Tonight’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars episode of Landing At Point Rain was engaging on several levels. Firstly, because I did not post a response to the last episode, Senate Spy, I’d like to point out to all those people saying that Point Rain “makes up for the last one” that their conclusions are only slightly ridiculous. Senate Spy was something completely different that we, as an audience, have not seen in the Star Wars franchise; whereas when you boil down the latest episode, it’s just another Giant Battle ™. MOVING ON…

As I touched on earlier, Landing At Point Rain is a multilayered story. On the outside it’s a ground and air campaign against enemy forces on an epic scale. Another layer is seeing how the individual deals with the stress of war and in particular a battle. On the deepest level, it’s a study on the psyche of a survivor: Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ki-Adi-Mundi are returning to a place of slaughter of their Jedi brethren.

It’s interesting how each of them dealt with their emotions. Surprisingly, Obi-Wan seemed to be the most shaken of the group; particularly during his “last stand” moment in Act III. The other thing I noticed were the various characters’ coping mechanisms: Obi-Wan tends toward the witty banter, while Anakin and Ahsoka, on the surface, turn warfare into a competition. Anakin also becomes absolutely ruthless on the battlefield. Comparatively speaking, his fighting style is much more aggressive than any of his peerage. When faced with the knowledge of Obi-Wan’s crash and subsequent radio silence, he becomes intensely focused on the mission in order to maintain a modicum of calm. (How uncharacteristic…) Ahsoka, on the other hand, seems more conservative in this situation. (Keen viewers will notice her use of a “non-reverse grip” on her lightsaber towards the beginning of the episode, but as the stress of the battle reaches her, she reverts into older habits and the “reverse-grip” reappears.) In addition to the competitive streak and her fighting styles, Ahsoka’s sarcasm comes back in full force. Regarding Obi-Wan’s desperation in this episode, I have a theory: Over the past 10 years Anakin has been his coping mechanism. He could always revert into teacher mode when they were a Master/Padawan team. Obi-Wan no longer has that luxury in this situation. All he has left is sighing and beard stroking. Ki-Adi-Mundi and his 17 brains seem to be just fine.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but this is the first time, excluding the abominable snowmen, that we have seen the Jedi and clone forces fighting and destroying an army of flesh and blood, or rather exoskeleton and goo, enemies? I think it is. That, in itself, raises the stakes to a level we have not yet seen. It’s not just a pile of metal bodies at the end of the day anymore. These are living creatures. That said, the Genosians were terribly menacing to me. Their noises and aggravated clicking were actually causing me stress. I wonder if that’s the multi-talented DBB providing the sounds… Though I can’t tell y’all how bad I wanted one of the Flamethrower! Clones to say, “Did someone call the exterminator?” in a really gravelly Clint Eastwood voice.

OMG, now it’s time for my LIST! Don’t you just love them?

The Good:

• The Animation: I know I say this every time, but these guys just keep on getting better and better. I have never seen anything like this on an animated series. Lucasfilm Animation is setting the bar on all future projects for themselves and the industry itself.
• Realistic Smoke and, um, Dirt Chunks
• Hello, Waxer & Boil! Long time, no battle.
• Blood! Blood! Blood! Seeing Obi-Wan looking legitimately injured took this episode to a whole other level.
• Excellent use of the Force. I enjoyed seeing the concentrated efforts of Anakin and Ahsoka. These are realistic Force properties.
• Fire: My inner pyromaniac got all excited.
• Yularen is more bitchtastic every episode and I love it.
• The final assault was something completely new. I don’t think we’ve ever seen something like that on TCW. The only way I can describe it is a “moving mural”.
• Ki-Adi-Mundi owned them all. He was so adorkable, he genuinely thought he was going to get some candy or a nice gift card to the local space Applebees at the end.

The Fugly:

• Whose assault plan was this? Can someone with stratergery explain it to me using small words and perhaps a diagram?
• I am normally a fan of Kevin Kiner’s scoring decisions. This may be the first time where the music did not enhance the show for me.
• Pacing: This episode wore me out. I enjoy some downtime in an episode and there was NONE of that here. All I need is a good thirty seconds to a minute of respite, but the pace of Landing At Point Rain was absolutely relentless. (Though, I have a feeling this was intentional.)

