Announcements and A Necessary Bond Review

Hey guys! I noticed that I haven't been posting anything much other than reviews, but I'm not sure what to post. From the number of comments it seems as if you guys enjoy other things more. Do any of you have ideas? I'd love some, but of course I'll keep doing reviews. I'm thinking about doing a writing post. I need that to organize all my thoughts together.

Next thing... Christmas is in the air! I always get excited for this even though Thailand doesn't really celebrate Christmas. I put on some snow animations and Christmas lights, as you may notice. Thank you Rebecca for these animations! November and Thanksgiving passed so quickly! I didn't do a post because they don't celebrate it here, but I'm thankful for so many things that you probably already know - I thank George Lucas for creating Star Wars, I thank books for always being there for me, my family, you guys, etc.

December has always been my favorite month, even more than my birthday month in September. This is because there are so many things happening, especially this year. December the 1st is your birthday, Voronda, if I'm not mistaken. December the 5th is the king's birthday here in Thailand, December the 13th is Taylor Swift's birthday. That's a whole lot of birthdays! December the 14th the Hobbit is out! I can't wait! December 15th is the first post on my blog!



Next thing... I'm not sure when it has passed, but this blog is over a year old already! I remembered I started this blog sometime around here... so yeah. Happy Birthday to POTF (: I thought this funny gif would be nice.

Now, A Necessary bond. I thought it was a very good episode and it had a lot of surprising turns.

The action at the beginning was exactly what I wanted. Then there was action throughout the story, which was awesome too. I have nothing much to say here. I want to keep it spoiler-free.

Then there were the characters! As much as I hate to admit it, I am kind of seeing Covert Knight's point about Ahsoka, which is a bit negative. Obi-Wan was as good as awesome, and the ending reminded me of The Three Musketeers. Hondo is hands down my favorite here. His constant mood swings, Jack Sparrow-ish kind of dialogue, and the ending smile. I thought the youngling was going to hug him.

I was so afraid one of them was going to die- I even feared Ahsoka's life- since they played this sad kind of music sometimes. Without realizing it this episode got me to the edge of my seat.

I wanted more character development, and a few lines on Ahsoka and Grevious about their last confrontation so long ago. I would have liked it better if Grevious was *spoiler* outraged at the end because of their escape, rather than laughing that evil laugh. Slave I appeared out of nowhere and I wanted to know how that is. Did I miss anything? *spoiler ends*

When Obi-Wan said 'welcome home' at the end, the weird thing is that I really felt at home. Which means it doesn't really matter to me anymore whether Disney owns Star Wars or not, because George Lucas thought it was best. Star Wars, to me, would always be that place that will keep me sane.

I just had to say that.

Anyway, I can't wait for more of season five! Please comment below, it makes my day! May the Force be with you!

Top 10 Lightsaber Battles: Guest Post by James the Movie Reviewer.

Thanks Solace for asking me to write a guest post on your blog. I am James The Movie Reviewer from the Star Wars and all around film geek blog J and J Productions.

The Lightsaber and Lightsaber duel, one of the many iconic aspects of the Star Wars franchise. There have been many Lightsaber battles throughout the Star Wars franchise from the films to the Clone Wars TV series, many of which are among the best action scenes in cinema history. I am counting any action scene that uses a Lightsaber for this list and it can be from any film, TV series or video game. The scenes are being ranked by choreography, use of the environment, and importance to the franchise.

At Number 10: General Grievous Vs. Multiple Jedi (Clone Wars)

Note: This does not include the training battle with Dooku near the end of the video.

General Grievous' introduction into the Star Wars universe and it remains one of the best. Unfortunately, Grievous has never reach the heights of greatness since this original Clone Wars series. Although vastly different than many of the other battles on this list, the build-up added menace to Grievous making his intro all the more powerful. Not only does it feature popular Jedi Ki Adi Mundi, Shaak Ti, and Ala Secura, the animation in the action is amazing.

At Number 9: Count Dooku Vs. Ventress and Opress (Plus Opress Vs. Obi-Wan and Anakin)

Note: This Lightsaber duel include the fight that continues after this first one as well.

This was the first action from The Clone Wars were I was just thinking "Wow!" throughout the whole battle. Not only was "Witches of the Mist" my favorite episode of the series at the time, it featured the best Lightsaber duel of the entire series as well.

At Number 8: Yoda Vs. Count Dooku (Plus Anakin and Obi-Wan)

Although Yoda finally has uses his Lightsaber, I have always considered this the weakest major Lightsaber duel of the films. Not entirely sure why I do not like this fight as much as others, maybe it was too short. However, it is still awesome to see Yoda and Dooku fight as well as Anakin briefly using two Lightsabers against Count Dooku.



At Number 7: Grievous and Guards Vs. Shaak Ti and Jedi

Another battle from the magnificent Genndy Tartakovsky Clone Wars series as it leads into the opening scene of Revenge of the Sith. Possibly Shaak Ti's best moment from the Star Wars sage, her valiant fight to protect Chancellor Palpatine from the clutches of General Grievous and his Magnaguards. Again the series shows its amazing choreography and animation style in this scene. It very well could be the best action scene ever 2D drawn animation. The sense of speed and motion is excellent. Finally, Shaak Ti's final stand against the Magnaguards is truly incredible. Plus this is General Greivous' best moment of the entire Star Wars Saga.

