Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert – CSO at the Movies

David Newman is conducting Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert over the course of three nights at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This was my first time getting to see a film at the CSO, let alone watch the CSO in action. It was a fun experience–anytime I get to watch a Star Wars film on the big screen is always a good time. The last time I saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens on…

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert – CSO at the Movies"

My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie

Todd Fisher shares his life with Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds in his 2018 memoir, My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie. December will mark five years since we lost both Carrie and Debbie. While this may be hard to believe, the occasion isn’t any less saddening. When I finished this book during the fest days of Passover, I was sobbing uncontrollably. Of course, I then proceeded to start another pandemic binge of Star…

"My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie"

The Blues Brothers Celebrates 40 Years with 4K

An iconic musical comedy classic, The Blues Brothers, celebrates its 40th anniversary with a recently released upgrade to 4K Ultra HD. When it comes to 1980, it was a seminal year for comedies on the big screen.  In just a few months, the year saw the likes of The Blues Brothers, Airplane, Caddyshack, and 9 to 5.  National Lampoon’s Animal House had been a big hit in 1978.  It’s no surprise that everyone wanted to…

"The Blues Brothers Celebrates 40 Years with 4K"

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Hits Home Video

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the ninth and final installment of the Skywalker saga, is now available for fans to buy on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. In addition to the above options, eight previous films in the saga are being made available on 4K Ultra HD for the first time.  Both Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo were previously available on 4K UItra HD. Bonus features include*: The Skywalker Legacy – The…

"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Hits Home Video"

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – A Saga Ends

Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker isn’t only the ninth Star Wars installment but the ultimate conclusion to a franchise started in 1977. It goes without saying that for fear of even the most mild of spoilers, I ask that you please do not read any further until after seeing the film. If you’re anything like me, go into the film knowing as little as possible. The saga ends as it begins on the…

"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – A Saga Ends"

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Road to IX

Star Wars: The Last Jedi may or may not be the best film in the franchise but writer-director Rian Johnson delivers the goods in the eighth installment. What follows below the asterisks is the bulk of my original review–first published in 2017.  My feelings on this film have not changed in two years.  In fact, the film only improves with time.  Rian Johnson would turn out to be the perfect filmmaker to take on the…

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Road to IX"

Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Road to IX

Star Wars: The Force Awakens features the long-awaited return of fan favorites while introducing us to a new generation of characters. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) are back but Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has gone missing.  The Resistance has a new band of heroes leading the way for a younger generation.  Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), and BB-8 are certain to take Star Wars into the…

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Road to IX"

Star Wars: Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi

Star Wars: Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi brings about the end of original trilogy with a crushing defeat of the Galactic Empire. It’s back to Tatooine to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from Jabba the Hutt.  Rescuing Han is not going to be a one person job and I love how they manage to include everyone.  From C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) to Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew)…

"Star Wars: Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi"

Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back continues the saga by giving audiences a new thrilling adventure with our favorite heroes. Darth Vader certainly has it out for Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill).  Meanwhile, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) take refuge in Cloud City.  It just so happens that Han’s friend, Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), is the administrator of Cloud City.  The Millennium Falcon is in dire need of…

"Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back"

Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope – Road to IX

Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope is the film that started it all by taking audiences back to a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) are the heart and soul of the original trilogy.  They all have their own place in the Rebellion against the Empire.  Luke yearns for an adventure in a way that is…

"Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope – Road to IX"