The Clone Wars review: ‘Overlords’

“The longer we stay here, the stranger it gets,” says Ahsoka Tano in last week’s episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, ‘Overlords’. I think this applies to us as viewers as well as the show tackles one of the most important notions of Star Wars and takes it in a new direction, as well as bringing back some prequel characters (and their actors). And helping to show Anakin Skywalker’s slow slide toward the dark side, he confronts past guilt but in the end, chooses the path of selfishness. Continue readingThe Clone Wars review: ‘Overlords’”

Liam Neeson to voice Qui-Gon on The Clone Wars

Liam Neeson returns to the GFFA to voice Qui-Gon Jinn on upcoming episodes of The Clone Wars. The Jedi Master will appear in visions to Obi-Wan.

Neeson tells EW he wanted to return to Star Wars because he felt that “these characters resonate…even after all these years.” He adds, “Growing up, my heroes were cowboys; they were strong and mysterious, and it seemed like they always rode off into the sunset. For kids today, Star Wars has that same kind of magic. I really wanted to be a part of that.”

The episodes featuring Qui-Gon will air Jan. 28 and Feb. 11.

UPDATE 1/22: Dave Filoni has posted a note on Facebook about this development:

I understand that Qui-Gon’s appearance in The Clone Wars has many implications, and that some of you are asking “how can this be ” especially in light of the scene between Obi Wan and Yoda at the end of Revenge of the Sith where they speak about Qui-Gon. These upcoming episodes, more than any other to date, will spark curiosity and discussion. I only ask that you be patient and watch them. I look forward to hearing from you after they air. For now trust me when I say Christian Taylor (writer) and I, along with George Lucas, are very aware of the continuity surrounding Qui-Gon Jinn. George in particular, is especially conscious of it.

Movie news: Liam Neeson gods out for Titans remake

At least it's not a neon halo?Zeus was truly a man before his time. Did you see the picture of Liam Neeson all Zeused up for the Clash of the Titans remake in Entertainment Weekly, a few weeks back? (It’s all very Excalibur.) There are a couple more pictures (though no Neeson) over at Empire, where genre up-and-comer Sam Worthington takes the name of Harryhausen in vain. Tisk tisk: Doesn’t anyone teach these kids film history anymore?

The biggest Trek of all. J.J. Abram’s Star Trek has beat its predecessors at the box office, TrekMovie found. Not too shabby for a near-dead franchise.

Aww hell, why not. Bryan Singer is up for a return to the X-Men. If only he’d thought that way before inflicting that tedious Superman flick upon us all.

Something new and exciting! Roland Emmerich on why there wasn’t an Independence Day sequel. Because really, how many chances does one get to painstakingly destroy major monuments and… Oh.

Okay then. Jon Favreau will not be directing The Avengers and Beyonce is not going to play Wonder Woman.

Natasha Richardson has passed away

Last night we got word that Natasha Richardson has succumbed to her injuries. The family released a brief statement:

Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.

Appreciations for Richardson’s work and career have come from all quarters, including Entertainment Weekly, the Los Angeles Times and director Ken Russell. EW also has a gallery of her key roles.

Our sympathies to Neeson, their sons, and their friends and family.