Making sense of the chaos.

Sometimes you have to admit when you're wrong.

Over the past few months I've been more then a little critical of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, having gone so far as to say that Star Wars is now dead to me. However after a recent blog I authored about the upcoming release of Avengers: Infinity war, I have to admit I was wrong.

Loss is a natural part of life and is a great way to develop new story-arcs, when one door closes, another door opens, or at least that's what they say.

I have many complaints about the Rian Johnston directed Star Wars film, from Rey's "3 lessons to become a Jedi" training, to Leia's "Mary Poppins" flight through the vacuum of space, this was not a good film. 

However my single largest issue was with how they handled Jedi Master Luke SkyWalker - You don't write off such a monumental character in that fashion.

Personally I didn't want to see Luke the hermit hiding from The Force. I wanted to see Luke the seasoned Master Jedi, wise in experience and ready to wage one last battle against the Galactic Empire!

Make no mistake, given Disney and their intention to milk this franchise for everything they can, we all knew in our hearts that the original cast would make their exit, just not in the fashion that they have thus far.

However once again, loss is a natural part of life and helps to create new stories, which is why in my opinion the final scene of The Last Jedi was so important. The child pushing his broom, peering into space was a declaration that we should expect many more stories from Disney and Lucasfilm - wither we want them or not.

With that mindset I challenge you to re-watch both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, view them for what they truly are, the foundation for a brand new extended universe with a multitude of stories to follow.

I did just that...  and with that perspective I can now, all be it reluctantly, accept that when the next film hits theaters I'll be there ready to dish out some hard earned money to see what happens next.

It doesn't resolve the fact that these aren't great films, but it helps to make a little more sense of the chaos that is running rampant in a galaxy far, far away,

Thanks for reading, please join the conversation on our Facebook Community Page and remember to connect with us on social media via our website at cangeek.com

Keeping It In Focus Part Two - 12 MUST SEE films in 2018!

As a followup to my previous blog Keeping It In Focus Part One, here are the remaining six films that I just can't wait to see in 2018!

7. The Incredables 2:

Some films get bogged down with multiple unnecessary sequels, which is why it's so hard to believe that a film like The Incredables which was truly deserving of a sequel hasn't had one yet - After all its only been fourteen years since The Incredables first arrived in theaters!

But as my mother kept telling me as a child "Good things come to those who wait" and after fourteen years of waiting we're finally set to see the release of The Increadbles 2 on June 15th!

Although the trailer doesn't give much away, it does seem like this film will focus mainly on Jack Jack and his newly acquired powers. However regardless of the story-line The Incredables 2 is sure to be worth the wait as rumors have circulated for years that Craig T. Nelson refused to sign on for a second film unless the script did the first film justice!

8. Ant-Man and The Wasp:

When I first saw Ant-Man I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the film - I was wrong!  

Where other Marvel films have focused on a dramatic story with small amounts of comedy to move the film forward, Ant-Man was much more lighthearted and comedic in its portrayal of Scott Lang - the would-be criminal who inherits the the Ant-Man suit from Hank Pym. 

An-Man solidified his place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe when he joined Team Cap in Captain America: Civil War - Now it's time for Ant-Man to return alongside The Wasp on July 6th.

In this new film we'll find Scott Lang seeking balance as a new father while still living up to his responsibilities as one of Marvels greatest heroes.

Check out the teaser trailer for Ant-Man and The Wasp.

9. X-Men: Dark Phoenix 

I recently re-watched X2: X-Men United and as much as I like the film I can't help but reflect on all the missed opportunities that came after its release.

For those who have't seen the film I will say that the films conclusion set up what could have been an epic finale to the trilogy with X-Men: The Last Stand - except it was anything but epic!

Fortunately for fans FOX hit the reset button with both the release of X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days Of Future Past, now we might finally get the Phoenix saga we've been waiting for with the release of X-Men: Dark Phoenix which is due to release on November 2nd.

In this newest film Jean Grey develops Incredibly powerful psionic abilities that corrupt her and threaten to destroy the universe.  The X-men will be forced to decide whether one life is worth more then that of all the other living beings.

With the recent deal between Disney and 20th Century Fox it is all to possible that this could be the final film in the X-Men series, at least until Disney once again resets the franchise - Here's hoping Dark Phoenix goes out with a bang!

10. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald

When Warner Bros. released Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 2011, I like many others believed that this final film signaled the end of our adventures in J. K. Rowlings Wizarding World - fortunately we were wrong!

With the release of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in 2016 it became clear that fans the world over had many more adventures to look forward too.

Not only did this new series changes locations from the Highlands of Scotland to the bustling metropolis that is New York, but it also took us back in time seventy years to the roaring '20's as it told the story of a wizard determined to protect some truly misunderstood Fantastic Beasts.

And as much as it is true that I couldn't help but point that Newt Scamanders suitcase reminded me of a TARDIS, I did generally enjoyed this new film.

With the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald on November 16th, we can look forward to once again returning to Rowlings Wizarding World, and to the return of a young Albus Dumbledore as portrayed by Jude Law.

