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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
1984 | Action, Adventure

"The next one is Temple of Doom. That’s the one that sticks with me most. I was born in ’81, so I know that was [when] the first Indiana Jones was. But I remember Temple of Doom most, and so I just have to pick that. I mean, it’s for pretty much the exact same reasons as Star Wars. It’s my childhood. Indiana Jones is the character that I just wished that I was, you know what I mean? [The one] I wanted to be as a little kid. And they’re also just really, really well made, fantastic movies. You know, all the Indiana Jones — well the first three anyways. I also love that time period. I love that sort of 1930s and 1940s, I love that period — the thought of it. And I like war movies and all that kind of stuff as well."

Source
  
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
1980 | Fantasy, Sci-Fi

"I would probably have to go with the first one because it shaped my view of cinema as a kid, and as pure entertainment has a real place in cinema. It is one of the most seismic and significant events in recent cinema history — some might say detrimental — but it certainly led to a culture of whiz-bang cinema which we see now, but it meant so much to me as a kid, and Empire is the best of the first three. It also had that slightly weird edgy bleak sheer sort of joy of the first; suddenly everything went to s*** in the most spectacular way and it was kind of cool. I remember coming away from it so thrilled that they all got really beaten up. It’s widely regarded as the best of the three and it would be too obvious to say Star Wars."

Source
  
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
1977 | Fantasy, Sci-Fi

"Then I would go with the first Star Wars, which is actually the fourth episode, because I remember standing in line; I was one of those bazillion kids that were standing in line opening day. My poor mother and father had to do that with me. I remember my mom left, and came back a day later. So my dad stood there with me. I think that is one of the most incredible memories for me. It was an awesome film; I’ll never take anything away from the film, but the fact that I had a father who was willing to stand in line with me all that while…let’s see, I was born in ’68, so I was 8 or 9. Eight or 9 and my dad stood in line for me. Yeah, I was there for like a day and a half!"

Source
  
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
1981 | Action, Adventure
Action Serials in the 1980s? Yes Please
Released in the summer of 1981 and the idea of George Lucas after American Graffiti and the film he'd pursue with Steven Spielberg after the hit known as Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark is a film that plays upon the cliches and tricks of the classic action serials of the 40s and 50s that both men grew up on. Starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, John Rhys Davies, Paul Freeman and became the highest grossing film of 1981. Lucas and Spielberg also wanted this to be shit quick and really dirty like the action serials of the past. What we get is an adventure that has not only been regarded as one of the best action films ever made, but for some, one of the greatest movies ever made. And it truly is a tour de force. Visuals amazing. Acting is great
  
In the original Star Wars trilogy - or, at least, ever since Empire Strikes Back - there was actually three main groups: that of the Rebels (Luke and co), that of the Empire (Darth Vader), and that of the 'scum and villainy' (Jabba the Hutt).

Of the latter, the Bounty Hunters first featured in Empire Strikes Back where far and away the coolest.

Which is why it is such a shame that this comic arc completely bungles the landing: hard to follow (I didn't even realise until a fair bit in that Valance was meant to be the main character), with the panels and lettering all over the place, and with a plot that takes its time spinning wheels, and that even has had its thunder stolen by The Mandalorian!

I might pick up the next arc, but only if it's own sale - doubt I'll pay full price for it!
  
Star Wars: The Acolyte
Star Wars: The Acolyte
2023 | Sci-Fi
5
4.8 (4 Ratings)
TV Show Rating
Doesn't know what it wants to be
Set roughly 100 years before the events of "The Phantom Menace" (although you'd hardly know that from watching it), The Acolyte was heavily billed as the first Star Wars muster show.

It's just a pity the answer to the mystery is blatantly obvious from about 5, 10 minutes into episode 1 of an 8 episode series.

And that the lead character of Mae/Osha seems to struggle with her acting ability.

And that "attack me, Jedi, with all your might" is an actual line.

It's not all bad, though: the action scenes are actually pretty good, while the actor playing Sol brings back memories of Qui-Ginn Jinn (a highlight of TPM), and the space chase in the final episode is also pretty good.

It's just a pity it's a bit of a slog to get there.
  
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David McK (3557 KP) rated Star Wars X-Wing: The Krytos Trap (X-Wing #3) in Books

Oct 26, 2024 (Updated Oct 26, 2024)  
Now considered part of 'Legends' rather than canon, this is the third in the 90s series of Star Wars: X Wing books by MMichael A Stackpole, back before the sequels and even before the prequels were a thing!

Here, this novel primarily deals with the fallout from the conquest of Coruscant (or Imperial Centre, as it was originally called in the films), with the main character of Corran Horn captured by Ysanne Isard and believed dead by his comrades.

Isard, meanwhile, has unleashed a deadly contagion upon the denizens of the city planet in a plan to stir up foment amongst the various species (and leaders) of the New Republic.

While the novel does show its age somewhat - Jedi had family, no Padawans (remember, written before the prequels!) - this is still an entertaining read that, I feel, stands up well amongst several of the 'newer' novels.
  
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
2019 | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director JJ Abrams was faced with a daunting task; bringing the 9 part Star Wars main story to a satisfying conclusion and appeasing certain toxic fans who have been very displeased with the last two cinematic outings for the franchise.

Thankfully Abrams has stuck the landing and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is an entertaining and satisfying conclusion with enough action and nostalgic moments to spare.

Picking up after the events of the last film; it is learned that threatening radio transmissions are going out across the galaxy in the voice of the late Emperor Palpatine. This deeply concerns Leia (Carrie Fisher) and her remaining Resistance as it combines with The First Order to create a larger possible threat than anyone could deal with.

Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is also very interested in the source of the signal as he does not want anything to stand in the way of his control of The First Order and will use whatever brutal means at his disposal to increase his power.

Naturally this sets Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe (Oscar Isaac), along with Chewbacca and C3PO on a daring mission to find clues to the source of the transmissions and stop what appears to be a devastating invasion which will make anything the First Order has pale in comparison.

Naturally there are plenty of amazing special effects, twists, turns, and surprises along the way as the film races to an epic confrontation.

The film hits the ground running with plenty of action at the start before settling into a longer narrative setup than some fans might like. Thankfully there are enough points of interest along the way to hold your attention before the action kicks up.
The film combines new and favorite locales and characters to create a satisfying finale to the Skywalker saga as the biggest questions from the new trilogy are answered and the few new ones I have after this will likely be heavily debated by fans or explored in a future book or comic and they are minor questions indeed.
The characters work well with one another and it is difficult to go into specifics without spoiling the film as there are plenty of surprises as I mentioned earlier. Suffice it to say that while it will not usurp the original “Star Wars” or “The Empire Strikes Back” amongst fans; it likely will be considered the most enjoyable of the new trilogy and best since “Rogue One” in the Disney era of the franchise.

The biggest remaining question is what is next for the film series as there have been rumors of a new film in 2022 with a new setting, cast, and possibly timeline. While audiences will have to wait and see what the cinematic future for the franchise is; they can be content with a very enjoyable new film.
4 stars out of 5