10s Movie Review - Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker

Director: J.J. Abrams
Genre: Science Fiction/ Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 142 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Mark Hamill, Ian McDiarmid, Lupita Nyong’o, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Billy Dee Williams, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Daniels, Greg Grunberg, Dominic Monaghan, Keri Russell

Description: The surviving members of the resistance face the First Order again, and the legendary conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its peaks bringing the Skywalker saga to its end.

Review: The resurrected Emperor Palpatine recruits Kylo Ren to restore his empire. Jedi-apprentice Rey and her rebel friends are the only ones tat can stop them.
In 2015 director J.J. Abrams had a challenge. He had the tough task to bring new life to the Star Wars franchise. And he managed with “Star Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens”. And in my opinion the second film in this trilogy, directed by Rian Johnson, was also good and I really liked it (I know this is an unpopular opinion).
For the finale, Abrams returns, but “Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” is not as sleek as its predecessors. The story goes by so fast and important plot development hardly have any time to settle in.
A lot that happens isn’t that new or original, “Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” stays in its comfort zone. The story plays a lot with family bonds and many elements are expected and predictable.
But the heart of the series hasn’t gone and I did enjoy this film. The emotional connection between Rey and Kylo Ren is strong and the moments where Abrams decided to focus on his characters are the best. And the film again looks fantastic, visually it’s great.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

80s Review - Star Wars Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Director: Richard Marquand
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 1983
Starring: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Peter Mayhew, Frank Oz, James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Alec Guinness

Description: After a daring mission to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from Jaba the Hutt, the Rebels dispatch to Endor to destroy the second Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke (Mark Hamill) struggle to help Darth Vader back from the dark side without falling into the Emperor’s trap.

Review: To start off, this is my least favorite of the original three “Star Wars” films, but by no means do I hate this movie. I love anything “Star Wars”.
This was, at the time, the last chapter in the “Star Wars” saga. And it is for most people their least favorite and it’s noticeable not the best in this series. When it comes to the story, the characters and the setting, it’s just as good as the other two. But those Ewoks really bring this film down. And although they look pretty adorable, they are actually a bit creepy and annoying and take all the tempo out of the film.
That final fight between Luke, Darth Vader and the Emperor is really cool and this is what all “Star Wars” fans want. And this fight has many layers, since it’s between a father and son. They are trying to get Luke to join the dark side, but Luke still knows there is something good in his father and he tries to do the opposite. Luke is a Jedi now, he has come a long way since the first film.
“Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” is a great end to a wonderful saga, which we all know eventually continued, but it tied all these storylines together and rounded them off. It’s the least of all three, but still a joy to watch.

Rating: 4/ 5

80s Movie Review - Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Director: Irvin Kerschner
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Fantasy
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 1980
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Alec Guinness, Jeremy Bulloch, John Hollis, Jack Purvis, Des Webb, Clive Revill

Description: After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.

Review: The rebels have found the perfect hiding place on ice planet Hoth. The location is discovered by Darth Vader anyway and he attacks the planet. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca and Princess Leia manage to escape. Luke goes to planet Dagobah to train with master Yoda, to become a Jedi. Han, Chewbacca and Leia go to Han’s friend Lando for help.
The second film in the first “Star Wars” trilogy is probably the most popular one of all and seen as the best film of the franchise. The atmosphere is darker, there is more action and no unnecessary side plots. There is a love story here, between Han and Leia, but it never dominates the story.
It still amazes me, after so many years and so many viewings. This world created by George Lucas. I really wished I came up with all this. “Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” is a fantastic film and a must see. Not just for movie fans, for everyone.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 17: Brian's Song

Director: Buzz Kulik
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 73 minutes
Year: 1971
Starring: James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden

Description: Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.

Review: If you want a story where a friendship inspires you, you must see “Brian’s Song”. It’s a really good film, it’s actually a made for TV movie.
We see how football players Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo meet each other and become friends. The two are very different. Brian is an overachieving loud mouthed man. Gale is a gifted and shy man. They go through a lot together.
James Caan and Billy Dee Williams were both upcoming stars when this movie came out. The story is powerful, relatable and touching. You come to like the two friends and I bet you will tear up in the end.
“Brian’s Song” is probably one of the best made for TV movies.

Rating: 4/ 5