Posted 3/28/11 1:30 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Cartoon Network, Star Wars, TV, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Ahoy CLONE WARS fans! So me lucky charms were with me as I was able to screen the CLONE WARS ONE HOUR SEASON FINALE !!! And, oh man, I was not disappointed! Once I saw Chewie I melted, the storyline was suspenseful and the visual effects just keep getting more amazing! Truly stunning, thanks to Dave Filoni and Joel Aron!!
Posted 3/10/11 12:43 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Cartoon Network, Star Wars, TV, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
After their ship is destroyed, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi must find a new means of escape from the Citadel. They lead the freed prisoners – including the Republic’s Captain Tarkin – across the planet’s perilous landscape as Plo Koon commands a Jedi armada through Separatist defenses in a daring rescue attempt.
For Stephen Stanton, assuming the iconic role of Tarkin – made famous by Peter Cushing in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope – was not a responsibility to be taken lightly. Using the first Star Wars film as a starting point and a foundation, Stanton immersed himself in the legendary actor’s filmography and early TV work, while at the same time dissecting the character for clues to Tarkin’s personal trajectory.
Posted 3/3/11 4:57 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Movies, Star Wars, Trailers, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Guess who I spoke with today? Industrial Light + Magic’s Tim Alexander, visual effects supervisor of the new animated feature film Rango, starring Johnny Depp! Rango is a collaboration with Gore Verbinski, director of all the Pirates movies, and Industrial Light + Magic, as it’s first feature animation which comes out this Friday March 4th! Oh and not only is Tim super talented but he also gives great last minute airport rides. Trust me on this.
It’s a Western, takes influences from the old spaghetti Westerns and even some inspiration from Lawrence of Arabia, one of Tim’s favorite flicks. You can see Rango, just like Lawrence, skipping through the desert, I mean with his red Hawaiian shirt. Tim says the audience will really feel like ILM went out on location in the desert to shoot this stuff, hot and sweaty! Oh yeah!
We are even blessed with a bunch of Easter eggs throughout the film, including tie fighters, that’s right I said TIE FIGHTERS! I was even told there’s an especially good hidden gem in the opening when you look into the owl’s eye. The owl’s reflection is actually the audience at Lucasfilm’s Premiere Theatre where they showed the ILM documentary. John Knoll, ILM visual effects supervisor, took a picture of the audience with his Iphone and used that reflection in the owl’s eye. I cannot wait to find all these eggs!!
So sit back and relax, as Tim and I discuss Hunter S. Thompson, lighting, costume changes and donuts!
LW - How come you guys picked a chameleon as the main character?
TA - That was pretty much already picked when we came on board. I don’t know where they got that idea from but the original concept art we saw had Rango standing there holding a martini glass with his red aloha shirt on and so it had that Hunter S. Thompson feel to it, there’s even a Hunter S. Thompson character driving a car with Rango and he’s got splats on his windshield so there’s like that direct homage to Hunter S. Thompson. Rango was always a chameleon in Gore’s mind.
Posted 3/1/11 5:24 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Star Wars, TV, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Aloha Star Wars: Clone Wars fans!! A new episode of Clone Wars is here! Having freed the prisoners, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker search for a way out of the impenetrable Citadel prison. The brutal warden has more traps, perils and pitfalls in store for them, however, and the heroes must overcome their own differences in order to escape. After surviving their own daring break-in, it’s time for a “Counterattack” – the second chapter of a thrilling three-part storyline, airing at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT Friday, March 4 on Cartoon Network.
Posted 2/25/11 2:31 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Star Wars, TV, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Happy Friday to all my STAR WARS: CLONE WARS fans! Well, first I crush on Plush Chewie and now this!! Chewbacca is in the Clone Wars season finale!!
Recognized by fans around the world as the co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon, Chewbacca was an instrumental player in the original Star Wars trilogy – and he will return to a galaxy far, far away in the thrilling, one-hour season finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Friday, April 1st at 8pm e/p on Cartoon Network.
