Star Wars: A Musical Journey

Unprecedented Combination of Classic John Williams Scores and Epic Cinematic Moments to Open European Tour at The O2

Rarely in the history of cinema have sight and sound combined as powerfully as in the STAR WARS Saga, and The O2 will bring the two together as never before in STAR WARS: A Musical Journey, which will premier on Friday 10th April 2009 before launching its European tour.

The show features an extensive selection of Oscar-winning composer John Williams’ unforgettable scores from all six STAR WARS movies into an extraordinary two-hour musical event that features scenes from the movies, live narration and, at The O2, the 86-piece Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and choir. STAR WARS: A Musical Journey is produced by Another Planet Touring, in association with Lucasfilm Ltd.

The live multi-media performance also includes an exhibition of memorabilia from all six films, provided by the Lucasfilm Archives, including original models, props, costumes and production artwork.

I nearly fell off my chair when I heard that this will take place, this was around December time. My initial reaction was, oh come on George, how much more money do you want from all of us? Deep inside though, I know I shouldn’t pass this up. Am I not still a Star Wars fan? Besides, what outrageous things have I done related to Star Wars anyway?

1. I saw The Phantom Menace in the cinema 5 times.
2. I had a lightsaber and had a lightsaber duel with a younger friend whilst in Trafalgar Square. (No kidding!)
3. I queued outside HMV-Leicester Square for the midnight release of the original trilogy as a boxset. I even had Anthony Daniels (C3P0) signature on the box to prove it!
4. I watched the midnight screening of Revenge of the Sith, alone.
5. I own a Darth Vader voice changer and an R2-D2 phone
6. I went to the Star Wars exhibit in London.

And at number 7, I have tickets to watch Star Wars: A Musical Journey at the London Arena!

It wasnt a spur of the moment decision, but when it was announced that they were adding an additional date to the show, I thought, this can only be the FORCE’s way of saying I have no excuse not to go. I then asked my friend Morbius who also loves the Star Wars movies (maybe more the originals than the prequels) if he could squeeze it in as it’s showing during the bank holiday Easter weekend. He said he will come down to London to see it! So yes George, you win again this time but I am sure it will be a memorable evening, thanks to your genius and John WIlliams’. The FORCE should be strong in this one!

Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

1981. I was 11 years old and was in the 5th grade when Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark was released. All I can think of was Han Solo is now Indiana Jones! I also thought Mr. Spielberg was brilliant, and I already knew that Mr. Lucas who gave me Star Wars 3 years ago was a genius.

1984. I just entered my teenage years and started secondary school when Indiana Jones & Temple of the Doom, the much awaited sequel comes out, and although it was not as good as the original, it was still a good film and had its own merits.

1989. I was 19 and was in university trying to make sense with my life when Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade graces the silver screen once more of what we all thought then was the end of the saga. Well, not quite.

2008. I just turned 38 and one of the few notable films of my childhood decides to make a comeback, this time around with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull reminding me of the good old days, and of how much fun it is to go the movies, movies that will always be a part of you. I went to see this film regardless of the consensus that it will not work, that Lucas will not get the old magic back because he failed to do so in the Star Wars prequels, that Harrison Ford is way too old to play a swashbuckling character, that the moviegoing audience have had enough of trilogies, or in Indy’s case, a quadrilogy, if I had forgotten to mention what you might be thinking, then you get my drift. I went to see it because it would just be a sacrilege not to, because it would be utter disrespect, because it would be like betraying my childhood, my teenage years and my adolescence. Because this is what the Indiana Jones films mean to me if not to most of those born in my generation.

I can not explain why it’s only Spielberg and Lucas can give me that kind of childlike exciteme neven before the lights grow dim. I can not even begin to explain how John Williams’ familiar score seems to transport me in another place and time reminding me of my younger and much happier days with my family with whom I saw all the Indy films. I will not even attempt to defend why Harrison Ford can still make me believe that after 19 years of waiting, he was able to bring back to life a much loved character with such passion you seem to feel that you also grew up with him and has never outgrown him.

This Indy film scored very high on the nostalgia factor. It also felt like the beginning of a new era that left a lot of open room for Shia Labeouf who played Indy’s son to be the next Indiana Jones. It tied up loose ends when we see Indy reunited with Marion Ravenwood, played by Karen Allen. It boasts of a great supporting cast with Ray Winstone, John Hurt and a really amazing Cate Blanchett who again proved her versatility. But then again it’s Harrison Ford who is the heart and soul of all the Indy films, and he shows us here that he’s still got it.

Once the whip’s out and the fedora’s put in place, it’s going to be one helluva fantastic ride. So welcome back Indy and thanks for restoring my faith in the movies.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: 4/5

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