Nerd Culture Podcast

Continuing my Spotlight On ‘mini reviews’ I thought I’d do what the majority of nerds consider to be the greatest run of films ever – the Star Wars Saga! With my last Spotlight On series (on Steven Spielberg) I reviewed the films in order of release date but this time I’m going to put them in order of lowest to highest ratings. Let me know what you think of my choices and post a comment!

Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace

Released: 1999

Directed by: George Lucas

Written by: George Lucas

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman

Plot: While acting as emissaries to Queen Amidala from the blockaded planet Naboo, two Jedi Knights uncover a wider conflict, with hints of the return of the Sith. While investigating this mystery they meet young Anakin Skywalker, who Master Jinn believes is the Chosen One.

For: A new Star Wars for a new generation! Liam Neeson makes a great Jedi. Darth Maul is friggin’ awesome. The Podracer sequence is exciting, with some truly magnificent sound effects. Senator Palpatine is a great villain. An exciting new score from John Williams.

Against: Jar Jar Binks – I understand that this is aimed at kids so I have no problem with comedy relief characters, but the ridiculous amount of screen time this idiot’s over the top antics receives is offensive. Anakin Skywalker is strongly hinted to have been ‘conceived’ by the Force – a Jesus analogy as subtle as a slap in the face. Darth Maul is setup to be a major player, but is defeated in a really annoying way. Nitpicking here but, it’s never fully explained just how the Trade Federation has the legal right to blockade Naboo, and if they don’t, why Naboo doesn’t just hire some mercenaries and blow them all away.

Favourite Scene: The Jedi vs Sith lightsaber battle & anything with Senator Palpatine.

Rating: 2 Lukes

Star Wars: Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones

Released: 2002

Directed by: George Lucas

Written by: George Lucas

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman

Plot: Anakin Skywalker, now a Jedi Padawan, and his Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, investigate a Separatist assassination attempt on Senator Amidala which leads to the discovery of a secret Republican clone army. While assigned to Padmé as her bodyguard, Anakin declares his feelings for the young Senator and they begin a forbidden romance.

For: Tighter plotting than Menace. The Clone army idea is cool, including the origin of Boba Fett. Count Dooku is interesting. The sound of Slave I’s mines is one of the best in the series.The Jedi finally go wild!

Against: The so called ‘love story’ between Padme and Anakin is crap, and slightly creepy. Anakin is already clearly unhinged, his slaughter of the Sand People and obsession with Padme is evidence enough of this. The whole thing comes across as forced, stilted and unbelievable. Initially the fight between Dooku and Yoda is cool, but, for such a serious event, it does look quite comical.

Favourite Scene: Mace Windu ignites his lightsaber under Jango Fett’s chin and later fuels young Boba’s hatred of all Jedi by taking out dear old dad.

Rating: 2.5 Lukes

Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith

Released: 2005

Directed by: George Lucas

Written by: George Lucas

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman

Plot: After three years of fighting in the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker is now a hero of the Republic, but the machinations of Emperor Palpatine come to fruition and Anakin is drawn to the Dark Side of the Force, at the cost of his friendship with Obi Wan Kenobi and his marriage to Padme Amidala.

For: Best lightsaber battle in the series – the long awaited duel between Obi Wan and Anakin when both in their prime, & the magnificent score by John Williams. Palpatine’s plan all come to fruition with the corruption of Skywalker into his new apprentice Darth Vader, total power as the Emperor, and the destruction of the Jedi Order. The Force Off! (watch the lightsaber fight to see what I’m talking about).

Against: Noooooooo! And the way in which Obi Wan eventually defeats Anakin.

Favourite Scene: The entire lightsaber duel between Obi Wan & Anakin (except the climax).

Rating: 3 Lukes

Star Wars: Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi

Released: 1983 (original), 1997 (special edition)

Directed by: Richard Marquand

Written by: George Lucas & Lawrence Kasden

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher

Plot: The final chapter in the Star Wars Saga – After rescuing Han Solo from the palace of Jabba the Hutt, the Rebels attempt to destroy the Death Star II, while Luke Skywalker strives to bring his father back to the Light Side of the Force.

