Well, after sitting in almost two hours of traffic on the 55 South, I was finally able to relieve Emperor Wandrey from the night shift at around 8:45 AM. I thought I'd try to be as productive as possible, so I brought down a bottle of 409 to clean up after everyone (seriously, did you guys all throw up on the T.V. and refrigerator, or is it just my imagination) and my research paper, which is due this Friday, so I could work on it down there.
The paper was going well until some retard thought it would be a swell idea to blast "(I Hate) Everything About You" by Three Days Grace, over and over, as loud as possible until his speakers sounded like they were about to explode. Now, don't get me wrong... I like my music as loud as the next guy, but not at 9 in the freaking morning when people are still trying to sleep. However, if you insist on blasting your music so the whole world can hear it, at least change up the song for crying out loud.
But I digress.
Met one of our tent-neighbors, Ralph, and talked with him about life, his job, the campout, and people who play their music too loud, before he had to go to work up in Seal Beach. Now that's a fun drive. Ryan stopped by for a quick visit, since he was in the neighborhood for work. After he left, I met my friend Stan, who works nearby, over at Hard Rock for lunch, where our waitress appeared to have been sniffing glue just prior to serving us.
Meanwhile, back at the campsite, a camper whose name I can't remember for the life of me was diligently working to correct our collective power situation. Amazingly enough, it seems that rigging up dozens of televisions, stereos, fridges, lights, space heaters and video game consoles, all on the same circuit breaker, will result in certain undesirable things like oh, I don't know, a blackout to the movie theater in the middle of a business day. Thankfully, this intrepid camper took it upon himself to re-route everyone's power strips so that they were allocated to several different power sources. This way, Big Newport doesn't have any more blackouts, and we get to avoid spending our last week reading books while shivering in the dark. Whoever you are, resident camper electrician guy, I salute you.
I was soon joined by the Emperor, Novi Wan, and later Chewdumma (that would be Nate), who despite my best attempts to lead him to the Dark Side, remained strong in the Force and refused to watch any of the movie spoilers contained in the Episode III Playstation 2 game. Novi Wan's girlfriend's kid brother and Padawan Learner, Jamey, came down to check out the action at the campout. Jamey proceeded to take on Nate at the video game, and gave Nate what can only be described as the mother of all shellackings. Nate then cried himself to sleep on his huge pillow.
As day turned into night, more and more moviegoers and looky-loo's wandered past our campsite, reading our FAQ's and asking us questions. One old man with a cane mumbled that he respected our dedication, "even for something totally immature, ridiculous, and asinine." I smiled and said "thanks... I think" as he then hobbled away.
Just as I was about to leave, two girls asked to interview us on video for a news service that Sprint PCS is doing. Should be interesting. I am especially looking forward to the part where Renee (Ryan's pregnant wife) berates him for saving his childhood Star Wars toys, and calls him a nerd on film for saying that he would go to the Star Wars Convention were he not married. This is interview gold, people. We'll keep you posted on when and how you can see that interview (they said it might be syndicated, so who knows), and whether or not Ryan and Renee's child ultimately turns out to be a Star Wars fan.
May 12, 2005
Helpful Hints from the Admiral- #1
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When I was a child, I would go to Toy City every weekend with my allowance and buy a Star Wars action figure. By the time they went off the market, I had amassed a large assortment of all the main characters, and had bought several stormtroopers because how could I fight an intergalactic battle, the Empire against the Rebellion, with only one stormtrooper? I mean, come on. It doesn't make sense. But, the imagination is only so powerful, and there comes a time for change to add a little more tangibility to playtime.
For all you kids who are tired of recreating battles between the forces of good and evil on the floral pattern of your mother's couch, or running around on the grass, losing figures in the process, the time has come to be dazzled by a wonderfully new terrain where "The Empire Strikes Back" can come to life.
Have you ever thrown away the styrofoam protectors that come with electronic equipment? Of course you have... we all have. Stop right this instant, friend. What that white protective substance can do for your imagination is beyond belief! With the different grooves, openings, and holes, you have the ability to recreate the epic battle for Hoth. Live in the moment as you position your characters in the control room, trying to decode the Imperial probe droid's message; watch Han and the Princess defy their love again and again in the cold hallways of the base; hear the agony of the blasters and the fateful scream: "Imperial troops have entered the base. Imperial troops have entered the base. Imperial troops have..."
Now, I know this kind of information is priceless, but today, I give it freely to you. Just promise that you will go out and buy a large appliance or electronic gadget, so you too can have the magic of Hoth come to life in your living room.
For all you kids who are tired of recreating battles between the forces of good and evil on the floral pattern of your mother's couch, or running around on the grass, losing figures in the process, the time has come to be dazzled by a wonderfully new terrain where "The Empire Strikes Back" can come to life.
Have you ever thrown away the styrofoam protectors that come with electronic equipment? Of course you have... we all have. Stop right this instant, friend. What that white protective substance can do for your imagination is beyond belief! With the different grooves, openings, and holes, you have the ability to recreate the epic battle for Hoth. Live in the moment as you position your characters in the control room, trying to decode the Imperial probe droid's message; watch Han and the Princess defy their love again and again in the cold hallways of the base; hear the agony of the blasters and the fateful scream: "Imperial troops have entered the base. Imperial troops have entered the base. Imperial troops have..."
Now, I know this kind of information is priceless, but today, I give it freely to you. Just promise that you will go out and buy a large appliance or electronic gadget, so you too can have the magic of Hoth come to life in your living room.