As I said on twitter, The only thing I hate about TCW is waiting for the next episode. Please enjoy these stills courtesy of the kind folks at the official site.

Luminara is not amused at ALL. She called shenanigans.

The very model of a modern Major-General. I am waiting for my G&S episode, Dave. Did you hear me, Dave? G&S.

Did someone say Alamo?

I really wish Rex had a space! blog or a galactic twitter account . I think he would be fucking hilarious.

I dare you to tell me you don't like Ahsoka. I'll hit you with my shoe.

Tune in next week for a chick fight! It should be airing during the normal time slot of  8PM/EST on the Cartoon Network for all you American types.

Part 1

Part 2

Links to Everything covered in this Episode!

Sideshow Collectibles
Avatar License Agreement Press Release
Spooktacular Home Page
Indiana Jones VS Mola Ram with Bonus Life-Size Bag
Indiana Jones VS Mola Ram
Sandtrooper: Squad Leader 12-inch Figure Preview

ThreeA
Drop Cloth weapon #1
WWRp Bramble Package Images

Kotobukiya
Ahsoka Tano Artfx Statue

Medicom
Mad Hatter Preview

Vinyl
ROOZ Preview

You might have noticed I didn’t do a recap of last week’s premiere of Season Two of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. In lieu of my own words, have some of these. Moving along…

Did y’all see tonight’s episode? I might have uttered unintelligible phrases several times throughout the evening. I can see how this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is the best episode I’ve watched in recent memory. Let’s run through some of the elements that I loved:

• The animation was spectacular. Yes we’ve seen Naboo and Rodia, but the Gungan city was breathtaking. If I paused the show frame by frame, it legitimately looks like a painting each time.
• Jedi Interrogation. It was an interesting contrast to Bane’s earlier method in Cargo of Doom. With Cade Bane I felt an air of malevolence, whereas with the Jedi it was almost sinister and somewhat cabal like. Good lord, I sound like Karen Traviss.
• Tooka Doll! It’s so nice to see holdovers from other episodes. Even a little thing like a child’s toy really makes the series even more seamless.
• I loved that there was genuine detective work in this episode. In EU novels, it’s always one of my favorite elements (The JA books had a goodly amount…)
• Let’s discuss that little Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom moment in Bane’s space hovel. I clapped my hands stupidly. Complete the analogy: Fedora:Lightsaber::Whip: _______
• I could be wrong, but I don’t think I am… I’m almost positive that during the rescue of the Jedi Babies ™ there was a snippet of Williams’ Battle of the Heroes. Only the opening horn call, and in a different key, also with different instrumentation, but I’m like 96.3% sure it’s in there.

Now for a couple of questions and miscellanea that I have:

• Is Obi-Wan on the council? Is it a provisional seat? What does this spell for the “Team”?
• There is a lot of violence towards Ahsoka. I have yet to decide my feelings on this matter.
• What is the surgery being performed on the younglings? Was it performed on the younglings?
• Palpatine/Sidious has a secondary facility. Where and why?

Overall, this was an outstanding episode. Can I have next Friday now? Please enjoy these stills from Children of the Force:

I have yet to reconcile this. It's like kicking a puppy. A puppy that could kill you, but a puppy nonetheless...

I was waiting for the marshmallows... I was disappointed.

I may have yelled "BATARANG". Shut up, I know it's a damn cable launcher.

I want one. I want one NOW.

Jedi Mind Fuck

Birth Control: Nothing works better than screaming children.

Ahsoka Tano

Ahsoka Tano is from the Star Wars universe, particularly the Clone Wars movie and animated series.

Ahsoka appears at Hollywood Studios in Florida only during Star Wars Weekends.  Ask or check your special times guide to see when you can meet her!

Following directly from this summer’s eponymous underrated film, actually the pilot for the TV series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars will debut tonight at 9 PM in the US on Cartoon Network (and in two days in Canada on CTV, and on the 25th in the UK on Sky Movies Premiere). It is set between Attack Of The Clones and Revenge Of The Sith, and more precisely between episodes 21 and 22 of the previous 2D Clone Wars series.

Judging from its movie pilot, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is actually a really high quality show if you don’t forget what it’s supposed to be, which is something aimed primarily towards kids. It should be compared to other spin-off cartoons such as the Godzilla and Mummy ones, which it easily surpasses, but it still focuses mostly on action and childish humor.

