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Obi Wan Kenobi

Has Disney Killed Star Wars? Episode II

Somewhere, in a galaxy far far away, in an outpost called Anaheim, there is a disturbance in the force. Well, maybe it was just convention food for some people. D23 Expo has come and gone and with it a whole slew of breaking news and announcements and unsurprisingly their two big franchises really made an impact. Star Wars and Marvel left the weekend in a buzz, tho it is the franchise that many loud social media folks claim Disney has killed that really came out on top.

In Part One of my ?Disney hasn?t killed Star Wars? take, we focused more on the misconception of Galaxy?s Edge and this past summer at Disneyland. To do a quick follow up, I have now been to Batuu two more times. Last week, blackouts were lifted on the many annual passholders with ?lower tier? passes. I was there Sunday night. It wasn?t my first time going late in the day and in the parking garage I normally park in the third level. This time around, parking was only available at the very top level. Disneyland was jammed pack, thanks in part to no more blackouts and the swarm of tourists that made their way to D23 Expo. At Galaxy?s Edge, it was swarming with guests, the most I?ve seen all summer (again thanks to the above). And tho a small sample size, it helps reinforce my earlier take, that Galaxy?s Edge isn?t a bust but rather Disneyland is as it always has been, an annual passholders park. Meanwhile, Disney World has opened it?s platforms and begun transport to Batuu as of 5 AM Thursday 8/29/19. Within an hour, the area was filled to capacity and the wait time for the Falcon ride was at 5 hours. Of course, the detractors will say give it time. But at least for now, the rumors of Star Wars demise under Disney have been greatly exaggerated.

So now for part two, and in comes the aforementioned D23 Expo. We went into the weekend expecting announcements, trailers, timelines, etc. We were greeted with that and the buzz is going to last a while.  There were two trailers released, and as of this writing, one of them has generated 15 million views in 3 days while the other 12 million views within 24 hours. A week ago, the trailer for season two of Star Wars Resistance was dropped and it has nearly 500k views. Not bad for a dead franchise. A Canon timeline was released that also splits into three sections, Age of Republic, Age of Rebellion, and Age of Resistance. But all the hype from D23 is surrounded within three things.

The Mandalorian

The first official trailer for The Mandalorian dropped and the buzz around the Disney+ series is high. The first ever live action series follows the exploits of a bounty hunter in a time period after Episode 6 and before Episode 7. It brings the grittiness of Rogue One in an old western type of feel series that from the trailer looks to be drama filled and action packed. The stunning action sequences in this trailer leaves one wanting more. Having seen more footage at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago back in April, I can tell you that this series alone is worth the Disney+ subscription. As Mandalorian fan, I gladly speak for all of us Mando?s that finally, the time has come. This will be like nothing ever seen or done in Star Wars, and we can?t wait. Starring Pedro Pascal, Gina Carrano, Carl Weathers and Taika Waititi with show runners Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, The Mandalorian comes at launch with Disney+ November 12.

Hello There

Rumors started swirling in the past few weeks that Ewan McGregor was in talks to reprise his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi for a new Disney+ series. With no confirmation from Lucasfilm or Disney, or Ewan himself; these were taken with a grain of Crait salt. But Ewan didn?t disappoint, and in a kind of dramatic fashion, showed up at D23 and was asked live on stage if he would reprise his role, to which was an emphatic yet. Obi-Wan series will take place after Episode III and focus on Obi-Wan?s time on Tattooine. It is before the Star Wars Rebels animated timeline, so unfortunately no Darth Maul. It will be interesting how they put this together considering the Empire was never aware of his whereabouts.

Dark Rey

After news broke of the trailer shown at D23, the interwebs were abuzz anticipating the public release the following Monday. And it didn?t take long after it released for it to be the #1 trending (and still is on YouTube over 24 hours later). The trailer was a nice tribute to the entire Skywalker saga. Starting with scenes from the original trilogy, to the prequels to then the new. Of course, a few things stood out. C3PO with red glowing eyes? Were those Imperial and not First Order Star Destroyers? Rey vs Kylo on what looks to be broken pieces of the RoTJ Deathstar. And of course, Dark Rey! Most likely a dream sequence, but it leaves plenty for imagination (be careful with that).

Star Wars is certainly not dead. Toy sales may be down, but the hype is still real. The dangers as mentioned in part one lies in social media. Already theory pages and videos have millions of views just because of the recent trailer. These all lay the mental trap of setting oneself up for failure. I?ll stick to my two go to, The Star Wars Show (from Lucasfilm themselves) and The Rexin Around Show. I?ll even throw in the Rogue Rebels Podcast, a fun family that just love Star Wars. But like before, enjoy what you enjoy, look forward to what?s coming. Star Wars will never die as long as it continues to reach different generations of fans.

