Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy (2004)

This most comprehensive look at the making of the original Star Wars trilogy ever produced examines the early concepts, the deals, the production hell and then the eventual success of George Lucas' space opera. With commentaries from the cast and crew and stories about how a little movie that was looked upon as an impending box office disaster became a cultural phenomenon. Empire of Dreams is one of my favourite documentaries of all time that takes an extensive dive into Star Wars' success and George Lucas' genius. We are allowed to see the structures that formed the most influential movies in cinematic history laid out piece by piece. I have been a huge Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember. They entertained me, captivated me and simply blew my mind. I was fascinated in every way by this behemoth of a franchise and was utterly thrilled to see an extensive look behind its making as I put in my copy of the Bonus Material DVD. A chance to see the inner workings of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977), Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) in all their glory felt like a must for any fan. As well as with Star Wars, I have equally been a long-time enthusiast of seeing the behind-the-scenes construction of the filmmaking process, the implementation and workings of practical special effects plus the build-up to every piece of the jigsaw come together with the final product. It is truly eye-opening and not only shows the grand display of imagination and creativity at play but it equally awakens that spark of potential within ourselves. We begin with a look into George Lucas' early years with his study of filmmaking alongside other soon-to-be greats like Steven Spielberg and how his obvious talent led to the opportunity to create films such as his hit, American Graffiti (1973). Lucas was becoming more noticeable as an up-and-coming director. He now felt he could focus on a project he had been working on in the background, a science fiction epic. Lucas began planning out the story for what would become Star Wars, which he was inspired by 1930s Flash Gordon serials, old Japanese samurai movies and other products. Whilst a science fiction at face value, Lucas opted for an equal mythological approach bringing a mysticism element. Almost like a fairy tale adventure but in space. This is apparent with the young eager adventurer, the old wise 'wizard', a swashbuckler and a damsel, but even then it is given a sweeping breath of fresh air. Science fiction movies at the time of the early 70s were not so popular and considered a bad investment however 20th Century Fox gave Lucas the chance. The majority of the documentary is spent covering the creation of the first film, simply titled, Star Wars. Since it is the first entry there was plenty to uncover from the initial casting tapes, set building, concept art, marketing, composing the score, sound design and my favourite, the forming of ILM the special effects crew. I loved hearing the interviews with the actors and crew accompanied by older footage giving further insight into those moments like auditions and off-screen banter. I also adored seeing how the effects came together with the use of models, the strange locations and origins of the 'futuristic' sounds, John William's composing of beautiful pieces and seeing the faces of some lesser-seen actors. We all know the rough journey it took in making the movie with the amount of difficulties endured that equally caused Lucas many problems. Despite it all, the film was finished, released and feared to be a huge flop but, was instead, a renowned success, allowing Lucas to continue the story. We see further in-depth looks into Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi with their accomplishments, hardships and formations. Overall, Empire of Dreams is a phenomenal guide to the original trilogy's creation that extensively breaks apart its development, showering us with engrossing knowledge. I found myself beaming with joy throughout making me feel proud to be a Star Wars fan. A definitive documentary for any enthusiast. Also, check out Light & Magic (TV Series 2022) for a deeper look into ILM's story. 

Runtime: 2h 31m

Directors: Edith Becker, Kevin Burns

Genre: Documentary / History / Sci-fi

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The Nativity Story (2006)