For: Luke kicks arse. The SFX are awesome for its time and Jabba still looks great today. Luke vs Vader round 2! Anakin redeemed. Slave costume Leia (sorry, but all you males are thinking the same thing!)

Against: The Ewoks are an insult – a race of teddy bears defeating the Empire is just stupid. Some people have suggested that it is a Vietnam analogy (primitive tactics and weaponry triumphant against supposedly superior firepower), but I disagree. To me it is nothing more than the most blatant merchandising scam ever put on film.

Favourite Scene: Luke strides into Jabba’s palace like he owns the place. The battle at the Sarlacc, & the confrontation in the Emperor’s Throne Room.

Rating: 3.5 Lukes

Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope

Released: 1977 (original), 1997 (special edition)

Directed by: George Lucas

Written by: George Lucas

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher

Plot: Orphaned Luke Skywalker leaves his home planet of Tatooine in the company of ‘Old Ben’ Kenobi, droids R2-D2 & C-3PO, and smugglers Han Solo & Chewbacca, in order to save Princess Leia from the evil clutches of Darth Vader and join up with the Rebel Alliance in their fight against the Empire.

For: The film that started it all. One of the, if not the, most influential Sci-Fi films of all time. A rollicking adventure that draws from the classics of storytelling to take the viewer on the ride of their life.

Against: The dialogue is quite bad at times (a constant throughout the series). The special edition version has the most annoying changes in all of the special editions – including the almost blasphemous ‘Greedo shoots first’ change, and the unbelievably fanboyish Boba Fett nod to the camera (who the hell is he nodding at!!!!).

Favourite Scene: There are too many to mention here, but highlights include the confrontation between Vader and Obi Wan, every scene Han Solo is in and the Trash Compactor scene.

Rating: 4.5 Lukes

Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back

Released: 1980 (original), 1997 (special edition)

Directed by: Irvin Kershner

Written by: Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasden & George Lucas

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher

Plot: After the destruction of their Death Star, the Empire ruthlessly crush the Rebel base on Hoth and pursue the survivors across the galaxy, Meanwhile, as Luke receives Jedi training from Yoda on Dagobah, Lord Vader captures his friends on Bespin in order to use them as bait to draw Luke to him and attempt to turn him to the Dark Side of the Force.

For: Not only the best of the Star Wars films, but also one of my favourite films of all time. A darker film that A New Hope, Empire forces our heroes into situations that look believably dangerous and not un-feasible that one of them might not make it. It also has one of the greatest ‘Holy Crap!’ moments in film and the 2nd best lightsaber duel. I have to stop here or I’ll be going on forever. Brilliant stuff.

Against: Nothing. Even the special edition didn’t annoy me.

Favourite Scene: Too many to list here, but I’ll single out the lightsaber duel and ‘The Revalation!’ & Han outmaneuvers the pursuing Imperial fleet and takes on the odds (3720 to 1) to lose them by going into an asteroid field.

Rating: 5 Lukes

Well there you have it, my opinion on the Star Wars Saga. Thank you for taking the time to read it. What do you think of my ratings and reasoning? Agree/Disagree? Let me know by leaving a comment. I’d love to hear from you.

Like all proud nerds I love stuff. Trading Cards, Action Figures, Movie posters etc. But I do have some absolute favourites and top of the list is my Green Goblin statue.

I first saw this awesome statue at Alternate Worlds in Melbourne and instantly fell in love. I didn’t have the funds to buy it at the time and vowed to return when I did. Unfortunately, by the time I returned it had been sold and, as it was a limited release, they couldn’t get another one in. Despite my disappointment I eventually gave up on ever getting it and eventually forgot about it. But my friend Richo didn’t! He managed to track one down, still factory sealed, and surprised me with it for my birthday. What a legend! It has been the centrepiece of my collection ever since.

The Green Goblin statue is from Sideshow Collectables and is ¼ scale polystone, fitted with cloth clothing and hand painted. As expected this sculpture is quite heavy, so I wouldn’t recommend placing it on a glass shelf. In fact its weight, size, and the presence of 2 very annoying cats, has made it a bit of a problem trying to find an appropriate place to display it. One day I’ll get a proper display case.

