We sit. Twenty or so people hushed in a small, low lit room. We’ve been lured here with promises of entertainment, of prizes, but for now we wait. Someone nervously shifts a few aisles down. Then, like a bolt of lightening, it occurs to me:

The Star Wars universe is one COMPLETELY devoid of OH&S.

This thought is probably inspired by the DVD menu screen projected in front of me showing the cast of Family Guy dressed as the cast of Star Wars and standing on a cartoon rendition of a Bespin landing platform, complete with no handrails. This is why we’re here - the special preview screening of Something, Something, Something, Dark Side, the second installment in the Family Guy remakes Star Wars saga.

I’m serious about the OH&S thing - occupational health and safety is no laughing matter, and under the Republic, the Empire or the New Republic, this is a universe that seemingly yearns for large, governmental bodies. Surely there is someone, somewhere, saying “maybe we should put a railing there, don’t people keep falling off things all the time in this Universe?”

This actually leads me nicely to talking about the film itself. To get an idea of the humour and love of the source material, one need look no further than R2D2, played by Cleveland, rolling through the base on Hoth: “I like how you’ve just nailed these electrical cables to the ice. I’m sure that’s safe.”

If you saw the first Family Guy effort in this series, Blue Harvest, then you really should know what to expect, although over all I think this is actually the superior film, as is, of course, Empire itself (sound off in the comments if you prefer New Hope or Jedi, with reasons. If you like the prequels best don’t comment just return to your cell and wait for the next round of meds…)

Don’t take it from me though, why not watch the trailer?

I will say this: the film is actually funnier than the trailer makes out. I’m serious. I know, I was asked along to the premier which might colour my judgment - I was also at the Sydney premier of Watchmen, and I wasn’t that kind then. When I say Something, Something, Something, Dark Side is a lot of fun it’s because I mean it.

Sure, it’s Family Guy, so you get those long, repetitive jokes occasionally. Yes, some of the jokes weren’t as funny as they obviously thought they were. No, it’s not a masterpiece. What it is though is a really fun take on a beloved film series, and something which breathes new life into Star Wars in many ways. I’ve seen those films so many times that I know them almost by heart - what this, and the Robot Chicken Star Wars specials, do is let me remember how much I love Star Wars while seeing it in a new light.

I did like the FOX representative at the beginning who talked about how FOX is lucky enough to have Family Guy, which reminds me of a father who has twice tried to kill his kids saying he’s so lucky to have them when they grow up to be doctors or lawyers. Family Guy of course picks up on this as well, dedicating a large part of their opening Star Wars crawl to teasing the parent company.

It’s irreverent, hilarious and, at times, just plain wrong - but most importantly, it’s Star Wars. If you like Star Wars, see it. If you like Family Guy, see it. If you like Mint Choc Chip ice cream, go buy yourself some. This is pretty much the extent of my advice on life.

The film drops late this month on DVD and, in what is meant to be a big deal, Blu-Ray (my cries for a Laser Disc edition, however, went unheaded).  I’m unsure as to whether it will be shown on U.S. television, but my gut says that regardless of that it will be awhile before we see it on Aussie TV, if at all. So, if you want to see it, buy it, OR…

Tune into this blog, and my Twitter, later this month where I’ll be giving away two big prize packs including a copy of the film and lots of other goodies!!

I know you have questions: What’s in the prize packs? How do you win these prize packs? Is Warlach wearing pants as he writes this review? Unfortunately, just like the film that Something, Something, Something, Dark Side is based on, I must leave you with more questions than answers…

In Conclusion:

Something, Something, Something, Dark Side is a pretty funny film and one that, if you’re its target audience, is definitely worth the time to see. I’d say don’t bother seeing it if you haven’t seen Star Wars, but I’d also say don’t go sky diving without a parachute - some things shouldn’t need clarification. This isn’t like a new Charlie Kaufman film - there’s no need to pick apart it’s delicate, original plot lines, characterisation or score. If you’re a fan of TV Tropes be assured that this is “Exactly What It Says On The Tin” - for everyone else, just know it’s a fun ride.