Sci-Fi Storm

I finally got to see Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith today – hey, babysitters are expensive, and I don’t seem t get invited to premieres yet, unless they are in Los Angeles, which is a bit of a drive for a movie. Since I wouldn’t do a full review unless I can watch something with a review in mind, and my first viewing is always for enjoyment, here is a bit of my take on it, and feel free to post your (reasoned) opinions here. Why do some people detest this movie so much? Warning: spoilers may be present.

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Cinescape is reporting a scoop where the scooper supposedly met with George Lucas – and that Mr. Star Wars said there could be another prequel, predating The Phantom Menace – but he may not be involved.

With an unbelievable $50M take in its first day, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith has gone on gone on to break records for three-day and four-day takes, beating previous holders Spider-Man and The Matrix Reloaded. Including worldwide receipts, it has currently grossed $330M.

Avi Arad, Marvel Entertainment chief, announced that Kelsey Grammer will join the cast of X-Men 3 as Dr. Hank McCoy – a.k.a. The Beast. They were looking for an intelligent-sounding voice, and specifically they wanted to “avoid a British actor” – not as a diss against the Brits I think, but more to avoid a sterotyped voice I guess. Grammer’s voice does seem perfect to me though. Also announced is that Vinny Jones (Snatch) is confirmed as the Juggernaut, and casting for two new mutants, Angel and Kitty Pryde/Shadowcat will be announced soon.

A humorous article on howstuffworks gets in to How Lightsabers Work. Not really the technobabble article I was expecting, but more of a “Owner’s Manual” approach. Technically, I envisioned them as a glowing variation of Larry Niven’s variable sword.

Moviehole is reporting that a direct-to-video sequel to the 1983 hit WarGames will start production in July. It seems only peripherally related to the original, without any characters or actors returning. It will follow computer whiz Cory Carpenter, who while on a trip through Europe is mistaken for a cyber criminal, and finds out a “cyber pal” is really a goverment computer trying to destroy the world – by “bringing down an unsuspecting planet.” (I hope that’s an error…)

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy took first place for movies this past weekend, pleasing Disney with a $21.7M opening, despite the negative reviews from a lot of purists. Mainstream critics seem to be relative warm to the movie.

The trailer for the upcoming Serenity movie will be available via Apple Movie Trailers on Tuesday, and then it will hit theaters on Friday. Update: Here it is

I thought it was a joke, but it’s hitting the main sites. Will Ferrell (Anchorman) has agreed to star in a feature film remake of Land of the Lost. Universal acquired the rights from Sid and Marty Krofft, and it will supposedly be based on the original, not the 1991 pseudo-remake. So, Marshall Willenholly (Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) will apparently will at least be part of what inspired that name…and I think my sister’s worst nightmare is coming back to haunt her (I seldom got to watch it because it scared her…) The Season 3 DVD set of the original hits tomorrow.

Reports are circulating the major news outlets that eager Star Wars fans have already begun lining up outside the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater – but the studio says the movie will not premiere there, but at the ArcLight down the street. However, the ArcLight deal is not finalized, and fans have pointed out Fox has said the the same thing before.