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Film review: ‘Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens’
Published
8 years agoon
By Wes Overvold EBS Videographer
On Dec. 17, pale blue text appeared on screens of sold-out theaters across the country, followed by John Williams’ epic orchestral hit and the familiar introductory scroll of one of the film industry’s most successful franchises.
With the debut of “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” director J.J. Abrams subjected himself to the scrutiny of a dedicated and faithful fan base hoping he would restore “Star Wars” to its former glory.
Since the 1977 release of “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope,” the franchise has been cemented in American pop culture, despite a bumpy journey at times. Between the poor use of computer-generated imagery and lack of quality writing in Episodes I-III, and some curious alterations in the digitally remastered versions of Episodes IV-VI, fans look to “The Force Awakens” to take them back to the glory days of the original trilogy.
With outlandish theories and astronomical expectations, movie-goers wasted no time finding out for themselves how their beloved space opera was going to continue in part one of the new Star Wars trilogy. “The Force Awakens” set a box office record by earning more than $248 million during its opening weekend in theaters.
The film met all of this reviewer’s expectations, and more.
Abrams masterfully combined the appearance and nostalgia of the original trilogy with the latest advancements in cinematography, sound design and special effects. But he didn’t ignore what made the originals so great: hand-made sets, costumes, and physical models of spacecraft – instead of relying heavily on CGI. Every prop, set and character came alive to the point that I truly felt I’d re-entered that “galaxy far, far away.”
Throughout the newest installment of the “Star Wars” saga, Abrams weaves in the continuing stories of the memorable original cast, along with lively new characters in their ongoing struggle for balance within the Force. Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher return in “The Force Awakens” and pass the torch – or should I say lightsaber – to Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac, as they breathe new life in this treasured space epic.
The evil Galactic Empire from Episode VI has since been reorganized into the First Order, with a vast army of upgraded stormtroopers and a lightsaber-wielding commander at its disposal. As this new evil force gains power, the Resistance rallies together to save the galaxy from the First Order’s enormous new weapon called the Starkiller Base.
As “The Force Awakens” reignites the battle between the light and dark sides of the Force, our own planet is bracing for the beginning of a new golden age of Star Wars fandom, with a whole new generation falling in love with this timeless story.
So, with a customary Jedi hand wave and mind control, I’ll finish with: “You will go see this movie.” And you’ll enjoy every single moment of it.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
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april, 2024
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
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Please join the Arts Council of Big Sky for free music from Jacob Rountree at the Wilson Hotel Lobby Bar from 5-7 p.m.
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Please join the Arts Council of Big Sky for free music from Jacob Rountree at the Wilson Hotel Lobby Bar from 5-7 p.m. on April 24.
Jacob Rountree is an alternative/indie songwriter living in the stunning alpine of Montana. Contemplative yet playful, his lyric forward style is reflective of his love for philosophy, poetry and quantum physics.
Time
(Wednesday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
The Wilson Hotel
145 Town Center Ave
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Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd