) here, the glorious thing about shipping is that you can conjure your own ships elsewhere, be it your imagination, fanart, or fanfic.
- 2/9/2023
- by Caroline Cao
- Slash Film
In a world post-"The Rise of Skywalker," it would be easy to assign the blame for everything that doesn't work in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy to J.J. Abrams. To his credit, as familiar as "The Force Awakens" certainly was, it was effective at getting the general audience to adore and get invested in a brand new cast of characters. But, in a franchise that is forever haunted by the regurgitation of images from the past, Rian Johnson's sequel, "The Last Jedi" remains an astonishing achievement that forces its audience to consider the darker themes of a franchise that usually only confronts morality in terms of the dark side versus the light. It sparked a toxic, fandom hatred like no other, but it also is the film of the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy that continues to age with grace and sophistication in retrospect.
Without relitigating years upon years worth of debate and discourse,...
Without relitigating years upon years worth of debate and discourse,...
- 2/9/2023
- by Tyler Llewyn Taing
- Slash Film
One of Disney+’s biggest hits right out of the gate is the Star Wars series, The Mandalorian. It was the big launch title when the streaming service made its debut back in November of 2019. This March will mark the return of the adventures of Din Djarin, along with his cuddly companion, Grogu. According to Collider, to celebrate the phenomenon of the Lucasfilm series, Disney+ has announced a special linear airing of the first episode of the first season.
The first episode is set to be simulcasted on Friday, February 24, at 8 p.m. Est across ABC, Freeform, and FX. Season three is a hugely anticipated return after the debut of the spin-off, The Book of Boba Fett, and the Star Wars extended universe shows that would also dawn the library of the streaming service, including Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor.
Season three of The Mandalorian will take place after the events...
The first episode is set to be simulcasted on Friday, February 24, at 8 p.m. Est across ABC, Freeform, and FX. Season three is a hugely anticipated return after the debut of the spin-off, The Book of Boba Fett, and the Star Wars extended universe shows that would also dawn the library of the streaming service, including Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor.
Season three of The Mandalorian will take place after the events...
- 2/8/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Being caught off guard by an effected twist is a cinematic joy like no other.
Over the years, writers and filmmakers have dreamed up fresh ways of keeping audiences on their toes. Some remain astonishingly bold by today’s standards, while others have had the gleam worn off by the movies they’ve gone onto inspire.
There are some filmmakers who have attempted to make the twist their trademark (M Night Shyamalan), then there are others who have impressively shaped a film around its rug-pulling denouement (Christopher Nolan’s magician drama The Prestige was essentially one giant magic trick).
Either way, they make for memorable viewing. Intriguingly, twists are mostly prevalent in horror films, which is what makes it so breathtaking when they show up mid-way through a drama – or, even rarer, a comedy.
To mark the arrival of Shyamalan’s new thriller Knock at the Cabin, we’ve compiled...
Over the years, writers and filmmakers have dreamed up fresh ways of keeping audiences on their toes. Some remain astonishingly bold by today’s standards, while others have had the gleam worn off by the movies they’ve gone onto inspire.
There are some filmmakers who have attempted to make the twist their trademark (M Night Shyamalan), then there are others who have impressively shaped a film around its rug-pulling denouement (Christopher Nolan’s magician drama The Prestige was essentially one giant magic trick).
Either way, they make for memorable viewing. Intriguingly, twists are mostly prevalent in horror films, which is what makes it so breathtaking when they show up mid-way through a drama – or, even rarer, a comedy.
To mark the arrival of Shyamalan’s new thriller Knock at the Cabin, we’ve compiled...
- 2/6/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Mark Hamill wants to help the Ukrainian army maintain its drone supply. So Mr. Luke Skywalker is going to start selling signed posters to raise cash.
“We decided to sign Star Wars posters, a limited amount,” said Hamill, speaking to Politico. “For real hardcore collectors — especially those that have disposable income — you can get way more money … than you would imagine.”
Details on where the posters will be on sale isn’t finalized. Hamill envisions an auction where competition will drive up the price. The poster sale is expected to start next week.
Hamill said he hasn’t sold autographed items since 2017, when Star Wars: The Last Jedi came out. “It’s just not something I do,” he said, claiming that he’s contributing to prolonging a war effort he termed “nothing short of inspirational.”
