Finding the Joy in Revenge of the Sith

Welcome! This is the fourth installment of a new series here on Anakin and His Angel where I will share my favorite moment in which one or more characters experiences joy from each of the Star Wars films. In case you're new here or missed out, you might want to have a look at the other films I have covered in this series below:

Solo: A Star Wars Story
The Phantom Menace
Attack of the Clones

Ever since seeing Revenge of the Sith in theaters it has been on my list of Top 3 favorite Star Wars movies. In my opinion it still stands as the darkest of all of the films and that is one of the reasons I love it so much. But that's a story for a different day. Due to the darker tone of ROTS I don't feel there are as many joyous moments in this movie compared to the others. However, the one that stands out to me the most is a touching scene between Master and Apprentice.

Before Anakin Skywalker sees Obi-Wan off on his mission to Utapau he takes a moment to express his appreciation for all that Obi-Wan has taught him. Obi-Wan listens intently with a slight but genuine smile as Anakin continues with an apology for his behavior over his frustrations with the Jedi Council. Obi-Wan's expression after Anakin shared with him what's been on his mind is one of surprise and immense joy. He continues to smile and responds with words of affirmation and encouragement. Before he turns to leave he tells Anakin to be patient, that he is a greater Jedi than he could ever hope to be, and that the Council would make him a Jedi Master in due time. Did that make Anakin's day or what?

I imagine Obi-Wan experienced a feeling similar to what a parent or guardian might feel when they witness their child growing in way that they're able to recognize their faults, apologize and thank them for their guidance throughout that process. It truly made Obi-Wan proud and joyful to see how far Anakin had come. I'm sure he also felt proud not only of Anakin but of himself for helping him to achieve the dreams he had on Tatooine and of the promise he made to Qui-Gon to train him.

...and he was a good friend. - Obi-Wan Kenobi

At this time in their lives Anakin and Obi-Wan are at a better place in their relationship. Each of them have grown in different ways and have come to better understand their place as Master and Apprentice. Although Anakin continues to bring on various anxieties on his Master and Obi-Wan reprimands him probably more than he needs to, much time has passed since they met. They are now able to better communicate and understand each other. The difficulties they had at the start of their relationship have dwindled by much. They have become good friends and their relationship is one that they are thankful for and depend on when facing tough situations.

This scene always makes me extremely emotional because it's different from any other conversations they've had. We get to witness how much they mean to each other and the joy it brings them both to hear the words that were shared. This is also the last conversation they have before Anakin becomes Darth Vader so it's obviously bittersweet. I have no control over the tears that well up at the end of this scene when they say their final goodbyes. Now, if you'll excuse me while I grab a tissue.

Obi-Wan. May the Force be with you. - Anakin
Goodbye, old friend. May the Force be with you. -Obi-Wan

In your opinion, what is the most joyous moment in Revenge of the Sith? Leave a comment below or get in touch with me on Twitter or Instagram.

Thanks to: StarWarsScreencaps.com for the photos.

Star Wars Fans & Wanting More

Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters on December 20, 2019 meaning we are a little more than ten months out. The time of waiting for a title, poster, trailer and everything else that comes with a movie that's part of a franchise as big as this one is upon us. There's no harm in speculating when these things will happen or what they will be like. In fact, it can be really fun to theorize with other fans and share in the anticipation for announcements like these. For most people that's part of being a fan. They get excited and passionate and want to talk about it to burn off that Star Wars energy. I fall right into this group and I have no shame but I do my best to keep my desire for these things under control so that I don't become a fan who is angry, demanding or disappointed. I also remind myself that rumors of announcements are exactly that, RUMORS. Is it hard? It can be. Especially when there are several Twitter accounts like TCL Chinese Theatre tweeting out Star Wars related posts on the day of the Disney quarterly earnings. I admit I literally thought something would be announced yesterday. When there wasn't I brushed it off and continued on with my day because every day is a good day to be a Star Wars fan!

