'SOLO': RIO BLASTS BACK!

The epic Vandor heist of Coaxium from the Imperials hasn't gone smoothly for Beckett's gang, of which crack pilot Rio Durant is especially fighting for his life now against Enfys Nest's oncoming boarders of their escape craft. A memorable but sad moment from Solo - A Star Wars Story. We were great fans of the character, and Jon Favreau's fun voicing.

CGI development.

THE 'AFICIONADO' REVIEW: 'THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU' - NOW IN CINEMAS!

Together again for the big screen, in friendship and danger!

Today at 12.15p.m. I settled down in a lovely comfy seat at the Odeon Leicester Square and saw The Mandalorian & Grogu, the first Star Wars film of the Disney era since 2019, in a gorgeous Dolby Atmos sound and picture presentation (my preferred choice in seeing blockbuster films these days). I enjoyed a lot of the film, seeing it as a fun adventure within the confines of the George Lucas created vision of the saga, for families to especially enjoy (notably kids between the ages of 6 and 9). It was by no means one of the great Star Wars cinematic adventures, however, due to a thin story (which may, or may not, have been culled together from the scrapped fourth season of The Mandalorian TV series) full of unmined potential over 2 hours and 12 minutes (of which an appearance from the much-missed Gina Carano could have been a major boost), and despite the many lively action set pieces (notably the pre-title sequence, featuring twenty minutes of James Bond-esque knockdowns by our duo against an escaping Imperial remnant) and a cast of creatures that would keep fans of Return of the Jedi's and the Prequel era's weird and wonderful grotesques dizzyingly happy.

And The Mandalorian and Grogu has been made by top-tier talent, many of them returning veterans after seven years away from the big screen (including the likes of John Knoll and Phil Tippett), of which there's some fine motion control model work and lovely production design, though I felt that the CGI was of varying quality (notably with the Hutt villains and Rotta the cage fighter, the latter all grown up and rather a nice chap caught in a bad scenario). Adding a further plus, Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Goransson brings another innovative score. In front of the camera, selivering the drama and humour, the guest cast of the film are fine if a little under-used (special mention to Sigourney Weaver, who looks great piloting a New Republic fighter), and there are some fun cameos here and there (Martin Scorsese finally joins the Star Wars universe - now its Coppola's turn!) in a fun alien cameo that's perfect for the edgy, diminutive director! The primary focus of the film, however, is the delightful relationship between the Mandalorian (played once again by Pedro Pascal, as well as other stunt men who are deservedly credited) and cute Grogu (still expertly puppeteered). But this emotional quality between them that would make the early seasons of The Mandalorian such a success sadly remains the same from what's been previously established - there's no further growth between them when this film really needs more impact in their unique character arc. Perhaps their ongoing potential is being saved for future tales in film and/or TV. but the idea of a Mandalorian & Grogu film bringing its unique universe of characters together (like Avengers Assemble) now seems unlikely - a shame, really, as this was what we should have had in the first place, cinematically!

All-in-all, there's some great visual flourishes from Favreau, lovely cinematography, and some fun Easter Eggs (enjoy the Dejarik fight made real!), but the film ultimately can't shake away its TV roots, try as it might (there's at least three episodes pulled together). But don't let that TV translation problem  put you off from seeing it. Favreau and Dave Filoni are not hacks (as they've often unfairly been called by some critics during the run-up to this film's release) - they love the Star Wars legacy that they grew up with, and they are clearly having a great time bringing this film to audiences. There's a lot in this film that works well, despite not earning classic status... 

AFICIONADO RATING: It's not perfect, it has a bit of an eclectic mixing of elements at times, but if you get a chance to see the film on a big screen, take it. It's overall worth the trip, and better than the majority of episodes within the prior TV series' under-whelming third season. 3 out of 5

Art by Paul Shipper, but where were the TIE fighters in the film?

OUT THIS MONTH - 'THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU'

Latest official movie poster.

We're only a few weeks away until the latest Star Wars Disney movie arrives in cinemas, of which its stars have been eagerly travelling the world so as to promote it. 

Here's some of the latest images and footage...

Can our TV heroes lure viewers back to the cinema?

On the wild streets, and back in danger!

Jon Favreau talks Mandalorian!

Taking on the AT-AT convoy!