You musn’t forget that Lucasfilm wasn’t trying for a perfect likeness of live-action when making this and thus, that the look is very intentional, not a result of “making something on the cheap” as the quality of the animation is actually top-notch.

So once again, this is a worthwhile watch if you enjoy the Star Wars universe and understand what that this is a show for kids first and foremost. The first season will consist of 22 episodes, and more than a hundred are planned for the series’ full run. Official description follows after the jump.

Delving into an all-new adventure every week, Star Wars: The Clone Wars provides a high-spirited and richly expanded look into the Star Wars universe. In just the first few episodes, viewers will see the broad scope of the series, through characters and stories only touched upon in the live-action films.

“This is an enormously vast galaxy, and the Clone Wars affect almost every corner of it,” explained Dave Filoni, supervising director. “We can finally show the adventure, heroism, treachery and intrigue that was happening throughout the conflict. Now that Star Wars is no longer constrained by the Skywalker saga, the possibilities are as limitless as the universe itself. I’m excited to take fans into aspects of Star Wars that haven’t yet been explored on-screen.”

Told in half-hour chapters, the weekly format gives Filoni and Lucasfilm Animation an opportunity to focus more intensely on individual aspects of the Star Wars Saga — from the epic space battles and dynamic lightsaber duels to the noble philosophies of the Jedi Knights. At the same time, Filoni said, Star Wars: The Clone Wars will uncover new adventures and fresh perspectives on classic Star Wars conventions.

Among the stories explored in the first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars:

• Jedi Master Plo Koon — a character barely glimpsed in the feature films — rises to prominence as he discovers a mysterious threat that could cause immense destruction — and the evil secret behind it.
• Ambushed by Ventress and her droid army, Jedi Master Yoda teaches his clone companions that the Force touches all living things and that hope is never lost.
• On a distant planetary outpost, a squadron of rookie clone troopers find themselves struggling to survive and also learn the meaning of sacrifice.
• The Bothan home planet of Bothawui, never before seen on screen, comes to the forefront as a heroic ally falls prey to the sinister plot of General Grievous, and his friends must fight to rescue him.
• Senator Padmé Amidala faces a life-threatening showdown with her nemesis, Separatist Viceroy Nute Gunray, the victim of ultimate deception by the leader of a desperate planet.

“The Clone Wars are a time of enormous struggle and also great heroism,” Filoni said. “As a longtime Star Wars fan, it is exciting to be able to bring these stories to life, stories we’ve only wondered about. We’re going to learn just why the Clone Wars become the stuff of legend in the Star Wars galaxy.”

Star Wars: The Clone Wars debuts on Cartoon Network Friday, Oct. 3, at 9 pm. (ET/PT).

SPOILER ALERT! Do not read this entry if you haven’t seen the film yet. If you don’t plan on seeing the movie for some odd reason (haha) then feel free to read on!

As the title of this entry says, the new computer-animated “Star Wars” film is definitely for the fans, but I want to share my thoughts in a way that other people can learn to appreciate it as well. After 2005’s “Revenge of the Sith,” George Lucas said there would be no more “Star Wars” films, and only up until recently, he announced that he realized he had more stories to tell. He had to add, however, that there would be no more live-action “Star Wars” films, but there would be a computer animated television show. From what I understand, there will also be a live-action television show (What I would give to direct an episode!) In any case, if it’s “Star Wars,” you can always count on me being there!

“The Clone Wars” takes place between “Attack of the Clones” (Episodes 2) and “Revenge of the Sith” (Episode 3), and explores Anakin Skywalker’s prime years with his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jabba the Hutt’s son is kidnapped by Count Dooku and the separatist forces, and in order to gain the support of the Hutts in the Clone Wars, the Republic needs to rescue Jabba’s son. But while the Jedi are sent on the rescue mission, Count Dooku and the separatists seek to frame the Jedi of kidnapping Jabba’s son. This only results in Jabba becoming very hostile towards the Republic and the Jedi.