At Number 6: Obi-Wan Vs. Darth Vader (Star Wars)

While it might not be as flashy as many of the Lightsaber duels later in the franchise, it was the first and no doubt deserves due respect. "If you strike me down I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine." Is one of Ben's many memorable quotes and the moment were he sacrifices himself to save Luke is one of the best of the Saga. It must have been an amazing feeling watching this for the first time at the theater in 1977.

At Number 5: Obi-Wan and Ventress Vs. Maul and Opress

Thus far, this is the best most impressive action scene of the series. The Clone Wars team really went all out for fight, the choreography is amazing and the animation is very fluid and realistic. Adding some hand-to-hand combat to the fight changes it up with a unique angle. Plus the witty banter during fight was fantastic.

At Number 4: Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Vs. Darth Maul

No question the best moment from the Phantom Menace, the Duel of Fates gave us the first taste of the brilliantly choreographed action scenes to come. Darth Maul reveals his awesome duel bladed Lightsaber for the first time and Maul's unique fighting style really worked a lot better than one would think using a duel bladed weapon. This fight made the Phantom Menace completely worth watching.

At Number 3: Luke Vs. Darth Vader Vs. The Emperor (Return of the Jedi)

The ultimate final battle between the Dark and Light Side for the fate of the Galaxy. The Saga could not have concluded any better, the perfect ending battle to the perfect trilogy. The music is perfect, the choreography fantastic and the end were Vader throws the Emperor into Death Star's core brilliantly finishes Vader's character arc and turn to the Light Side.  

At Number 2: Anakin Vs. Obi-Wan (Revenge of the Sith)

If you are going to make a list of best Lightsaber battles, Anakin Vs. Obi-Wan or the next duel on the list has to be the top two, no question. The battle completely blew my mind, amazing choreography, inventive use of environment and stunning special effects. What more could you ask for in a final duel?

At Number 1: Luke Vs. Darth Vader (Empire Strikes Back)

As Vader would say this choice was "All too easy." From the choreography to the visual effects everything in this duel is perfect. This is my all-time favorite Duel from the Saga and I doubt that it will places on my list. Ending with the ultimate plot twist, not only is this the best Lightsaber duel, it is the best moment in film history.

Honorable Mention

Obi-Wan and Anakin Vs. Ventress (Season 3)

Ahsoka Vs. Pre-Vizsla and Bo-Katan

General Grievous Vs. Ventress (Plus Zombies)

Kit Fisto Vs. General Grievous

Obi-Wan and Vos Vs. Cad Bane

Anakin and Ashoka Vs. Ventress (Clone Wars Movie)

Dooku Vs. Nightsisters

Obi-Wan Vs. Jango Fett

What are your favorite Lightsaber battles? Please comment below.

Please checkout my blog J and J Productions for more Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Comic Book and all around geek, movie news, reviews and more. Also click on the links below to see the other parts of this list.

Part 1: 25-21

Part 2: 20-16

Part 3: 15-11.

you want to contact us or have any question please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

A Bound for Rescue Review

Okay, we'll keep this short and sweet. 

Stilwater, thanks for the picture. Hehe. :)

Okay, so to start off I kind of liked this episode, but it could be better. It's the best episode of the arc so far. This may contain possible spoilers.

I liked seeing the different younglings come in, as well as Obi-Wan finally back. Gungi's lightsaber looked really awesome. I liked the action somewhat at the beginning of the episode too. Hondo drunk... that was pulled off well. The acrobatics of the younglings... another cheer. Grevious appearing badass here is one of the best things. I feel sorry for that poor clone. 

I wasn't very surprised that there was a dug, but I was surprised that he was in a ship full of acrobats. I wondered that, if Ahsoka was sold to him, would he be able to handle her?

One thing: there were only blue crystals in the came and how come one of them had green color? And how come Obi-Wan warned Grevious? That was totally out of line. Somethings like this make me feel that I won't enjoy the episode a lot, or maybe it's just the back of my mind that tells me to stop procrastinating homework.

I can't wait next saturday for the new episode, even though I'd get to watch it on Sunday at Mastertoons. I haven't done much other than reviews for awhile... so I guess something will be coming up as soon as I can think of it. Maybe something on my book, or poetry like Tolkien's and song lyrics, but I don't think it will make a decent post. Any suggestions? 'Til then, May the Force be with you!

A Test of Strength Review & Guest Post Announcement!

Can contain possible spoilers...

The quote. The thing that struck out most is the quote. "The young are often underestimated" is something I can totally relate with. I was always like...

Heck yeah.