The Return of the Dorks, er... Jedi?!?!?
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So, here I am last night around 7:30, taking my girlfriend's brother James (my "padawan" learner) down to Big Newport because we were informed of a "light saber class/demonstration" that was to be graciously put on by the Orange County Star Wars society. When we arrived our crew was inside the tent playing the Episode III game. The Star Wars society wasn't there yet, so James sat down to learn how to play the games. After a few seconds of instruction from Jarhead Binks (Alex), Nate, and others, James set about to obliterate all takers. Nate soon was getting frustrated for losing repeatedly to an eleven year old.
But still no Star Wars society.
Jarhead Binks and myself were interviewed for about half an hour by some people for Sprint and a new cell phone news service they have going on, so that was cool. Still, 9:00 came and went, and still no Star Wars society! So, with a heavy heart, James left Big Newport with his dad to get ready for another day of school.
Finally, around 10:00 (over 2 hours late!) the first of the dorks, er... Jedi... showed up! After taking a couple of laps around the camp to announce their presence, the 8 Jedi lined up in front of Big Newport to show us how it's done! I'm not sure if it was disappointment or the look of "what the heck are these people doing?!?!" on the faces of the people at the campout. I guess when you hear the term "class" you expect some sort of information, instruction, or at least a vein display of skill. What we saw were four sets of Jedi slapping their $150-$180 dollar (they made a point to tell all of us how much their CUSTOM light sabers cost!) at each other for about ten or fifteen seconds, then they had to take a ten minute water break because they were winded!! I can't tell you how thankful I was that James was not there to see that! I'm not saying that either him or myself are masters at this stuff, but we fight, come up with moves with the $10 dollar plastic sabers and have a good time. These people can't fight (if that's what you want to call it) for more than a minute without having to be toweled off or hosed down!
But from out of the ashes, a hope arose.
Now normally, you don't pray for a Sith to come out of hiding to lay waste to some "Jedi", but we did, and we were not disappointed!! Anakin Scottwalker, without regard for his own safety, took one for the team. As the Jedi "fights" (sissy slapping) continued, Scottwalker casually strolled around the corner of the tent, unhooked the Dark Lord of the Sith from his perch, grabbed a red light saber, and with Darth Vader providing cover, ScottWalker steeled his resolve and charged into the frey with a hellacious battle cry! When it was all over, the Jedi were winded...big surprise, and ScottWalker emerged victorious with only minor wounds to his Saber hand. So, a special thanks goes out to ScottWalker for ending the evening on a good note. Aside from that, that was one of the quietest nights I have ever experienced at Big Newport. No eggs, no honking, nothing. Thank you Anakin Scottwalker for making the evening a success!!!
But still no Star Wars society.
Jarhead Binks and myself were interviewed for about half an hour by some people for Sprint and a new cell phone news service they have going on, so that was cool. Still, 9:00 came and went, and still no Star Wars society! So, with a heavy heart, James left Big Newport with his dad to get ready for another day of school.
Finally, around 10:00 (over 2 hours late!) the first of the dorks, er... Jedi... showed up! After taking a couple of laps around the camp to announce their presence, the 8 Jedi lined up in front of Big Newport to show us how it's done! I'm not sure if it was disappointment or the look of "what the heck are these people doing?!?!" on the faces of the people at the campout. I guess when you hear the term "class" you expect some sort of information, instruction, or at least a vein display of skill. What we saw were four sets of Jedi slapping their $150-$180 dollar (they made a point to tell all of us how much their CUSTOM light sabers cost!) at each other for about ten or fifteen seconds, then they had to take a ten minute water break because they were winded!! I can't tell you how thankful I was that James was not there to see that! I'm not saying that either him or myself are masters at this stuff, but we fight, come up with moves with the $10 dollar plastic sabers and have a good time. These people can't fight (if that's what you want to call it) for more than a minute without having to be toweled off or hosed down!
But from out of the ashes, a hope arose.
Now normally, you don't pray for a Sith to come out of hiding to lay waste to some "Jedi", but we did, and we were not disappointed!! Anakin Scottwalker, without regard for his own safety, took one for the team. As the Jedi "fights" (sissy slapping) continued, Scottwalker casually strolled around the corner of the tent, unhooked the Dark Lord of the Sith from his perch, grabbed a red light saber, and with Darth Vader providing cover, ScottWalker steeled his resolve and charged into the frey with a hellacious battle cry! When it was all over, the Jedi were winded...big surprise, and ScottWalker emerged victorious with only minor wounds to his Saber hand. So, a special thanks goes out to ScottWalker for ending the evening on a good note. Aside from that, that was one of the quietest nights I have ever experienced at Big Newport. No eggs, no honking, nothing. Thank you Anakin Scottwalker for making the evening a success!!!
May 11, 2005
The Saga begins....tomorrow night!?!
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Tomorrow (Thursday) we kick off the countdown to Episode 3 by watching Star Wars: A New Hope. This will start the 6 night marathon of showing the saga on a large screen outside the Cantina. We will also be having some others activities to go along with the movies. So, here is the schedule... bring someone special to share this once in a lifetime experience with, and don't forget your popcorn!!
Thursday May 12 - Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope
Friday May 13 - Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back and "Star Wars Poker night"
Saturday May 14 - BBQ!! and Star Wars Episode 6: Return of the Jedi
Sunday May 15 - Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Trivial Pursuit
Monday May 16 - Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones
Tuesday May 17 - Star Wars: Clone Wars Volumes 1&2 and Star Wars roundtable discussion & Last night "toast" at Muldoons!!
