Big Fish Movie Review

Ever since I saw the Prequel Trilogy of Star Wars, I've been a huge fan of Ewan McGregor; he's basically my favorite actor. He played the character of the great Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi perfectly in the Star Wars Prequel films and he also did a good job in the film 'Miss Potter'. In the last year I've especially wanted to see him in more films and when I heard that he'd done good in this film, I decided to read up on it and give it a watch. And it was REALLY, REALLY good! :D Ewan was amazing at playing a younger Edward Bloom, but more on that later. The basic plot is about a son and his father. The father, named Edward Bloom, is always telling stories of his life that seem too far fetched and unrealistic; a tall tale, basically. At his son's wedding, Edward tells the story of where he was on the day his son was born(which is about how he caught an uncatchable fish). His son, William, is tired of his father's stories which he perceives as lies, and ends up leaving the reception. His dad goes out to talk to him about it and the two end up getting into an argument that causes them to not speak to each other for around a year or so. When his Dad gets sick, William and his wife come down to the house to be with the most likely dying Edward Bloom; William tries to reconcile the man his father truly is and the man he thinks he is. While we see this story unfold, another one is shown to us- that of Edward Bloom's past. This was definitely my favorite part. Number one, because it was all Ewan McGregor and number 2, because it was just plain epic! His story was fantastical, exciting, hilarious, and very out there; the stories were so amazing that you really hope they were true :). His story is crazy from start to finish- from how he was born, to all of his adventures as a young boy, a traveler, circus worker, soldier, and traveling salesman(which I was excited to see since my Grandpa is a traveling salesman too). Along with the good plot, the characters and acting were really good as well. Ewan McGregor was amazing as ever in his role!!! It was really cool to see Ewan talk in an American southern accent since I've only heard him in his usual Scottish or the British accent he used in Star Wars. Ewan plays the part of Edward Bloom perfectly, saying lines that some actors would balk at saying; I love it when actors can take a hard-to-say line and make it sound completely natural and that is exactly what Ewan did. :) It was also cool to see Ewan in other things besides Jedi robes, a suit, or a t-shirt and jeans. In the film, we get to see him in a baseball uniform, a football uniform, a basketball uniform(really liked that one), and a soldier uniform(also liked this one). I greatly enjoyed the character of Edward Bloom as well; he was a very honorable, good person, albeit a bit dreamy, but then, that's a good trait :). AHH! He was just SO EPIC! :D :D :D The other actors in the film also did a really good job and it was so cool to see people I knew from other films in this one :). The film is a very funny, yet sad, film. I really loved the humor in the film, there were several times I actually started laughing aloud(and had to be quiet since I was up late watching it). I also really loved the filmography and the way the settings were designed; director Tim Burton did a really good job on this film :). I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good film with good acting and anyone who is a fan of Ewan McGregor(like ME >:) ). Oh, and Daffodils!!!!! :D :D

Have a good day and May the Force be with you....Always Jedi Shena Tokala out

Achieving my Yellow Stripe in Taekwondo

On April 21st I passed my Taekwondo testing and moved up from a White Belt to a Yellow Stripe! :D I tested April 21st but I didn't find out if I'd passed until the following Monday(and I was worried that I hadn't passed). Luckily I did as did my younger sister and we are both excited to be learning new things in our higher rank(now white belts have to bow to us and call us ma'am >:) hehe). Testing was sort of like class; we all stood up at the front in a small line(my sister and I were testing with three little boys; one was testing for his yellow belt and the others were testing with their stripes alongside us. The higher ranks tested after us). The three black belts tested us; the youngest one demonstrated everything and the two older ones watched us with our scoring papers and they took notes and graded us. We had to know certain things like certain kicks, punches, stances, combinations, three forms(the first two are really easy and are mirrors of each other), and our terminology. Even though I was nervous, it was a good experience and I'm glad my sister and I passed our first testing. Now, onto my Yellow Belt :) Sorry for not posting until now, I've been kind of busy this last week. Hope you have a good day and May the Force be with you...Always Jedi Shena Tokala out

