Geek in Review: Han Shoots First

Wil Wheaton on Star Wars. As you might expect, it’s not always the most positive take on the saga, but that’s the nature of these things, isn’t it?

We love Star Wars because, when viewed from our complicated adult lives through the lens of childhood nostalgia, we see a simpler, happier time, and recall this phenomenon that was an integral part of our lives. Remember what it was like to see the Death Star blow up the first time? Remember how you just couldn’t believe it that they froze Han Solo? If you were young enough at the time, will you admit that you thought the Ewoks were actually kind of funny and cool? (I will.) And how much did you run around the woods near your house, pretending to be on a speeder bike? See, it’s more than a movie; it’s culture.

Also check out his article notes in his regular blog.

Video Monday: What’s a Nubian?

The highlight of this week’s Youtube adventure was the entire Kevin Smith hosted episode of Party for Five, featuring Jason Lee, Stan Lee, Mark Hamill and JJ Abrams: part I, part II, part III. Part II is where the Star Wars stuff is: Hamill also talks about his Batman voice work in the third. I suggest watching the whole thing, though.

I love Kevin Smith movies, but this scene is the only part of Chasing Amy you’ll ever need to see. And I still haven’t seen Clerks 2, but here’s the Star Wars vs. Lord of the Rings scene (with Marshall from Alias!) And, what the hell – I know you want to see Cocknocker. Or just go for the digest version. If you need me to tell you that none of these clips should be watched in mundane public due to language, please turn in your geek card.

Yeah yeah, you’re a Jedi, whatever

Jedi Knights demand Britain’s fourth largest ‘religion’ receives recognition. Didn’t that start as a joke? Somehow I doubt that a fourth of the United Kingdom actually believes in the Force.

Not to mention (fangirl alert!) that they don’t seem to know the word ‘Jedi’ is both singular and plural:

For the protest in Whitehall, the couple will wear full Jedi Knight robes and will be accompanied by a host of supporters including Star Wars favourite Chewbacca with a placard reading ‘Tolerance for Jedis’.

(Of course, neither does George Lucas, but that’s neither here nor there.)

I’m no stranger to fanciful piecemeal religion, but the whole ‘real Jedi’ thing just throws me for a loop. What’s wrong with Buddhism, now?