The movies will begin no later than 8:30 pm and you don't want to miss any of the festivities because this is the last time this will ever happen again!! I'm serious! You will regret it....
Thursday May 12 - Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope
Friday May 13 - Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back and "Star Wars Poker night"
Saturday May 14 - BBQ!! and Star Wars Episode 6: Return of the Jedi
Sunday May 15 - Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Trivial Pursuit
Monday May 16 - Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones
Tuesday May 17 - Star Wars: Clone Wars Volumes 1&2 and Star Wars roundtable discussion & Last night "toast" at Muldoons!!
The movies will begin no later than 8:30 pm and you don't want to miss any of the festivities because this is the last time this will ever happen again!! I'm serious! You will regret it....
Day 3 - "Star Wars is HOT!"
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As far as I know, nothing out of the ordinary took place yesterday. Well, if you call ordinary watching an all female camera crew sift through the freaks, geeks, and your all-around garden variety no-lives sitting in line for a movie; a guy in a black trench-coat, t-shirt and Doc Martens, walking around with a girl that could be his sister whose wearing a large mop of hair in a frizzed mesh of sweat and hairspray, glasses, and a distinct line of foundation acting as a mask instead of makeup; two schmucks running around the parking lot: one carrying a blue lightsaber, slightly overweight, and Sketchers; the other, tall and awkward, carrying a red lightsaber and wearing strap-on sandals as their friend whirls around in almost a dance of different angles, carrying (or dropping) his camera, while the two untrained, uncoordinated, not entirely sober, dullards fight in the parking lot with honking patrons exiting the theatre, and the pitying screams of Newport Beach sluts driving their Mercedes SUV, wearing their Uggs with skirts and probably no underwear, yelling: "Star Wars is HOT!!"
If that is ordinary, than I am apple pie, turkey dinner, and a hamburger all together. No, not American: ordinary! And yes, I probably look a little like that three course meal above (and I may have eaten said meal before). But, the fascination of this line continues to grow for me. The different walks of life are staggering to hear about and enticing to make fun of, and I will not stop.
I will admit publicly my two biggest regrets. One: apologizing for a stupid prank in front of my college group at church (all around loser for doing it and being guilted into it). Two: Not staying to see Episode I six years ago after camping out for it. Three words: parents & failing math. What can I say? Math has done shit for me now and I assume it will do nothing for me later. Boldly and Sincerely: I am an idiot for missing it. I wish I could turn back time, tell my parents to cram it, and sit in the greatest theatre west of the Mississippi with my dear friends.
If there is anyway to be redeemed, I would love to discuss it. Otherwise, day three: That's Hot.
If that is ordinary, than I am apple pie, turkey dinner, and a hamburger all together. No, not American: ordinary! And yes, I probably look a little like that three course meal above (and I may have eaten said meal before). But, the fascination of this line continues to grow for me. The different walks of life are staggering to hear about and enticing to make fun of, and I will not stop.
I will admit publicly my two biggest regrets. One: apologizing for a stupid prank in front of my college group at church (all around loser for doing it and being guilted into it). Two: Not staying to see Episode I six years ago after camping out for it. Three words: parents & failing math. What can I say? Math has done shit for me now and I assume it will do nothing for me later. Boldly and Sincerely: I am an idiot for missing it. I wish I could turn back time, tell my parents to cram it, and sit in the greatest theatre west of the Mississippi with my dear friends.
If there is anyway to be redeemed, I would love to discuss it. Otherwise, day three: That's Hot.
May 10, 2005
Day 2 - Better than your average Monday.
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Besides the already exciting and annoying Sunday night / Monday morning sleeping adventure the day was pretty mundane. Most of us went off to work or school while Novi-wan held down the fort. There was the usual photographer presence throuhout the day and the curious gawkers but nothing to waste bandwidth on. The night always brings excitement and the anticipation of potential drive-by egging and balloonings. We are definitely prepared though, and even when there was a tan Pathfinder loaded with kids who thought they were being clever and original by throwing eggs we were on the spot to chase them down with eggs in hand to retaliate. The power did go out for most of the campout and it turns out that when you have fridges, TV's, heaters, and lights all plugged into one source the breakers don't take to kindly!! Our site was luckily tapped into a working power source and the Cantina remained open for business. The lull of the work week carries on and the anticipation for the weekend (and more importantly Ep.3) builds!!
Well, At Least We Got Something
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I guess Scottwalker's deep thoughts on philosophy and hidden meanings in the Force and my uneloquent rantings about friendship and childhood, Noviwan's life-long obsession with Star Wars, Grand Moff Elliot and Darth Jewy's Force strong partnership, and Jarhead's marriage counseling session were not good enough to be included.
At least Emperor Wandrey's sex life is safely protected and not plastered across the news.
A big thank you to the Register for covering the campout. Too bad sex and high schoolers who are camping out for the first freaking time are the only thing that sells.
I tried to include a link to the story, but you need a login name and password, so here it is:
Login: SWCampers
Password: ylcantina
Then follow the link above and go to the local section.
Hey, at least they advertised our blog for us. Arrgghh! Honestly, wasn't it Jarhead who got this whole thing going? I guess we were too normal for the reading public of Orange County: guys who work, are married or dating attractive women, live well, and do not skip school.
