Hopefully seeing Revenge of the Sith tonight and in preparation I’ve watched Episodes 1 & 2 again.
Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace
Oh dear. I really struggled to sit through this film. Stilted dialogue, uninspiring acting and laughable interaction between the real and CGI actors. If we hadn’t seen episodes 4,5 and 6 I really doubt that anyone would have signed up a follow up based on this. Out of 5 I’d give it a 2. Taxation of trade routes - is that the best they could come up with? Pah!
Episode 2 - Attack of the Clones
I liked this film. Maybe it was after the high expectations of Episode 1 and the subsequent let down but even watching it yesterday after at least 18 months or so from the last viewing I still enjoyed it. Far better plot, more action and better use of the main characters. A geek pleasing Yoda fight, more darker tones and more impressive CGI than the first one - no Jar Jar. Dialogue still painful, especially the love scenes between Anakin and Padme. 3.5 out of 5.
Which leaves Revenge of the Sith. Most websites are reporting that this is the best of the three and based on trailers alone this does look to be a cracking film. I still have doubts though - maybe the lack of expectation will again increase the enjoyment.
With the news that there is to be a Star Wars TV series (been watching Battlestar George?) and the immenent Episode 3 you may have missed the release of Star Wars Revelations by Panicstruck Productions. This is an independently made 45 minute production that captures all that’s good and bad about Star Wars, namely:
Great special effects - the CGI used in this film is impressive, most impressive
Good use of sound
Crap storyline
Poor dialogue
Questionable acting ability
That’s maybe a little harsh as the CGI is amazing for a free film but to ’star’ in the film it looks like you had to be American, fat, ugly and have facial hair…and that’s just the girls. Seriously though it’s well worth a download at around 250Mb just for the CGI alone - best to grab the torrent though as most of the mirrors aren’t reliable.
There’s a torrent available of the brand new Star Wars Episode III trailer on Slashdot. The trailer, like the previous two, looks amazing but there’s seems to be more action and the film certainly looks more darker, but this was obvious as it is the birth of Vader. As disappointing as I and II were I can’t wait for III - roll on May 19th for it’s worldwide release.
I’ve been contacted by Anup Kurian who is the writer director of Manasarovar asking for a plug…so here goes:
Manasarovar was made for about 30000 pounds on a 16MM camera bought from EBAY and has won many awards and participated/selected in prestigious festivals.
- Aravindan Puraskaram for Best Debut Director in India
- Gollapudi Srinivas National Award for Best Debut Director in India
- Official Selection - London Film Festival 2004
- Opening Film, Indian Panorama, International Film Festival of India, Goa, 2004
- Best Film and Special Jury Prize, International Film Festival of Mumbai, 2005
- Fukuoka International Film Festival, Fukuoka, Japan, 2005
If our film attracts a good crowd in Glasgow we can get more theatre bookings in UK. It would be great if you can mention the film and the screenings in Glasgow in your blog.
- Sunday February 27, 2PM and Monday February 28, 8.45PM at Glasgow
Film Theatre.
Needless to say we do not have a marketing budget and the only marketing is contacting bloggers like yourself and requesting reviewers from main stream media to watch the film. Later the film continues at Dundee, Brentford, Kilburn etc. In April Manasarovar will release in India and later this year hopefully in USA.
The movie trailer for the third (or sixth depending on your viewpoint) Star Wars film has been released. Looks like an exclusive download for the moment only, but the torrent can be found here.
As for the content, looking good and a lot darker but this is the movie that details the birth of Vader. Roll on next May.