From the holo-diary of Aran Liander: Jedi Apprentice

981 ARR I arrived this morning at Natalia and Ben's home at all day, I have felt like a stranger. These people, they seem nice enough, but would they take me in if they knew who I was? They had fashioned a room for me; covered in posters from holofilms that I guess are popular for boys my age; I wouldn't know since I don't usually watch holofilms. As a Jedi, I pretty much never had the time, but I can't exactly tell Natalia and Ben that. Maybe I'll give the films a watch later tonight; then I won't have to lie if they ask me about which film I liked the best. I probably won't like the films though; they seem all about war and killing and I've seen enough of that. Anyway, besides the films, my room as a desk, a tall, thick bed instead of a sleep couch, and a shelf filled with holonovels. Natalia and Ben told me to make myself at home when after giving me a tour of the small flat, before coming down for lunch. Lunch was an extremely strange affair. Natalia and Ben told me that they hadn't been able to have children and that they hoped I would become their song; they also said they wanted me to called them 'Mom' and 'Dad'. How can I do that? I don't even remember my birth parents and my Master was the only parent I actually want to have. I'm just glad they didn't ask about my parents; If I'd had to talk about the man who was Roan Shyn, I know I would crack. I hid the last of my old life underneath my bed, hoping that Natalia or Ben won't find it while cleaning in my room, which I won't allow since I'll keep my room nice and straight. I nearly wept when I'd pushed my bag as far as it would go beneath the bed, only a segment of the strap peeking out from among the large boxes. No one would know it was there except for me. As I'd stood, I'd felt as if I had closed the lid of of my life, encasing it forevermore in its tomb. I don't want to stop being a Jedi. I had touched the still singed edges of my hair where my Padawan braid had once resided and recited the Jedi Code until the swelling pain in my breast abated enough for me to bear. I will uphold the Jedi Code, Master. I promise. I promise you and all of my sisters and brothers that have perished. There is one more thing I'm worried about. Later in the day, just as we were preparing for dinner, Natalia and Ben started talking about school. I don't know what I'm going to do. I've lived and studied at the Temple my whole life but I would hardly call it a school. It was home and everyone who lived their loved it with all their hearts. But school, from what I've heard and witnessed during my missions before the Clone Wars, isn't like the Temple. I don't know what I'll do or how I'll be able to fit in. I guess the only thing for me to do is pretend I'm a Jedi on a mission. I won't make any friends and I won't make any enemies. I'll stay under the radar and I can hope that I can survive this new, bizarre life while working towards fixing, or at least bringing closure, to my beautiful old one. I guess this is goodbye. Goodbye hallowed walls, goodbye sparkling fountains, goodbye to you wise Masters, powerful Knights, dedicated Padawans, and hopeful Initiates. Goodbye Temple, I've lost my way home forever now. I'm a wanderer in the stars. Goodbye Kyla, Rune, and Lint. Goodbye Master. I love you all and I will make you proud of me. Because I am not saying goodbye to the Force, I am not saying goodbye to my vows or my Code. I was Knighted as a Jedi of the Republic and I will uphold that honor, even as my shoulders tremble beneath its heavy weight. I am a Jedi Knight and I will go through my new life, in this nightmarish new galaxy, like one. I swear to you, I promise you, the Jedi will return. And even if I don't live to see it happen, I know in my heart that someday my dream will come true. Goodbye. Aran Liander Sorry for any misspellings or grammar mistakes and sorry it is so short.

