Welcome to the first edition of my articles in Darkness Falls. Basically the goal of my articles are to enlighten and entertain all you Star Wars and Sci-Fi fans out there. This section is broken down into two or more parts which will vary sometimes with each issue. I might sound a little biased about certain subjects so let me get this stuff out into the open. I love Star Wars. I love Buffy the Vampire slayer. I cannot stand the growing amount of Special effects based movies out there. There I said it. If you disagree with anything I say feel free to write me and we can talk about it. So get ready to enjoy and to delve into the Sci-Fi universe.
Section 1: Star Wars Origins
Well since this is the first issue, I wanted to take the time to start at the beginning with Star Wars as well. Star Wars has grown into what is probably the most recognized action drama stories ever made. Its characters were diversified and the story and setting were unmatched. Star Wars actually was a combination of many movies before its time. Yes, Star Wars has spawned a new generation of film making, but lets not forget the movies which shaped this galactic saga. The most significant of these was The Searchers. This movie was a western starring John Wayne. This epic was set out in the barren west, much like the vast reaches of space. Both Star Wars and The Searchers shared powerful enemies worthy of the greatest hero. The movie starts off with Ethan Edwards(John Wayne) living as a young man with his family, much like Luke SkyWalker. But Ethans family is killed by Indians but Ethan escapes and his niece is taken hostage. Ethan grows up and joins the Civil War and then returns home to find his niece. The story thus far is parallel ot Luke SkyWalker. Lukes family was slaughtered and then he decided
to join the Rebellion to strike back at the Empire, much like Ethans quest to find his niece. Ethan leads a Five year search to find his niece. In that
time he joins some other townspeople and they embark on a journey into Indian territory. It was classics like the Searchers which envoked a sense of adventure and heroics in film. Thus this film has indeed deserved the right to be called a predescessor to the Great Star Wars.
Section 2: Superhero Movies- A hope for the future
Well I guess most of you have seen Batman and Robin. And I must also assume you thought was the worst Batman film to date. Well I must agree. Although Batman is a comic, it does not mean the movie has to reflect that in every aspect that Batman and Robin did. The original Batman shows what Batman was supposed to be like. I mean, Two-Face - which is a pretty nasty villian - was made into a laughing babbling idiot. Batman Returns was overshadowed by Dany DeVito gnawing on a raw fish and watching the Catwoman prance around in her nice tight outfit. A sense of hope has been brought to light though with the rumors of Jack Nichelson returning as the Joker to play with Batmans mind once more with the help of the ScareCrows(Jeff Goldblum) helusiogenic gas. Madonna might also play Harley Quinn the Jokers wife.
Anyway enough of Batman. Marvel has struck out on many occasions with its failed movie attempts, such as Captain America 1 and 2, the Punisher, Howard the Duck and the incredible Hulk. Marvel has finally signed a big name star (Wesley Snipes) to play Blade the Vampire Hunter. This story is drawing on the attention Vampire madness is getting with Buffy out there and numerous tv shows in the works. Also Marvel has also hinted a Spiderman and X-Men movie due out next summer or early 1999.
Lets not forget a big budget movie is being released called Spawn on Aug 1. I read the comics from time to time and I believe this movie is gonna be awesome. The effects look great and the character is dark and heroic, much like Batman used to be. Finally, Superman is being remade again - but this is where I draw the line. Nicholas Cage as Superman? Please no. I like Nicholas Cage, but not as Superman. See section 3 for more about this. Well anyway, it looks like we may be seeing a few decent comic book flicks in the future, which may indeed spark some life into the superohero genre.
Section 3: You make the call
This section is much like Wizards Casting Call. Basically I want your input on who should be the characters in some movies being developed. I will pick many movies and do two an issue. First I will write my ideas who whould be the character. With the release of the next issue, I hope to have one or both of the movie votes tallied up and displayed for your viewing pleasure. I will display three names for each character. This doesn't mean you can't add anybody you want to. Feel free to enter a name not mentioned.
Section 4: The long wait
Jedi Knight has been pushed back till September. They have taken out the Tusken prod and added a Chewbacca like Crossbow.
I really hope this is worth the wait. I believe the possibilities of JK are endless with the add-ons that can be made. Imagine you are able to create
any weapon, environment and enemy. This will be possible for JK. So keep your pants on and play Dark Forces over and over till the 'Long Wait'
ends.
In closing, thanks for reading my first article. I am trying my best to enlighten you and allow you to feel a part of the Sci-Fi universe. Following issues will deal mostly with Star Wars and related elements, but the Sci- Fi universe is a vast one and there is much ground to cover. So stick around and enjoy the ride.
Next issue - I will have a top ten list of Sci-Fi shows on tv. I will have a report on the progress/release of Jedi Knight. A rundown of another movie and hopefully the results of the two movie polls plus a new one to vote on.