We went to the San Francisco charity premiere last night. I still can't stop thinking about the movie. As a big fan of Star Wars, I'm completely blown away. It was quite an emotional ride. And I was so overwhelmed by the amazing visuals that I mouthed the F-word at least twice and was damn lucky I had enough control of my vocal cords not to yell it!

It's an emotionally unsettling film, I'd say, but I really need to see it again next week and get some distance from it to give myself some perspective. I don't think I can give a truly realistic "review" at this point outside of saying that I absolutely loved it. I think Lucas hit a home run, though, for at least one specific reason: I've been waiting to see the epic battle between Anakin and Obi-Wan for well over two decades -- it's a part of Star Wars lore that fans have all known about for a long time -- and now that I've finally seen it, I can say that it actually exceeded my expectations.

And just wait 'til you see the opening shot of the movie after the camera pans down from the crawl! Wow!

Is the film perfect? No. But none of the Star Wars films are. You do get some hokey dialogue in spots, mainly between Anakin and Padme. But I'd say it's better than it was in Attack of the Clones, and I bought that Anakin and Padme are in love much more this time than in the last one. I think some people might also complain that the film moves at too fast a pace. It flies by at a furious clip, but it has a lot to resolve. I'd add more, but I don't want to spoil anything.

Suffice it to say that I'm satisified, and I find Episode III to be a worthy conclusion to the series. Your mileage may vary.

We're traveling to Monterey Bay Aquarium today, so I'd better get off of here and start thinking about checking out of the hotel!

Blake

These are for the trade paperback editions scheduled for this summer.

http://www.writers.com/publishing/images/enemy.jpg

http://www.writers.com/publishing/images/healer.jpg

Okay... there seems to be a discrepancy with the release date of Episode 3. The "official" release date is Thursday, May 19 but a lot of theaters have a showing on Wednesday, May 18 at 12:01 a.m. which insinuates that the release is May 18.

Anyone know what's going on here? Are they just doing a one-time screening a day before or are the release dates messed up?

I posted this on fpw's NetFlix help thread, but thought it deserved more attention than that!

I just bought Les Choristes (The Chorus) (2004) a subtitled in English, French film. Absolutely wonderful. OK, it's a tear jerker, but not overly so (IMHO). Much more real than the US versions of "music teacher makes bad kids good", and the conductor (actor) in the beginning of the film definitely did his homework and knows his stuff. OK, the main character can't conduct, but, he's a composer (and a prefect), so we'll forgive him.

Beautifully shot and an absolutely GORGEOUS score. Of course, i love choral music! I will admit, I hate boys choirs on principle, but....

Highly recommended!

(Oh, it won Best Picture from Hearland Film Fest, and Audience Choice Awards from Chicago Film Fest and Austin Film Fest. Two AA nominations - best foreign films and best score.)

I just finished reading Reborn and am curious about two things. Unless I missed it, is it ever explained why The Chosen are sensing The One? If memory serves there may have been a passing reference with the rationale being because of their faith, but I can't be sure.

My second question is in The Keep it's mentioned that Glaeken felt the powers leaving, and in Nightworld he's trying to signal the powers that be of the eminent danger. Why is it then that The Chosen seem to be influenced by the powers that be if they're truly gone?

Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...:RECO:US:2

"The End of the Century - The Story of the Ramones" is now out on DVD. I highly recommend it. I saw it in the theater last summer and loved it. If you loved the Ramones, it's a must. If you don't know anything about the Ramones, it's time you learned.

Man, it was a fun flick, a very well done bittersweet documentary. Great rental.

First time posting here, guys.

I am simply wondering about the optimal way in which I should enjoy FPW's books. At current I have read The Keep, The Tomb, and The Fifth Harmonic. I have all of the RJ books as well as all of the AC books. I was going to read The Touch next and proceed through the AC. However, I have come across numerous statements that state that Reborn,Reprisal, and Nightworld should not be read until after the last RJ book... This has me slightly confused. Another person counseled me to not even read Reborn, Reprisal, and Nightworld until they have been reprinted and updated.. What's the right thing to do here? I simply want to enjoy these books in the most logical and enjoyable order.

I appreciate your help,
DrJonLJ

Has anybody been following this show on The Discovery Channel?? If not, it documents the crews of the vessels on the Bering Sea during crab season. May not sound too interesting until you watch it. --- Freezing temps., gale force winds, huge waves that can topple a boat, men going overboard, search and rescue, sleep depravation, back breaking work, and much more hell. Those guys have a damn death wish.

Has anyone ever watched the New Battlestar Gallactica on Sci-Fi? I used to watch the original a long time ago (well not that long ago, a I am not that old - ha ha). But it was a long time ago. I can barely remember the character names. Is the new one any good? Is is worth watching? I ask because the next Big Paintball Scenario is based on it. "The 13th Tribe of Kobul". I don't even know what a Kobul is. Is it Cylon? I guess I need to brush up on it. Figures they pick a topic I don't know anything about. Should I get the DVD's of the show or should I just go to the website and read the summaries?