Posted 2/22/11 3:01 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Star Wars, Toy Fair, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
So I was supposed to go to Egypt with friends but I guess there's some stuff going on there and somehow my trip got cancelled. And what does any girl in her right mind do when she can't climb the Egyptian pyramids? Why she goes to the New York Toy Fair of course!!!
This year it was at the Javits Center and after having to do some Olympic-style crowd surfing at NYCC last October, I was pleasantly surprised to see the convention center full of suited adult professionals and tons-o-toys for everyone!!
I felt like I was getting away with a guilty pleasure - the forbidden fruit of cruising around isles of toys, talking to vendors, playing with their toys, getting "samples." There was not even a kid in sight!! I mean, besides me!!
A few of my highlights were:
Meeting my new love, the 24 inch talking Plush Chewie!! Take a look at that face, would you??? This beast of love is a cross between my cat Lila and Teddy from the movie AI! It's made by Underground Toys, the people at this booth started watching me closely as I made several jokes about running away with Chewie.
Here's an interview with Robyn from Underground Toys discussing their new Star Wars toys!!
Posted 2/16/11 3:57 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Star Wars, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Oh hello there Clone Wars fans! Another new episode awaits us!!
Led by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, an elite rescue team attempts to free a captive Jedi general from an impenetrable Separatist prison. Deep within enemy territory, The Citadel is surrounded by droids and run by a sadistic warden determined to prevent anyone from breaking out – or in. Our heroes stage an action-packed forced entry to “The Citadel,” the first chapter in an explosive three-part storyline.
“This arc is basically classic Star Wars; we focused on the things that I really remember loving about the Saga from when I was a kid,” says Dave Filoni, supervising director of The Clone Wars. “In the Mortis trilogy, George wanted us to explore some ground that’s never really been covered in Star Wars before. And now with the Citadel arc, we’re going back to some of those essential, classic conventions that have always made Star Wars so fun.”
Posted 2/15/11 1:04 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Star Wars, TV, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Matt Lanter plays the voice of all things Anakin in The Clone Wars. He also plays bad boy Liam in 90210. I first met Matt at last year's Star Wars Celebration in "Lando" Florida where I interviewed him for MTV Geek. I immediately felt a strong connection since he worked with Carrie Fisher in the movie Sorority Row. That lucky dawg!
Let's have a quick touch base with Matt as he discusses the dark side of Anakin, his golf game and his Princess Leia buns photo session denial! *Somehow* I'll recover...
LW - You play the role of Anakin in Clone Wars. How has it been seeing such an emotional change in Anakin this season, as he begins to dip into the dark side? Anything about upcoming season 4 you can give us?
ML - It's pretty cool. As a fan, I think it's amazing that we are getting to explore this time in Anakin's life. We never really got to see the gradual progression of Anakin's slide towards the dark side. It wasn't sudden. It was years of being pushed and pulled in different directions by the Jedi order and by Palpatine. Combine those factors with some of the tragic events that he has experienced in his life and you may see more clearly why he slipped to the dark side. We really get to add huge pieces to the Star Wars puzzle with these recent episodes. Season 4 will continue on with darker moments like we have just seen in the "Mortis" arc, bringing Anakin closer and closer to Darth Vader.
LW - You also play the voice of Anakin in Star Wars Legos game. My mom got me that for Christmas, got any hot tips for me?
ML - I haven't played it yet!
LW - Twitter told me that occasionally you come to NYC. What are some of your favorite things to do here?
ML - I do have a tremendous appreciation for NYC! It's so alive all of the time. I really haven't spent enough time there to tell you where my favorite hang outs are but I do love Central Park. It's like this oasis in the middle of the city. So unique.
LW - So Matt, we haven’t spoken since Star Celebration V last August. Any fond memories of Celebration come to mind, besides me of course, that you’d like to share?