In Nazareth, teenager Mary is betrothed to the local carpenter, Joseph. Mary is visited by an angel and told that she will fulfill a prophecy and as a virgin give birth to God's son, the savior of the world. Mary's pregnancy brings her the scorn of the community and Joseph struggles to believe her seemingly outlandish story. Meanwhile, a census forces every man and his family to return to his place of birth. Joseph and Mary set out on a long and arduous journey to Bethlehem that will coincide with the birth of Jesus. Over the years there have been plenty of iterations of this time-old tale but out of them all, this has to be one of the best in my opinion. This telling follows a realistic and lived-in approach that can be felt throughout in varying aspects from its acting, scenes, tone and picture. What I mean by this is I'm sure many are familiar with the bright and colourful depictions whereas this one has a slightly muted look and a more authentic appeal to the clothing/style. I think the overall look of this film has to be what makes it my favourite. I feel as though I have been transported into the time period and every shot feels glorious as it shows the vast landscapes travelled to Bethlehem or the grand cities. One of the most notable aspects of this version was a concentration on Mary and Joseph's relationship. They are both an important part of the Nativity story of course with Mary having the unorthodox pregnancy and Joseph claiming it to be his, protecting them. However, we don't get a great look into their relationship, which was an arranged marriage as Joseph loved her whereas she did not. With the further troubling appearance of a baby not belonging to Joseph, it made the situation more dire but with the guidance of an angel, he becomes more understanding. With the journey to Bethlehem, Mary comes to care for and love Joseph, which can be seen during a moment when Mary cleans Joseph's injured feet. I found their travel the most entertaining as we see countless snippets of their long journey from the troubles they encounter, the wonderous landscapes and the people. I found every scene fascinating, most especially to look at. The cinematography is nothing short of exceptional and gives such a scope and atmosphere packed into every section. Their story is an intriguing one to follow that most certainly shines thanks to actor, Oscar Isaac and actress, Keisha Castle-Hughes. Alongside their performance, everyone else does an equally fabulous job with the other most notable having to be the Three Wise Kings, Magi. They bring a delightful element to the film with their witty banter with one another, alternating from serious conversations to some light comical moments. I love how one of them, Gaspar, constantly disagrees about going, complaining all the way counting the days. That is until he arrives and sees for himself how tremendous the destination of the star was and what lay waiting there. The birth of Jesus was an exceptional sequence with the accompanied music of Mychael Danna who gives such a grandiose sensation to every scene and a calming effect for its tranquil segments. The visual of the stable was also just picture-perfect. It is a well-known piece of iconography and I felt that it was well represented here with the shepherds and Magi standing close by with the light of the star shining through a gap in the roof on Mary and her child. It was certainly a heartwarming depiction of the historical event that is sure to bring a smile to its viewers. I further like how much more weight the scene carries after a previous event that saw a shepherd give Mary and Joseph a moment to rest by a fire whilst exchanging some words, who would later visit them upon the angel's word, allowing them to interact once more. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed The Nativity Story for many years now as part of our family tradition at Christmas. It is one I have come to appreciate over time and will likely continue to do so over the following years to come. A brilliant telling of Jesus' birth that is definitely worth checking out this Christmas time. I would also recommend Jesus of Nazareth (TV Mini Series 1977) for not only its phenomenal depiction of his later life but for its version of his birth.

Runtime: 1h 41m

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Genre: Adventure / Drama / Family / History / Romance

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Jesus of Nazareth (TV Mini Series 1977)

This dramatization depicts the birth, life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We see all the teachings and miracles brought to life in this fantastic mini-series, which sweeps through all the drama of his time on Earth from the beginning of the Nativity to his death on the cross and return to the living. I adore this series for countless reasons. This mini-series manages to portray such a real, detailed and visually stunning depiction of the world during the time of Jesus' life. I have to say that this is hands down the best adaptation that I've ever seen of his life according to the Holy Bible's New Testament Gospels. Every single element of this series feels tangible and alive, from the lived-in world seen through the landscapes, towns and civilians to the mannerisms and lifestyles of the people. Everything looks and feels historically accurate, being done so extremely well through the beautiful cinematography and superb acting from all involved. It is practically like reading the Bible but instead visually seeing these events coming to life. This mini-series had quite a big budget not often seen with a television-made project of the time and more like that of a film, which I feel can easily be seen by the grand scale of each scene throughout. I found it quite interesting watching the entire life of Jesus play out before our eyes but what surprised me on my first viewing was how it started right from the beginning at his birth through a brief telling of the Nativity. Having seen so many films based on the Nativity and associating it with Christmas, it made its inclusion feel quite unexpected (since I, and many others, regard this as Easter-time viewing) but it of course makes total sense to be here especially as it gets us familiar with some of the other characters like Mary who would be prominent to the story later on as well. I really enjoyed this version as it set everything in motion however if you want a more in-depth telling then look at the countless other movies especially The Nativity Story (2006), which is one of my favourites. We then get some sequences of Jesus as a child slowly growing up under the Jewish population and teachings. Jesus is magnificently played by Robert Powell whose performance is undoubtedly the highlight of the series. He looks exactly like how I would picture him and it was funny reading the behind-the-scenes about how every time he exited his dressing room in costume, the foul language the crew was using would suddenly stop, which I find hilarious. I love every scene with Jesus, especially each sequence where he gains a new disciple. The friendship and joy they share are so contagious, it causes me to smile, for example, when he asks them to join him and we see how truly happy each is. Seeing each iconic and memorable miracle brought to life was so fascinating and felt so wondrous. From healing the paralyzed man to feeding the five thousand or bringing Lazarus back from the dead, each is an exciting and astonishing occurrence that is just as renowned here as they are in the Bible. Furthermore, scenes where Jesus preaches are just as entertaining and momentous. The telling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son is a great example and is beautifully performed by Powell. Of course, anyone who knows the story of Jesus will be aware of what is to come with his betrayal, capture, prosecution, torture and death on the cross. This series, whilst having some very serious moments and horrifying details nothing compares to the dwindling feel of this whole sequence, which is certainly upsetting and hard to witness. I was near tears because of the performances of the other actors, especially Mary's reaction, which is bound to have anyone watching choked up. However, we also know that he rises again after 3 days, which is a ceremonious event to lift the ending's darker tone, even if the best part is left as a deleted scene and abruptly ends with little time spent on his resurrection. Overall, I can say with hand on heart, this is definitive viewing of Jesus' life that is a must-see for not only its accuracy but also its devotion to making a respectful depiction. I would highly recommend checking this mini-series out if you can, especially this Easter time.