Now all we need is for someone to adapt Harry Potter And The Cursed Child into a film and all will be right with the world!

11. Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2

I am both eagerly looking forward & dreading the release of this sequel at the same time.  On one hand I really enjoyed the first film, it was a well thought out story that used classic video games to tell the story of a arcade character who simply wanted acceptance from those around him.

Something we can ALL relate too.

On the other hand, unlike The previously mentioned Incredables 2, I'm not sure that this film warranted a followup, at least not so soon.

My fingers are crossed that this follow up will do justice to its 2012 predecessor when it releases on November 21st.


12. Aquaman:

I've been fairly outspoken in the past regarding Warner Bros. and their efforts to build the DC Extended Universe, that it to say that excluding Wonder Woman (and to a lesser extent Justice League) their films have been nothing short of awful!

So why is Aquaman on this list you might ask, it's either because I still have hope for the future OR like so many others I just like a good train wreck - I'm not quite sure which one it is yet myself. 

Regardless of which it might be, I'll be one of the many DC fans in line to see this movie when it releases on December 21st. Although not much is known about this new film, other then it seems like an origin story, with any luck it will represent a much needed turning point for both Warner Bros. and DC Comic fans the world over.

We Need A Win Here!

Once again this list represents the twelve films I'm eagerly waiting for in 2018, let me know in the comments below which films you can't wait to see this year....

As always thanks for reading, please remember to follow us on social media via CanGeek.com.

Keeping It In Focus Part One - 12 MUST SEE films in 2018!

As I begin to type this blog we're just under 2 hours into 2018 and while others are finishing that last drink or preparing to negotiate the hangover they'll wake up with in the morning, I'm already focused on what a great cinematic year I expect it to be.

With some true Hollywood blockbusters on the horizon, I wanted to share twelve films that I just can't wait for this year.

1. Black Panther:

While I have heard some say that Marvels decision to bring Black Panther to the big screen was politically or racially motivated, I for one say this character was long overdue for his feature film debut! 

Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, in which T'Challa witnessed the death of his father, T'Challa has now assumed the role of both the ruler of the advanced nation of Wakanda and that of The Black Panther - the protector of his nations people.

T'Challa must now do battle with those who would threaten his nation, both from outside his borders and withing.  

Black Panther releases on February 16th, and if you haven't seen the trailer yet then check it out!t

2. Ready Player One: 

Based on the novel by Ernest Cline and directed by Oscar winner Steven Spielberg, Ready Player One promises to be a fantastic treasure hunt ripe with music and pop culture references from the 1980's!

When the creator of a virtual reality world known as the OASIS dies, a video is release which challenges all of OASIS users to find a hidden Easter Egg. With the understanding that whoever finds the egg will inherit a vast fortune, Wade Watts joins countless other players in a race to gain the ultimate price.

Ready Player One releases on March 30th, and if you haven't seen the trailer yet than what are you waiting for?

3. RAMPAGE!

It's no secret that movies based on video games are cursed, that is to say that they usually turn out to be slightly on the awful side.  

However having said that, when a movie is released based on one of my favorite games I'll still find myself lining up at the theater box office to throw my money away.

Such will be the case with RAMPAGE!

I can remember many a day spent pumping quarters into the local arcade machine as me and my childhood friends sought to level virtual cities with our monstrous avatars, and that is why I will go out and see this film.

The trailer for this film more or less says it all, animals infected with some sort of growth serum will turn violent on unsuspecting cities, more then likely seeking revenge for the wrong doings of mankind.

This will be a disaster film, the only question is will it be a disaster on the big screen or a disaster at the box office?  Will find out when RAMPAGE releases on April 20th.

4. Avengers: Infinity War

Lets be honest here - before Marvel brought us Iron Man in 2008 superhero movies just weren't that good.  Now that isn't to say that there weren't some decent superhero films, more to say that these films just can't compare to what Marvel has done thus far.

Marvel Studios has done a fantastic job of developing both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and creating stories that have kept audiences coming back for more with each new film.

The next film in the Marvel saga, after Black Panther, will be the highly anticipated Avengers: Infinity War Part One.  In this film, which will begin to close out phase four of Marvels story arc, we will see allies both old and new unite against the mad titan Thanos who is intent on bringing an end to the universe.

The trailer leaves you with the since that this movie will in fact represent a real shift in the MCU once the phase four story has come to an end, and we won't have long to wait before we find out with Avengers: Infinity War Part One releasing on May the 4th!

5. SOLO: A Star Wars Story

I'm actually not sure how I feel about this movie yet, not after seeing The Last Jedi, Yes I'm one of THOSE people who didn't enjoy The Last Jedi.  I honestly believe that Disney purchased the intellectual property that is Star Wars for the money they knew they'd make in market saturation, but now that they have it they don't know what to do with it. 

Having said that as Jyn Erso pointed out "Rebellions are built on hope" so I HOPE that SOLO: A Star Wars story won't be the let down that both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi have been.

