SWBC: 'From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi' has arrived
SWBC: 'From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi' has arrived
Plus: I'm finally going back to Batuu!
FACPOV: ROTJ
It’s finally here — the beautiful finished copy of From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi.
At 560 pages (minus the author bios), it’s the longest of the FACPOV original trilogy. I’m only a few stories in, but I have a feeling this collection will be my favorite of the trilogy.
And, yes, I am reading the stories in the order they appear. I know a few reviewers who have jumped around to specific stories they’re most excited about. But I want to experience the story of Return of the Jedi chronologically and from different points of view.
So far, I’ve read the stories of Moff Jerjerrod, Max Rebo, and EV-9D9, one of Jabba the Hutt’s torture droids. And I just started Bib Fortuna’s story last night. All of them add so much depth to their characters and the overall story of the original trilogy’s final film.
From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi arrives on Aug. 29 from Random House Worlds. My full review will drop on release day.
In the meantime, the embargo is up, so here are a couple of reviews to hold you over until then:
One week til Ahsoka
In one week, Star Wars fans will finally get to see one of the most anticipated projects since The Rise of Skywalker.
It’s too bad that much of the fandom isn’t creating content and promoting Ahsoka because major entertainment companies balk at paying better wages and offering better working conditions for writers, actors, and crews.
I love Disney, and I obviously love Star Wars. But Star Wars would not be what it is today without the literal blood, sweat, and tears of its writers, actors, and other creative crew members. They deserve better, and they have more than earned our support.
As a professional entertainment journalist, I’m not a member of either WGA or SAG-AFTRA nor am I on strike. I do, however, want to support union members.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Journalists like myself are not barred from or considered crossing the picket line by covering and reviewing new movies and TV shows. These strikes are not boycotts of studio work — for the press or consumers.
There are different rules for content creators and influencers, however. It can get a bit murky for me since I am a professional journalist but also dabble in content creation. On my Instagram and TikTok pages, I will continue to talk about Star Wars books (which are not struck work) as well as share my professional reviews and stories related to entertainment and theme parks.
Back to Batuu
After almost two years, I’m finally going back to Disney World! Specifically, to Hollywood Studios and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for an early screening of Ahsoka.
As a professional journalist, I’m going as media and will likely write a review of the two-episode series premiere. I’ll also probably write about new Star Wars offerings at the parks. I heard there’s a new blue and white milk available.
The last time I was in Batuu was 2021 — when I celebrated turning 30 by building my own lightsaber.
What else should I do or look out for while I’m at Hollywood Studios? Let me know in the comments!
Recent work & teaching updates
In less than a week, I’ll go back to school to start my third year of teaching. As a college professor, I don’t have a classroom wish list — but maybe I should.
But beyond writing new syllabi and trying to get creative with assignments this semester, I’ve also done some pretty cool freelance work lately.
For the last few months, I’ve been covering theme parks and attractions for Orlando Weekly — from Disney’s many food festivals and upcoming Halloween festivities to writing a requiem for the Galactic Starcruiser resort.
My latest:
All of Florida’s major theme parks saw drops in attendance last quarter. Why?
Is SeaWorld Orlando building another roller coaster for 2024?
ICE at Gaylord Palms brings back ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
And at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, I’ve interviewed mermaids, talked about 90’s Con, and toured one man’s collection of over 2,000 copies of Titanic on VHS.
My latest:
This Tampa Bay man is on a mission to collect a million copies of ‘Titanic’ on VHS
Weeki Wachee and mermaid culture are the stars of new Netflix docuseries ‘MerPeople’
Tampa Bay Comic Con says its guest list hasn’t been impacted by actor and writer strikes
And I’ve got more stories in the works! After tomorrow’s trip to Disney, I’ll likely have reviews of Ahsoka’s first two episodes and new Star Wars stuff at the parks. Plus, Universal Orlando is having us out at Halloween Horror Nights’ opening night — I’ve got a couple of ideas in the works there as well.
With the best holidays coming up, what are you most excited about doing — or reading — the rest of the year? Let me know in the comments!
Star Wars books and comics out this week
Aug. 15
Essential Legends Collection:
The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance
Republic Commando: Triple Zero
Outbound Flight
Survivor’s Quest
Aug. 16
Darth Vader #37
The trip to Batuu sounds awesome! Really looking forward to FACPOV. ROTJ is my personal favourite film in the saga so I’m excited for more in that world.
Can’t believe you’re seeing those episodes of Ahsoka so early! Jealous. But I also understand you’re in such a sticky place as a journalist. I’m glad you’re at least getting some benefits right now. Have so much fun at Galaxy’s Edge!