The film is a real treat to fans because in “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith,” we hear Anakin and Obi-Wan talking about their other adventures and missions together, and while we see nice moments of them bonding and fighting side-by-side, we can’t help but wonder about those other stories. It’s obvious that Lucas was intending to fill in those gaps through the “Star Wars” Expanded Universe, i.e. novels, comic books, video games, television shows, and now, in a computer-animated film. Two films about Obi-Wan and Anakin doesn’t give us nearly enough time to cover their Master and Apprentice roles, respectively. “Attack of the Clones,” for example, needed to develop Anakin and Padme’s romantic relationship, while “Revenge of the Sith” needed to show his shift to the dark side and transformation into Darth Vader. The new computer-animated feature shows us more of Anakin’s Jedi side, or lighter side, which is very essential to the Star Wars chronology.

“The Clone Wars” is a family-friendly film that not only shows us more of Anakin, but it also introduces us to new characters, particularly a new female Jedi character named Ahsoka Tano (pictured above on left). She is assigned to be trained by Anakin Skywalker, and at first, Anakin doesn’t sit very well with it, but then he realizes that Ahsoka is a mirror to his own experiences as an apprentice. In the films, we have seen Anakin express his frustration under the wing of Obi-Wan, so a character like Ahsoka deepens his character and shows how he can relate to her. After a spectacular battle scene at the Battle at Christophsis, Anakin says to Ahsoka: “You’re reckeless, little one. You never would have made it as Obi-Wan’s Padawan, but you might make it as mine.” This is an encouraging moment for both of them because Anakin has been labeled “reckless” many times by other Jedi Masters, so he knows what it feels like.

“Star Wars” fans will also see how Anakin Skywalker is truly the “best star pilot in the galaxy” as Obi-Wan says in Episode Four. I also liked how Ahsoka battled her way through enemies, especially at the end. As I wrote in my entries on Muslim women in comic books, it’s better for characters to solve things on their own rather than being rescued or dues ex machina. I personally see the character of Ahsoka as a way to invite more young females to the “Star Wars” universe. No doubt, there are a lot of female “Star Wars” fans, thanks to strong and three-dimensional female characters like Mara Jade, Princess Leia, Queen Padme Amidala (who has a nice cameo in “The Clone Wars”), and Jaina Solo (pictured right), but “Star Wars” mostly gets associated with male teenagers. The beauty of the “Star Wars” universe is that it’s so diverse and there are literally thousands of different stories to tell. I think if more well-represented female characters took center stage in the upcoming live-action television show, it will appeal more to the female audience. I emphasize on “well-represented” because simply having female characters doesn’t mean you will attract a female fan base. The characters have to be realistic and three-dimensional. It would be amazing to finally see Mara Jade in a television show because according to many Star Wars polls, she is the most popular character in the “Star Wars” universe who does not appear in the films. And in my opinion, Mara Jade and Jaina Solo, are some of the best examples of non-exploited fictional female characters, right up there with “X-Men’s” Jubilee and Trinity from “The Matrix”.

And if we see more of Ahsoka Tano, she will quickly become one of my favorites because what’s interesting about her is that she is not just female, but she is also of the Togruta species. There was part in “The Clone Wars” that I really liked when one of the characters looked at Ahsoka and called her a “slave dancer” since Jabba the Hutt has slave dancers who are Twi’leks, a similar-looking species to Togrutas. Ahsoka gets offended by this slur in the movie, and it’s interesting because Togrutas and Twi’leks are not the same, and not all Twi’leks are slave dancers. This is an aspect of “Star Wars” that I have always appreciated: Diversity. One of the most memorable scenes in the history of film was in the very first “Star Wars” film (“A New Hope”) in 1977, where Luke Skywalker enters a cantina filled with a large variety of creatures, and they were all enjoying drinks, eating, conversing, and playing music. In one of the “Star Wars” novels, the Jedi Code states that the Jedi must respect all forms of life. When I was a teenager, and being a minority myself, that really meant a lot to me when I read that. It allowed me to apply those teachings to the real world and learn how to accept everyone for who they are, regardless of their skin color, ethnicity, and religious background. It also introduced me to showing respect and Love to animals and flowers and insects. Even today, I don’t like killing insects and just let them out of the house or classroom whenever I see them. Anyway, when Ahsoka is misjudged because of her appearance, I couldn’t help but think how ignorant people group Arabs, Iranians, South Asians, and Muslims all one category. Like Twi’leks and Togratus, Arabs and South Asians are not the same!