Star Wars Geekiness Test

Star Wars Geekiness Test I saw The Musical Dancer at "The Life of a Musician and a Dancer" do this and I though I'd give it a try :) [X] You own more Star Wars books than textbooks [X] You own at least one Star Wars shirt(I own several. mwhahahahahahaha >:) ) [X] You have "used" a Jedi Mind Trick (more than a million times) [X] You can name all 7 movies in order without hesitating [X] You have pretended to use the Force on moving objects [X] You own at least one lightsaber [X] You watch the Clone Wars [X] Your favorite video games are those with Star Wars in the title [X] You’ve had at least one Star Wars-themed birthday party [X] You can breathe like Darth Vader Current Total: 10/10 [X] You hum the Star Wars theme song in the shower [X] You’ve seen the films so many times that the cases are worn down [X] You surf the Internet looking for funny Star Wars videos and pictures [X] You listen to any of the Star Wars soundtracks in your free time [X] You desperately wish that the Star Wars galaxy actually existed [X] You freak out whenever there’s a sale on Star Wars merchandise [X] Your favorite LEGO sets are the Star Wars ones [X] You would totally dress up in full Darth Vader rig just for the fun of it [] You want to join the 501st Legion (I don't like the clones that much since they committed genocide against the Jedi in Order 66) [X] Wookieepedia is your friend Current Total: 9/10 [X] Your avatar on at least one social site is Star Wars-themed(they are all Star Wars themed) [X] The wallpaper on your desktop has something to do with Star Wars [X] You tie a lot of conversations back to something that happened in Star Wars [X] You write Star Wars fan fiction just for the fun of it [] You have gone to a Star Wars Weekend and/or a Star Wars Celebration (I'm going to CVI this summer!!!) [X] Most of the stuff on your Christmas list pertains to Star Wars [X] Your hero is a Star Wars character (Obi-Wan Kenobi!!!!) [X] If you could spend the day with anybody, it would be George Lucas [X] You know the difference between astromech and protocol droids [X] You think of time in years in relation to the 1977 theatrical release of A New Hope Current Total: 9/10 [X] You can think of ten good reasons why you should have your own Death Star [X] You can’t spell “rectify” but you can spell “Kashyyyk” [X] You know more Star Wars planets than earth countries [X] You argue with your friends and/or siblings over who would win: Boba Fett or Darth Vader [] You are completely open to all Star Wars characters coming back to life – even Darth Maul (no, no, and NO! I'm a huge canon stickler). [X] You dress up as Star Wars characters for Halloween [] You dress your pet up as a Star Wars character for Halloween (I don't have a pet) [X] You sometimes say “May the Force Be With You” instead of “good-bye” [X] You have seen the movies so many times that you can say the characters’ lines [X] You debate with your friends and/or siblings about Star Wars characters Current Total: 8/10 [X] You would put a Star Wars bumper sticker on your car [X] You’ve been belittled or even bullied because of how much you love Star Wars [X] The best gift you could ever get would be a set of storm trooper armor that had been worn in the movies [] The only books you really check out at the library are Star Wars ones [X] You would laugh out loud if somebody was talking about how the Death Star blew up Naboo [X] You know which Skywalker twin is older [X] You know what “lekku” are [X] Your favorite authors write Star Wars books [X] Star Wars is still your favorite movie even after seeing it 10 times [X] You were one of the only people who noticed that puppet Yoda was made CG in the 3D version of TPM Current Total: 9/10 [X] You study Star Wars books and websites in your free time [X] Your YouTube or e-mail account name has something Star Wars-y in it [X] You get an adrenalin rush and/or a tingly sensation up your spine whenever you hear the Star Wars theme song or see The Crawl [X] You know what “The Crawl” is, and you refer to it as such [X] You have a hard time imagining