It’s important to have the vision to see the potential of someone or something, and not just the sight to see what they are now. In early 1977, George Lucas screened an early cut of “Star Wars” for a number of filmmakers and studio executives. It was before all the special effects were finished on the film, and there were still some cuts that needed to be made. ALMOST every single person there hated it. The executives walked out, at the afterparty filmmaker Brian DePalma infamously tore it to shreds with his critique, and Lucas was understandably depressed. Only ONE person... Read More

One of the most anticipated shows of the year — for “Star Wars” fans, at least — has debuted on Disney plus. “Obi-Wan Kenobi” was originally slated to debut today, but late last night, Disney plus surprised everyone by dropping the first two episodes on the sly. I’ve been waiting for this for a while. I’ve always been a big fan of the character since Ewan McGregor really brought him to life in the prequels, and after the horror show of the last trilogy, Disney plus has done a fantastic job of reclaiming and building upon the quality of the franchise.... Read More

Star Wars is the most popular space saga and most exciting adventure film franchise in the world. It captured the hearts and minds of all ages and created an entire community of its own. And, since partnering with Disney, the force and its popularity has grown and become an even hotter brand. I admittedly can’t call myself a major Star Wars geek but I do admire the films and their rock star entertainment value. I love getting lost in their world and as today is Star Wars Day, I put on the Disney +documentary Empire of Dreams (highly recommended) and decided to rank the existing 11 films. Phantom... Read More

Could “May the Force be with you” someday be more than a T-shirt slogan? Might it one day become the climactic phrase of a religious ceremony? According to Hollywood lore, when the first “Star Wars” film became an outrageous success, George Lucas’ ambitious friend Francis Ford Coppola suggested that Lucas try to turn the philosophies of the “Star Wars” series into a religion. Lucas laughed it off. However, given recent events, he may have to once more fend off Coppola’s insistence. Since Disney bought the franchise, the “Star Wars” films and shows... Read More

Could “May the Force be with you” someday be more than a T-shirt slogan? Might it one day become the climactic phrase of a religious ceremony? According to Hollywood lore, when the first “Star Wars” film became an outrageous success, George Lucas’ ambitious friend Francis Ford Coppola suggested that Lucas try to turn the philosophies of the “Star Wars” series into a religion. Lucas laughed it off. However, given recent events, he may have to once more fend off Coppola’s insistence. Since Disney bought the franchise, the “Star Wars” films have become more popular and ubiquitous... Read More

How do you spell an upcoming film blockbuster? Add star Adam Driver to a sci-fi thriller written and directed by Bettendorf natives Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, co-produced by the legendary Sam Raimi. “We’re still pinching ourselves with this news,” Beck and Woods tweeted on Tuesday of the planned pic “65.” “Adam Driver will be the star of the next film we’re directing for Sony. He’s one of our favorite artists on the planet. Can’t wait to share this special movie with all of you.” In May, Variety reported a reunion for Beck and Woods (both 35-year-old Bettendorf... Read More

You shouldn’t expect your kids to be into the same things you are. It certainly wasn’t the case with my father and me. Bill was a World War II veteran, a lover of big band music, and a guy with the kind of effortless charisma that made him likable to everyone he came across.* He was also a casual moviegoer. I remember him laughing himself into a mild asthma attack during The Naked Gun, and I remember us seeing both Goodfellas and The Silence of the Lambs theatrically. However, I should emphasize he was a casual moviegoer. Did he care about the works of Altman and Kurosawa? Nope. Not even a... Read More

Experience the scope and grandeur of the beloved film Star Wars: A New Hope in its entirety with Oscar-winning composer John Williams’ musical score performed live by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra! Star Wars: A New Hope concert takes place this Saturday Jun 1 at the Adler Theatre (136 E 3rd Street Davenport). Two showings will take place, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Travel to a galaxy far away, where a civil war rages and Rebel forces struggle against the evil Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hammil) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) enlist the aid of hotshot pilot, Han Solo (Harrison Ford),... Read More

It’s always hard to replace a legend, even more so to replace an icon, and that’s the weakness of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” a good and entertaining ride of a “Star Wars” flick, but one that still pales a bit for lack of a substantial spark from its titular star. Alden Ehrenreich has the difficult role of stepping in for Harrison Ford, whose rough charisma was one of the highlights of the original “Star Wars” trilogy and its subsequent sequels. Ford is an inimitable actor, an icon of action-adventure, so it’s a nigh impossible task to fill his shoes. Ehrenreich is… ok. He’s... Read More

If you’re excited about the new Star Wars movie, the Rock Island Public Library is offering a free event for all ages that takes a look at the science behind the movie. Science of Star Wars offers families and kids a chance to explore at to six stations that feature real technologies either predicted or used in the movies. The event is Saturday, December 16, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street, Rock Island. Activities include Star Wars crafts, snacks, driving a Lego Mindstorm “droid,” building a spaceship, considering the challenges of life... Read More