Oh freakin' well.
At least Emperor Wandrey's sex life is safely protected and not plastered across the news.
A big thank you to the Register for covering the campout. Too bad sex and high schoolers who are camping out for the first freaking time are the only thing that sells.
I tried to include a link to the story, but you need a login name and password, so here it is:
Login: SWCampers
Password: ylcantina
Then follow the link above and go to the local section.
Hey, at least they advertised our blog for us. Arrgghh! Honestly, wasn't it Jarhead who got this whole thing going? I guess we were too normal for the reading public of Orange County: guys who work, are married or dating attractive women, live well, and do not skip school.
Oh freakin' well.
May 09, 2005
Dealing With the Dark Side
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There are always moments when we allow our focus to stray, when the temptations of the Dark Side are strong, and the momentum to keep going can ware on even the greatest of Jedi's.
During the setup of our Cantina, one of our faithful, but poorly astute followers forgot a device of power that gives life to one of the Cantina's most essential features: the TV. I will simply call this soft-brained individual "Chewdumma". After much debate and berating, even a few lovely f-bomb droppings, the Emperor and I, men of position and foresight, drove deep into the North County System, retrieved the remote, stopped by Wendy's to power up, and headed back to the Cantina in lightspeed. But, when the Dark Side of the Force has been meddled with once, it can happen again.
Late in the evening, when the temperature dropped low enough to freeze a Tonton, the Emperor, Noviwan, and I were awakened several times by the scruffy looking gondarks. But, the time that sent us into a Hoth like panic was when the screams reached our tent: SPRINKLERS!!!!!! I instantly jumped up in my Admiral skivies, unzipped the tent, and ran out to find our Cantina safe and sound. Water was attacking many of the other campers, their equipment, and their spirits. But thank the maker, we were alright.
This goes to show, no matter how much bantha fodder is thrown, those who trust in the Force will never turn to dark side and will always be protected.
During the setup of our Cantina, one of our faithful, but poorly astute followers forgot a device of power that gives life to one of the Cantina's most essential features: the TV. I will simply call this soft-brained individual "Chewdumma". After much debate and berating, even a few lovely f-bomb droppings, the Emperor and I, men of position and foresight, drove deep into the North County System, retrieved the remote, stopped by Wendy's to power up, and headed back to the Cantina in lightspeed. But, when the Dark Side of the Force has been meddled with once, it can happen again.
Late in the evening, when the temperature dropped low enough to freeze a Tonton, the Emperor, Noviwan, and I were awakened several times by the scruffy looking gondarks. But, the time that sent us into a Hoth like panic was when the screams reached our tent: SPRINKLERS!!!!!! I instantly jumped up in my Admiral skivies, unzipped the tent, and ran out to find our Cantina safe and sound. Water was attacking many of the other campers, their equipment, and their spirits. But thank the maker, we were alright.
This goes to show, no matter how much bantha fodder is thrown, those who trust in the Force will never turn to dark side and will always be protected.
Day 1 - The campout begins!!
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Well, we have successfully acquired the coveted corner spot on the lawn and set up our "Cantina".
The line up began Sun. around 12 pm and the Admiral, Novi-wan, and Darth Jewy pulled up some grass and soaked up the rays waiting for our 5 o'clock start time. The Register was on hand to interview and photo our progress. All 6 members of the council as well as others were on hand to erect the greatest Star Wars campout headquarters ever imagined!! 6-man tent, 13x9 canopy, TV, PS2, Fridge, Microwave, Floral print couch, and so much Star Wars decor that it should not be allowed!! We have definately gone all out. It was a long night as the Admiral, Novi-wan and myself tried to get some sleep around midnight but the excitement and roving geeks with conversations that ranged from Iranian women to the hatred for Lucas was enough to keep us up well into the early morn'. 9 days to go, the fun is being had and it is only going to get better!! Don't forget to check the photobucket!!
The line up began Sun. around 12 pm and the Admiral, Novi-wan, and Darth Jewy pulled up some grass and soaked up the rays waiting for our 5 o'clock start time. The Register was on hand to interview and photo our progress. All 6 members of the council as well as others were on hand to erect the greatest Star Wars campout headquarters ever imagined!! 6-man tent, 13x9 canopy, TV, PS2, Fridge, Microwave, Floral print couch, and so much Star Wars decor that it should not be allowed!! We have definately gone all out. It was a long night as the Admiral, Novi-wan and myself tried to get some sleep around midnight but the excitement and roving geeks with conversations that ranged from Iranian women to the hatred for Lucas was enough to keep us up well into the early morn'. 9 days to go, the fun is being had and it is only going to get better!! Don't forget to check the photobucket!!
May 08, 2005
Response to the Emperor
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This is not only the final chapter of Star Wars, this is the final chapter of many relationships. Honestly, many of us have been or will be getting married in a few years time. Higher education, our Government, Job Advancement, Children: all of these are factors that will draw upon us and prioritize our lives, inevitably drawing some of us apart for years, decades at a time.
Soak this time up. Talk with someone at length and find out what their dreams are, someone you may not talk to again for a very long time after the curtains close on Episode III.
I don't mean to sound like a downer, but this is life. We are in it and there is nothing to do but accept it and make the best of it.
This campout will kick major ass because it must, because it is the last time all of us will camp out for anything dear to each one of us again (unless they release The Passion in 3D).
May God bless all of us as we enjoy and soak up one of the most important movies ever made. And I mean that from the depths of my soul.
