Lucas puts the geeks nicely in their place

In an AP article that came out today, George Lucas (or as I like to call him "The Man"), not only confirmed that Star Wars would live on past Episode III (Yay! and Duh, who would give up that kind of brand equity), he also made a comment that supports my position on the whole prequel/special edition drama that I have to hear and read about when talking to friends or moderating a forum.

AP: Do you pay much attention to fan reactions to your choices?

Lucas: Not really. The movies are what the movies are. ... The thing about science-fiction fans and "Star Wars" fans is they're very independent-thinking people. They all think outside the box, but they all have very strong ideas about what should happen, and they think it should be their way. Which is fine, except I'm making the movies, so I should have it my way.

Sure, it would be keen if his way was always the best way. I'm by no means a prequel apologist... nothing broke my heart like The Phantom Menace did... but I respect Lucas' right to make his movies the way he wants to. They are his after all. If I was fronting all of my own money to make them, then I could dictate how things work out. But I'm not. I'm lucky if I can afford soap these days.

But I digress. With Episode III months away, my talk of Star Wars will increase, so you're all going to have to deal with that. I'm excited about the hoopla of the coming year and while I am a pretty hardcore Star Wars geek I like to think that I am a step above the other geeks out there. I don't have the time to dedicate all my energies to Star Wars fandom. I just enjoy it and be on my way to apply my critical faculties to more important issues like government funding for health care research and how to make my skin stop being so damn greasy.

Today's sing-a-long song: "Cantina Band" by John Williams

HRH