Like all Sideshow Collectable statues the quality is brilliant, and features great attention to detail, like the Goblin’s trademark grin, pumpkin bomb and leather bag. His notorious glider looks great, and connects to the sturdy base with an appropriate nameplate. I love this statue so much I refer to it by ‘Norman’. Weird I know.

Now I just need a ¼ scale Spidey to complete the set!

Some more pics of the Green Goblin statue:

*Disclaimer – I suck at taking pictures so I’m using some I found on the web. If you are the owner of these pictures and want them removed please contact me and I will do so.

Welcome to the sixth instalment of Dust Jacket, and the first of 5 reviews in five weeks highlighting this year’s Hugo Award nominees. We’re opening up Hugo month with a look at Lois McMaster Bujold’sCryoburn, book 14 in her highly praised Vorkosigan saga.

This week, my co-conspirator Luke is in control. So take it away, Luke!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Drugged and alone on the streets of Kabou-daini, Lord Miles Vorkosiganfinds himself trying to evade capture at the hands of a local terrorist cell. Only a few hours on the planet and already somebody wants him dead.

They’d have succeeded too, if not for the timely intervention of Jin Sato. Against his better judgement, the twelve-year-old takes the rambling madman to his sanctuary. As the drugs pass, Vorkosigan finds himself in the care of a boy whose mother disappeared under mysterious circumstances, who himself is in the reluctant care of Suze, a woman with connections to the cryocorps that keeps the planets economy afloat.

After Jin goes missing running a message to Vorkosigan’s embassy, Miles uses all the resources at his command to track the boy down. After all, he has suspicions that the disappearance of Jin’s mother may be tied up in Vorkosigan’s mission. The cryocorps of Kabou-daini have begun trading in the Barrayan Empire. Cryogenics is now a tradeable commodity. But where there’s commerce, there’s takeover. Emperor Gregor has dispatched his most trusted agent to investigate a threat to the empire. And Lord Vorkosigan, the Imperial Auditor, will put his life and those around him in danger to uncover such a conspiracy.

(more…)

WELCOME TO THE FIRST ANNUAL DUST JACKET HUGO AWARDS MONTH!

Beginning Wednesday, and for the next 5 weeks, your dedicated reviewers at Dust Jacket will be casting their eye over the 2011 Hugo Award nominees. 5 novels in 5 weeks, all leading up to the announcement of this year’s winner at Worldcon 2011 on August 20^th.

WHY REVIEW THE HUGO AWARD NOMINEES

Named after Science Fiction pioneer and Amazing Stories editor Hugo Gernsback, the Hugo Awards are the world’s preeminent literary SF awards. Established in 1953 and held annually since 1955, the Hugos are awarded for excellence in the field of science fiction and fantasy. In essence, the Hugo Awards are the Oscars of science fiction and fantasy literature.

The list of past winners of the Hugo Awards reads like a who’s who of SF literature – Arthur C Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, Orson Scott Card, Philip K. Dick, Roger Zelazny, Ursula K. Le Guin, William Gibson, Larry Niven.

Many of the genuine classics of the genre have won the award: Dune, The Demolished Man, Starship Troopers, Stranger in a Strange Land, Lord of Light, Ringworld, Ender’s Game. So far, we’ve reviewed 3 of the award winners both on the website and in our podcasts – The Dispossessed, RendezvousWith Rama and The Forever War. The Foundation Series, which we reviewed in our inaugural podcast, was also awarded a special Hugo for Best All-Time Series.

The Hugos are the most prestigious awards in science fiction literature, the best the genre has to offer. If we’re to compile the list of greatest SF novels of all time, it’s important not just to look at the classics, but search for modern masterpieces as well.

The Hugo Awards represent the best of the best. Let’s see how 2011 stacks up.

THE NOMINEES

Five novels have been nominated as the best Science Fiction of 2010-11. The nominees are:

Blackout/All Clearby Connie Willis

Feed by Mira Grant

The Dervish House by Ian McDonald

Cryoburn by Lois McMaster Bujold

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

THE REVIEWS

Our Hugo Award reviews will follow the same basic structure of all Dust Jacket reviews, with one additional feature thrown in for good measure; not only will we be reviewing the novels themselves, but we’ll look at what chance we think each novel has of taking home the big prize.