life without Star Wars [X] You feel sorry for people who have never heard of and/or never watched Star Wars [] You can name and identify fifty or more different clone troopers [X] You get kinda ticked when “uneducated” people mix up clone troopers and storm trooper [X] You can speak and/or understand Mando’a and/or Huttese [X] If someone says the word “star” the first thing that comes to mind is an epic battle between a Jedi Master and a Sith Lord Current Total: 9/10 [X] You would likely have a heart attack if somebody said, “Who’s George Lucas?” [X] You think John Williams is the best composer. Ever. Period. Exclamation point. [] You have made at least one Star Wars-inspired video (I will do this at some point.) [X] You want everyone to ditch the webcams and invent holographic-enabled comlinks already! [] You know what “THX-1138” means and you look for it in all of the Star Wars films [X] You know exactly what alien species you would be and what kind of job you would have if you lived in the Star Wars galaxy (I'd be a human Jedi :) ) [X] Your favorite phrase is, “A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away….” [X] The only comic books you read are Star Wars [X] You can’t listen to Liam Neeson’s voice without thinking, “Qui-Gon Jinn!” [X] You know more about the actors who were in Star Wars than you do about any others Current Total: 8/10 It Has Been Assumed That You… [] Wait outside of the movie theater for two days to see the latest Star Wars film [X] Exercise by staging lightsaber battles with your friends and/or siblings [X] Know all of the movies by heart [X] Don’t have a life beyond Star Wars [] Are mortal enemies with Trekkies/Trekkers [X] Can’t go a single day without thinking about Star Wars [X] Have all of the answers to Star Wars-related questions [X] Are obsessed with Star Wars [X] Would buy anything with the words “Star Wars” on it [X] Only play Star Wars music [X] Only play Star Wars video games [X] Only read Star Wars books and/or blogs (not exactly, I do have other interests. But Star Wars is a very prominent thing in my life). [X] Would only marry someone who was just as crazy about Star Wars as you are [] Don’t discuss current world issues, only current Star Wars issues (I have to discuss world issues; they are very important) [] Only watch Star Wars [] Wouldn’t ever speak if Star Wars had never existed (I couldn't do that. I'm too much of a talker) Current Total: 11/16 You Have Been Asked At Least Five Times… [X] What the difference is between Jedi and Sith [X] Why you like Star Wars so much [] What’s wrong with Star Trek? [X] Why you talk so much about Star Wars [X] Why you still like Star Wars, since it’s a “kid’s” show (this is a very annoying this to be asked :p) [X] What’s so great about Star Wars? [X] If you went to see The Phantom Menace when it came out in 3D [X] If you’re going to see the other Star Wars films in 3D [X] Which is worse: Ewoks or Gungans? [X] Why you fire up when someone disses Star Wars [X] Why George Lucas made the movies in the wrong order [X] Why you get all excited whenever you hear the words Star Wars and Special Edition in the same sentence [] If you named your new pet something Star Wars-y [X] If your family gets fed up with your love of Star Wars [X] If you play SWTOR or KOTOR [X] Who shot first: Greedo or Han? [X] If you can speak Huttese Final Total: 15/16 SCORING: 0-5….Do you even know what Star Wars is???? 6-25….You’re an average casual fan, but not a nerd. 26-50….You’re pretty knowledgeable, and therefore a Star Wars nerd. You probably also appreciate Wookie Cookies. 51-75….You’re a Star Wars nut and not afraid to let people know it. 76-95….You’re a Star Wars geek, and you want the whole world to know it. Don’t tone it down! 96-102....You are a total, die-hard, super, ultra, unsurpassable, mega-humungous Star Wars geek! 103….It don’t get no bigger than you. You, my friend, are the ULTIMATE Star Wars die-hard! Wear your Yoda ears proudly ‘cause you are the ULTIMATE! I got a ninety :D Sounds pretty good to me :D May the Force be with you...Always Jedi Shena Tokala out

