By John Croddick
There may have been a struggle of universal proportions between the Empire and the Rebels a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but right here, right now, there is a struggle of economic proportions between the Disney corporation and your wallet.
The 7th Star Wars movie – “The Force Awakens” – is set to release on Dec. 18, and with it Disney plans to release a slew of movie tie-in products. Some of the best stuff is already available on store shelves. Here is a look at some of the loot you can spend your (Star Wars jargon for money).
“Star Wars: Aftermath” by Chuck Wendig is a novel depicting events directly after the second Death Star is destroyed in “Return of the Jedi,” the 6th Star Wars film up until “The Force Awakens.” The universe is in a maelstrom after the death of The Emperor and his Sith apprentice Darth Vader. The Rebels are trying to deliver the knockout blow to what remains of the Empire, but there is no more dangerous adversary then a cornered one. Reviews have been solid so far for this first book in the trilogy.
LEGO has a Star Wars license, and they are making good use of it this year with the release of “The Force Awakens.” They have six new kits with the new movie theme. The coolest of which is Poe’s X-Wing Fighter. Poe is a new character in the movie we don’t know much about yet. His X-wing however is front and center in this kit. X-wing are a dime a dozen you say? What makes this one so special? It’s jet black. For the last 35-plus years since the original Star Wars came out we have been subject to white X-wings. Any fan boy worth his salt knows the importance of such a dramatic departure from the norm. Trust me, it’s a big deal.
Another mainstay of a new movie release, especially one that is as highly anticipated as this one, is the obligatory movie tie-in video game. “Stars Wars Battlefront” really isn’t a tie-in per se, the action revolves around the middle three movies. You will be able to participate in epic battles on familiar planets, drive famous vehicles, and interact with beloved characters. The game releases on Nov. 17 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. By itself this game would achieve blockbuster status, coupled with the release of a movie of this magnitude, it should reach epic status.
Like R2-D2 before it BB-8 will undoubtedly steal the show in “The Force Awakens.” Its toy already has stolen the title of Best Toy from the movie. BB-8 app-enabled droid by Sphero is a wonder to behold. It’s an actual moving droid, that fits in the palm of your hand. Everything it does is truly awesome. First off, you control with an app on your mobile device. You can record a holographic video like Princess Leia did with R2-D2. It has autonomous behavior, and an adaptive personality. Do yourself a favor and check out some of the videos of BB-8 in action on YouTube.
Not since the release of the original three movies has Star Wars fans had it so good. If “The Force Awakens” is half as good as the products it produced, it will be the blockbuster to end all blockbusters. May the force be with you and your bank account.