And for those that were looking for Clone Wars Season 7 news, not much was given, except that it will premiere in February (that is the collective sadness of fans like me who were hoping it would be back at Disney+ launch).

Bright Suns and May The Force Be With You!

Star Wars Episode V: Luke Strikes Out On His Own As The Empire Strikes Back

empirestrikesbackThe Empire Strikes Back begins on a seemingly dead ice planet, Hoth. The bleakness of the planet is contrasted with the warm relationship which has evolved among the four main protagonists. Although Leia is furious that Han is planning to leave, their conflict only thinly veils the affection between them. And even though she continues to spurn his advances, there is something more than friendship there, although the screenwriter keeps us guessing until Leia admits her love for Han just before he is incased in carbonite.

The affection of Han and Leia for Luke is seen in their concern for him as he goes missing. Later, we even see Chewbacca give Luke a hug when they are about to part from each other. The heartfelt friendship of these characters will play a huge part in what happens later.

In the first movie, Luke Skywalker makes his ?first step into a larger world,? and also uses the Force to help destroy the Death Star. But he still has much to learn. Luke still relies too much on technology, which does not detect the wampa before it attacks him. If he had been more tuned into the Force, certainly he would have known the monster was there. Somehow he needs to get more training in the ways of the Force.

Step in Ben Kenobi from the great beyond.

In a scene reminiscent of revelatory visions and dreams in the Old Testament, Obi-Wan tells Luke he must go to the Dagobah system to be trained by Yoda. Luke still needs to recover, and will help slow the advance of the Empire troops so rebel transports can get away. But after the battle, Luke leaves his friends, not telling them where he is going, and surprising his faithful droid, R2D2.

Sometimes friends must be abandoned for a while ? for the greater good.

empiredagobahIn contrast to Hoth, the Dagobah planet is teaming with life. But, except for his electronic companion, Luke is very much alone. Even after meeting Yoda, he is still virtually alone, as he must face ?the trials? completely by himself.

When Luke arrives at the planet, Yoda doesn?t reveal himself at first. He wants to test Luke?s patience, and Luke fails miserably. Luke also still has many misconceptions to overcome, and needs to learn to live in the now. Yoda tells Obi-Wan,

“All his life has he looked away… to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was doing. Hmph. Adventure. Heh. Excitement. Heh. A Jedi craves not these things.”

Turning to Luke, he adds, ?You are reckless.?

Obi-Wan reminds Yoda how reckless he was. (We will see some of that in the prequels.) He convinces Yoda to train Luke, even though both Jedi Masters have misgivings about him, fearful he will become ?like his father.? Here George Lucas is giving us a hint, much as a good mystery novel provides hints as the story progresses. But the shocker is we have no reason to believe Luke is being lied to; the information is being withheld?that Darth Vader is actually his father. But this information, provided by Darth Vader himself, will be vital to the outcome of the next film, Return of the Jedi. Even the wisest of the Jedis cannot see all.

On the Star Wars Wiki website, the debacle surrounding the Battle of Galidraan is described. Count Dooku had been ordered by the Council to lead the battle. In an article I wrote for Examiner.com, just after the death of Christopher Lee, I commented how Lee?s character, ?Count Dooku became Darth Tyranus, in part because of some lees-than-blameless actions ordered by the Jedi Council.? In the Examiner article, I compared Dooku?s betrayal to Anakin Skywalkers?:

“This is reminiscent of Anakin Skywalker being drawn to the Dark Side after being recruited to spy on the Emperor. We learn in the prequel films the Jedi Order was run by people with feet of clay. The power of the Force causes temptations for even the Light-Siders. Being one of the “good guys” doesn’t exempt people from questionable acts and decisions.”

That?is not to say that the ?good guys? were not trying to do their best to do what is right. But the Jedi Council, with its (over)emphasis on not being controlled by emotion, sometimes missed the mark when it comes to compassion. Almost like the Levite and the Priest in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, they limited what they were willing to be involved in.

Yoda is right to be cautious when he warns Luke about negative emotions: ?Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.? Luke?s father was led to the dark side because his deep love and compassion for his wife led to fear of the future. Yoda and Obi-Wan are right to be concerned Luke will follow the same path. But?

Sometimes the greater good must be risked when your friends are in need.

Luke knows that he has much to learn. And he will continue to learn even as he faces Vader in order to help his friends. As Vader acknowledges, ?You have controlled your fear.? Luke doesn?t give in to his anger. He doesn?t use his hatred to try to destroy Vader. Even after he learns he was lied to about his father, he refuses to give in.

empire strikes back, duelWe live in an age where the old guardians of Christianity are being criticized perhaps more than ever before. And much of the criticism is justified. Christian leaders have made mistakes, many of them unforgivable. But if we look honestly at the history, most of the time the leaders of the faith were doing the best they could with the knowledge and wisdom available at the time. They were honestly seeking to follow God the best they knew how.

