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.
Last week we kicked off a new series that dove into the silver screen and some of the fun references, Easter eggs and nods to a galaxy far, far away that appear in other movies.
Let’s pick up where we left off and get straight back to it.
BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985)
The references in this sci-fi/comedy classic are not only fun but actually serve as plot points that propel the rest of the film forward. Marty McFly, who has been struggling with his Mum’s crush on him in the past, needs to get his Dad to ask his Mum to their high school prom. The only problem here is that Marty’s Dad is a bit of a nerd and so Marty concocts a plan; he dresses up in a radiation suit and calls himself Darth Vader from the planet Vulcan. Marty’s Dad is a sci-fi nut so when this mysterious creature arrives and tells him he’ll fry his brain if he doesn’t do as asked, it actually serves as a pivotal moment in getting Marty back to the future.
NIGHT AT THE MUSUEM 2 (2009)
This sequel to the smash-hit fantasy continued to boast an all-star line-up of comedy superstars with Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan and the late Robin Williams. The action this time takes place at the Smithsonian museum and the Dark Lord himself, Darth Vader, comes to life and attempts to Force-choke another character. George Lucas was generally quite laid-back when it came to stuff like this when we look back on it. He’s always had a good sense of humour, and these films were produced by 20th Century Fox and directed by Shawn Levy, whose name will keep popping up when it comes to Star Wars references.
THE LEGO MOVIE (2014)
This is an absolute belter of a film that’s packed with brilliant gags, a strong script and, as an added bonus, Star Wars actors also make an appearance. As our LEGO heroes of the story are preparing to go and fight President Business in the middle of the ocean, then what should make an appearance but none other than the Millennium Falcon with Han Solo onboard. Also, on board is Lando Calrissian, voiced by Billy Dee Williams, and C-3PO, as always with Anthony Daniels on duties. The gang are all headed to Naboo for a big party before sadly being eaten by a space slug. A fun addition here, the film was written and directed by one-time Solo: A Star Wars Story creatives; Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and also stars Jedi Master Liam Neeson as the Good Cop/Bad Cop.
DIE HARD 4.0 (2007)
Bruce Willis returned to the role that made him a megastar in this solid follow up to the franchise that, for some, actually stands as the best since the original. The comedy that’s played out with the Star Wars references is top-notch. As John McClane arrives at the ‘command centre’, we meet the ‘Warlock’ – played by Kevin Smith, and a Boba Fett standee is on proud display in the corner. The Warlock asks McClane; “Are you a fan of the Fett?”. McClane gives it a beat before replying; “I was always more of a Star Wars fan.” Brilliant.
UP (2009)
Another Pixar movie makes the list and if you didn’t stay for the end credits on this one then you’d have missed the loveable duo of our story, Carl and Russell, showing polaroid’s of their adventures. One of the pictures that pops up is that of a classic American picture house that’s showing a film the pair have been to see. The film? ‘STAR WARS – NOW SHOWING’
THE ADAM PROJECT (2022)
We’re back with Shawn Levy again and his emotional sci-fi made for Netflix. He’s paired with Ryan Reynolds once again and Levy just can’t seem to stop himself. (If his Star Wars movie doesn’t get made, it’ll be criminal) At one point in the film our protagonist – Adam Reed – is fighting a soldier that bears a striking resemblance to a classic Stormtrooper. As the fight moves on, Reed pulls out an electrical staff and ignites it, not once, but twice. The weapon can’t help but conjure up an image of Darth Maul’s double-bladed weapon from The Phantom Menace and Reed’s younger self even makes the remark we’re all thinking; “That’s a lightsaber, dude!”
THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS (2009)
If you’re reading this article, follow Fantha Tracks, are a Star Wars UPF and you haven’t seen this film, then stop reading right now and go watch it. It’s an absolute blast of a film and the crux of the fun comes from the casting. Without that, it wouldn’t have worked as it does. The film, which is a comedy, is based on a book by Jon Ronson called ‘Goats’ and tells the true account of the bizarre true story from the 70s/80s that involved the US Military’s effort to try and develop psychic superpowers. The film follows various army and military personal played by George Clooney, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey and the narrator of the story is a character named Bob Wilton, who is a reporter sent to investigate these claims of supernatural training. The character of Bob spends most of his interactions with Clooney’s character Lyn Cassidy, who repeatedly refers to himself as Jedi throughout the film. The kicker? The reporter who is interviewing the ‘Jedi’ is played by someone you may have heard of – Mr. Ewan McGregor. McGregor himself was conscious of this running gag being a potential dud, but with McGregor being such a polished-performer and genuinely gifted actor, the film works incredibly well. ‘The Force’, ‘The Jedi’ and much more are frequently referenced in the film and the fact that Obi-Wan Kenobi is there to investigate it is nothing short of greatness.
- Hardcover Book
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 03/05/2024 (Publication Date) - Titan Comics (Publisher)