Once the winner is announced, we’ll follow up with a review of last year’s winning novels: The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi and The City and the City by China Mieville. How will 2011 stack up against the previous year’s Hugo winners?

BEHOLD…THE FUTURE

So join us on Wednesday as we launch into Hugo Awards Month with our review of Lois Bujold McMaster’s Cryoburn.

Welcome to the final installment of Spotlight On….Steven Spielberg. WARNING: Spoilers ahead!

A.I.

Released: 2001

Starring: Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O’Connor

Plot: A highly advanced robotic boy longs to become “real” so that he can regain the love of his human mother.

For: Great performances, moving story.

Against: The anti-robots carnival sequence goes on for far too long. Tone of the film jumps around a bit.

Favourite Scene: Thanks to some cool looking aliens, David finally has a day with his mother one last time.

Rating: 3.5 Lukes

MINORITY REPORT

Released: 2002

Starring: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Max Von Sydow

Plot: In a future where criminals are caught before they commit their crimes, one of the officers in the special Pre-Crime unit is accused of a crime and sets out to prove his innocence, and on the way discovers the dark secret at the heart of Pre-Crime method.

For: Great story/concept, visually awesome

Against: Painfully obvious that Burgess is the bad guy & the ending sucks – Burgess should have blown Anderton away.

Favourite Scene: Anderton and Agatha elude pursuit through the mall

Rating: 3.5 Lukes

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Released: 2002

Starring: Tom Hanks, Leonardo DeCaprio

Plot: Based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor.

For: Interesting story

Against: `Sara Lee’ product placement jars. The opening sequence is too long. I’ve seen these actors do better. More like a Ron Howard movie than Steven Spielberg. Because of this I skipped The Terminal.

Favourite Scene: Don’t really have one.

Rating: 1.5 Lukes

WAR OF THE WORLDS

Released: 2005

Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins

Plot: Deadbeat dad fights to keep his family alive as Martians invade Earth.

For: Martians/SFX look awesome. Acting quite good, especially Cruise and Fanning.

Against: Original 1953 movie much better. How the hell is the son alive at the end of the film when he clearly walks off to his death earlier? The happy ending really annoys me. I don’t mind a happy ending, but it has to make sense damn it!

Favourite Scene: The Martians arrive / the humans being harvested.

Rating: 2.5 Lukes

MUNICH

Released: 2005

Starring: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig

Plot: Based on the true story of the five men chosen to eliminate the ones responsible for the Black September terrorist attack.

For: The performances are top notch. Australia’s own Eric Bana! When is killing justified? What happens to your soul when you take another human being’s life?

Against: The scene where Avner’s group share a flat with a Palestinian group really jars. It attempts to show the audience that the Palestinians are people, with their own views but then shies away from giving an opinion of its own. It is a very clumsy and frustrating scene.

Favourite Scene: Avner crying at hearing his child’s voice over the phone.

Rating: 3.5 Lukes

INDIANA JONES and the KINGDOM of the CRYSTAL SKULL

Released: 2008

Starring: Harrison Ford, Shia LeBeouf, Cate Blanchet, Karen Allen

Plot: Archaeologist/Adventurer Dr. Indiana Jones is called back into action when he becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.

For: Indiana Jones is back! Marion! Cate Blanchet’s hilariously over the top accent. Sitting in a cinema as the iconic theme music blares from the speakers

Against: The fridge! Aliens. Mutt Williams. The Monkeys & the Tarzan-esque vine swinging. I could go on.

Favourite Scene: The warehouse fight & the first appearance of Marion.

Rating: 3 Lukes

And that brings us to the end of my series on the directorial endeavors of Mr Steven Spielberg. As mentioned in part #1, I may go over his producing credits at some stage but this is it for now.

What do you think? Was I too harsh on Crystal Skull? Is my admiration for Saving Private Ryan unjustified? Tell me your opinions, I’d love to read them.

Coming up next – In preparation for the upcoming release on Blu-ray I will be doing – Spotlight On….The Star Wars Saga! (Come on, the website is called Nerd Culture Podcast, so you had to have seen that coming!)