REVENGE OF THE SITH

We all know what I did this morning, I saw the last installment of the Star Wars Saga and I enjoyed it.

I have been following the progress of this movie like no other. Lucas Film allowed fans an in-depth and up to date coverage of the making of this movie, more so than any other movie (in history I'm sure). In June, 2003 starwars.com started the on set webcam (for paying members only), from there there's been a plethora of information and spoilers on a daily basis so the movie itself was no surprise for me, it does mean I have been 'enjoying' this movie for almost 2 years (and counting).

I should talk about the movie itself though... it's like no other Star Wars movie, it's hard to describe but they managed to cram a lot in (and leave quite a bit on the cutting room floor, but you'll have to check out the DVD in November for those bits). There are more planets seen in this one movie than in all of the other 5 put together. I think it's going to be best for me to just 'cut and paste' some reviews I have read :)

"The Washington Post praises director George Lucas not only for the remarkable special effects in the film but for his willingness to address the fundamental question, "What makes man evil?"

"It's a tribute to the power and durability of the universe Lucas and company created in the first three Star Wars movies that we want to see this episode despite the tedium of the previous two and despite knowing exactly what will happen in it."

Lots of reviews pan the dialog and acting. I have always loved a quote from Harrison Ford from the set of the original Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope) in regards to the dialog:

"George, you can write this shit, but you can't say it."

To me the Star Wars Saga is a 'Space Opera' with an intricate weaving of motifs, fundamental issues and mythology set amongst a fantastical galaxy far, far away... and I like it.

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THE LION KING

Kristin & I went to see The Lion King stage show last Saturday night. We were out to celebrate out wedding anniversary and it was a nice way to do it. I enjoyed the show but there were some small elements that would either let my expectation down or just annoy me.

From all I had seen (or perceived) before hand, I was expecting about 30 or 40 actors on stage as a whole range of animals from the African countryside... instead it was about half what I thought and so to me it seemed a little empty at times. Then there was the interspersed 'interpretive dance' segments, need I say more?! The 'players' with the birds on poles had little chinaman hats on?!?! ...and the silly American accents for the cubs and hyenas (some animals had African accents, two had English), I know this all comes from the cartoon but we could make an improvement here and there considering the majority of the cast is either an Australian or New Zealander.

It was fun and if you love some native African singing and liked the movie, I recommend it. If you have never heard of 'Hakuna Matata' you could give it a miss. Highlights are the well known songs Circle of Life, I Just Can't Wait to Be King and Can You Feel the Love Tonight

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