Speaking of the Middle-East, I must say that “The Clone Wars” has a very Middle-Eastern quality to it, especially in the music which features some nice ethnic female vocals! After all, much of the film takes place on the desert planet of Tatooine (the birthplace of Anakin Skywalker). I caught some interesting political and anti-war messages, including one comical moment with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Lucas emphasizes a lot on negotiations and diplomacy (as he did in “Revenge of the Sith” which has some very obvious anti-Bush messages), and it makes me only anticipate his upcoming art films even more (Lucas has announced that he wants to make more personal and arthouse films like his brilliant first film “THX 1138″).

Watching a new “Star Wars” film was a really special moment for me (even if it’s “just a computer-animated” film). I went with my friends, who all dressed up in “Star Wars” costumes with me during the opening nights of Episode 1 (1999), Episode 2 (2002), and Episode 3 (2005), and it felt like I was going back in time. The fact that this film takes place between Episode 2 and 3 meant that it took my friends and I back to the year 2002. I remember that was a very important and special year for me. I was not only hyped about the new “Star Wars” movie coming out, but I was also going through my own spiritual development. I was learning more about Islam and Sufism, and I started to look at the world much differently than before, and for the better. And by the time Episode 2 was released, I didn’t see “Star Wars” as just a spectacle of visual effects and amazing characters, I also saw it as a deeply spiritual and mystical story. Anyone who knows me knows that 2002 was a turning point in my life. A year that I will never forget. So when I saw “The Clone Wars” it reminded me of those moments. It reminded me that “Star Wars” has a special place in my heart too, and always will.

One quick final note on critics: I cannot believe Roger Ebert gave this film a star and a half. He lists “Star Wars” in his “Great Films” list and has written positive reviews for all the films, except for “Attack of the Clones” and now “The Clone Wars.” What critics don’t understand is that Lucas is all about visual storytelling, and many of them don’t appreciate the vast universe he has created with his gifted imagination. “The Clone Wars,” just like all the other “Star Wars” films, is essential to the “Star Wars” saga. It’s all part of a bigger picture, and so, to judge the film on it’s own is to misunderstand what the “Star Wars” universe is all about. Episodes 1 to 6 are ultimately about the tragedy and redemption of Anakin Skywalker, a character who is incredibly gifted with the Force, but then gets tempted by the Dark Side when he is tormented by nightmares of his wife, Padme, dying. A Sith Lord tells him that the only way to save his wife is through using the Dark Side of the Force, but Anakin gets consumed by it and falls too deep. He transforms into an entirely different being and becomes the most destructive force in the galaxy. We don’t believe there is any good left in him until his son, Luke, comes along. It’s really a beautiful story with so many important messages, especially for young people, and it’s a shame that critics don’t see how “The Clone Wars” fills in gaps of Anakin’s prime years. We need to see more of Anakin as a Jedi, otherwise the epic saga of “Star Wars” cannot be complete.

Thanks for reading, and may the Force be with you!

~ Broken Mystic ~

Something something something… Dark Side, something something something… complete.

It’s a bit difficult to think of a reason why the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars was even necessary in the first place. Great piles of comics, novels, and video games have explored the years between the second and third prequels, in which it takes place. In fact, there’s even a cartoon showing Anakin’s exploits during that same period already: a brutally mediocre series of short films broadcast sporadically on Cartoon Network between 2003 and 2005. And God knows George Lucas doesn’t need the money. So why release this stiff, oversimplified hunk of a movie now, in late summer?

Because there’s a similarly-animated TV series debuting in the fall. Marketing trumps integrity at the Skywalker Ranch yet again. A kid’s movie with a heart of lead, The Clone Wars deserves to become a footnote in the already-tattered Star Wars legacy, a curiosity piece alongside The Ewoks Adventures Saturday morning cartoons and yes, even the infamous Holiday Special.

In as much as there is a story, The Old Republic is at war with the separatist Confederacy of Independent Systems, and the Jedi Knights have become military generals for the duration. For Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi and his former padawan turned partner Anakin Skywalker, this means leading legions of the Republic’s newly-minted clone troopers against droid armies on one of those alien planets where every building looks exactly the same.