May the Force be with you.
Soak this time up. Talk with someone at length and find out what their dreams are, someone you may not talk to again for a very long time after the curtains close on Episode III.
I don't mean to sound like a downer, but this is life. We are in it and there is nothing to do but accept it and make the best of it.
This campout will kick major ass because it must, because it is the last time all of us will camp out for anything dear to each one of us again (unless they release The Passion in 3D).
May God bless all of us as we enjoy and soak up one of the most important movies ever made. And I mean that from the depths of my soul.
May the Force be with you.
May 07, 2005
The Eve....
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As I sit here at my desk staring at my row of Revenge Of The Sith figures I think back to campouts of old....100's of people, new friends, dorks with trenchcoats and sabers, morons who heckle, a theatre jam-packed, and of course - "OK DEWEY!!"
I am left with questions. Of which all will be answered within a 10 day period. Before we go tomorrow and set up camp in front of a theatre I pose these queries...
1. Will this campout meet and exceed expectations?
2. Are you too old and busy to fully give in and get lost in the magic of this event?
3. Will the movie live up to your expectations? (To elaborate on that question - We are all SW fans and I think Lucas could put a lightsaber next to a piece of fecal matter and we would love it. The question pertains to whether or not the expectations you have for what needs to happen in this Episode.)
Last question...
4. What will you do to make this experience worthy of the Jedi archives?
The truck is packed, the tickets are in hand, and my wife knows it's GO time!!
I am left with questions. Of which all will be answered within a 10 day period. Before we go tomorrow and set up camp in front of a theatre I pose these queries...
1. Will this campout meet and exceed expectations?
2. Are you too old and busy to fully give in and get lost in the magic of this event?
3. Will the movie live up to your expectations? (To elaborate on that question - We are all SW fans and I think Lucas could put a lightsaber next to a piece of fecal matter and we would love it. The question pertains to whether or not the expectations you have for what needs to happen in this Episode.)
A. Is the connection between this Episode and A New Hope seamless?
B. Is Anakin's fall believable?
C. Do the ramblings in Attack of the Clones about Sifo Dyas and the background of the Clone order get resolved?
D. How badass is Palpatine?
E. How badass is Grievous? So far the Clone War 'toons have built him up to be one bad mother!!)
F. Will the relationship between Obi-wan and Anakin dissolve so badly that the duel at the end is understood?
G. Does the new HaydenVader look and feel like the ProwseVader from the old
trilogy?
H. Does this film make Ep. 1 & 2 better?
Last question...
4. What will you do to make this experience worthy of the Jedi archives?
The truck is packed, the tickets are in hand, and my wife knows it's GO time!!
R2D2 Is Coming!!!
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I just received word from my neighbor with the custom R2 D2, that he will be joining us on Saturday night to show off the droid with heart. That would be a great time for anybody to bring kids down or anybody that wants to see a lifesize, fully functional R2 unit.
May 06, 2005
IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS...
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Some of us may or may not have heard about that little Canadian boy who was has been whirling his lightsaber for the past few years. So, if you want to read about it or see him doing it, here you go:
http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,59757,00.html (STORY)
http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,58881,00.html (VIDEO)
http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,59757,00.html (STORY)
http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,58881,00.html (VIDEO)
Cast Your Vote
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Gentlemen,
George Lucas has been nominated for AOL's "The Greatest American." Here is our oppotunity to give back to the man who gave us the greatest story of our youth, friendships with actions figures, and a reason to fall in love with films and filmmaking. You could vote for Abraham Lincoln or John Edwards (WTF!!! He's about as worthy for this award as Hulk Hogan), or for one of the greatest visionaries of the twentieth century. Yeah Edison and Einstein were cool too, but come on: did either of them create a wookie?
If you don't vote for Lucas, you're a nerfherder. It's not like the damn thing means anything, anyways. It's AOL.
http://tv.channel.aol.com/greatestamerican
George Lucas has been nominated for AOL's "The Greatest American." Here is our oppotunity to give back to the man who gave us the greatest story of our youth, friendships with actions figures, and a reason to fall in love with films and filmmaking. You could vote for Abraham Lincoln or John Edwards (WTF!!! He's about as worthy for this award as Hulk Hogan), or for one of the greatest visionaries of the twentieth century. Yeah Edison and Einstein were cool too, but come on: did either of them create a wookie?
If you don't vote for Lucas, you're a nerfherder. It's not like the damn thing means anything, anyways. It's AOL.
http://tv.channel.aol.com/greatestamerican
May 05, 2005
Speaking of poop...
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My last post actually reminded me of the laugh-fest we had last night at school, revisiting what is probably the funniest sketch in the history of Late Night With Conan O'Brian: Triumph the Comic Insult Dog vs. the Star Wars Campers. Guaranteed to make you pee your pants.
My favorite line: "Which of these buttons calls your parents to come pick you up?"
Classic stuff... FOR ME TO POOP ON!!!
My favorite line: "Which of these buttons calls your parents to come pick you up?"
Classic stuff... FOR ME TO POOP ON!!!
Daily Variety validates Episode III
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I'm emerging from my weeklong, reclusive, Howard Hughes-like state (law school finals... who knew you actually had to study) to bring good news to the faithful: Daily Variety has penned a review of Episode III, and it's even better than they expected...