Seasons & Episodes: 1 Season - 4 Episodes (6h 22m)

Creator: Franco Zeffirelli

Genre: Biography / Drama / History

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Cool Runnings (1993)

When the Jamaican sprinter Derice Bannock fails to qualify for the 100-yard sprint for the Olympics due to a minor accident, he decides to go to the Olympics anyway, not as a sprinter however, but as a bobsledder. He meets dishonoured coach Irving Blitzer, who is living in Jamaica and convinces him to coach the first Jamaican bobsledding team. They form a group with push-cart driver Sanka Coffie, sprinter Yul Brenner and rich Junior Bevil and without any sponsor, fly to Calgary to participate in the 1988 Winter Olympics. In the freezing weather Derice, Sanka, Junior, and Yul are only laughed at since nobody can take a Jamaican bobsledding team led by a disgraced trainer seriously. But team spirit and a healthy self-confidence may lead to a few surprises in the upcoming Olympics. Cool Runnings is a hilarious movie that I thoroughly enjoyed and is inspired by, but not a true account of, the true story of the first Jamaican Olympic bobsled team and is a heartwarming story for the whole family to enjoy. It has some very good life lessons with some great comedic scenes throughout. The bobsledding team have some great banter, which is frequently joined in by Irv. Out of all the members, I particularly love Sanka the most due to how he is easily the funniest character in every scene he is in. My personal favourite moment with him is when the whole group is raising money for the team so they can fly over to the games. One of Sanka's attempts is by singing yet no one gives him any money until one man comes along and says, "I'll pay you a dollar to shut up" and I just couldn't stop laughing. I love every moment he is on screen. The coach, Irv, is played by the phenomenal actor John Candy who has some extremely funny sequences also, which got plenty of laughs from me as he does in all of his films like, for example, The Great Outdoors (1988), Uncle Buck (1989), Planes, Trains And Automobiles (1987) and Spaceballs (1987). He, unfortunately, passed away one year later after this film was released, only at the age of 43, which is very upsetting and a real shame as he was an amazing actor in so many wonderful films. I love his scenes like the recruiting for the bobsledding team with the use of a video demonstration. Instead of being a positive look at the sport it ends up showing all the crashes and dangers of the sport to which the video ends with the words 'Crash Kills Bobsledder'. Irv even says "Always remember, your bones will not break in a bobsled. No, no, no. They shatter." I love the whole scene mainly because right after this presentation, matched with these words, Irv proceeds to ask who wants in to find everybody has left. It is such a brilliant scene that always gets a laugh from me. Each member of the Jamaican bobsledding team are all great and I love that they are each shown as separate people with different goals and ways of thinking making their journey along the way all that more compelling. The friendships they develop throughout the film are so engaging and a true highlight. I think the best development is seen with Yul Brenner who doesn't get along with Junior Bevil after his accident cost him his place in the Olympics. He is always harsh to Bevil however, over the course of the film they become friends and he helps him with the confidence to stand up to his father. Seeing the team grow and overcome their problems is so entertaining and rewarding in the end. My favourite scene in the entire feature is the ending when the team finishes the race. It is a really emotional and uplifting moment that gained the respect of all the people and teams who originally mocked them as they clap them to the finish line. Jamaica had finally earned all of their respect in the most powerful scene in the whole film, which is certain to have many viewers choked up and cheering alongside everyone else. Overall, this film is a great deal of fun, which can be watched with the whole family. It is full of great messages, hilarious timeless comedy and an enjoyable round of characters. I would highly recommend giving this film a look over as it is truly delightful.

Runtime: 1h 38m

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Family / History / Sport

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