Episode IX announcements will be coming soon enough. We need to be more patient because everything has a time and a place that it will be announced. All will fall into place as it should. We should't be getting upset and acting like someone owes us when there was no official word in the first place that something would be revealed. We need to stop bothering people at Lucasfilm via Twitter for information when the simple fact is they wouldn't tell us even if there was something coming. When other new content is announced we should respond to that, if we take interest in it, rather than all of our comments referencing the thing we still want. Our focus is not where it should be.

I want more and I know I shouldn't. - Anakin Skywalker

The fact is we have more Star Wars content than EVER before but somehow it's still not good enough for some of us and that baffles me. Not to mention there are a plethora of other things happening this year besides Episode IX including Star Wars Celebration Chicago, the opening of Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and the launch of Disney+ which may include The Mandalorian (no release date has been officially announced at this time). In case you need a refresh, watch this video below to see all of the Star Wars content we have to look forward to in 2019.

We constantly want more. When does it end? We are so fortunate to have all of the content we have now but I think we forget about it. We become so obsessed with the next big thing that we lose sight of everything that's right in front of us. Even worse, half of the community complains when something is finally announced. We will never be satisfied and it's kind of embarrassing.

Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes in an instant. -Tony Robbins

So how do we refrain from continuing to want in a way that can also affect other areas of our lives if we're not careful? We need to practice being content by replacing our "expectations" with "appreciations". Regularly taking a moment to reflect on what we have can make such a huge difference in the way that we think and present ourselves.

As far as Star Wars goes we can watch our favorite movie, dive back into our favorite Star Wars cartoon, book, video game, etc. All the time we spend wanting and complaining could be spent enjoying what we love the most about Star Wars. We can appreciate the franchise in different ways by discussing new discoveries with friends and family, writing about our favorite characters and what they mean to us, or getting crafty with a DIY! Implementing these things will transform us in a way that will make us more content Star Wars fans who are more joyful than angry and more appreciative than demanding. This is the only way we can be truly satisfied.

We have a lot of work to do as a Star Wars Community so let's get to work! Share this post with your friends!

Thanks to: StarWarsScreencaps.com for the photo use in this post.

Star Wars Galentine's Day Gift Guide

There's no rule saying you can't celebrate what I call "Love Day" aka Valentine's Day with other people in your life who are important to you besides your significant other. But if you want to take it to the next level you can always celebrate Galentine's Day (February 13th), an unofficial holiday inspired by one of my favorite TV shows, Parcs and Recreation. The character Leslie Knope gathers her besties together for a day of pampering and fun and of course, it's a girls only kind of day. My friend Monica of Popcorner Reviews asked Ana of Le Geeky Liife and myself to participate in the holiday with a Star Wars twist. So today I am going to share with you several gift ideas that the women in your life would enjoy!

Princess Leia Slipper Socks | $12.00

Be honest. Aren't these one of the cutest pairs of Star Wars socks you have ever seen? They come in sizes S/M and M/L and have gripper-tab bottoms to prevent you from slipping. We can't have a Princess tripping now can we?

Star Wars Galactic Necklace | $29.99

I'm definitely an accessories kind of girl and this necklace is one of my favorites to wear because it represents so many great elements of Star Wars. It's the kind of necklace that works with many different styles which is why it would make the perfect gift. I love that little TIE fighter!

Kanan & Hera Art Print | $21.67

This is one of the most beautiful art pieces of Kanan and Hera from Star Wars Rebels that I have ever seen. What a treat this would be for your Galentine who's a Kanera fan! You can choose various print sizes or opt to get this printed on a notebook or t-shirt.

Reylo Enamel Pin | $10.00

If you know someone who is a Reylo fan this heart shaped enamel pin would be the perfect gift for them! There are many Reylo pins out there but I feel like this one makes a major statement. Wouldn't this look amazing on a denim jacket or a cork board above a desk space?

Peeking Porg Mug | $14.90

I purchased this mug for my mom the second I discovered it. Upon opening it I wish I had ordered one for myself! This The Last Jedi themed mug is absolutely precious! The artwork on the mug itself of Chewbacca and the Porg is fantastic but the icing on the cake is most surely the little Porg perched on the handle!

Unite Girls T-shirt | $26.90

This new Her Universe design was made specifically with the female fans of Star Wars in mind! I really like the cuffed sleeves and edgy vibe of the graphic print. If you know someone who is proud to be a fangirl why not surprise them with this t-shirt?

