It's been only a few weeks since the successful release of Rogue One, the new Star Wars installment. Unlike the films seen so far, this is a spin-off of the main saga. At NeoTeo we'll review the first spin-offs of the franchise created by George Lucas, which have been somewhat forgotten for not making it to the big screen.
Star Wars, one of the most valued science fiction film sagas, has expanded its world far beyond what we knew a few years ago. The purchase of LucasFilm by Disney gave continuity to a catalog that was already extensive. A world from which we always want to know more and that always has things to entertain us. We must note that Rogue One, the new member of the Star Wars family brought by Disney, is not the first spin-off of the acclaimed space saga, as there are several on the list. Additionally, another spin-off from the main canon has been announced for 2018, about Han Solo, the well-known smuggler and Rebel hero played by Harrison Ford. But we're not here to talk about the new stuff. In this trio of films we'll present below, we'll dive into the world of the Ewoks and a Christmas special that even George Lucas himself probably doesn't acknowledge.
Ewok Adventure: Caravan of Courage (1984)
Those who know the saga, particularly Episode VI, must have the Ewoks well stored in their memories—small furry bipeds living on the forested moon of Endor. With their help, the Rebels managed to destroy the new Death Star and with it the Galactic Empire operating from that fearsome military base.
The Ewok Adventure or Caravan of Courage was released in 1984 for television, specifically for the ABC network. Directed by John Korty and written by George Lucas and Bob Carrau, this story places us in the home of the Ewoks, the moon of Endor. The beginning of this adventure focuses on the desperate situation of two children, Mace and Cindel, who are stranded with their spaceship after their parents are kidnapped by a fearsome monster called Gorax. To place ourselves within the official saga, this happens between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Episodes V and VI respectively.
With a duration of an hour and a half, this spin-off aimed mainly at children has its entire story on Endor and will immerse us in the lives of the Ewoks and their generosity in helping others. For a TV adaptation, it leaves a very good taste in the mouth despite not having lightsabers or the power of the Force. A film that received a very high budget compared to what films of the era usually received and that yielded fruits. The Ewok Adventure won an Emmy for special effects and received other nominations. As a fun fact, this film stars Warwick Davis, the actor who plays Wicket, the most recognized Ewok in Episode VI and who also has an extensive film catalog.
Caravan of Courage is a pleasant film, with very funny moments and visual effects that are up to par with any title on screen at the time. We'll have a good time in the company of these warriors and learn more about them in a story full of adventures.
Welcome to the world of the Ewoks!
Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/pyvjc_20XpQThe Ewoks have been the most pampered characters in this galactic universe across films, animated series, comics, and children's books. These adorable furry beings received a second part on television with The Battle for Endor. In this sequel from 1985, we'll have more action than in the first part and see how the Ewoks must face off against evil invaders from the planet Sanyassan. The Battle for Endor was released a year after Caravan of Courage and after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
Something that has caught our attention, more for being a children's or family-oriented film, is the dark opening that shows the death of the Towani family at the hands of the Sanyassan. Cindel, the only survivor, begins a new path in her life, much more attached to the Ewoks.
This second part is directed by the brothers Jim and Ken Wheat and again written by George Lucas. Again with excellent special effects and a good plot, The Battle for Endor hits the mark and pleases. Both Ewok films serve to expand the Star Wars world and give us a little more insight into the lives of these small bipeds who live on the distant moon of Endor.
Before the release of the second part, an animated series with our furry friends was also launched for television, lasting two seasons and approved by Lucas's seal, who had a special affection for the Ewoks.
The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
Every family has a black sheep, and in the Star Wars saga one might think of Episode I: The Phantom Menace (or the whole trilogy if you want to be evil). But what we can say is that the Holiday Special, broadcast only once on November 17, 1978, by the BBC, is a true fiasco and makes even the detestable films of this galactic universe look good. An important fact is that it didn't have George Lucas's help even for a phone call, and it was written by six brave souls who decided to bring this specimen to life.
The film introduces us to Chewie and Han traveling in the Millennium Falcon towards the Wookiee home planet, Kashyyyk (battle site in Episode III). More than one, upon seeing these two iconic characters, might get excited, but quickly the film falls into a pit that seems bottomless. The first transition introduces us to Chewbacca's home planet with a... DRAWN shot! Yes, evidently there wasn't enough budget even to build a little treehouse.
Here begins this embarrassing adventure where we'll have to adapt to the Wookiees and their 'non-language'. They never speak but make noises, like Chewie, with the difference that here we won't have a Han Solo to translate and make it funny. Within just a few minutes, communication among the Wookiees becomes unbearable, and although the intention is to show them as Chewbacca does in A New Hope, they didn't manage to transfer that to this special.
Very well, now everything will depend on our power of interpretation to bring this special into the realm of coherence. Throughout the film, we'll have cameos from the saga's protagonists that won't help us understand what's happening. Luke, Leia, R2D2, C3PO, and even Darth Vader appear in sequences that make no sense but at least help us pass the time if our goal is to finish it, since objectively it can become desperate.
The plot of Star Wars: Holiday Special revolves around Chewbacca's arrival at his home to spend with his family the Life Day, a holiday celebrated every 3 years. With a family consisting of his wife and son, the most famous Wookiee of the franchise will accompany us along with the most important characters to celebrate this special day. Plot-wise, we didn't expect much from it, but having such a vast and rich world to explore, the ideas are somewhat limited and disconnected.
We could be listing all the scenes and shots that don't fit in the film, like the chair that connects to the brain and generates sexual fantasies with singer Diahann Carroll, or the suitcase that plays videos of Jefferson Starship (a 70s band composed of ex-Jefferson Airplane members). We can also see an animated short that must be the best part of the film since it also features the first appearance of Boba Fett, the bounty hunter from Episode V. But as everything seems forced, it all goes into the trash bin.
A special that could have been much more, having most of the main characters and the seal of being official, but it was far from that. Now it's all up to you. So if you decide to watch it, may the Force be with you.
A separate note for the great Carrie Fisher, the princess and warrior Leia, who at 60 left the earthly plane but will always be with us, and with her the Force, forever.
