Ever been watching a film that couldn’t be farther removed from Star Wars and then suddenly a Star Wars reference pops up? Well, when this happens, it absolutely has me grinning from ear to ear. The legacy and impact of the saga reverberates far and wide and filmmakers love to slot in references and Easter eggs where they can.
We continue our look at all the Star Wars references and Easter eggs that have appeared on the big screen over the decades.
AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME (1999)
This sequel to the now cult-classic film written by and starring Mike Myers kicks off in a blatant reference to the galaxy far, far away. This film was released in the same year as the The Phantom Menace after all and so, hype for Star Wars was at fever pitch.
The film opens over space and features a classic yellow text crawl and that’s just for the starters. One the most fun gags for Star Wars fans comes from Dr. Evil. He informs his minions that he’s put a superlaser on the moon and he calls this diabolical scheme “the Death Star”. Scott, played by Seth Green, lets out a snort before calling him ‘Darth’ for the obvious rip-off. Dr. Evil remains none-the-wiser, however, and the Star Wars references keep on coming.
Later in the film, Dr. Evil turns to Austin Powers and utters the immoral words; “…before you kill me…know this…I am your father.” A stunned Austin replies; “Really?” Dr. Evil replies with one more line for the gag to get another laugh; “No…I can’t back that up.”
THE KARATE KID (2010)
Not a patch on the original film but still enjoyable. I include this for the time it was released and to show how even though, in 2010, Star Wars apparently only had a future on the small screen with The Clone Wars and the prequels were half a decade out, filmmakers still felt it fun to include references. In this version of the film, as Mr Han, Jackie Chan, tells Dre Parker, Jaden Smith, about eternal energy – the karate apprentice has a moment of clarity and turns to his teacher and says; “I get it. It’s like the Force in Star Wars. You’re like Yoda and I’m like a Jedi.”
Most impressive. The events they’re referring to in The Empire Strikes Back marked its 30th Anniversary in the year this film was released.
STAR TREK (2009)
This J.J .Abrams directed reboot was probably some of the reasoning that led to his helming of the The Force Awakens and his love for Star Wars has always been evident. He talked about this openly over the years and as we can see, many years before he knew he’d be directing Episode VII, he couldn’t help but slot in some Star Wars whilst trekking in the stars.
As the USS Enterprise warps to Vulcan and is pounded by a field of debris that is made up of several destroyed ships, there is a certain someone who can be seen among the wreckage. Yep, the galaxy’s greatest hero, R2-D2, can be briefly spotted. That droid can certainly get around and we can only assume C-3PO is a nerve-ridden mess whilst his best friend is off in another franchise entirely.
Fun fact: R2 appears once again in a similar situation in the 2013 sequel Star Trek Into Darkness.
THE PERFECT STORM (2000)
This George Clooney starer isn’t regarded as one of his best but remains a seminal film for ILM with their extensive work on realistic looking digital water. We’re back once again around the time of The Phantom Menace and early in the film two fisherman are pratting about with glow rods and pretending to have a lightsaber fight. Towards the end of their little battle, and facing an incredible amount of dangerous water, one of them eventually utters the words; “May the Force be with us.”
NAKED GUN 33 1/3 (1994)
The late Leslie Nielson was a master of the lost art of a classic spoof and his Naked Gun films still stand the test of time for some good old fashioned silly fun. Each of the films opens with a police car chase and this film uses actual footage from the original Star Wars as the police siren is seen going through the Death Star trench run in like-for-like fashion. This inclusion is fun as it once again shows that Lucas has a wicked sense of humour and was far more relaxed than people used to think.
SEVEN (1995)
The inclusion of this film’s reference isn’t a massive one but worthwhile. When Star Wars Easter eggs pop up in Marvel films or comedies, then we tend to smile and expect it but this film, Seven, is one of the most harrowing and darkest thrillers of recent decades. With impeccable performances by Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, they play detectives who are on the hunt for a sadistic serial killer, revealed to be Kevin Spacey, who murders his victims based on the seven deadly sins. Around half-way through the film, the detectives, who haven’t made much progress on the killer, find a clue. Brad Pitt turns to Morgan Freeman and says; “Just because he has a library card it doesn’t make him Yoda.” It seems that no matter how heavy the subject matter, Star Wars will always find a way.
FANBOYS (2009)
We finish our look at cinematic references with the film that is just one big reference and Easter egg. I confess that I love this film. It gives us Star Wars fans a warm feeling inside and it’s clear that it was made with love. A particular someone enjoyed it too – that someone being George Lucas. He was shown an advanced preview of the film and gave it his ‘stamp of approval’ and let the creative team behind the film freely use sound effects from the Lucasfilm library.
The plot, as many of us will know, involves a group of friends who head out on a road trip to Skywalker Ranch to steal a copy of The Phantom Menace to show to their dying friend who won’t make it to see Episode I’s release date.
There are in-jokes galore throughout this film and funny subplots that keep the story going. There are references to the ‘Wars vs. Trek’ fandom and a laugh-out-loud moment that involves a particular fan, Seth Rogan, having had Jar Jar Binks tattooed on himself. The reasoning being is that he believes Jar Jar is clearly going to be the ‘next big thing’. One of my favourite jokes involves that of a ‘Trekkie’ calling Harrison Ford a bitch and all hell breaking loose.
There’s endless cameos and fun to be had too with Billy Dee Williams, Carrie Fisher, Ray Park and even William Shatner popping up.
This film is now celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and what better way to celebrate than getting some scruffy-looking-nerfherders round, cracking open the blue milk and enjoying this highly entertaining Easter egg of Star Wars goodness.