Shut up and fight: Ahsoka, Skywalker

Into this fray, incredibly, walks Ahsoka Tano, a - ”sassy” might be the polite term – padawan of Anakin’s own. Why Jedi Master Yoda, in his endless dubious wisdom, would see fit to send a child into a combat zone is never explained. But Tano and Skywalker quickly become inseparable, and insufferable, thanks to a May-August feud that’s at times adversarial but at other times seems to attempt romantic chemistry. It would be creepy enough if performed by real actors; delivered by cartoons, their dialogue is that much more squirm-inducing.

Most of the rest of the film is about Anakin and Ahsoka’s efforts to rescue Jabba the Hutt’s infant son from the nefarious Count Dooku and his underlings, including the serpentine dark side priestess Asajj Ventriss. (Jabba’s son, who looks distractingly like the Slimer demon from Ghostbusters, is really just a cliche sitcom child in the form of a big worm.) More action sequences ensue, including some jarring violence almost totally inappropriate for a PG-rated film. There are moments of clarity, including a potentially thrilling vertical firefight on the side of a mountain, but the scenes never gather momentum before the film lurches away to something else. And there’s always something else, and it almost certainly has its own toy on the shelves of your local Target – a Clone Trooper, a new tank or starfighter, a new character.

A space be 'tween': Ahsoka Tano

Ahsoka, a blatant sop to the all-important tween market, is exactly the kind of precocious upstart her wide eyes and pert expression indicate. She’s always right, no matter how much she spars with the stodgy Skywalker (Anakin Skywalker is the old man now? Anakin? He was the bratty kid himself just nine years ago!) Kenobi, his face hidden behind a beard reminiscent of wood panelling, is reduced to the role of amused outsider. He’s basically the slow-moving cop that shows up at the end to declare “job well done” after the odd-couple Skywalker/Tano pair have saved the day. Such lame storytelling might seem fresh and exciting, but you probably have to be nine years old to think so.

And then there’s Ziro The Hutt, Jabba’s uncle and a crime lord in his own right. Reportedly based on Truman Capote upon orders from Lucas himself, he lisps and sways his way through the film’s final third both treacherous and cowardly.  Ziro actually does sound like Capote, as well as Harvey Fierstein and Charles Nelson Reilly, so that the combined effect is unmistakable. Talk of racial and minority stereotyping has hounded the Star Wars franchise for years, even beyond Jar Jar Binks’ infamy, and Ziro seems bound to include the gay community among its lists of complainants.

Flaming disaster: Ziro The Hutt

Remember when Star Wars was considered a classic, and The Empire Strikes Back maybe even a better film than that? Those days are gone. Star Wars fans have become as battle-hardened as Trekkers in defending their love, and there are inevitably some fans out there who will embrace the upcoming show despite its shortcomings, as they will this movie and the three deeply flawed prequel films that preceed it. When the dust clears, maybe there will be enough money coming in to build a new wing onto the Skywalker ranch. As the Star Wars galaxy continues to diminish from too many trips to the well, Mr. Lucas will at least be comfortable.

-Michael Kabel

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

George Lucas obviously wants to make more money and milk the Star Wars universe a little bit more with the release of the new Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie.  I make that statement for two reasons: it’s a good movie with a “Star Wars” attached to it, thus the money will flow; and the film’s concept takes us back to a period already handled with an animated series, bookended between Episodes II and III which also deals with these events in a reasonable way.  (How about a movie or something about the period between the Clone Wars and Episdoe IV?  I’m sure that’s on the horizon once the Clone Wars has been exhausted.)

All that aside, I think the film was pretty good.  It’s purpose is to launch a new animated series on the Clone Wars’ theme.   The action was top-notch,  the animation was smooth and cool, and though targeted towards a younger audience, I enjoyed the character interactions.  Plus any movie with Samuel L. Jackson borrowing his voice to be a bad-ass Jedi has to have some quality (Now, I want you to go in that bag and find my [light saber]. Which one is it?  The one that says bad motha f*****).

I did not like the narrator replacing the opening crawl — it didn’t seem truly Star Wars-ish at first.  I also was not impressed with the concept of a padawan for Anakin.  “Ahsoka” reminded me of an overbearing and cocky Millennial most of the time.  Plus, there were a few other plot inconsistencies involving her, Ventress and Count Dooku.  That being said, kids will love this film, and hardcore Star Wars fans who have gotten over the prequel concept should at least enjoy the fighting.  B- in my book.

