Chuckle-inducing prank calls! Improbable encounters with absurd and hideous, blue-milk CG beasts! Chewbacca barbecuing, then babysitting, banal baby birds, and a particularly grumpy Luke Skywalker with an actual speaking role!
Read MoreHARDBARNED! The Blog
This blog began in 2008 as a series of posts I wrote about my comically frustrated working life as a post-graduate barn-hauling truck driver, which evolved into a book I published in 2016. Those posts no longer exist here. Today, the blog mostly consists of my film reviews, occasionally touching on other aspects of popular culture. You can scroll through it all below, or browse the same content at Medium.
Revisiting American Graffiti (1973)
What really stood out to me in the interview this time was the pivotal nature of American Graffiti (1973), a film I barely remembered having seen, an unexpected hit that gave the unknown director of the quietly subversive sci-fi student film THX-1138 (1971) the keys to Hollywood. Of course, Star Wars happened next. Without Graffiti, it might not have.
Read MoreThe Force Finally Awakens. Millions of Voices Suddenly Cry Out In Joy. George Lucas Senses Great Disturbance, Says "Harrumph."
If Chewie continues to kick as much ass as he did in every episode (including and especially in Episode VII), when will Leia finally realize she must retroactively award him with that medal he earned but failed to receive in Episode IV? I mean what does a Wookiee have to do to get some respect in this canon? Hasn't he earned the Falcon's pilot seat?
Read MoreA Lackluster Lack of Lando
WHERE THE HELL IS LANDO? No matter where I look, I can't find anything official that even mentions his having the slightest involvement in the new Star Wars movies. This was never part of the deal! Lando Calrissian—rogue, gambler, switcheroo artist and sketchy best pal of Han Solo—is absolutely essential for Episode VII. He truly belongs here with us among the sequels.
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