The Master of Disguise: 4 ("Star Wars" Jedi Quest) (Paperback)

The most recent film, "Episode II", was a success by traditional standards and the envy of virtually every filmmaker. It is now in the IMAX theaters and will probably reach the all time top 10, not accounting for inflation. In terms of its box office performance as a Star Wars film it was anything but impressive, and this has nothing to due with other films that it competed with. Star Wars films do huge numbers because of repeat business, and the fans simply are not responding.

I think at least one reason was readily apparent for the recent film falling over $100 million shy in this country and even showing more poorly worldwide. Jude Watson corrects the defect in this book, and she is to be commended.

These books are for kids, and PG films also are for kids, the messages they either share through words or images are important, and Star Wars has a huge influence and needs to conduct its products as though they are aware of this. "Charisma is a trait, not a virtue", explains one teacher in this book, accomplishing a goal via imperfect motivation is a failure, not a success as explained by the same instructor. We often hear, "the ends do not justify the means", as an implication of questionable conduct. This is an issue with me for the statement is incomplete, and it has become accepted "wisdom" through repetition not because there is substance to the statement.

The statement should read, is the end justified by any means? The word, "any" changes the entire meaning, and also makes the statement worth considering. Even at this point a person needs to know what end is being sought, and what means are being used to achieve it. When these are known, the discussion can begin, and answers offered.

These books are the three final films are showing Anakin making choices that lead him in to an abyss that will eventually cause the deaths of countless life forms, and finally will kill him. And these are choices. Anakin is a very gifted young man who lacks the ability to control his feelings regardless of his age. This book does a wonderful job of demonstrating how easy it is to become evil, and it does so better than the most recent film.

Anger is a legitimate emotion; it is not one that generates good decisions. When Lucas made, "Episode II", he let anger take over the film and several characters, not just Anakin. The decapitations that were routine in the film were all unnecessary, and most were cut from the IMAX version of the film. Mace Windu still executes a human in front of his son by this method, it was not needed, and I believe it cost the film 50 -100 million dollars. Windu executed the character in front of the man's son, I believe it turned people off, and parents kept some kids away.

The greatest Jedi of all, Yoda, was forced in to personal combat in the recent film. He did not instigate it, he did not harm much less kill his opponent. Like many martial arts, and the experts that teach them, they are for defense and not offense, the wise old master is the role model, a protector, never a seeker of vengeance.

There are times violence becomes unavoidable, killing is supposed to be the last possible, and most regrettable, option used by a Jedi, and that should follow in life as well. This book shows how a person can loose himself to violence through bad influences, easy alternatives, and lack of discipline.

This is a good book for young readers and Lucas should read it before he decides on the manner of violence he uses in his next film.

WHAT'S GOOD:
I liked the way in which Anakin's darkness begins to show through during his lightsaber training and the fact that Master Antana actually becomes a little bit afraid of him. We do also get the return of Obi-Wan's arrogant old enemy Sano Sauro (from 'Jedi Apprentice Special Edition - Deceptions').

WHAT'S BAD:
Obi-Wan's investigations in the Senate lack action by their very nature and Watson fails to compensate this by making his investigations interesting or intriguing. Anakin, meanwhile, continues to be a thoroughly deplorable character and it really beggars belief that the Jedi haven't chucked him yet.