Star Wars tagged posts

May 28, 2018, Posted in  Podcast Comments: No comments

Recorded in the small hours of the morning, Robs Daniel and Wallis deliver their verdict on the troubled Solo: A Star Wars Story. Little spoiler for what they think: don’t believe the negative reviews and disappointing box office, this is rip-roaring adventure. Listen on to find out why.

They also discuss the film’s production woes that saw original directors Lord and Miller replaced with Ron Howard, and why Star Wars films are better served by efficient, journeymen directors.

Rob W also explains why a second viewing of Avengers: Infinity War has left him feeling he was premature in writing off the Marvel franchise in episode 43. Rob D tries to resist accusing him of betraying the podcast (and fails)...

December 31, 2017, Posted in  Podcast Comments: No comments

Robs Daniel & Wallis take a brief look at Star Wars: The Jedi in this pint-sized podcast. Primarily because they wanted to throw their hat into the ring regarding the current fan fury over Rian Johnson’s Star Wars movie. We’ll do a full review when the Blu-ray comes out in 2018.

So, in a SPOILER FILLED discussion the two run through what impresses, what are legitimate complaints and why it doesn’t trash the extended universe. Just because something is different, doesn’t mean to say it ruins everything around it…

We’ve got a goooood feeling about this.

To check out Rob Wallis’ movie writings, head over to www.ofallthefilmsites.com

Twitter: rob_a_daniel

iTunes Podcast: The Electric Shadows Podcast

December 29, 2017, Posted in  Features Comments: One comment

Another year, another 10 movies that define why we love cinema. 2017 was such a strong year for film releases that many excellent movies failed to make our Top 10.

Honorary shout-outs then to such must-sees as Wind River, IT, Mother!, Una, A Silent Voice and Wonder Woman. Great movies all, all pipped to the post by the titles below.

Whatever brow-furrowing misbehaviour 2018 brings, one sliver of good news is that cinema should remain in fine shape. From what we saw at the London Film Festival in October, at least three five-star movies will be released next year.

But, without further ado, here is Electric Shadows’ 10 Best Films of 2017…

10. Brawl in Cell Block 99

Writer/director S...

December 12, 2017, Posted in  Reviews Comments: 2 comments

Director: Rian Johnson

Writer: Rian Johnson (screenplay), George Lucas (characters)

Cast: Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, Domnhall Gleeson, Andy Serkis, Benicio Del Toro, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels

Cert: 12

Running time: 152mins

Year: 2017

What’s the story: With the First Order hunting the Resistance into extinction, Rey (Ridley) seeks out Luke Skywalker (Hamill) to bring him into the fight.

What’s the verdict: Of the new wave of adventures set in a galaxy far, far away, The Last Jedi has the toughest mission to date. To do something different.

The Force Awakens and Rogue One recaptured the magic. Partly by leaning heavily into the nostalgia, mixing the new with the comfortingly familiar.

Writer/director Rian ...

December 3, 2017, Posted in  Reviews Comments: No comments

When discussing Blade Runner, Ridley Scott said, “It’s as bad to be ahead of your time as behind it.”

Director William Friedkin can sympathise with this.

In the early 1970s he was a filmmaker in synch with the mood of the nation. He revitalised the cop thriller with The French Connection in 1971, nabbing Best Director and Best Film among a five Oscar haul.

Two years later he reinvented horror cinema for the modern age with The Exorcist.

Then, in 1977 he delivered to American audiences Sorcerer, a film fundamentally at odds with a country aching to slough off a decade of uncertainty and corruption.

A loose remake of Henri-Georges Clouzot’s 1953 thriller The Wages of Fear and Georges Arnaud’s same-name source novel, Friedkin’s movie was too bleak for a nation hungry for the escapist th...

April 26, 2017, Posted in  Podcast Comments: No comments

Episode 22 of The Electric Shadows Podcast sees Rob Daniel & Rob Wallis revving their engines as they ironically mosey through a discussion of Fast & Furious 8, and the surprisingly robust franchise as a whole.

They also dive into the insane world of Howard Hughes in Warren Beatty’s Rules Don’t Apply, and get ambivalent about the Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer.

The key’s in the ignition, we’ve got a full canister of NOS… wanna take a ride?

To check out Rob Wallis’ movie writings, head over to www.ofallthefilmsites.com

Twitter: rob_a_daniel

December 30, 2016, Posted in  Features Comments: No comments

Oh 2016, you terrible year. What general miserableness was foisted upon us these past 12 months. Providing a light in the gloom were movies released this year; a great selection from which it was difficult to draw a top 10. But, we managed it and proudly present what we regard as the year’s best releases.

Before we get to that list, firstly a shout-out to those films that skirted the Top 10 but which didn’t make it in.  Ironically, we couldn’t find room for Room, Green Room, or The Keeping Room.  Captain America: Civil War was the only summer blockbuster worth bothering with, but again didn’t make the grade. Elvis & Nixon, The Nice Guys, Bone Tomahawk, The Hateful Eight, Creed. We salute you, but there were still 10 movies we placed above them.

Here they are – in reverse order as is cus...

December 14, 2016, Posted in  Reviews Comments: 2 comments

Director: Gareth Edwards

Writer: Chris Weitz, Tony Gilroy (screenplay), John Knoll, Gary Whitta (story), George Lucas (characters)

Cast: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Alan Tudyk, Wen Jiang, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed, Mads Mikkelsen

Cert: 12

Running time: 134mins

Year: 2016

What’s the story: The Galactic Empire has created a terrifying new weapon, the Death Star, which is nearing full planet-killing power. Jyn Erso (Jones), street thief and cynical daughter of the weapon’s chief architect (Mikkelsen), must team up with a ragtag group of freedom fighters and mercenaries to steal plans to the Death Star and deliver them to the Rebel Alliance.

What’s the verdict: Despite being a Star Wars movie, Rogue One has a feeling of difficult second album-itis...

May 7, 2016, Posted in  Podcast Comments: No comments

Episode 3 of The Electric Shadows Podcast sees our intrepid raconteurs Rob Daniel & Rob Wallis setting their lightsabers to full beam when talking about the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blu-Ray. Discussing the triumphant return of a franchise long thought dead, they also make room for those pesky prequels and the promise of Rogue One. We’re home indeed…

More of Rob Wallis’ musing on movies can be found at his site Of All The Film Blogs. Check it out (after listening to the podcast)…

December 20, 2015, Posted in  Reviews Comments: 2 comments

Director: J.J. Abrams

Writers: J.J. Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan, Michael Arndt, George Lucas (characters only)

Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels

Cert: 12

Running time: 135mins

Year: 2015

What’s the story: Thirty years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the new and dangerous First Order threatens to enslave the galaxy. The Resistance, headed by General Leia, lead the counter charge. Thrown into the fight are Stormtrooper deserter Finn and scavenger Rey.

What’s the verdict: From the opening story crawl we know balance has returned to the Force...