Monday, 19 May 2025

AGE OF THE SITH! CELEBRATING TWENTY YEARS OF 'EPISODE III'

Art by Mike Mayhew for Marvel Comics.

It was the finale to the Prequel Trilogy that had to deliver the dramatic/action-packed goods to worldwide audiences eager to see the bridging between the worlds of darkness encapsulating both once Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker and his alter-ego Darth Vader. And for the most part, creator George Lucas delivered the epic goods in ways that we sometimes never expected, amidst a sea of CGI spectacle and lightsaber duels. Revenge of the Sith, now celebrating its iconic Twentieth Anniversary this May 19th, 2025, with its strong tone, fast pace and overall fine performances, has aged well in comparison to this current era of mostly disappointing superhero/sci-fi blockbusters being made, and a packed story continuing to inspire fans who love its doom-laden essence of tragedy seen-in with the rise of the evil Emperor Palpatine, as the fearsome Sith finally achieve their brutal aims against the Republic and their Jedi enemies.

But A New Hope is certain...





It was great to see how well the film did in its Anniversary re-release last month (April 2025), taking its box office final tally to nearly one billion whilst beating out modern films (like The Accountant 2) to a point that was astounding. Another incredible testament to the talent and imagination of George Lucas and his filmmaking team back in 2003.



Sam Jackson and Hayden Christensen at the El Capitan cinema launch night screening.



Sunday, 18 May 2025

HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY TO 'THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK'!

Japanese release poster - 1980.

"Luke Skywalker and Han Solo rescued the Princess, destroyed the Death Star, but their story didn't end there..."

Early teaser trailer dialogue for The Empire Strikes Back - 1979.

And thank the Force it didn't end there, as Empire, the most expensive independent movie of its time, made its long awaited UK debut on May 20th, 1980, effectively and memorably delivering a dark and powerful new chapter in the now continuing Star Wars saga to thrilled audiences worldwide, and an adventure that cemented and built on the already special qualities of storytelling that George Lucas prior gave us three years earlier.




Enjoy this selection of great iconic character shots from the film...


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 'TESB'!


Posing for publicity at Elstree.

Our trio on location in Norway.










Hamill and Prowse take an attacking stance!