The Bearded Trio

I started to write a summary/recap of the first two episodes of Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi last week after they aired on Disney Plus back to back. And it just wasn't working, because 900 words in, I had barely touched the recap portion of the first episode. Now, we are three episodes into my most-anticipated Star Wars show to date, and it feels like a good time to (briefly) assess where the show is at and how it fits in within the overall saga. As a word of caution, Part III spoilers are below. Some have characterized this show as Star Wars: Episode 3.5, and it appears to fit that label perfectly. I love everything George Lucas did with Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005), and my love for the character of Obi-Wan made me anticipate this show unlike any other the past 17 years. Early in the first episode, Obi-Wan tells Bail Organa "I'm not the man I used to be" and we see those words supported by action throughout the first half of the season. From struggling to use...

Brad’s April Escape (May Edition) May 21 - The Empire Strikes Back Throughout the month of April, I ran through 20 films of the Steven Spielberg-George Lucas-John Williams Cinematic Universe, listing random items from each film that stood out to me. Rob and I decided to reserve my entry for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) for today, the 40th anniversary of the film's release here in the United States. The Empire Strikes Back - An Introduction There's no way I will do this film justice in one simple blog post. Its impact is well-established. It's the film that turned Star Wars from a blockbuster film into a franchise that is still going strong, 40 years later. Empire is firmly entrenched at the top of many people's favorite films list - beyond Star Wars film rankings. But why? What's the thing that has kept this film so fresh and resonating all these years later? I certainly don't have all the answers, but I will ...

Brad’s April Escape - Part 11 April 17 - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Each weekday this month, I’ll screen a film from The Bearded Trio Cinematic Universe and list 10 random scenes, characters, musical cues or performances that I particularly enjoy and look forward to upon every viewing. I’d love to hear similar little things you enjoy about these films, and hope you join me in this escape from the present-day world. Next up is a film that I feel is the most well-crafted and skillfully made of any Disney-era Star Wars films, Rogue One: A Sta Wars Story (2016). Rogue One - An Introduction Over the past couple years, I have really enjoyed watching the three Chicago shows on NBC - Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. I particularly enjoy the inter-connectivity of the shows, where characters from one randomly pop up in another. The crossover events are particularly fun for me. Each show has a unique blend of characters, that fit the tone of each show appropria...

Brad’s April Escape - Part 7 April 13 - Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Each weekday this month, I’ll screen a film from The Bearded Trio Cinematic Universe and list 10 random scenes, characters, musical cues or performances that I particularly enjoy and look forward to upon every viewing. I’d love to hear similar little things you enjoy about these films, and hope you join me in this escape from the present-day world. Next up is a film that beautifully wraps up the Prequel Trilogy,  Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005) Revenge of the Sith - An Introduction No in-theater experience has emotionally moved me like Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. About 20 minutes after I left the theater on my first viewing, I bawled like a baby for about 3 minutes, under the realization that this was it. Star Wars was over, and my God, what an awesome conclusion. Yes, The Clone Wars animated series had been announced, so I knew the brand would have a future, but in terms of the saga on...

Just announced from Funko is this electronic Darth Vader that will have sights and sounds from the movies.  It's coming soon with no date announced yet but rest assured this will be available well before Christmas...I have felt his presents!  Get it? Celebrate one of pop culture’s most recognizable villains and proclaim your allegiance to the dark side with an electronic Pop! Darth Vader™. With lights and sound! Don't forget the all important batteries otherwise the Force will not be with you!  Expect to pay around $14.99. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams and a whole lot more.

It has all been building to this! The epic conclusion to the blockbuster ongoing series! Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca’s critically acclaimed series   comes to a close on  October 12 th  in the blockbuster  DARTH VADER #25!  It has all built to this! Vader’s trials against Cylo’s creations! His machinations against the Emperor! His covert missions with Doctor Aphra and her murderous droids. It all comes to a head in this cataclysmic final chapter. Plus, this oversized issue also contains a thrilling new tale from Kieron Gillen and artist Max Fiumara. Who lives? Who dies? The answers may surprise you! To commemorate this monumental issue, don’t miss amazing covers and variants from some of the top-flight talent in the entire comic book industry. Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada, Chris Samnee, Michael Cho, Sara Pichelli, Cliff Chiang and more lend their artistic prowess to the Dark Lord of the Sith! Be there for the can’t miss finale when...