by ·0 Comments

The image of the Star Destroyer that mesmerized me 30 years ago.

I can’t believe that it was 30 years ago that Star Wars was released. I can’t say that I have a whole lot to say, but it’s still important enough to me that it deserves a mention. It was 30 years ago that I began to imagine a galaxy far, far away. It was 30 years ago that I can recall specific childhood memories. I can’t say that Star Wars changed my life or inspired me to become who I am, but I do know that it was that film that introduced me to the idea of sci-fi, fantasy, and myth that I still enjoy to this day.

The one thing that most amazes me is watching Carter and his love for the same types of things. He watched Star Wars for the first few times at the baby sitter’s house when he was around 2 years old. Now, at almost 4 he can name as many characters as I could when I was his age. It’s an amazing thing, to feel like you are watching your childhood repeat itself.

However, 30 years ago there were no DVDs. There were no VCRs. Perhaps that’s why I saw the movie seven times in the theater. We take for granted that we can watch these movie whenever we want, but 30 years ago, it was something special to watch Star Wars. I think that is the one feeling that I still carry today.

No matter how many times I watch the DVDs or the re-release in the theater (why didn’t they re-release it for the anniversary?), or it shows up on HBO, I’ll never have that feeling again. I’m not saying that in sadness. It’s a good memory. I still remember the first time I saw Jill (my wife). I still remember the first time I saw Carter (our son). I still remember the first time we started the 1970 Chevelle my Dad and I built and I still remember how it felt watching Star Wars 30 years ago and that’s a good feeling.

Star Wars is seldom on my mind these days. There are more important things, like family, work and the new house, that take up my time. Having said that, I think sometime this holiday weekend Carter and I (and Jill is she wants to) may have to curl up together and watch Star Wars.

by ·0 Comments

Boba Fett airport promotional image for Star Wars weekends at Walt Disney World.

That’s a hilarious image. It’s one (of many) that will be appearing in Florida airports until the end of June promoting the Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World. I can’t wait until we can all go back and ride the Star Wars ride. Carter was about an inch too short this past April when we went, so we just looked at all the Star Wars items in the MGM Park. He got excited when R2-D2 appeared in the parade and said “he’s so silly.” Maybe when we go back, we’ll go for a Star Wars weekend (next year).

One more image from the airport promos. Check them all out here.

Darth Vader airport promotional image for Star Wars weekends at Walt Disney World.

by ·13 Comments

Heath Ledger as the Joker in the Dark Knight.

The whole I Believe in Harvey Dent campaign site was a lead-up to revealing the first official picture of Heath Ledger as the Joker. I can’t say that I’m terribly excited. It’s a little too far from the original Joker for me.

Having said that, I won’t pass judgment and I’ll still see the film. It’s too early to tell and one photo doesn’t really show or prove anything. I will say that it does look creepy, almost serial killer like, very John Wayne Gacy, Jr. I trust Christopher Nolan as a filmmaker, having like all of his previous work. This does mean that Carter and I probably won’t be seeing this one together. At least we have the Hulk and Iron Man to look forward to next year as well.

Added…SlashFilm has a great, detailed story on how the picture and site was revealed, beginning with a few Joker playing cards left in a comic book shop.

by ·3 Comments
Mock up image of the Silver Surfer quarter.

Alright, I really need to find one of these. If there are any generous readers out there who manage to find ore than one and would like to send one my way, it would be greatly appreciated. This has got to be one of the most unique promotions I’ve ever seen. Details below from Newsarama article.

According to the plan for the promotion, a fleet of silver armored trucks have been loaded with the coins, will leave from the Twentieth Century Fox lot to deliver quarters across the United States, and on May 22nd, 40,000 Silver Surfer quarters will be put into circulation across the country.

From the official rules:

Those who find the Silver Surfer coin can go to the movie website (http://www.riseofthesilversurfer.com/) and register to win a Four-day trip for Four to the World Premiere of Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer in London. The grand prize winner will be announced on June 1st.

The first Four people to go online to report Silver Surfer coin findings will receive a special private screening of Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer for their friends and family in their hometown the night before the film’s nationwide release (June 14th).

Every person who finds a Silver Surfer coin will be eligible to visit the movie’s website on a daily basis to flip the virtual coin for a chance to win Fantastic instant prizes.