However as a fan there is reason to be concerned.

From Lucasfilms decision to trade in directors from the team of Phil Lord and Chris Miller to Ron Howard (which isn't a bad thing) to recent rumors that the Mouse House is advising its shareholders that they expect this film to bomb at the box office, one has to wonder why Disney doesn't delay this films May 25th release date until they are absolutely confident in releasing a finished and finely polished piece of work.  After all Disney, this film might be set in a galaxy far, far away but Star Wars fans much closer to home are watching to see what happens next......

6. Deadpool 2:

It's hard to believe that there was ever a time when the success of an "R" rated superhero film was in question - they were dark times indeed!

Fortunately a savior who personified the very hero he longed to play came along and opened the foolish eyes of studio executives - the Deadpool movie was finally going to happen!

Thank You Ryan Reynolds! 

Following up on the unquestionable success of Fox's 2016 hit, Deadpool is back with all the supporting faces who helped to make his first film so much fun to watch!  Adding to the hype of the new film is Josh Brolins casting as Cable along with some fantastic marketing including the no good deed trailer and the  Wet on Wet teaser.

Although no official story has been released for this film ahead of its June 1st release date, Deadpool 2 promises to be one of the biggest hits of the 2018 summer movie season.

Who said "R" rated superhero films wouldn't be acceptable to the moving going public?

Check back soon for for Keeping It In Focus Part Two, until then thanks for reading and remember to follow us at cangeek.com.

Before the dark times.

For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic, before the dark times...

Although the Toronto Saber battle has been going on for sometime now I only discovered it three years ago, or maybe I only built up the nerve to attend for the first time three years ago.

My first year attending involved myself and my then nine year old son and it was fantastic!  Being surrounded by like-minded fans who, armed with glowing swords, helped brighten the dark night sky with fun, enthusiasm and laughter.  

It was a evening that words can barely hope to describe.

Come the following October, having listened to my son and I sing its praises for a year, my wife and my eldest son decided to join in on the fun for the 2016 Toronto Glow Sword Battle!  And once again, by the time the evening had come to an end we were all talking about how we couldn't wait for next years event.

Fortunately that time has once again arrived with Saber Battle 2017 taking place tomorrow night, Saturday October 7th, at Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square.  Unfortunately this will also be a sobering event with the organizers announcement that this will be the final Saber Battle in Toronto.

From a fan who has enjoyed each of these events, thank you to newmindspace for all your hard work and effort in bringing a community of fans together to celebrate their shared love of Star Wars. Much like the warriors who have helped to brighten the October night sky, you have in some way brightened the lives of all those fortunate enough to participate in this gathering.

On behalf of the small team that makes up CanGeek.com, I can't recommend enough that if your reading this, you make the effort to go out and get involved in tomorrow night's event. As it draws to a close it will be sad, like saying a final goodbye to an old friend, but I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Thanks for reading.

Is Star Wars in critical condition?

Is it just me or does Lucasfilm seem to be going through directors almost as fast as the Empire goes through Death Stars? It was confirmed yesterday via starwars.com that the production company had parted ways with Colin Trevorrow, the director of Star Wars episode IX.

According to the statement:

"Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon."

This however is not the first time this has happened.  Earlier this year Chris Miller and Phil Lord were also replaced on the set of the super-secret Han Solo prequel film.  At the time a similar statement was released which stated:

"Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are talented filmmakers who have assembled an incredible cast and crew, but it's become clear that we had different creative visions on this film, and we've decided to part ways. A new director will be announced soon"

And within a matter of days Lucasfilm did indeed announce that Ron Howard would take over as director of that film.

Rumors have already begun to circulate with names like Rian Johnson & J.J. Abrams being suggested as Trevorrow's replacement.  However the real question here is whither or not the Star Wars franchise is in critical condition?  Could it be that with plans to release a film every year for the foreseeable future that Disney has over extended their own creative vision?  Have they set the bar so high that no one director or team or directors could hope to live up-to that vision?

Only time will tell, but it gives fans something to consider as we prepare for the release of The Last Jedi on December the fifteenth.

Who is The Last Jedi?

December 15th, 2017 Star Wars returns to theaters with the release of Star Wars episode VIII The Last Jedi.   LucasFilm revealed the title of the next Star Wars film on Monday morning with the following press release:

"We have the greatest fans in this or any other galaxy,  In appreciation of the fans, we wanted them to be the first to know the title of the next chapter in the Skywalker saga: STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI.  THE LAST JEDI is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski"

This is the news that fans of the franchise of been waiting for as speculation about the plot of the upcoming film continues to run rampant online.

It is a believed that the film will continue were Star Wars: The Force Awakens concluded with Daisy Ridley's character Rey seeking training from Jedi master Luke Skywalker.   Based on the newly revealed title it is also assumed that Mark Hamill’s Skywalker is The Last Jedi and will once again play the central character in episode VIII. 

So what do you think, is Luke the last Jedi or is there another?   Comment below and remember to follow us at CanGeek.com.