Favorite Song Monday

Today's song choice is my favorite song by Owl City which is "Cave In." It's a really good song and I especially love the last line. :) Here is a Star Wars video that goes to the song; it's basically about AOTC. It's a really good video and I hope you enjoy :) Have a good rest of your day and May the Force be with you! :D Jedi Shena Tokala out

From the holo-diary of Aran Liander: Jedi Apprentice

981 ARR

This facility has found me a home; Linna Tribur's sister Natalia and her family have accepted me into their homes. I leave tomorrow morning. I am surprised at how fast they found me a home; I've only been here a month. Most of the kids are younger than I am; the oldest besides me is roughly ten years old but most of them are gone now. But then there weren't that many to begin with.
Before I go to live with Natalia and her husband Ben I decided I need to visit the burned shell of my home one more time. I needed to walk those halls once again, and give a proper thank you to all those that perished. I want them to know that the teachings of the Order are not lost and that I, unlike everyone else, does not hate them.
And that is what I did last night.
I had waited in bed for many hours to make sure that everyone had fallen asleep before sneaking out into the chilly Coruscant night. The lights shimmered and spun; glinting off the speeding silver slashes that zoom all around. Wind slices through the hair on my scalp that has grown longer and thicker since Flame Night; I'll definitely cut it once I leave.
I ran as fast I could without drawing attention to myself along the high-riding ramps that surround the mega-sky-scraper where the 'orphanage' is located. I hail an air taxi and use some of the credits I had found on the road a few days ago during the our break period at the 'orphanage' to pay for my trip. I looked over the side at the seemingly-bottomless drop into the dregs or the Coruscanti underworld. I'd been there a few times with my Master and with the cannibalistic human mutants, thug-filled gangs, and seedy bars clogged with criminals, I definitely have no urge to return. I wonder what will happen to the few Jedi who might have survived; will they turn into criminals? Will our Code hold out through all these trials and tribulations that have been thrown our way. I sighed and rested my cheek against the cold metal of the speeder's wall, watching the space traffic as it speeds by, the pinpricks of lights blurring into one long stream of luminescence. A river of light.
The air taxi dropped me off at a local theater that I knew was near the Jedi Temple. I waited until the man had drove off before slipping as fast as a wraith through the crowds entering and exiting the building, all chatting about the show they had just witnessed. I didn't envy them though; I was glad that at least someone was happy with their life. As I ran among the shadows, I kept my eyes out for Imperial troopers. I don't know for sure if they have me on record or not but I couldn't risk a confrontation with those stiff-necked, stuck-up monkey lizards.
The burned out shell of the Jedi Temple stands before me; the headlights of the oncoming space traffic showing off the glaring blackened walls of the spires. I leap onto an oncoming ship and hand on; grasping the metal tightly and not daring to look down; icy strains of wind slap at me and I shut my eyes, waiting until we are above the roof. Then I left go and plummet to the ground, using the Force to slow my descent of the last few meters. I landed hand anyway on the stone roof of the Temple and for a moment I had laid there gasping, the stars and headlights of space traffic mingling into one above me. Then I stood and looked around. A few dead bodies were still there, crumpled and seemingly-caven-in. I look up at the Tranquility Spire and see that it is listing as if it was about to fall. It's sides are ravaged; the worst of the fire at been exacted on this place. My stomach constricted at the thought of the dead in those halls, struck down while they were in that sacred space, their murders a violation.
I ducked inside through a hole in the roof and quickly found some old wax which I molded into seven slim candles. I sat on the roof, holding the lighter in my left hand over one of the newly made candle, the warmth of the flame sending flickers of heat over my face. Once I light it, I set it down and continue on with the next. I set the seven candles in a circle around the entire roof; guarding the dead and our dying home from the night. I at the base of the Tranquility Spire, the last candle a comforting presence in my hand. The flame from the candle washing the smooth stone of the tower seems to hide the ugly mars which pockmark the beautiful surface instead of heightening it like all the rest of the light I see in this dark, cold night.
I bend down and place the candle at the base, it's lonely flame reaching towards the dying ancient with small, but open, arms. I stood and placed my hand to the stone, the light from the flame bathing my hand in golden shimmers.
