When the Cheshire emerges...

This morning's news was mindblowing. Mindblowing.

Darth Vader and the galactic universe of Star Wars has been acquired by Disney in a deal for $US4.05 billion.

Yeah, billion.

George Lucas remains a creative consultant on future Star Wars projects but gives the reins to Disney and new Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. There's Episodes VII, VIII and IX waiting in the wings with Episode VII slated for release in 2015.

WHY?


OK, so Lucas has always had multiple ideas for different parts of the universe, but he was panned over his control with Episodes I, II and III. He said that was it, done and dusted, but apparently he only meant that it wasn't him that would take it forward.

I'm excited about the prospect of a new Star Wars film as much as the next fan, and there's no doubt I'd go to see whatever they produce. But I'm just wary that it'll lose touch with the fantasy of it all in favour of even more commercialism than with the second trilogy. One comment I read online today was something like, "Disney does Star Wars... I can't even finish that sentence.". Doesn't sound good when you put it that way, even though I think Disney are fabulous.

The shaky part of this for me more than anything though is the idea that it might even go past nine films and do a Bond. With 007 it's about one guy who saves the world and most of the others involved flit in and out. More character-driven. Star Wars, while importantly full with lovable characters, has a bit more to it in terms of continuous plot. How could that be strongly sustained?

Am I too cynical? Or completely wrong - will the acquisition actually sustain the Star Wars love forever?

Oh I had to do it... Happy Star Wars Day everyone!

I can't say I'm marking the day with anything this year besides the acknowledgement. The closest I'll be to intergalactic war is reading about Prometheus in my just-arrived new issue of Empire.

But I love that there's a Star Wars Day. I was brought up on the original trilogy as a kid and then eagerly awaited the release of the prequels. Actually, the first issue of Empire I ever bought had Darth Vader's mask on the cover and a massive feature on Episode III. In a way buying that issue kickstarted my real interest in film.

I had a recent Star Wars related moment in Melbourne on the tail-end of my recent holidays. With two friends, we find ourselves in a sock shop with crazy tights and the like, perusing before I spot a small book propped up on the counter displaying their Man of the Day.

Then I was told I could pick it for that day.

It was hard. All the gorgeousness of yesteryear in one book. Rob Lowe. Tom Selleck. Kiefer Sutherland... but with some guidance I finally decided on one Mr Han Solo.



The choice was loved by the staff and I walked away gladly knowing there is love there for Han. Look at his face. Charmer.

***

To other news:

- I read The Hunger Games (book one) over the last week as almost the last of my half of the newsroom, and I'm SO excited about reading the other two now. I did things the wrong way round and saw the film first but reading the book I was still sad even though I knew what was coming. And the romance - wow. Knew all about that too but now I like Peeta a LOT more. I love that I'm getting excited about reading for pleasure again proper now!

- Because it's Friday night I have to present my Shoe of the Week. And this week it's also time for Shoe of the Month.

For this week there is two. The first because they would actually look great on a flamenco dancer which I respect, and the second because they would make for interesting bridal shoes. Thoughts anyone?




Shoe of the Month is...


This was a previous Shoe of the Week... looking back, April was a bit of a failure. I still think these could be made to look good.