Tea Cup Porg Pin | $10.50

Clearly I have a thing for enamel pins and Porgs. These adorable Rebel Porgs in mint and lavender teacups at Disneyland are the cutest! Imagine how perfect these would look pinned on your friend's backpack during their trips to the parks? You can also buy them as a set for $19.50. One for them, one for you!

Loungefly Chibi Han Solo Coin Purse | $22.90

I don't know about you but I find it difficult to resist cute things especially when it involves Star Wars. This adorable Han Solo coin purse would be the perfect addition to your handbag or keychain. There are also other characters available including Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker.

MORE GALENTINE'S THEMED POSTS

Be sure to visit both Monica's and Ana's blogs below for their contributions to Galentines Day.

Monica shares a DIY on how to make cupcake toppers of some of her favorite leading ladies from Star Wars here!

Ana styles a Star Wars outfit perfect for a day out with the girls here!

I hope you enjoyed our posts! Tell me, which item from my gift guide is your favorite? Let me know in a comment below or send me a Tweet!

Style Wars: Sith Lord Chic

Style Wars is an original quarterly series that is a combination of both Jenmarie and Mollie's two favorite passions - Star Wars and fashion. Together they will be styling Star Wars outfits based off of the same fashion piece. Their mission for this series is to show off how different fangirls envision outfitting Star Wars clothes in their own unique way. Instead of comparing who wore it best, they want to celebrate the different ways Star Wars pieces can be worn.

(Full Size)

Mollie Damon of Star Wars Explained and I are back with the a brand new Style Wars and the first one of 2019! If you missed our last one which was The Clone Wars themed you should definitely check it out here. In this particular installment we've gone to the Dark Side featuring the Darth Vader Cape by Musterbrand and we're clearly not sorry about it.

(Full Size)


(Full Size)


(Full Size)


(Full Size)

WHAT JENMARIE WORE

Darth Vader Cape: Musterbrand
A New Day Scoop T-shirt: Target
Super Stretch Jegging: American Eagle
Choker Necklace: c/o Magic & Manifest
Clutch: Amazon
A New Day Pumps: Target

I've been eyeing Musterbrand's Star Wars pieces for a long time. So when the Darth Vader Cape was listed for more than 50% off I jumped right on it! I am extremely impressed with the quality and how luxurious it feels. It's made of a soft knit cotton blend fabric and it's super thick so it will be absolutely perfect for the cold weather we're having in Southern California right now. I chose to layer it over a light grey scoop neck t-shirt to create a nice contrast and I paired it with jeans and heels to keep it casual but cool. I really wanted to emphasize the "Dark Side" so I complimented the look with a red lip and matching clutch. Perfect for a night out! I'm the kind of girl who likes the idea of a clutch but if I use one it has to be on the larger side. This one is fantastic and is available in several colors.

Overall I consider this cape/poncho to be "Most impressive" and I'm excited to style it multiple ways!

(Full Size)


(Full Size)


(Full Size)

WHAT MOLLIE WORE

Darth Vader Cape: Musterbrand
Faux Leather Leggings: Spanx
Hat: Target (Similar)
Boots: H&M (Similar)
Earrings: Hot Topic (Similar)
Sunglasses: Target
Belt: Amazon

This was my first attempt to style a cape/poncho so I have to admit I was a little nervous. However when I received it in the mail I was so excited to wear it! The fabric is super soft and I'm always wearing leggings so I knew this would look great paired with some faux leather leggings I got recently. I accessorized it with a thin black belt to accentuate my waist, a black hat, black sunglasses, black platform boots and some imperial insignia earrings. I wanted a super Vader vibe and he's all about black.

Fun fact - I meant to take off my fitbit for these photos but forgot and then realized it too went well with the Vader aesthetic seeing as his suit kept track of his vitals. ;)

What do you think of these Dark Side ensembles? Please let Mollie and I know in a comment below or connect with us on Twitter or Instagram:

Mollie:
Twitter | Instagram

Jenmarie:
Twitter | Instagram