Above Average Joe Blogs

The Force Awakens seems like an aeon ago, when in reality, it was only in 2015, when it did what many thought impossible by supercharging a series long thought dead. Yes, I've got my reservations about that film (weird Marvel-esque humour, the film becomes lazier as it goes on, and some very on the nose dialogue) but it has grown on me a little more over time. What really got me back into Star Wars was The Last Jedi that for all its flaws (and it has flaws a plenty including an upping of the Marvel banter, and one rug pull too many, as well as a side plot that goes nowhere) felt like a film with a point and purpose, and which could serve as a great jumping off point for the trilogy closer.  Unfortunately, none of that has come to fruition in Rise of Skywalker, with J.J Abrams retaking the directorial duties after he last sat in that captain's chair for Force Awakens. In brief, before getting into spoiler territory, Abrams has seemingly taken Rian Johnson's directi...

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. And yet, you find yourself waking in a cold sweat, your heart beating fast, little do you know, this Christmas will be your last. Morning has come, you think, and with the dawn comes the opening of gifts long awaited. Then you notice the moon's baleful silver glow cascade through the gaps in your superhero adorned curtains. No gifts to tear open just yet, you realise as you cast a glance at your illuminated bedside clock. The clown grin stretched across the clock face, pulsing slime green, as the hands tremble slowly forward. 12:05am. He may still be here, you realise with glee. You slide out of bed, onto the soft carpet, and step into your superhero slippers. Mustn't let Him hear me sneak up on Him, you think. To your bedroom door you tiptoe, before reaching up the handle and pulling it open into the darkness of the landing. On the ...