Random Thoughts on Star Wars Episodes VII-IX

We very favorably reviewed The Force Awakens when it came out. The slate was blank and the future was wide open. I think it was exciting to see new Star Wars, and in isolation, the first movie was .. good enough to get us started. We knew there were some issues but few of us expected perfection. In terms of expectations to final product, the movie delivered enough to keep us coming back.

So many people declared The Last Jedi an abomination. There was some fallout because essentially Rian Johnson was trying to take the series in a new direction. I really liked what The Last Jedi was trying to do. I think it made some missteps, focusing too much on Rey and relegating all the other new characters to an afterthought so far outside the plot that they had to tack another plot on to get them to do something. But I LIKED the idea that Rey was nobody. I liked the idea that at the end, the Force was for everybody, not just the Skywalkers. I liked the idea that after thinking about it for most of his life, Luke realized the Jedi were really kind of stupid.

The problem there is that my favorite thing they were doing with Star Wars was deconstructing Star Wars. The problem is that I’m a 50-year-old guy who saw A New Hope in the drive-in before it was called A New Hope. The problem is that I had spent 40 years thinking about Star Wars with a mind that went from the intended audience, a child, to a grownup with a perspective on the Star Wars universe that wanted depth and complexity. The adult mind didn’t want to accept that “The Jedi are the good guys because the story tells us so.” That nuance existed and light and dark aren’t the only choices in the galaxy. The complexity I was asking for resisted the idea of the Skywalkers being a magical space wizard family for no real reason. And The Last Jedi put on screen the ideas I had in my head. Rey can be a savior of the galaxy without being related to Darth Vader. The Force binds ALL living things and anyone can tap into it. Yes, Rian, you read my mind! This is what I was thinking!

But this is just for thinking about, and not for putting on screen. Deconstructing Star Wars within Star Wars starts a whole domino chain falling down. When you dwell too deeply on it and acknowledge that characters within the universe have thought the same things, the underlying theme of good vs evil, freedom vs oppression, and action heroes saving the day, all falls apart and what made it golden in the first place tarnishes.

But I thought it was bold. I really wanted to see where this would go. I had heard that Rise of Skywalker was bad, but I thought that was sour fanboys who didn’t get the movie they wanted. Since all these people complaining about it were also really down on TLJ, I thought it might be the best one for me. So I saw it with an open mind. And as I watched, it systematically undid everything TLJ had set up, and that burned every hope I had for the story. Scene after scene I felt the stupidity of the story building. And then, the future of the franchise crumbled in three words: “Somehow…. Palpatine returned”

There was no coming back from that. I came out of the theater thinking I’d seen a fan film. Which it essentially was. But it felt like a fan film by someone who neither saw the previous films nor understood what they were about.

Was it the worst movie I ever saw? No. But it was one of the biggest drops from expectation to delivery that I ever experienced.

–Chris

Episode 35 – The Illusionist

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Episode 35 - The Illusionist
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The Illusionist (2006)

The Illusionist movie poster

In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing. (IMDB)

Another movie that asks the most basic question of fantasy, or in this case, fantasy-adjacent movies. Is there magic? Again, we’re not sure. Is there mystery, this time? Hmmm… not really. But that’s OK! Matt returns once again, this time to talk with us about Sharon’s selection in response to the movie he selected. This one is a bit more straightforward and we take our time examining the film, and the main differences between this one and the subject of our previous episode, The Prestige.

Join us for a whole new kind of discussion as we delve deep into the prewar Austrian Empire and its contemporary stage magic. What are the secret meanings of the scenes we are shown? Are there any? Find out on this latest, greatest episode of DRAGONREEL!

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Episode 34 – The Prestige

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Episode 34 - The Prestige
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The Prestige (2006)

The Prestige movie poster

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After a tragic accident, two stage magicians engage in a battle to create the ultimate illusion while sacrificing everything they have to outwit each other. (IMDB)

This episode we touch on a sidelong adjacent fantasy movie. Is there magic? We’re not sure. But there sure is mystery. Matt returns to talk with us about the movie he selected. There’s layers upon layers for us to unpack in here, and we end up following the threads down multiple enjoyable rabbit-holes to figure out WHAT IS GOING ON in this movie?

Join us for a whole new kind of discussion as we pick apart scene by scene and try to find the hidden secret of this movie. We had a great time watching it, a great time thinking about it, and a great time discussing it on this latest, greatest episode of DRAGONREEL!

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Episode 33 – Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger

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Episode 33 - Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger
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Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger movie poster

Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977)

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Sinbad The Sailor sails to deliver a cursed prince to a dangerous island in the face of deadly opposition from a powerful witch. (IMDB)

Matt rejoins us as a co-host and we discuss the ins and outs of a slapdash fantasy greenlit before they had a script. This classic of our childhood has entertained us many a lazy Sunday afternoon on local syndication channels, and now we bring it to you. Does it hold up? Was it ever that great to begin with? Who knows? We’ll discuss all these things on the episode!

For a fun time talking about a movie that feels a lot like a D&D game, join us for this great episode! We give it a thorough going-over and can’t wait to hear your feedback.

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Episode 32 – Lost Boys

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Lost Boys (1987)

After moving to a new town, two brothers discover that the area is a haven for vampires. (IMDB)
This is a special Halloween episode! It’s a SPOOOOOOOOOOKEY fantasy movie! Or is it fantasy at all? We touch on that, as well as a bunch of other things as we did this gem from the past.
Comedy, horror, quality, fortune, nostalgia and sheer entertainment color our views of this movie, and we give it a good shakedown for what works and what doesn’t. Join us for another great conversation as we talk about which vampire is the best one to kill first.

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Episode 31 – Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

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Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time movie posterPrince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

A young fugitive prince and princess must stop a villain who unknowingly threatens to destroy the world with a special dagger that enables the magic sand inside to reverse time. (IMDB)

We are joined by a new host, Matt (AKA MD Presley), who sees a lot of scripts in his day job. We figured a guy that sees a lot of scripts really needs to hear some read out from time to time so we subjected him to fantasy movies. Pete, Sharon, and Chris join Matt to talk about the 2010 Disney effort to jumpstart a franchise with Prince of Persia.

This is a pretty good example of what happens when you get Disney money to make a videogame movie. There’s a whole host of other movies based on videogames with a lot of budget problems. This is not one of them. We talk about the production, the casting, the translation of a game plot to a movie plot, and the logistical issues with wearing sneakers in the sand. A good conversation and a good time was had by all.

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Episode 30 – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s and or Sorcerer’s Stone

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Episode 30 - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's and or Sorcerer's Stone







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An orphaned boy enrolled in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world. (IMDB)

What a fantastic episode this turned out to be!

Chris, Sharon and Pete are joined by Michelle Barrett Shea for this one shining gem of an episode. We had a lot of fun talking about the merits and flaws of this, our cinematic introduction to J. K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. We all had some pretty strong opinions, and we hashed out a few theories and opinions. A very compelling episode. Listen with pleasure as you wingardium your leviosa!

How does this movie play a decade and a half after its release? Join the cast of DragonReel as we discuss every aspect you can fit in a one-hour show!

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Episode 29 – Conan the Destroyer

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Episode 29 - Conan the Destroyer







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Conan leads a ragtag group of adventurers on a quest for a princess. (IMDB)

Yet another great episode awaits you, dear listener!

Clinging onto his guest host seat, Bill has chosen this movie for our next show. He calls it a better D&D movie than the D&D movie. Pretty low bar, but we’re willing to check it out! We already discussed the first Arnold Schwarzenegger Conan movie, so this makes a fitting followup. This is our first sequel show, so let’s see how this movie compares to its predecessor.

Does this movie play out like it used to? Does it hold up like the first one? What is it even about? Find out with us in the next exciting episode!

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Episode 28 – Big Trouble in Little China

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Episode 28 - Big Trouble in Little China







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Big Trouble in Little China (1986)BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, center holding guns: Kurt Russell; center kneeling: Kim Cattrall,

An All-American trucker gets dragged into a centuries-old mystical battle in Chinatown. (IMDB)

This one has been a long time coming. We had to decide if we were going to get into the modern age, and then Pete had to pony up and suggest it. Chris would have suggested it two choices ago, but he knew Pete would eventually get to it. Now it’s coming, and it’s going to be grand.

The biggest question in Little China is going to be whether the classic holds up or if our fondness is tinted with overmuch nostalgia. Sharon will be our test case for this, as she’s never seen the movie before, or at least has no memory of it.

Join us as in our next adventure into Lo Pan’s parlor.

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Episode 27 – Princess Mononoke

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Princess Mononoke (1997)Princess Mononoke Movie Poster

On a journey to find the cure for a Tatarigami’s curse, Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest gods and Tatara, a mining colony. In this quest he also meets San, the Mononoke Hime. (IMDB)

Once again we are joined by noted author William Ray, who is kind enough to donate a copy of his book GEDLUND for us to give away as a prize in our first ever contest! Listen through the show to get details of the contest and how to win it.

We’ve done a few animated features, but none in the actual Japanese anime genre. We figured that a good place to start would be the name that made mainstream movie history. Miyazaki seemed the most sensible starting place for our foray into foreign film. We are, however, watching the English dub (except Pete who couldn’t find it).

We’re going to have a great time dissecting the film and finding out what translates to an English-speaking audience, and what works and what doesn’t. The film has a huge following around the world, and while it didn’t have the same impact as Spirited Away, it really broke ground in US cinema.

Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of putting your trust in nature gods and self-made industrialists.

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Episode 26 – Matilda

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Episode 26 - Matilda







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Matilda movie posterMatilda (1996)

Story of a wonderful little girl, who happens to be a genius, and her wonderful teacher vs. the worst parents ever and the worst school principal imaginable. (IMDB)

“It’s Carrie for kids.” — an anonymous Reddit poster I wish I could remember.

In this episode, we bring in special guest William Ray, author of the acclaimed debut novel GEDLUND and its follow-up, THE GREAT RESTORATION. William, or Bill, as we know him, joins us to talk about Matilda, a 1996 movie starting Mara Wilson as the title character. Matilda is just about the only sane person in her world, and the cast of characters around her create a story worthy of the pen of the late great Roald Dahl. Which, ah, is fitting, since it’s based on a book he wrote.

So join us as we delve into this classic children’s fantasy film and find out the answer to the question: what do we think of this movie?

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Episode 25 – The Beastmaster

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Episode 25 - The Beastmaster







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Beastmaster Movie Poster

The Beastmaster(1982)

A sword-and-sorcery fantasy about a young man’s search for revenge. Armed with supernatural powers, the handsome hero and his animal allies wage war against marauding forces. (IMDB)

Once upon a time, there was a movie called The Beastmaster, and just about everyone who was into gaming and fantasy went to see it, or rented/bought the videotape. I wouldn’t be surprised if this movie kept Blockbuster afloat in their early years.

Unfortunately for this movie, time also happened. Here we are, 35 years after it was released, and we’re giving it another look.

Join Pete, Sharon, and Chris as we delve into the things we loved about it and things we learn about it today.

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Episode 24 – The Last Witch Hunter

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Episode 24 - The Last Witch Hunter







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The Last Witch Hunter movie posterThe Last Witch Hunter (2015)

The last witch hunter is all that stands between humanity and the combined forces of the most horrifying witches in history. (IMDB)

This episode, we dive into what’s good and what’s bad about this movie, which tanked at the box office in 2015. We find some things to admire about what was created here, and talk about how it could have been better and what we’d like out of a franchise like this. I think you’ll be surprised at what we discovered.

Listen and enjoy!

 

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Episode 23 – Willy Wonka/Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

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Episode 23 - Willy Wonka/Charlie & the Chocolate Factory







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Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Charlie receives a golden ticket to a factory, his sweet tooth wants going into the lushing candy, it turns out there’s an adventure in everything. (IMDB)

 

A young boy wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the world’s most unusual candy maker. (IMDB)

 

Welcome to our first two-fer. Sharon chose Willy Wonka and we thought we’d be remiss in not mentioning and comparing the latest adaptation of the original Roald Dahl book from 1964, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Listen in for a rollicking discussion with the dreamers of dreams!