At least for now. I was ready to head over the the cineplex to immense myself into the latest chapter — which actually falls somewhere between Episode II and Episode III — of the Star Wars lore, and catch a big screen viewing of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Now, before you take my geek card away, let me once again reiterate that I am in fact a Star Wars fan. Again, the license plate on my truck refers to the spaceship of a certain notorious bounty hunter from a galaxy far, far away. But, my admiration for the franchise is much more entrenched with the original trilogy — A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. That’s not to say that I disdain the prequels, but they didn’t live up to my expectations. Now, were my expectations set too high. I don’t think so. After not having a new Star Wars film (outside of a few somewhat forgettable Ewok movies made for television) for some sixteen years I was plenty hungry for more. The Phantom Menace was enjoyable enough. Attack of the Clones just fell flat. And Revenge of the Sith just reminded me of how much I miss the original trilogy as it crept closer in chronological terms to A New Hope.

The reviews for The Clone Wars haven’t been stellar, to say the least. But, that’s not what is keeping me from committing myself to the 98 minutes (and $12 popcorn/soda combo that I’d end up purchasing) of sitting in a darkened theater for the seventh theatrically released Star Wars installment. It’s just that I don’t feel that “the force is strong with this one.” (There, can I keep my geek card with that reference?)

So, I’m thinking that maybe Star Wars: The Clone Wars wasn’t made for me. It’s an animated movie made for the kids that grew up on the prequels. And that’s fair. I have “my Star Wars” and they can have “their Star Wars“. But, this movie is serving the purpose of a “curtain-raiser” to the upcoming Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated TV series. Perhaps this chapter of Star Wars lore is best served as 22-minute vignettes on the small screen.

Sorry, Ahsoka Tano. It’s nothing personal. You seem like an alright plucky Padawan. But, it looks like I’ll just be meeting you on the small screen.

ArtFx, tiene preparado un costoso pack basado en la próxima película de animación 3D de Star Wars – The Clone Wars, la particularidad de este set de figuras es. que tal como hemos visto en otras marcas, la suma de todas las figuras nos permiten tener otra. En este caso al maestro Yoda.

Las figuras son:

• Anakin Skywalker (7,25″)
• Obi-Wan Kenobi (7″)
• Ahsoka Tano (5,8″)
• BAF – Yoda (3,2″)

El pack tiene un precio de referencia  US $140.- y estará disponible en el último cuarto de este 2008.

Saludos

Tenemos en exclusiva de hyperspace las imágenes y el video que describe a Ahsoka Tano, el nuevo personaje de Star Wars LAS GUERRAS CLON (ahora puedes ver  el video gratis). Suponemos  y esperemos que más adelante sacarán otros videos dedicados a otros personajes de esta fabulosa saga.

BIG BIG BIG BIG NEWS FROM LUCAS!!

The new Star Wars Clone Wars animated series will first be a FEATURE FILM that will hit theaters on Friday August 15th!! (let the lineups for the midnight showings begin!!!)

We’ve been writing about the new Star Wars Clone Wars for months…always thinking that it would just be a new TV series on the Cartoon Network so this news comes as a very very NICE SURPRISE.

“I felt there were a lot more Star Wars stories left to tell,” said George Lucas, executive producer of Star Wars: The Clone Wars in a statement. “I was eager to start telling some of them through animation and, at the same time, push the art of animation forward.”

Then in the fall the TV series itself will start with apparently some 30 episodes already in the can. It also looks like Anakin’s new apprentice Ahsoka Tano. will play a major role too.

Are we excited? YOU BET WE ARE!

In a major new canon development in the Star Wars Universe – Lucas is giving Anakin Skywalker a Padawan of his own.

Her name is Ahsoka Tano.

First of all I think it’s great that Anakin gets a Padawan. It’s something that has been missing from the young Darth Vader’s story for the last 30 years.

While it will be interesting to see the interaction of Tano and Skywalker in the new Clone Wars series.

What will also be interesting to see is how Lucas expands the character in other timelines…for example: Is she killed by Vader or Clone Troopers in the Jedi Purge?