Hamill said that Star Wars taught him that such gestures are “doing right thing for the good of everyone,...
“We decided to sign Star Wars posters, a limited amount,” said Hamill, speaking to Politico. “For real hardcore collectors — especially those that have disposable income — you can get way more money … than you would imagine.”
Details on where the posters will be on sale isn’t finalized. Hamill envisions an auction where competition will drive up the price. The poster sale is expected to start next week.
Hamill said he hasn’t sold autographed items since 2017, when Star Wars: The Last Jedi came out. “It’s just not something I do,” he said, claiming that he’s contributing to prolonging a war effort he termed “nothing short of inspirational.”
Hamill said that Star Wars taught him that such gestures are “doing right thing for the good of everyone,...
- 2/5/2023
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
This looks rad!! Deaf Crocodile Films & Vinegar Syndrome have announced a restoration Blu-ray re-release of a long lost, rarely seen Romanian animated film called The Son of the Stars. This originally debuted in 1985 and showed up in the US in 1987, but hasn't been seen since. The film is getting an HD version based on a new 4K scan from the original 35mm negative and sound elements, with a digital restoration by Deaf Crocodile Films. From the same filmmakers as the marvelous Delta Space Mission, The Son of the Stars gets more freakadelic as Dan grows up ala Luke Skywalker, encountering giant disembodied eyeballs, a world of massive decaying Cubist structures, floating purple tentacles, and alien-headed cosmic flowers, and even a sword-wielding medieval Space Knight in armor. Using the voices of Mircea Albulescu, Mihai Cafrita, Ion Caramitru, Mirela Gorea-Chelaru, and Virgil Ogasanu. "His visions of his lost parents and the missing cosmonaut are especially psychedelic,...
- 2/5/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Mark Hamill is autographing “Star Wars” merch for the first time in six years — for an exceptional cause.
In a new interview with Politico, the Luke Skywalker actor revealed he’s autographing some limited-edition “Star Wars” posters that will be put up for sale, with the money raised going toward Ukraine’s “Army of Drones” project.
“We decided to sign Star Wars posters, a limited amount,” said Hamill. “For real hardcore collectors — especially those that have disposable income — you can get way more money… than you would imagine.”
Read More: Mark Hamill Works A Jack In The Box Drive-Thru 50 Years After Being Fired By The Fast Food Chain
While precise details of how those posters will be sold have yet to be finalized, Hamill agreed that “having hundreds and thousands of people enter [a competition or auction], that’s smart.”
According to Hamill, his long involvement in the “Star Wars” franchise has taught him...
In a new interview with Politico, the Luke Skywalker actor revealed he’s autographing some limited-edition “Star Wars” posters that will be put up for sale, with the money raised going toward Ukraine’s “Army of Drones” project.
“We decided to sign Star Wars posters, a limited amount,” said Hamill. “For real hardcore collectors — especially those that have disposable income — you can get way more money… than you would imagine.”
Read More: Mark Hamill Works A Jack In The Box Drive-Thru 50 Years After Being Fired By The Fast Food Chain
While precise details of how those posters will be sold have yet to be finalized, Hamill agreed that “having hundreds and thousands of people enter [a competition or auction], that’s smart.”
According to Hamill, his long involvement in the “Star Wars” franchise has taught him...
- 2/5/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
The Battle of Hoth in "The Empire Strikes Back" consists mostly of four-legged At-at walkers bearing down on a Rebel base as Luke Skywalker and other snowspeeder pilots fly out to meet them. However, there's one shot where the At-at's two-legged cousin, the At-st, or chicken walker, ambles past the camera, looking a little out of place in retrospect. The At-st would take on a more prominent role as a target of Ewok aggression in "Return of the Jedi," but it was originally designed by Joe Johnston late in the VFX process for "The Empire Strikes Back."
Johnston went on to become a filmmaker in his own right, directing "The Rocketeer" and "Captain America: The First Avenger," among other movies, but he started out as a designer and visual effects artist on the original "Star Wars" trilogy. A few years ago, we toured the "Star Wars: Identities" exhibition, where you...