Sigourney Weaver jumps franchises!

Grogu meets the Anzellans.

A fractured Empire wants revenge!

Expanded art by Matt Ferguson.

SHAPING GALACTIC CHANGES FOR 'THE MANDALORIAN' IN 2023...

Soon a Mandalorian no more?

Past and present histories for the enigmatic bounty hunter Din Djarin collide in this lovely fan art image promoting the story-so-far characters of the galaxy-sweeping series The Mandalorian, returning to Disney+ exclusively in March 2023.

Latest news...

The Mandalorian's 'Epic' Third Season Pays Off a Lot of S1 Plotlines

The Mandalorian Season 3: Jon Favreau Teases Bigger Scope for the Series

Pedro Pascal Teases Luke Skywalker-Level Reveal in The Mandalorian Season 3

Disney Unveils Epic Mandalorian Season 3 Display at CCXP (Photos)

Exclusive: New Details on Moff Gideon's Appearance in 'The Mandalorian' Season 3 - Star Wars News Net

Mandalorian Creator Promises More Space Battles, Mandalore and Weekly Surprises

OUT NOW - 'VANITY FAIR' INVESTIGATES THE 'STAR WARS' TV EMPIRE....

Vanity Fair magazine's always extensive, gorgeous photo-packed coverage of the live-action Star Wars universe is back with a bang via their July 2022 TV issue, celebrating and revealing the exciting secrets of the universe-building realms of the saga's hugely successful TV empire vis Disney+. Iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz returns to deliver some spectacular new pictures covering the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and Andor event series.

The new issue of Vanity Fair is out later this month.

The main trio characters of Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a superb first proper look at the Vader costume.

Gathering for the cover.

Ewan and Hayden - back in duelling action rehearsal.

Grogu and Jon Favreau.

Custodians of the former Lucas empire.

And more TV Star Wars to come...

AVAILABLE NOW: 'THE ART OF STAR WARS - THE MANDALORIAN (SEASON ONE)'

"This is the way." Cover art by Doug Chiang.

Undoubtedly one of the trailblazing success stories of the all-new franchise era stewardship now tightly held by Disney, The Mandalorian, created by Jon Favreau, has captured not only the hearts of die-hard fans but also those of the general audience watching it across the Disney+ channel's excusive airings, many of whom had likely never experienced the saga's potential and expanded shades of grey realms in quite so much fascinating depth beyond the original three Luke Skywalker character starring films created by George Lucas. 

As well as the quite wonderful onscreen pairing between the seasoned bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), one of the nomadic Mandalorian warrior tribes, and The Child, an emotionally scarred and withdrawn former Jedi that he has taken under his protective wing (a magical relationship slowly developing to new heights of emotional bonding), the Emmy-winning series outstanding production design, hugely referencing yet building on a mixture of two trilogies, as well as foreshadowing elements to come with the post 2015 sequels era, has proven itself another vital component to the evolving format's accomplished success. 

Led by veteran Doug Chiang, who brought such visual freshness to the opening Prequel films (and provides an informative foreword to this new book), The Mandalorian's behind the scenes art team has proved itself yet again as one of the most accomplished and respected groups immersed within the evolving world of film and TV fantasy action entertainment. Their love of Lucas's established universe unabated, the marvellous and innovative conceptual/production artwork they've spellbindingly concocted is in-depth charted and celebrated once more by artist/historian Phil Szostak, within an overall continuing series origins/development format featuring key contributions from Favreau, series co-writer/director Dave Filoni, and other enthused directors from the show's striking opening year. Out now - the latest must-have official book via ABRAMS: The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season One). 

Here's the official release details

This official behind-the-scenes companion to the Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian features exclusive concept art, character and costume sketches, and vehicle and creature designs. 

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian takes fans behind the scenes of the first ever live-action Star Wars television series. Filled with concept art, sketches, and interviews with key cast, crew, and creatives, including executive producer/showrunner/writer Jon Favreau and executive producer/director Dave Filoni, The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian will provide readers with an exclusive look at a whole new universe of Star Wars characters, locations, and vehicles. 