The Force returns with most of its original power regained in "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith." Concluding entry in George Lucas' second three-pack of space epics teems with action, drama and spectacle, and even supplies the odd surge of emotion, as young Anakin Skywalker goes over to the Dark Side, and the stage is set for the generation of stories launched by the original "Star Wars" 28 years ago. Whatever one thought of the previous two installments, this dynamic picture irons out most of the problems, and emerges as the best in the overall series since "The Empire Strikes Back."
Before I comment, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alex. I am a huge Star Wars fan. However, I admittedly belong to the small fan contingent that thinks Episode I was a craptastic crap-fest of a disaster that I guess you could also call a movie (yes, you all can stone me at the campout). As far as the early reviews were concerned, lots of fans criticized the press for all their negativity towards the movie. And you know what? They were dead on. I mean, Midichlorians? Jar-Jar Binks? Jake "I can't even act like a freaking ten year old" Lloyd? I know I'm sounding like moviepoopshoot.com, but come on, do I really need to continue?
The press wasn't far off in its assessment of Episode II, either. They basically said it was much better, but still not quite on par with the original three. I watched it, loved it, but tended to agree with their verdict.
That said, the above review, as well as Kevin Smith's review (see below) and basically all of the media chatter thus far all say the same thing: this movie more than makes up for the last two. I got a warm fuzzy feeling inside when Episode III got a PG-13 rating (and I've seen pictures that convince me it is well deserved), and the earlier plot spoilers make it sound like Lucas removed his head from his anus long enough to write a surprisingly good script. It's looking like this is going to be one to remember...
Given the general awareness of what's going to happen, it's up to Lucas to make it exciting. Despite fans' varying degrees of loss of faith that set in with "Menace" and "Clones," most will be inspired enough to believe again.Here's hoping...
May 03, 2005
Less than a week away...
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We are officially less than a week away from the start of the campout and the Ep.3 promotions are in full effect!! Coming out this week are 2 of the best and most coveted Revenge of the Sith items (links provided) before the movie premieres -
The Soundtrack for the film which not only includes music orchestrated by the great John Williams but is bundled with a DVD that will have over 75 minutes of music videos to create a "musical journey" through the Star Wars saga!! No Limewiring or iTuning for me - this will be the one and only CD purchase I will need to make this year. CD drops Tuesday May 3. If you have Quicktime you can check out a music video at the official site.
Star Wars Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith : The video game, comes out on Thursday May 5 and promises to be the "Ultimate Jedi Action Experience". It walks you through the movie timeline and features the voice and motion capture from the stars, stunt coordinator Nick Gillard's lightsaber fights, and you can play as Anakin or Obi-wan!! This game will definately be down at the campout.
In addition to those items to spend your hard earned dollars on, check out Time magazine as they once again feature a Star Wars film. It is on newsstands now.
Of course if you want more Star Wars stuff than all you have to do is get out of your house because there is stuff everywhere - toys, books, and my 2 favorites - Cheez-its and
"M-pire" M&M's!!
Lastly for those of you with your head stuck in your ass - the Campout starts this Sunday May 8th at 5 pm!! See you there...
The Soundtrack for the film which not only includes music orchestrated by the great John Williams but is bundled with a DVD that will have over 75 minutes of music videos to create a "musical journey" through the Star Wars saga!! No Limewiring or iTuning for me - this will be the one and only CD purchase I will need to make this year. CD drops Tuesday May 3. If you have Quicktime you can check out a music video at the official site.
Star Wars Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith : The video game, comes out on Thursday May 5 and promises to be the "Ultimate Jedi Action Experience". It walks you through the movie timeline and features the voice and motion capture from the stars, stunt coordinator Nick Gillard's lightsaber fights, and you can play as Anakin or Obi-wan!! This game will definately be down at the campout.
In addition to those items to spend your hard earned dollars on, check out Time magazine as they once again feature a Star Wars film. It is on newsstands now.
Of course if you want more Star Wars stuff than all you have to do is get out of your house because there is stuff everywhere - toys, books, and my 2 favorites - Cheez-its and
"M-pire" M&M's!!
Lastly for those of you with your head stuck in your ass - the Campout starts this Sunday May 8th at 5 pm!! See you there...
April 28, 2005
Kevin Smith freaks out over REVENGE OF THE SITH! Posts Early Review!
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This weekend, George Lucas holds his annual digital summit at SKYWALKER RANCH where he brings in the top filmmakers in the world and begins his updating regarding the world of digital filmmaking. Filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Robert Rodriguez, Francis Ford Copolla, Frank Darabont, Kerry Conran, Robert Zemeckis and many, many more will be hitting the ranch. Some of them famous for their Digital filmwork, some left doubting it's merits. The highlight this weekend is George's exhibition of STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH. So after this weekend we might be hearing the praises of REVENGE OF THE SITH from a great many fan-fave filmmakers, but for now... there's one voice shining out with pure unadulterated geek love for REVENGE OF THE SITH - and that's Kevin Smith! There's Spoilers galore in his review - but if you're a doubting Thomas - he's basically throwing down the glove saying this is "quite simply, fucking awesome." Here's a taste - you'll have to hit his site for the rest:
"SITH" SPOILERS
You've been warned...