What is desperately needed today is the wisdom to know when we need to follow the guidance of those who have gone before, and when that guidance needs to be changed?out of compassion for others. Tradition has great value, and we can learn much from the great teachers and theologians of the past. But sometimes there is wisdom in the younger generation that those holding on to traditionalism have missed. Just remember that the next generation will sit in judgment on this one, too. And beware lest our judgment of the past leads us to the dark side of the present.

Star Wars Episode IV: Ancient Religion Vs. A New Way…And A New Hope

New Hope Movie PosterAs I mentioned in a previous article, when Star Wars came out in 1977, it was a ?breath of fresh air in that cynical era.? Although many are convinced that America (and the world at large) has gone to ?hell in a handbasket? in the past thirty-eight years, it could be argued there is actually more openness to spiritual things today than there was in the early 1970s. Although many are rejecting ?religion,? I would argue that rejection is often based on high moral ideals. Organized religion has a history which is often less than stellar, and many millennials are having a hard time reconciling their sense of right and wrong with what is happening in their local religious assembly ? and in Christianity as a whole.

[Author?s note: During the remainder of this year, I plan to review one episode in the Star Wars saga each month in anticipation of the December release of Episode VII, The Force Awakens. The reviews will be based on the September 2011 Blu-ray edition of the films. If you somehow are one of the very few who have never seen the movies, I recommend you watch them before reading the reviews, as there will definitely be spoilers. I also recommend novices watch the films in the order they were released (IV-VI, I-III), rather than in ?chronological? order.]

In Star Wars: A New Hope, Governor Tarkin tells Darth Vader:

“The Jedi are extinct, their fire has gone out of the universe. You, my friend, are all that’s left of their religion.”

Tarkin is not entirely correct, of course. And Vader is not exactly representative of the Jedi religion.

Or is he?

Admiral Motti questions the value of Vader?s beliefs in a debate?which is somewhat reminiscent of the Science-versus-Religion debates of today.

General Tagge: “What of the Rebellion? If the Rebels have obtained a complete technical reading of this station, it is possible, however unlikely, they might find a weakness and exploit it.”

Darth Vader: “The plans you refer to will soon be back in our hands.”

Admiral Motti: “Any attack made by the Rebels against this station would be a useless gesture, no matter what technical data they have obtained. This station is now the ultimate power in the universe! I suggest we use it!”

Darth Vader: “Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.”

Admiral Motti: “Don’t try to frighten us with your sorcerer’s ways, Lord?Vader. Your sad devotion to that ancient Jedi religion has not helped you conjure up the stolen data tapes, or given you enough clairvoyance to find the rebels’ hidden fortress…”

[Vader makes a pinching motion and Motti starts choking.]

Darth Vader: “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”

Vader chokes Admiral MottiVader?s response to criticism of his ?religion? is to squelch the argument. When you have an ?all-powerful Force,? which Obi-Wan Kenobi says not only controls you, but ?obeys your commands,? that is definitely an option. A very dangerous option.

As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem with his disciples, the Samaritans refused to provide a place for them to stay. James and John ask, ?Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did? (Luke 9:54 NKJV)? Their new-found authority as the Apostles of Christ had gone to their heads, and was becoming dangerous. Jesus had to rebuke them: ?You do not know what manner of spirit you are of (9:55).

Our religion becomes dangerous when we use it to control and destroy. The purpose of our authority in Christ is not so we can force others to our point of view, but to be able to serve others. Jesus put it this way (Luke 22: 25-27 NIV):

“The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

new hope obi wan diesAs we will learn in The Revenge of the Sith, Darth Vader thinks of himself as a ‘benefactor’. His dream of spreading peace and stability through the Empire is what motivates him? and what excuses his use of power to control and destroy.

Obi-Wan takes an opposite tack. He gives up his life in order to become, as he tells Vader, ?more powerful than you could possibly imagine.? But the old Jedi was not talking about a power to control and dominate, but to help. His death would not only lead to the escape of his friends, but would allow him to help Luke become the Jedi he was meant to be. The parallel with what Jesus Christ did is striking (John 16:7 NKJV):

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”

The disciples were grieved when Jesus told them He was going away. But it was for their benefit, because Jesus would send them the Holy Spirit. God was about to do something new. Luke was grieved, shocked, and confused when Obi-Wan was struck down. But now Obi-Wan?s spirit would be able to help Luke in a way the old man couldn?t have.

