Miticlorians be Damned!

I believe I may have, in some sort of poetic rapture from the recent past, described the more recent Star Wars trilogy of prequels as something akin to watching a parent savagely beat their child with, say, a tire iron. Lucas's treatment of his own rich Star Wars mythology was so brutally inept that extensive reconstructive surgery would be needed to return it to even a fraction of its former self. Ironically, come to think of it, that's not unlike what happened to Mark Hamill's face after his car accident between Episodes IV and V, and thus the 11th hour addition of the snow beast clawing his face on Hoth. Point being, apart from the fact that knowing this bit of trivia exposes me as a super big nerd, one can't help but wonder why any parent would brutalize their own creation like that.

Nevertheless, I remain attached to the mythology in general, warts and all. That's why I'm always so optimistic when anyone other than Lucas gets their hands on the material. After all, Empire and Jedi were both helmed by directors other than the silver bearded owner of Marin County, and when people debate which is the best Star Wars movie, only those who have to wear helmets in the back of the bus even consider Episode IV. For instance, there was an animated series of sorts--more like two shortened seasons--set between the second and third prequels, airing on Cartoon Network and detailing the opening and middle years of the Clone Wars. It was quite well done, and appropriately well received by critics and fans alike. Georgie boy had nothing to do with it.

As it turns out, there is more forthcoming from the Star Wars universe, blessedly devoid of Lucas's pudgy touch, save for the green light anything from his mythos needs before it sees the light of day. The project is named The Clone Wars, and while I think they could have allowed themselves a dash more creative latitude with the name, if they want to name their pet rock "Rock," so be it. The piece is entirely computer animated, though not in the same sense the actors' performances from the prequels were. I'd make a joke that a CG character would at least have a shot at delivering Lucas's lines with a straight face, but even a soulless collection of digital pixels can't say "Anakin, you're breaking my heart!" without dying inside. Self awareness would blossom just in time to be ruthlessly snuffed out. But I digress; Lucas isn't penning a single goddamn word of this one, so the concern is purely academic.

Aesthetically, it seems to be a combination of Pixar and the animated clone wars series. This is a good thing, I believe. I can't exactly tell you why, much like I can't actually put into words why babies are cute or why panda meat is so delicious. But why take my word for it (about the CG movie...leave the pandas alone)? Glance below, and if the light burns, know that it makes your tears of joy glisten all the more.