- "Revenge of the Sith" is, quite simply, fucking awesome. This is the "Star Wars" prequel the haters have been bitching for since "Menace" came out, and if they don't cop to that when they finally see it, they're lying. As dark as "Empire" was, this movie goes a thousand times darker - from the triggering of Order 66 (which has all the Shock Troopers turning on the Jedi Knights they've been fighting beside throughout the Clone Wars and gunning them down), to the jaw-dropping Anakin/Obi Wan fight on Mustafar (where - after cutting his legs and arm off, Ben leaves Skywalker burning alive on the shores of a lava river, with Anakin spitting venomous sentiments at his departing mentor), this flick is so satisfyingly tragic, you'll think you're watching "Othello" or "Hamlet".
I saw a gorgeous digitally projected version of the flick, and lemme tell ya': this is a beautiful looking film. The opening space battle sequence is the best in any of the six "Star Wars" movies. Grievous and Kenobi's lightsaber duel is bad-ass, with Grievous rocking four sabers. The Clone Wars end rather early in the flick (about the halfway point), leaving the rest of the film to concentrate on Anakin's turn to the Dark Side, and the resulting slaughter of the Jedi....
Go to the below site and scroll down for the rest of the review...
http://viewaskew.com/news/sith/
Does anybody actually read any of this stuff I post? It's SW gold people!!!
"SITH" SPOILERS
You've been warned...
- "Revenge of the Sith" is, quite simply, fucking awesome. This is the "Star Wars" prequel the haters have been bitching for since "Menace" came out, and if they don't cop to that when they finally see it, they're lying. As dark as "Empire" was, this movie goes a thousand times darker - from the triggering of Order 66 (which has all the Shock Troopers turning on the Jedi Knights they've been fighting beside throughout the Clone Wars and gunning them down), to the jaw-dropping Anakin/Obi Wan fight on Mustafar (where - after cutting his legs and arm off, Ben leaves Skywalker burning alive on the shores of a lava river, with Anakin spitting venomous sentiments at his departing mentor), this flick is so satisfyingly tragic, you'll think you're watching "Othello" or "Hamlet".
I saw a gorgeous digitally projected version of the flick, and lemme tell ya': this is a beautiful looking film. The opening space battle sequence is the best in any of the six "Star Wars" movies. Grievous and Kenobi's lightsaber duel is bad-ass, with Grievous rocking four sabers. The Clone Wars end rather early in the flick (about the halfway point), leaving the rest of the film to concentrate on Anakin's turn to the Dark Side, and the resulting slaughter of the Jedi....
Go to the below site and scroll down for the rest of the review...
http://viewaskew.com/news/sith/
Does anybody actually read any of this stuff I post? It's SW gold people!!!
April 25, 2005
Some tidbits from SW Celebration 3 held over the weekend
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SW Celebration 3 was held over the weekend in Indiana and Lucas and MacCallum were on hand to do interviews. I pasted some of the more interesting stuff below...
From the Lucas Q&A...
I was in the second Lucas Q&A (at least, I think it was the second - blue wrist band) and someone had the cojones to ask why the original trilogy was interesting and the prequels weren't. Lucas talked about how the first act of a play and the first chapters of a book are always boring because their exposition - they set up the rest of the story - and compared the prequels to that. Even more interesting, though, Lucas said that when he originally wrote the SW story, the prequels amounted to about 20 pages. 20% of that got used in TPM (with the rest of the movie made up - Lucas called it a "jazz rift" on the main plot), 20% in AOTC (with more "filler"), but fully 60% of the prequel plot is contained in ROTS.
From the "MacCallum Spectacular"...
I also got into the "Rick McCallum Spectacular," which I knew I wanted to see because I saw it at Celebration II, where he showed part of the seen where Yoda and Count Dooku duel from Episode II, which was before it was released in theaters. This time he showed the 6 minute montage. It had an excellent sound track that Rick said they just "threw it together from sound effects" solely for this montage. The montage and soundtrack is purely inexplainable. You just have to see this film to get it. Rick also had a Q&A, and here is what I gleamed from that:
* A script has been accepted for Indiana Jones 4, but Steven Spielberg's schedule is pretty tight.
* Someone asked if the montage was going to be included in the Episode III DVD, and Rick was like, "Uh, I don't... Uh..." which was met with every mouth in the room erupting with various deafening, but positive, noises. After which, Rick merely said, "Uh, sure. Ok. Since you feel that way, it'll be on the DVD," or something to that effect.
* Someone asked what it was like working with George Lucas, and Rick's answer was good, just that the most horrifying things he's lived through are when George shows up for work and says, "What if we did this..."
Here is some info from the 6 min. montage...
the 6-7 minutes of all new footage that was shown just blew people away. We are talking some of the best action sequences in any SW movie. Just a few high points:
- You get a really good look at Grevious several times but the one that stood out was when he is chasing Obi-Wan and Grevious is in his Wheel. This chase sequence is fast and very intense.
- The space battle is on a scale we have never seen before. Much more color and detail. When the ship explode, you actually see the droids or troopers fly out into space. Sometimes in pieces. Very cool effects.
- They showed several scenes of the clones turing against the Jedi. There is a close-up of Yoda in one of trailers where all you see is his face then you see pupils dialate. They show the rest of this scene and There are Clonetroopers behind him that are raising the guns in preparation for gunning him down. He senses this (close-up of his face), then spins around with his lightsaber and takes like three of them down with one swoop. Awesome scene.
- Another eerie scene has Anakin in a room, eyes red, and you see him using the force to shut all the doors in the room. They don't show who else is in the room but you can tell he's about to kick some ass.