ML - Celebration is always a blast! It's just fun to be there with the rest of the cast and crew from The Clone Wars and, of course, all of the fans. Everyone is just happy to be there sharing in something we all love. I do have to say, seeing everyone dressed up in these crazy costumes and the length they go to is just incredible. That’s probably one of my favorite parts. Read More...
Posted 2/9/11 11:28 am EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Star Wars, TV, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Oh hey there Clone Wars fans! This Friday is the final episode of a three-part story arc, "Ghosts of Mortis!"
The Jedi remain stranded on Mortis, with Anakin Skywalker caught in an epic struggle between the light side and the dark side of the Force. As the Jedi prepare for a decisive confrontation, Anakin must face some shocking visions of his own future in “Ghosts of Mortis” – the climactic chapter in an epic, three-part Clone Wars storyline, airing at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT Friday, February 11 on Cartoon Network.
Posted 2/8/11 2:00 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Star Wars, TV, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Sam Witwer plays the voice of The Son in three episodes of Star Wars: Clone Wars on the Cartoon Network. I got a chance to do a little Q+A with this scrumptous hunk of love. He happens to also be in two other of my favorite shows - Dexter and Battlestar Galactica! Not to mention I see his "likeness" on my 50 inch TV screen every time I attempt to conquer The Force Unleashed game.
Sweet Sam took some time out of his busy schedule to talk about Clone Wars, his in depth knowledge of the X-wing and his budding singing career.
LW - You’re the voice of The Son in the Mortis Trilogy on The Clone Wars! How is it working with such a talented group of actors, oh and the awesome Dave Filoni?
SW - Well, first let me say that I had a nerd stroke upon discovering that I would be playing the Dark Side of the Force for three episodes. What possessed Dave Filoni to hire me is unknown at this time. However, we had a lot of fun. There's something wonderful about being in a room full of people who all really want to be there. Dave Filoni brings an intelligence and craft and above all else passion to his role as show runner. I don't think we knew, as fans, how lucky we were to have him do this show for us. I'm not sure there was a better fit out there.
Posted 2/3/11 5:20 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Star Wars, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Hey everyone! Well thank me lucky charms this week as MTV Geek scored an EXCLUSIVE Star Wars: Clone Wars clip of this Friday's Episode "Altar of Mortis!" We already showed you a clip of The Son and Anakin as The Son attempts to entice Anakin over to the Dark Side.
Oh but there's more! Before the Jedi can leave Mortis, precious Ahsoka is taken captive in an attempt to entice Anakin Skywalker to join the dark side. Meanwhile, the Father attempts to prevent a disastrous showdown between his children which would upset Force's increasingly precarious balance.
So Ahsoka...will she or won't she go to the Dark Side???
Watch this EXCLUSIVE CLIP and decide for yourself!
What do you think???
“Altar of Mortis,” an all-new episode of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS premiering at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT Friday, February 4 on Cartoon Network. TM & © 2011 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
Related Stories:
Woodsy's World of Star Wars: New Clone Wars Episode "Altar of Mortis"
Woodsy's World of Star Wars: New Clone Wars "Overlords" Episode
Woodsy's World of Star Wars - My Q+A w/MTV's Own Liz Lee!!
--
Discuss this story in our Movies/TV forums! Follow @MTVGeek on Twitter and be sure to "like" us on Facebook for the best geek news about comics, toys, gaming and more!
Posted 2/2/11 4:22 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Star Wars, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Hey there Star Wars: Clone Wars fans! Another new episode "Altar of Mortis" this Friday awaits!! And the Dark Side gets its hands on sweet Ahsoka!
Before the Jedi can leave Mortis, Ahsoka Tano is taken captive in an attempt to entice Anakin Skywalker to join the dark side. Meanwhile, the mysterious Father tries to prevent a disastrous showdown between his children which would upset the increasingly precarious balance of the Force. Two potential destinies become clear in “Altar of Mortis,” the second chapter of a three-part Clone Wars storyline.