Most of us will probably not need to give up our physical lives for the cause of Christ. But Jesus did talk about ?taking up our cross? and following Him. Yes, many disciples were martyred, but there is another meaning Jesus had in mind with His words. It involves giving up what we want for the benefit of others.

While the concept can sometimes be abused, ?dying to self? is an integral part of what it means to be a Christ follower. It?s not about becoming a doormat, but it is about serving others instead of lording over them?using force to get them to come to our side.

What we need is not a religion that gives us power to direct the world as we see fit, but an attitude of allowing God to use us to help others. As we think about and view these movies this year, I hope we will keep this in mind, and that people will have A New Hope as they see us love rather than domineer.

Awakening the Force

Star_Wars

Have you got your tickets?

That seems to have been one of the main questions amongst Star Wars fans over the last 6 weeks. Amazingly, as soon as Fandango opened their digital doors for advance tickets for The Force Awakens, the latest chapter in the Star Wars canon, they didn?t just get snapped up? they shattered box office records.

Don?t believe me? On the first day alone, The Force Awakens sold 8x more tickets than previous record holder, The Hunger Games. Then, by November 19th, they reported over $50 million in sales?a full month before the film?s release!

For a lot of movies, that?s more than what they get in their entire theatrical run.

And Luke, Han and Co. did it before anyone?s seen the movie.

Clearly, we?re all still clamouring for a visit to a galaxy far, far away. But why?

After all, it?s not like we haven?t had a slew of incredible sci-fi fantasy to capture our imagination in recent months and years. Mad Max: Fury Road was one of the best films of the year (not just sci-fi). The Martian is arguably favoured to win Best Picture at next year?s Oscars. Gravity, Interstellar, Ex Machina, and Edge of Tomorrow are just a few of the excellent entries into the genre in recent years as well. (We?ll just pretend that Jupiter Ascending and Tomorrowland didn?t happen?)

There has to be more to it.

1-JJKathy-NO-LOGO

Recently, the folks at Reel World Theology made a comment that got me thinking. They suggested that?Star Wars?offers?more than the casual sci-fi film, especially when compared to today?s entries into the genre that do everything they can to feel authentic. For example, films like The Martian, Gravity and the rest do an amazing job of grounding themselves in our world. In most cases, they go to great lengths to prove to people that they are scientifically sound. (Yes! We can plant potatoes on Mars!) In other words, they want to emphasize the ?science? in ?science fiction?.

However, in the process, the focus of these films invariably becomes ourselves.

Our achievement.

Our importance.

The Star Wars franchise takes a different approach. Coming at a time when culture was reeling from tragedies like Watergate and Vietnam, Star Wars offered a new hope. With its focus on the Force, our efforts and choices remain important but it demonstrates a desire to connect with something beyond ourselves. It?s a cry for help and hope for those who are weak. A recognition of something beyond our limited understanding of the universe.

There?s a reason ?May the Force be with you? resonates with so many.

As its characters gradually discover the Force, they?re called to significance. Luke lives a humble life but doesn?t discover his purpose until he begins his training with Obi-Wan. In response to the arguments of the Imperial leadership, Vader himself claims, ?The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.? In fact, Ford?s beloved Han Solo is treated as misguided by his claims that ?[he?s] never seen anything to believe in some all powerful force that controls everything.?

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In this story, the skeptic is the one who?s missing something.

The Star Wars films have always called us to realize that our significance doesn?t lie within ourselves but in the hand of something mysterious. There is a calling and a longing for us to have purpose. Having had many conversations with atheists, it is clear to me that their desire is to know what?s tangible. Like Han, they rely on their passion for quantifiable substance to judge what?s real. While I completely respect that, I have heard a quiet yearning within them at times that suggests they want to believe in more. As a Christian, I believe that this longing is part of the image of God that calls us back to Him. Isaiah 26:9 says ?At night, my soul longs for you. Indeed, my spirit within me seeks you diligently.?

At our heart, we want to believe. It?s a piece of who we are.

Unlike a lot of sci-fi films, the Star Wars franchise points us beyond what we can see to a life of meaning found in something (or Someone) else. It connects with us because it?s part of us. When Lucas began this series, this spiritual imprint was embedded into its narrative framework?and it awakened something within us. I believe that our enthusiasm for the franchise goes far beyond lightsabers, Jedi or even Harrison Ford. At a time when terrorists seem to attack at will and violence has poured in our streets, we find ourselves in a world that echoes the heartache and tragedy of the 70s in many ways. Once again, we?re looking for a new hope. We want our eyes to be opened to the world of the spiritual when so many other stories attempt to close them.

When we allow ourselves to do that, in the words of Obi-Wan, we find ourselves ?taking our first steps into a larger world.?

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