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Episode 22 – Ladyhawke

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Ladyhawke movie posterLadyhawke (1985)

A petty thief played my Matthew Broderick is thrust in the middle of a plot involving a man, a woman, two animals, and the church. It’s pretty confusing, but a classic nonetheless. It’s so hard to summarize the movie that IMDB doesn’t even have an official summary, only user-written blurbs spanning several paragraphs.

We had a pretty good discussion on this one, and really enjoyed diving deep into what was hailed as a flawless classic in the geek community in the 80s, and examined what’s held up and what hasn’t.

Join us as we dissect and devour the next in our fabulous series of fantasy movie reviews and discussions.

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Episode 21 – The Flight of Dragons

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The Flight of Dragons movie posterThe Flight of Dragons (1982)

A young Boston writer goes back in time into an era where wizards and dragon reign and science is just barely known. (IMDB)

This is an old one that was suggested by a listener. Thanks for the suggestion, Joe! This one is for you, buddy! This one was also a sentimental favorite of ours. We are happy to return from a long hiatus with a new episode, and hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it.

This is not the greatest highlight in the Rankin/Bass catalogue, but it was definitely worth watching.

 

 

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Episode 20 – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

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Episode 20 - Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them







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FanFantastic Beasts Movie Postertastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school.

We’re going to try doing more current movies, but we want to give people a chance to see it before we let loose with all the spoilers. So be warned, we get spoilery on this one. We encourage our listeners to go see the movie and see what they think, then come listen to us and see what we said about it. Or you can listen to us and decide if it’s something you want to see, but we’re giving away some plot twists and surprises.

That said, we really hope you enjoy this episode. We had a lot of fun making it.

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Episode 19 – Labyrinth

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Episode 19 - Labyrinth







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Labyrinth movie poster 1986Labyrinth (1986)
A 16-year old girl is given 13 hours to solve a labyrinth and rescue her baby brother when her wish for him to be taken away is granted by the Goblin King. (IMDB)

OH. MY. GOB!

We had a HUGE technical issue with the recording of this one. I tried to iron out as many kinks as I could but I’m afraid there are still some pops, as well as some dramatic volume changes. I apologize in advance and beg you for your patience to listen to the entire show. The problems disappear entirely around the half hour mark, so if you get that far, you’re golden. And please, stick with it, because this was a GREAT conversation.

Wow, the 80s really is a golden age for fantasy movies. This time we go to 1986 and the slightly confusing presence of David Bowie in one of the highlights of the decade, fantastically speaking. This movie has David Bowie, Muppets, and a very early appearance of Jennifer Connolly.

James Introcasso and Bonnie MacDonald join us in Pete’s place (he wasn’t feeling well enough to record, but he’ll be back for Fantastic Beasts).

Join us again as we tackle the tough questions: Is this really happening? What does it all mean? What’s the deal with that bulge, anyway? Be with us for the next thrilling episode of DRAGONREEL!

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Episode 18 – Legend

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Legend Movie PosterLegend (1985)

A young man must stop the Lord of Darkness from both destroying daylight and marrying the woman he loves. (IMDB)

Once upon a time, no one had even heard of Tom Cruise. So Hollywood wasn’t sure what kind of a niche he could fill in their machine. Somehow he ended up in Legend, and cemented himself in fantasy movie history. Join Pete, Sharon, and Chris as we talk about the ins and outs of this nostalgic piece of cinema from our teen years.

This was Pete’s choice, and the discussion surrounding the movie tells us why. Watch the movie and then join us, and see if you thought some of the same things we did.

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Episode 17 – Oz the Great and Powerful

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Episode 17 - Oz the Great and Powerful







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Oz the Great and Powerful movie posterOz the Great and Powerful (2013)

A small-time magician is swept away to an enchanted land and is forced into a power struggle between three witches. (IMDB)

Since Sharon chose The Wizard of Oz, Chris chose to follow it up with a prequel of sorts. Oz the Great and Powerful takes places years before the events of The Wizard of Oz, and tells the story of how the land came to be ruled by such a humbug of a wizard in the first place. Learn about Oz the wizard, and Oz the land, along with us.

 

Check out all the observations we had about this new twist on a familiar tale.

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