“I'm sorry I couldn't save you,” I whispered to the stone and to the dead held in the Temple's tender arms. Suddenly I heard footsteps cracking loudly on the stone. I froze and before I could turn and run, I heard a creaky, whiny voice speak.
“Stupid child. What are you doing here on this Devil's mound? Especially at night; do you want the dead Jedi spirits to drag you away to slave away in their prison?”
“The Jedi Temple is NOT a prison!” I snapped before I can stop myself, fury rising into my throat and choking me just as painfully as a Force-Choke. The speaker, who I see is a cruel-faced woman, doesn't appear to hear me as she glances around at the dead still on the roof and I see that her eyes rest on the burned corpse of a young human Padawan.
“You don't know how kriffing thankful I was to see them go. Never trusted them; always knew there was something funny about them with all of their 'No Attachment' crap and their kidnapping of children for their brainwashing teachings about some mystical poodoo. But thanks to our good soldiers, they are all dead. Good boys, those clones are. Maybe not the brightest, but they're brave and at least have a good head on their shoulders.” My blood boiled, thrumming so loudly in my ears that is hurt. I tried to calm myself down but the fury just kept building, the darkside pressing down on me like a nightmare. It wasn't any of her business what we personally did and we most certainly did not kidnap children. Nor did we brainwash them; the Temple was a place of quiet and learning, and if you didn't like the rules, then you were free to leave. And how dare she say-
“Those 'brave soldiers' massacred over a million people! Including children! How the hell do you see that as right!” I screamed, advancing towards the giant who just smirked at me.
“They weren't children. They were nothing but beasts and they deserved to die.” She pulled a blaster from behind her bulk and leveled it at me.
“And YOU deserve to die, you piece of Jedi filth.” I nearly jumped out of my skin in terror.
How had she known? I wanted to kick myself for being such an IDIOT. How could I have let her sneak up on me like that? How could I have let my anger get out of hand?
Her mouth curved into a cruel smile.
“Yes, you little whelp, I know what you are. I saw the little lights you were putting up and knew that a Jedi must have come back to their rotting tomb. You and your lot are what caused this galaxy to come to ruin. I can see passed all of your 'We fight for justice and peace' shit.” the gun's nozzle comes closer to my face. Her face looms down at me, her lank black hair striking my face.
“So tell me, thing. How many mothers have you slaughtered?”
My hand shot up and knocked the blaster from the woman's wet hands. She started to move towards it but with a quick slam of my hand into a pressure point, I rendered her legs unmovable. She began to sway and I roughly lowered her to the ground.
“You damn Jedi! You think your so wonderful don't you?! You-”
“The only slaughter I can see is this one!” I shouted, shutting her up mid-sentence.
“I wish you had never been born. I wish I could have slowly watched all of you die...one by one.” I crouched before her, fighting back the monstrous head of rage with all of my training.
“You are just as bad as the Sith,” I growled.
“You hate us for no reason. I can see inside you and you have no heart, no soul. You are a wicked, wicked person and you don't deserve to walk this galaxy.” Her eyes grew large as I stood.
“But I am a Jedi and I will not kill a civilian.” I reached out my hand and touched her head and she collapsed at my feet, having fallen into a dead sleep. I hoped that maybe my words would give her a change of heart but now, in this new evil galaxy, I doubted I would. She hated me and hated what I represented and there was nothing I could do to remove the lies in her mind.
I moved her as quickly as I was able from the Tranquility spire before returning. I lay down on the ice-cold stone, feeling the fluttery warmth of a single candle against my face. I stared at the flames and imagined the others that encircled the Temple's roof. I ran my hand over the stone beneath me.
“You will rest in peace soon. I promise you.” I turned onto my side and looked out at the
stretch of stone. And I saw the other six candles winking back at me, my only friends left in the world.
I shut my eyes and fell asleep in the cradle in which I had been raised; me and my weary watchmen each giving our own silent goodbyes.

Aran Liander

Favorite Song Monday..err..Tuesday

Sorry for the late post.
Today's song is "Hot Air Balloon" by Owl City. I't a very catchy song and even though I prefer metal, rock, and pop, I love Owl City's techno sound XD. This is definitely one of my favorites by the singer.



Hope you enjoy the rest of your day and May the Force be with you..Always
Jedi Shena Tokala out