Sam Witwer, the rock of hotness who gave his voice and likeness to both the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed games portrays the Force-powered Son in The Clone Wars. “The character of the Son has very similar motivations [to the Emperor],” says Witwer, “You have the Son, who's the dark side of the Force, you have the Daughter, who's the good side of the Force, and then you have the unifying Father, who's the balance between the two. The Son believes that the balance is skewed and that he should have more influence – and if he could have more influence, the galaxy could be a better place. For that reason it is chiefly important for him to get his hands on Anakin and influence him as fast as he can. My character, the Son, absolutely targets Anakin.”
“Clone Wars is continuing to push the limits of what’s possible in Star Wars,” he says. “It is the best kids show ever made. Ever. I take it very seriously. What I love about this Mortis story is that it is all of the Star Wars movies wrapped up into three Clone Wars episodes, and completely mythological. It's going to be something that's really exciting.”
Check out this clip of The Son coming face to face with Anakin:
Ok, again, a special callout to my dear friend and Vfx supervisor Joel Aron and his team!
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
“Altar of Mortis,” an all-new episode of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS premiering at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT Friday, February 4 on Cartoon Network. TM & © 2011 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
--
Discuss this story in our Movies/TV forums! Follow @MTVGeek on Twitter and be sure to "like" us onFacebook for the best geek news about comics, toys, gaming and more!
Posted 1/27/11 6:09 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Animation, Star Wars, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Oh hey there Star Wars and Clone Wars Fans! There's yet a new episode airing this Friday and Liam Neeson is back reprising his live-action role Qui-Gon! Liam and I used to live on the same block on the Upper West Side in NYC. He passed by me a couple of times on the street, and oh boy, that man is one TALL DRINK OF WATER!
A mysterious force draws Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano to the distant planet of Mortis, where Anakin learns of his destiny from a family of exceptionally powerful Force-wielders. Convinced that Anakin will bring balance to the Force, the family’s patriarch urges the young Jedi to stay and maintain the equilibrium between the light side and the dark side.
Posted 1/27/11 5:00 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Movies, Star Wars, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Well lucky me! I just had a cube visit from MTV's My Life As Liz Liz Lee! I loved Liz immediately when I met her at New York Comic Con last October when I realized we both had the same Adidas Star Wars tennis shoes! Liz is also a Star Wars fangirl so I knew it would only be a matter of time before our lightsabers crossed paths!
Liz graduated high school in her home state of Texas last summer and is now going to school full-time here at Pratt in the Big Apple. She took some time out of her busy day during a Hoth snow storm here in NYC to talk to me about her Jabba, joining the mtv.com design team Dating Game and the quotable Carrie Fisher!
LW: So Liz first off, BIENVENUE A NEW YORK! It must be quite a change from Texas! What have been some of your highlights so far? Your struggles?
LL: It's been quite the adjustment. I still haven't exactly mastered the subway system, and dredging through the snow was cool for a brief five minutes but aside from that, things have been pretty great. I had some trouble making friends at first but I've finally found some semblance of a surrogate, New York nerd herd. The food (especially the soup dumplings at Joe Shanghai), the plethora of comic book shops and Toy Tokyo are some of my favorite things here so far. The cold, the lack of tex mex food, and the hipsters have been some of the cons. But overall, the pros outweigh the cons and I finally feel like this is where I belong.
Posted 1/26/11 6:20 pm EST by Laurel Woods in Movies, Star Wars, Woodsy's World of Star Wars
Holy lasers Obi-Wan! Volkswagen announced today that they have joined Forces with Lucasfilm for the premier of one their Super Bowl XLV ads! Volkswagen has two 30: second spots showcasing the all-new Passat and the 21st Century Beetle, airing during the 2nd and 4th quarter of the game.
Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. said “We’ve partnered with Lucasfilm for the all-new Passat ad, leveraging the emotional heritage of both Star Wars™ and Volkswagen to create a memorable moment on an unparalleled platform for two of the vehicles most important to Volkswagen’s growth strategy.” Read More...