Johnston went on to become a filmmaker in his own right, directing "The Rocketeer" and "Captain America: The First Avenger," among other movies, but he started out as a designer and visual effects artist on the original "Star Wars" trilogy. A few years ago, we toured the "Star Wars: Identities" exhibition, where you...
- 2/5/2023
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Being caught off guard by an effected twist is a cinematic joy like no other.
Over the years, writers and filmmakers have dreamed up fresh ways of keeping audiences on their toes. Some remain astonishingly bold by today’s standards, while others have had the gleam worn off by the movies they’ve gone onto inspire.
There are some filmmakers who have attempted to make the twist their trademark (M Night Shyamalan), then there are others who have impressively shaped a film around its rug-pulling denouement (Christopher Nolan’s magician drama The Prestige was essentially one giant magic trick).
Either way, they make for memorable viewing. Intriguingly, twists are mostly prevalent in horror films, which is what makes it so breathtaking when they show up mid-way through a drama – or, even rarer, a comedy.
To mark the arrival of Shyamalan’s new thriller Knock at the Cabin, we’ve compiled...
Over the years, writers and filmmakers have dreamed up fresh ways of keeping audiences on their toes. Some remain astonishingly bold by today’s standards, while others have had the gleam worn off by the movies they’ve gone onto inspire.
There are some filmmakers who have attempted to make the twist their trademark (M Night Shyamalan), then there are others who have impressively shaped a film around its rug-pulling denouement (Christopher Nolan’s magician drama The Prestige was essentially one giant magic trick).
Either way, they make for memorable viewing. Intriguingly, twists are mostly prevalent in horror films, which is what makes it so breathtaking when they show up mid-way through a drama – or, even rarer, a comedy.
To mark the arrival of Shyamalan’s new thriller Knock at the Cabin, we’ve compiled...
- 2/5/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Being caught off guard by an effected twist is a cinematic joy like no other.
Over the years, writers and filmmakers have dreamed up fresh ways of keeping audiences on their toes. Some remain astonishingly bold by today’s standards, while others have had the gleam worn off by the movies they’ve gone onto inspire.
There are some filmmakers who have attempted to make the twist their trademark (M Night Shyamalan), then there are others who have impressively shaped a film around its rug-pulling denouement (Christopher Nolan’s magician drama The Prestige was essentially one giant magic trick).
Either way, they make for memorable viewing. Intriguingly, twists are mostly prevalent in horror films, which is what makes it so breathtaking when they show up mid-way through a drama – or, even rarer, a comedy.
To mark the arrival of Shyamalan’s new thriller Knock at the Cabin, we’ve compiled...
Over the years, writers and filmmakers have dreamed up fresh ways of keeping audiences on their toes. Some remain astonishingly bold by today’s standards, while others have had the gleam worn off by the movies they’ve gone onto inspire.
There are some filmmakers who have attempted to make the twist their trademark (M Night Shyamalan), then there are others who have impressively shaped a film around its rug-pulling denouement (Christopher Nolan’s magician drama The Prestige was essentially one giant magic trick).
Either way, they make for memorable viewing. Intriguingly, twists are mostly prevalent in horror films, which is what makes it so breathtaking when they show up mid-way through a drama – or, even rarer, a comedy.
To mark the arrival of Shyamalan’s new thriller Knock at the Cabin, we’ve compiled...
- 2/3/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
The opening of Irvin Kershner's 1980 film "The Empire Strikes Back" didn't leave viewers with must cause for hope. The ending of its predecessor "Star Wars" saw the evil Empire more or less destroyed. A brave cadre of scrappy rebels had gathered in a team of battle crafts to attack and destroy the moon-sized Death Star, a powerful weapon that could destroy an entire planet with one laser blast. With the Death Star destroyed, it appeared that the Good Guys won and the Bad Guys were vanquished.
"The Empire Strikes Back" revealed that the Empire was very much still alive, and was now seeking retribution. The Rebels had taken to hiding out on a remote, frozen world called Hoth, populated only by two-legged beasts of burden and the occasional yeti. The underground rebels' base, however, was almost immediately located by the Empire, and the villains commenced a forward military assault on it.
