Solo: A Star Wars Story
dir. Ron Howard (2018)
Origin stories are inherently problematic. Star Wars fans already know how Han Solo turns out, while his younger self is unlikely to equal the original (in characterisation or portrayal). Nevertheless, Solo presents a coherent narrative and does about as well as possible.
Star Wars: Tarkin
by James Luceno (Del Rey, 2014)
A relatively slim Star Wars volume, sketching out Tarkin’s formative years in flashback while teaming him up with Vader for a runabout battle of wits against anti-Imperial dissidents. Luceno provides constructive character development for Tarkin, Vader and the Emperor pre Episode IV.
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View
(Del Rey, 2017)
Star Wars fanatics may enjoy reconstructing A New Hope from this collection of short stories, each moving a peripheral character to centre stage. Mostly, though, background characters have been placed there for a reason. Some of these tales are truly, epically pointless.
Spaceballs
dir. Mel Brooks (1987)
The ultimate Star Wars spoof, corny beyond belief but laugh-out-loud funny in places and well worth watching every thirty years or so. Most of the highlights come courtesy of Rick Moranis, who surpasses genre as the nefarious if vertically challenged Dark Helmet.
Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
dir. Rian Johnson (2017)
Not so much a clear, compelling story as a collection of moments modelled on someone’s favourite Star Wars memories. The balance of action and humour is about right, though, and The Last Jedi makes for a fitting end to the original saga.
Vader’s Little Princess
by Jeffrey Brown (Chronicle Books, 2013)
A peon to parenthood, expressed through a comic (and comedic) imagining/retrofitting of the father/daughter relationship between Darth Vader and Princess Leia. Amidst the Star Wars in-jokes, there lie such simple pleasures as tiny Leia cutting love hearts from Vader’s cape.
Star Wars – Fate of the Jedi: Ascension
by Christie Golden; audiobook read by Marc Thompson (Books on Tape, 2011)
After a slow start, Ascension builds into the classic Star Wars sweep of political intrigue and Jedi action, undermined by Golden’s obligation to keep the story unfinished and — at least in the audiobook — an often laughably melodramatic delivery, Thompson Force-throttling everyday words.
Star Wars: Thrawn
by Timothy Zahn (Century, 2017)
Grand Admiral Thrawn must rank as one of the all-time favourite Star Wars characters (including those from the films). Redacted by Disney to accommodate Episode VII, the Chiss strategist has been reinstated in this much-welcomed origin story charting his rise to prominence.
Star Wars – Fate of the Jedi: Conviction
by Aaron Allston (Random House, 2011)
Allston makes little allowance for the passing of time, allowing (grandparentally) old favourites Han, Leia and Luke to nimble about the Star Wars Expanded Universe, having adventures just like they did back in the day. As non-demanding escapism goes, it’s not bad.
Star Wars Downunder
dir. Michael Cox (2013) [http://swdufanfilm.com/]
This 30-minute fan film is a parody, conflating Star Wars, beer commercials and cringeworthy Australian stereotypes. Given the excellent production values, it seems a shame that Cox and company didn’t stick with just the first two, omitting the slang and silly voices.