Premiering in November 2019 as a key launch title for Disney+, The Mandalorian follows the adventures of galactic gunslinger Din Djarin and the Child as they traverse the outer systems of the galaxy and evade remnants of the Empire. Readers will encounter early visual and conceptual ideas for these new characters and unexplored frontiers, filled with crime syndicates, bounty hunters, and smugglers. The gritty, lived-in cantinas and spaceports are populated by a talented cast that includes Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones), Werner Herzog (Fitzcarraldo, Grizzly Man), Nick Nolte (48 Hours), Gina Carano (Haywire, Deadpool), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), and Carl Weathers (Rocky).

https://www.space.com/star-wars-art-concept-book-phil-szostak

https://www.looper.com/308951/the-truth-behind-the-mandalorians-different-types-of-armor-exclusive/

https://www.looper.com/312274/why-making-the-mandalorian-is-more-challenging-than-the-movies-exclusive/?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=twitter

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Star-Wars-Mandalorian-Season/dp/141974870X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=THE+ART+OF+THE+MANDALORIAN&qid=1614357896&sr=8-1

 

THE PATH OF TWO! 'THE MANDALORIAN' RETURNS...

The epic television journey continues. Image: Lucasfilm/Disney+.

The enigma and cool physicality of the race via its showcased star would have been enough to win audiences over, but the additional surprise introduction of 'Baby Yoda' to the mix added critical acclaim, creative inspiration and pop culture-making freshness to the incredible success enjoyed by The Mandalorian during its premiere season on Disney+. Now, creatives Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau looks set to build on what they've prior achieved with the upcoming Season Two debuting next month, with lots of surprises and special appearance to come within their storytelling, set in that troubled era post the galaxy-changing events of Return of the Jedi...

https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a30360981/the-mandalorian-season-2/

CAPTURE REPORT! MORE ON 'THE MANDALORIAN'

The first look at the opening chapter of Star Wars live-action television dominion continues.

Entertainment Weekly Feature:
https://ew.com/tv/2019/09/05/inside-the-mandalorian-star-wars/

https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/jon-favreau-the-mandalorian-variety-entertainment-and-technology-summit-1203324693/

Going into battle against some Trandoshans!

Publicity interviews:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYvIkC--61A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5-zI-7cqkg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JsFWi-a_Ks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r60UJbLp_s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3O7FtnbrW4

'THE MANDALORIAN': AND HELL FOLLOWED WITH HIM...!

Have blaster, will travel for The Mandalorian. Art by Phil Noto.

The post Return of the Jedi history of the Star Wars saga is about to become embellished with further storytelling riches via the upcoming Disney+ series The Mandalorian, with the excellent confirmed casting news of Pedro Pascal as the no doubt complex, dangerous and formidable lead character of the title. With all the talent involved in front of and behind the camera, the omens are very good for this first live-action TV series from writer/creator Jon Favreau.

https://www.starwars.com/news/pedro-pascal-revealed-as-the-mandalorian
https://geektyrant.com/news/the-mandalorian-star-pedro-pascal-shares-an-original-sketch-of-his-character-by-dave-filoni
https://www.starwars.com/news/ludwig-goransson-to-compose-score-for-the-mandalorian

George Lucas visits director Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau, as filming began on the series. Image: TWITTER.

SPOILER ALERT: https://makingstarwars.net/2018/12/classic-star-wars-bounty-hunters-will-appear-in-star-wars-the-mandalorian/

Lovely weapon referencing to Boba Fett's The Holiday Special appearance. Image: Jon Favrea/TWITTER.

'SOLO': INTRODUCING RIO DURANT!

Confidently taking the control reins of an Imperial Hauler vessel, the good-natured Ardennian alien mercenary/pilot Rio Durant (a terrific character name conceived by the Kasdans that wouldn't look out of place in a classic Humphrey Bogart B/W movie, for sure!) plays his part in the Conveyex transport heist, in a scene from the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story.

At home on and off screen as an actor and director, and now TV producer for an all-new STAR WARS live-action series for the not too distant future (set a short time after the events of Return of the Jedi),  of which he'll also be penning half the episodes, the ever-talented and highly likeable Jon Favreau brings a fun simian-toned voice to Durant as seen in early teaser footage.