"The Empire Strikes Back" revealed that the Empire was very much still alive, and was now seeking retribution. The Rebels had taken to hiding out on a remote, frozen world called Hoth, populated only by two-legged beasts of burden and the occasional yeti. The underground rebels' base, however, was almost immediately located by the Empire, and the villains commenced a forward military assault on it.
- 2/1/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Disney+ offers fans a look behind-the-scenes at The Mandalorian with Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. The two-minute featurette focuses on how the series has been embraced across the globe and how its breakout star – Grogu – became an instant hit.
In the new video, showrunner and head writer Jon Favreau calls the reaction to Mark Hamill’s surprise appearance as Luke Skywalker the high point of his whole career. “It makes you grateful that you’re doing what you’re doing,” says Favreau.
The featurette and new poster arrived 30 days out from the eight-episode third season premiere on March 1, 2023.
Season three stars Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin/The Mandalorian. Katee Sackhoff reprises her role as Bo-Katan, Amy Sedaris is back as the scene-stealing Peli Motto, Giancarlo Esposito returns as Moff Gideon, Carl Weathers returns as Greef Karga, and Emily Swallow’s back as the Armorer. Season three’s directors include Rick Famuyiwa,...
In the new video, showrunner and head writer Jon Favreau calls the reaction to Mark Hamill’s surprise appearance as Luke Skywalker the high point of his whole career. “It makes you grateful that you’re doing what you’re doing,” says Favreau.
The featurette and new poster arrived 30 days out from the eight-episode third season premiere on March 1, 2023.
Season three stars Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin/The Mandalorian. Katee Sackhoff reprises her role as Bo-Katan, Amy Sedaris is back as the scene-stealing Peli Motto, Giancarlo Esposito returns as Moff Gideon, Carl Weathers returns as Greef Karga, and Emily Swallow’s back as the Armorer. Season three’s directors include Rick Famuyiwa,...
- 2/1/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
This post contains spoilers for all the "Scream" films so far.
As "Scream 6" looms near, the narratives around the first three "Scream" movies seem increasingly set in stone. Everyone loves the first movie, and people generally agree that "Scream 2" is a solid sequel. The fandom is a lot more divided on "Scream 3," though the consensus has grown more positive over time. Once you accept the different tone the third film's going for, most of its flaws are pretty easy to forgive.
Then there is 2022's "Scream," the fifth film in the franchise. It's rarely anyone's favorite, but most people don't seem to hate it much either. It's a solid entry, though most of its appeal is in the way it pushes the franchise in a new direction. "Scream 5" -- as it's also known -- sets the necessary groundwork for the next film, which will no longer...
As "Scream 6" looms near, the narratives around the first three "Scream" movies seem increasingly set in stone. Everyone loves the first movie, and people generally agree that "Scream 2" is a solid sequel. The fandom is a lot more divided on "Scream 3," though the consensus has grown more positive over time. Once you accept the different tone the third film's going for, most of its flaws are pretty easy to forgive.
Then there is 2022's "Scream," the fifth film in the franchise. It's rarely anyone's favorite, but most people don't seem to hate it much either. It's a solid entry, though most of its appeal is in the way it pushes the franchise in a new direction. "Scream 5" -- as it's also known -- sets the necessary groundwork for the next film, which will no longer...
- 1/31/2023
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Whether we like it or not, AI is a tool that is revolutionary for filmmakers. De-aging technical processes have now taken to adopting Deepfake methods to accurately recreate the faces of younger versions of actors or place them on doubles. The Hollywood Reporter has now learned that actors Tom Hanks and Robin Wright will be reuniting along with Robert Zemeckis for a new project where they will be de-aged using AI technology.
Deepfakes are controversial content. They allow the artist to use someone’s likeness at their disposal. The agency CAA has recently signed a deal to partner up with the tech firm Metaphysic Live. The program is set to be used in Zemeckis’ planned film titled Here, which is based on a graphic novel that will follows the lives of inhabitants of a single room through many years. To show the passage of age, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright...
Deepfakes are controversial content. They allow the artist to use someone’s likeness at their disposal. The agency CAA has recently signed a deal to partner up with the tech firm Metaphysic Live. The program is set to be used in Zemeckis’ planned film titled Here, which is based on a graphic novel that will follows the lives of inhabitants of a single room through many years. To show the passage of age, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright...
- 1/31/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
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