Anyway, I've been meaning to do this for awhile but I was so busy. I had French Camp on the weekends and I had a math project due, as well as AMC test (which is very important to get into high school advanced math), play rehearsals, and now that all that is gone, I had just played ping pong, ran a mile literally, played soccer, and swam 1.5 miles. Literally. My eyelids are so droopy and ideas are bursting in my head so fast I can't write it all down at once, which is so frustrating.

Okay, I'm done ranting about my life, so let's get on with this.

This episode was a very interesting one, and pretty awesome. It was a different style from the last.

I loved how they showed something other than the golden trio (even though I want to see them in action again. We didn't get enough of that in this season yet). The younglings are my heroes. They are more relatable than perfect jedis, even though that's what we all are aiming to be. I hope they don't die... but I have a bad feeling about this...

Hondo's back! He's portrayed as a bad guy here, and I can't wait what's in store. I got a bit uncomfortable at the last line... uh oh...

The EU references like the lightsabers were one of my main highlights. I wanted to know all about Jedi Culture and everything as much as possible (that's why I kind of liked the last episode). The wood part was my favorite. I was a bit taken aback when the droid came as much as the younglings, since droids couldn't communicate with the Force, but it all turned out well.

I was wondering where Yoda is the whole time, though. Also, Ahsoka's fall echoed Steela's, and even though it was done very well I still think it's a bit weird. I have to admit that in this episode Ahsoka wasn't my favorite... but forget I said that. More action would have made it better. Other than that, it was awesome.

Overall, the episode was great. I'd give it an 8/10 because I was expecting more action but everything else is fine.

My head is drooping now. So, guest posters, I won't be on often with everything on me right now, so come in and feel the spot whenever you want! Now would be a great time! Thanks to everyone who volunteered!

So... may the Force be with you!

The Gathering

The Gathering was okay for me. I can understand if some people didn't like it, but for me, I like it. It was different from other episodes and I was a bit disappointed by the lack of action but it did entertain me.

Getting a peek into Jedi Culture is a huge reason why I didn't dislike this episode. I almost thought that Yoda would recite the whole Lightsaber Crystal Construction poem in his funny talk but unfortunately that didn't happen. There were some things that didn't go according to EU cannon- they said that the younglings are supposed to build the lightsaber in the caves of Ilum, and that you go in alone, that you are supposed to be a Padawan when you build your lightsaber, not all crystals are blue, and so on.

I find the younglings pretty cute, even though they are a little annoying. I think the Tholothian is my favorite- she displayed courage and she still acts like a kid. The Ithiorian came second- I love how he feared but he still got on with it. His attitude reminded me of Jar Jar but I love him- it's a bit comical and added humor to the dark situation. Petro seemed to have learnt a valuable lesson- going in that cave again. They all learnt a lot and we can relate- that's another reason why I like this episode. 

And Yoda... his wise self. The turn at the end was unexpected.

And the animation was incredible.

The third reason can all be explained with this picture:

SHE IS SO CUTE! That totally is Ahsoka holding Koon's hand and I always wanted to see her like that- not in fan art drawings. 

That's it... May the Force be with you!

Catching Up

This post is long overdue. I mean, way long. I've been so busy I'm typing this in class. Anyway, it's better late than never. Three things I wanna do today.

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHENA!!! YOU ROCK! (sorry it's overdue)

I wish you the best birthday ever and May the Force be with you for this coming year and beyond!

Now, off to the next topic, which is also so incredibly long overdue. The Disney owning Star Wars. I found out on Halloween. October 31st. To me, it's the day James and Lily died (protecting their son, Harry Potter, from Voldemort).

Now, it seems to my heart that it is also the day that Star Wars died.

Now I may be too overdramatic, and after that first thought that was my second thought. Still my heart is heavy. I have to admit that I haven't been involved in Star Wars a lot in a couple of months; actually I am in my normal way but I haven't read the books and I really feel out of place without reading them (as I went to re-read the LOTR series and The Hobbit as well as the whole Harry Potter series and some other books). This makes me feel even worse.

Now, October 31st is also the day that Ron, Harry, and Hermoine became friends.

This could lead on to new friends, new opportunities, and a new part of Star Wars. Star Wars will never die. George Lucas did this so that it could be passed on to the next generation.

As I read on, it made me feel better. George Lucas, after all, created Star Wars, didn't he? Didn't he give us one of the best things in life? Isn't that enough to trust him?

When the prequels were out, didn't we still stick to Star Wars? Actually, I'm a bit of an exception because I came to be a huge fan after the prequels came out. But the point is, we stuck. We stuck together because we are a family. We have promised ourselves to be a true fan, and so we will be. True fans stick with the fandom until the very end, no matter what happens. Star Wars is like our best friend. William Shakespeare himself said that a friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.

Sure, Disney may mess up Star Wars, but "mess up" is like a point of view. This is not the worst thing that can happen. Disney made some really good movies- Avengers, Pirates of the Carribean, and so on.  I guess I'd trust it.

Now, I don't know what to think. But my opinion won't change a lot of things, so I guess I'd stop here and pick up a Star Wars book to be caught back in the magic. 

Thank you all who read this and May the Force be with you! A review of the latest TCW episode coming up.