- Another expander scene is the fight beteen Yoda and Palpatine in the Senate chamber. In the trailer you see palpatine use the force to throw one of the hover seats at Yoda like a frisbee. What you don't see is that Yoda uses the force to stop it within inches of his head, he then uses his own power to start spinning the thing and shoves is back at Palpatine. Looks much cooler than I can ever describe it.
- They also showed a scene of Yoda just getting his ass kicked by Palpatine. Thought it was odd that the crowd actually cheered when they saw this. I is an intense scene but Yoda really take it hard.
- Fanboys who are obsessed with clonetroopers are going to love this film. I couldn't even keep track of the different trypes of troopers there seem to be in the movie.
- There are five different lightsaber battle in this film and the footage we saw showed a bit of all of them. Seemed to show the most of the Anakin/Obi Wan lava battle. Looks awesome. I read in the latest Entertainment Weekly that Spielberg had some input on this sequence. Like I said, what I saw looks great.
Patience, we must have...14 days until campout...24 days until RotS!!
From the Lucas Q&A...
I was in the second Lucas Q&A (at least, I think it was the second - blue wrist band) and someone had the cojones to ask why the original trilogy was interesting and the prequels weren't. Lucas talked about how the first act of a play and the first chapters of a book are always boring because their exposition - they set up the rest of the story - and compared the prequels to that. Even more interesting, though, Lucas said that when he originally wrote the SW story, the prequels amounted to about 20 pages. 20% of that got used in TPM (with the rest of the movie made up - Lucas called it a "jazz rift" on the main plot), 20% in AOTC (with more "filler"), but fully 60% of the prequel plot is contained in ROTS.
From the "MacCallum Spectacular"...
I also got into the "Rick McCallum Spectacular," which I knew I wanted to see because I saw it at Celebration II, where he showed part of the seen where Yoda and Count Dooku duel from Episode II, which was before it was released in theaters. This time he showed the 6 minute montage. It had an excellent sound track that Rick said they just "threw it together from sound effects" solely for this montage. The montage and soundtrack is purely inexplainable. You just have to see this film to get it. Rick also had a Q&A, and here is what I gleamed from that:
* A script has been accepted for Indiana Jones 4, but Steven Spielberg's schedule is pretty tight.
* Someone asked if the montage was going to be included in the Episode III DVD, and Rick was like, "Uh, I don't... Uh..." which was met with every mouth in the room erupting with various deafening, but positive, noises. After which, Rick merely said, "Uh, sure. Ok. Since you feel that way, it'll be on the DVD," or something to that effect.
* Someone asked what it was like working with George Lucas, and Rick's answer was good, just that the most horrifying things he's lived through are when George shows up for work and says, "What if we did this..."
Here is some info from the 6 min. montage...
the 6-7 minutes of all new footage that was shown just blew people away. We are talking some of the best action sequences in any SW movie. Just a few high points:
- You get a really good look at Grevious several times but the one that stood out was when he is chasing Obi-Wan and Grevious is in his Wheel. This chase sequence is fast and very intense.
- The space battle is on a scale we have never seen before. Much more color and detail. When the ship explode, you actually see the droids or troopers fly out into space. Sometimes in pieces. Very cool effects.
- They showed several scenes of the clones turing against the Jedi. There is a close-up of Yoda in one of trailers where all you see is his face then you see pupils dialate. They show the rest of this scene and There are Clonetroopers behind him that are raising the guns in preparation for gunning him down. He senses this (close-up of his face), then spins around with his lightsaber and takes like three of them down with one swoop. Awesome scene.
- Another eerie scene has Anakin in a room, eyes red, and you see him using the force to shut all the doors in the room. They don't show who else is in the room but you can tell he's about to kick some ass.
- Another expander scene is the fight beteen Yoda and Palpatine in the Senate chamber. In the trailer you see palpatine use the force to throw one of the hover seats at Yoda like a frisbee. What you don't see is that Yoda uses the force to stop it within inches of his head, he then uses his own power to start spinning the thing and shoves is back at Palpatine. Looks much cooler than I can ever describe it.
- They also showed a scene of Yoda just getting his ass kicked by Palpatine. Thought it was odd that the crowd actually cheered when they saw this. I is an intense scene but Yoda really take it hard.
- Fanboys who are obsessed with clonetroopers are going to love this film. I couldn't even keep track of the different trypes of troopers there seem to be in the movie.
- There are five different lightsaber battle in this film and the footage we saw showed a bit of all of them. Seemed to show the most of the Anakin/Obi Wan lava battle. Looks awesome. I read in the latest Entertainment Weekly that Spielberg had some input on this sequence. Like I said, what I saw looks great.
Patience, we must have...14 days until campout...24 days until RotS!!
April 19, 2005
New ROTS TV spots!!
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So another wave of SW ads are out now. Check them out and post your feelings - They are at starwars.com and in glorious Quicktime format, here are the links for you lazy people -
http://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/release/trailer/unite.html
Very kid-friendly! But, "crush them"!!
http://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/release/trailer/jediaction1.html
You can catch a short glance of Grievous blocking Obi-wan with 2 lightsabers!!
http://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/release/trailer/jediaction2.html
Mace looks pissed!!
Enjoy!!!
http://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/release/trailer/unite.html
Very kid-friendly! But, "crush them"!!
http://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/release/trailer/jediaction1.html
You can catch a short glance of Grievous blocking Obi-wan with 2 lightsabers!!
http://www.starwars.com/episode-iii/release/trailer/jediaction2.html
Mace looks pissed!!
Enjoy!!!
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