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"Tag: J.J. Abrams
Light & Magic is a 6-part documentary series that goes back into the archives to give us the deep history of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). The history of ILM cannot be told without George Lucas, John Dykstra, Ken Ralston, Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Robert Blalack, Joe Johnston, Phil Tippett, Steve Gawley, Lorne Peterson, and Paul Huston. It’s because of them that filmmaking would change as a result of a sci-fi film, Star Wars. Dennis Muren would also join the list of…
"Light & Magic Tells The Rich History of ILM"
Star Trek Into Darkness contains as much action-packed fun as its predecessor but the problem lies in using Khan as a villain again. It’s going to come up at some point so better to get it out of the way sooner than later. We need to talk about Khan. Why was it so necessary to bring him back instead of coming up with a new villain? There’s such a big canvas to come up with…
"Star Trek Into Darkness Has A Khan Problem"
Star Trek, the 2009 reboot directed by J.J. Abrams, is among the best Star Trek movies in the franchise’s cinematic history. For a few years there, the future for the franchise looked bleak. Following the box office and critical failure of Star Trek: Nemesis, a planned fifth Next Generation movie installment was scratched. Ratings plummeted quickly for Star Trek: Enterprise and the eighteen year franchise run on TV came to an end in 2005. Cut…
"Star Trek: One of the Best Star Trek Movies Ever"
Super 8, a visual spectacle from both J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg, belongs in the same category as Spielberg’s sci-fi classics. Now on 4K Ultra HD for the tenth anniversary, the film has never looked better. I still remember the first time that I saw the film on the big screen in 2011. Lo and behold, ten years later, it is just as thrilling. There are certainly a few things here and there that didn’t…
"Super 8 Gets 4K UHD for 10th Anniversary"
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 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 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"