After #Maythe4th, There’s a Dead Reckoning on Why There’s A Disturbance in the Force

Playing May 6, 2023 at the Chicago Critics Film Festival (tickets)

Any fan of the original Star Wars trilogy will sense A Disturbance in the Force at the mere mention of that Holiday Special. Had the timing been better, I’m sure not everyone would want to watch it on May the 4th had it been offered. Most people tend to lament over where it fits in the canon and as for who are the advocates, this excellent documentary by Jeremy Coon and Steve Kozak dares to tell all!

I was amazed at all the arguments unearthed, past and present. It’s perfect at getting into the details of why this show was created and details how every segment came to fruition. Here, what’s delved into brings many generations of fans to speculate and discuss everything you want to know but were afraid to ask.

We even have the original cast offer their bemusement through old interview clips and new. Although Kevin Smith‘s stance is a big moment, his argument is valid, and nobody can fault him. Many people were interviewed, and I particularly enjoyed Bruce Vilanch and Weird Al’s thoughts. The latter being put in this piece is rather odd, but I get what the producers were going for. This musician’s best works are also a product of the times, and what they said made sense. Also, the segments interlaced with those talking head moments made for accepting the show a bit more than it should deserve.

That’s about the only way this unique entry can be handled these days, and to delve into details why this work must be watched would spoil too much! At least the segment about how it’s affected entertainment is still ongoing. While newer holiday specials (be it in comic book or television form) err on the side of caution and be in canon, at least what’s made now isn’t like that past granddaddy of this subgenre. I’m glad A Disturbance in the Force suggests how a pot of gold can be found at the end of the rainbow.

Can we accept it? As long as the producers appreciate what they’re doing instead of saying we must slap a video special together because the higher ups said so, it’s all good. To create anything last minute often spells disaster, and that’s what the Star Wars Holiday Special could’ve been. Oh wait…

5 Stars out of 5

And presented for the curious is that episode instead of A Disturbance in the Force Trailer

Author: Ed Sum

I'm a freelance videographer and entertainment journalist (Absolute Underground Magazine, Two Hungry Blokes, and Otaku no Culture) with a wide range of interests. From archaeology to popular culture to paranormal studies, there's no stone unturned. Digging for the past and embracing "The Future" is my mantra. View all posts by Ed Sum