'SOLO' - LATEST NEWS (MID-MARCH 2018)

That feisty and clever smuggler-to-be of spice and chrome will soon be with us. And here's some of the latest news compiled on Solo - A Star Wars Story:

https://www.shortlist.com/entertainment/films/solo-star-wars-story-new-characters/345191

www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/solo-a-star-wars-story-han-ron-howard-director-phil-lord-chris-miller-why-a8206411.html

More on Michael K. Williams original involvement in Solo prior to the re-shoots:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFz3v3l1JUc

Scoring gets underway March 2018, at the famous Abbey Road Studios.

Composer John Powell at Abbey Road.

Scoring underway:

comicbook.com/starwars/2018/03/12/solo-a-star-wars-story-score-john-williams-john-powell/

Mark Hamill on 'Solo':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQYou9xSKys

The latest announced cast addition:

http://ew.com/movies/2018/02/16/solo-star-wars-jon-favreau-alien/

All the new books and comic tie-ins: 

http://ew.com/movies/solo-star-wars-book-connections/solo-but-far-from-alone/

More on the Lando Calrissian comic tie-in: 

www.theouthousers.com/index.php/news/140113-solo-a-star-wars-story-tie-ins-include-a-new-lando-solo-comic.html

Jon Favreau with Ron Howard and Lawrence Kasdan. Image: Twitter.

Toy news:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/video/solo-a-star-wars-story-millennium-falcon-lego-set-unveiled-thr-news/vp-BBJ8Mne

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2018/02/15/first-solo-a-star-wars-story-action-figures-revealed

EPISODE IX: LATEST NEWS (EARLY MARCH 2018)

EPISODE IX- the future lies with the next generation...

Spring is almost here, and so too comes the dawn of EPISODE IX.

Latest news on IX and beyond:

Abrams' return: https://www.starwarsnewsnet.com/2018/02/j-j-abrams-confirms-that-star-wars-episode-ixs-script-is-finished.html

Abrams and Johnson's work on VII and VIII in the lead-up to IX:

www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/star-wars/55771/star-wars-rian-johnson-scrapped-jj-abrams-episode-viii-script

John Williams will retire from STAR WARS after IX:

https://heroichollywood.com/john-williams-episode-ix-last-star-wars/

And it looks like another Anthology movie is indeed in the works, from REBELS veteran Simon Kinberg:

http://deadline.com/2018/03/warner-bros-sets-up-logans-run-with-hunger-games-writer-peter-craig-1202280867/

And now, Jon Favreau makes a full return to the franchise: http://www.starwars.com/news/jon-favreau-to-executive-produce-write-live-action-star-wars-series

THE CLONE WARS: REVENGE SERVED COLD

That dreaded Mandalorian warrior Pre Vizsla is back, once more voiced by Jon Favreau, and the bloody fires of hell are coming with him, as he and his wayward band of outcasts joins forces with those other dark renegades, Darth Maul and Savage Opress, to begin their ambitious plan of revenge against Obi-Wan Kenobi and Duchess Satine, as well as instigating the wrath of a very annoyed Darth Sidious, in the first of an all-new, surely bigger than epic action adventure, beginning with the episode Eminence, starting tomorrow on the US CARTOON NETWORK.

Check out a clip here from USA TODAY: Exclusive clip: 'Clone Wars' - Darth Maul

COMING SOON: 'THE CLONE WARS' SEASON FIVE

More trouble and carnage from Darth Maul and Savage Opress.

The brief, but promising, first trailer: StarWars.com | The Clone Wars Season 5 Teaser

Red lightsabers galore!

Getting ever nearer to the technology of EPISODE III.

Katee Sackhoff returns as Bo-Katan, along with the rest of  Death Watch.

As does Jon Favreau as their leader, Pre Vizsla.

Roll on, September in the US, most likely 2013 in the UK....

AFICIONADO REVIEW: "COWBOYS & ALIENS" EXTENDED EDITION ON BLU-RAY

Defending the Earth, Cowboy style. COWBOYS & ALIENS, now on Blu-ray and DVD. Images: PARAMOUNT.

Both lassoing and blasting its way past the $100 million dollar worldwide box office, the western/sci-fi blend of COWBOYS & ALIENS makes its exciting debut on Blu-ray and DVD in the UK from PARAMOUNT DVD on December 26th-the perfect Boxing Day/Christmas aftermath family action/adventure movie to settle down with, to be accompanied, of course, by tons of mouth immersive popcorn. Put your mindset purely into cinematic blockbuster entertainment mode and you'll have a dependably great time, headed by two of the movie industries most popular stars of the adrenalin kind: Han Solo/Indiana Jones himself, Harrison Ford, and continuing James Bond star Daniel Craig, who make a fine pairing of character opposites ultimately going way beyond their lives in the American West in helping the town of Absolution survive an onslaught attack of aliens from another universe, in this criminally under-rated movie from Summer 2011 and which I strongly recommend purchasing in its Triple Play edition.

Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) takes on the aliens in this cool poster art.

Check out STAR WARS AFICIONADO's original theatrical review here:STAR WARS AFICIONADO MAGAZINE: AFICIONADO REVIEW: "COWBOYS & ALIENS". The new extended cut of the film (available only on Blu-ray, whilst the original version is on the DVD) adds nearly twenty minutes of material to the film and improves it greatly, giving the story much more subtlety and room to breathe. Most welcome is the fact that we also get to see a bit more of the film's fine supporting actors, like Clancy Brown, Adam Beach and Sam Rockwell, whilst action and gore buffs will enjoy the extended, and more violent, action scenes of man versus alien.

Lonergan and Dolarhyde prepare to confront the alien menace.

Harrison Ford is as good as ever as the crusty hero Woodrow Dolarhyde.

Olivia Wilde continues her impressive film career playing the mysterious Ella.

Originally made on film-a deliberate choice by Favreau-as all classic westerns are made in the format-and mercifully not released in 3-D (although several tests scenes were shot in the format), COWBOYS looks absolutely fantastic in its digital Blu-ray transfer, with sharp detail that brings the dedicated production/costume design and gorgeous cinematography to life, alongside crisp and terrific sound design that really comes out to hit you on your sofas. This is the best you'll ever see the film: the bigger the television you have the better the experience. There's also some solid, if hardly comprehensive extras, including a nice behind the scenes look at the film (split into five different sections) involving all of the films main stars and behind the scenes talent-all of whom clearly enjoyed making the film, interviews by Favreau with the cast and crew (including producers Ron Howard, Steven Spielberg and Brian Grazer) conducted after the movies completion, and an intriguing audio commentary from the IRON MAN director who lives and breathes movie knowledge across all genres, especially sci-fi and westerns, and loves to use the advanced film-making tools and special effects at his disposal to aid rather than hinder character on the ambitious hybrid genre movie. The only shame is that the film's skillful trailer campaign and the 2011 cast/crew footage from COMIC CON (which famously had Harrison Ford escorted onto the stage in handcuffs by the police) don't make inclusion.

Director Jon Favreau with the COWBOYS & ALIENS cast at COMIC CON.

Ford, Wilde and Craig pose for publicity at COMIC CON.

AFICIONADO OVERALL RATINGS FOR TRIPLE PLAY EDITION:

Extended Movie 8.5 out of 10


Special Features: 7 out of 10


Check out our previous comprehensive COWBOYS & ALIENS coverage here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO MAGAZINE: COWBOYS AND ALIENS

OEUVRE - DREW STRUZAN. AN AFICIONADO GALLERY TRIBUTE: NUMBER TEN

Our final celebration of Drew Struzan's incredible movie poster works brings us back to the world of Harrison Ford, this time alongside current James Bond Daniel Craig, as the formidable hero duo take on fearsome extra terrestrial aggressors threatening the Earth, in Jon Favreau's recent sci-fi/western action hybrid: COWBOYS & ALIENS. Sadly, for reasons not fully known, this fine art was ultimately not used in the film's final poster campaign-presumably because it showed the alien creatures appearance too far in advance for the audiences? Regardess of what the ultimate reasoning was, it's still another fine addition to the creative genius that is Drew Struzan.

Struzan's latest compendium of superb art: OEUVRE - DREW STRUZAN, written by Drew and Dylan Struzan, and beautifully published by TITAN BOOKS, is now available as the perfect Christmas gift. Get it here: Drew Struzan: Oeuvre: Amazon.co.uk: Drew Struzan, Dylan Struzan: Film & TV

COWBOYS & ALIENS is available on Blu-ray and DVD in the US now. It's out in the UK from December 26th. Cowboys & Aliens - Triple Play Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Region Free: Amazon.co.uk: Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, Sam Rockwell, Keith Carradine, Jon Favreau: Film & TV