Monthly Archives: June 2014

Finding Star Wars in Once Upon a Time – Magic and The Force

 
Even though ABC’s Once Upon a Time is set in the land of fairy tales, Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis the creators of the series are unabashed Star Wars fans, and it’s influence shows in many places throughout this magical TV series.

Written by Jeff Roney and Brad Pogras

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Magic

Mr. Gold: “…Magic is power.”

Rumpelstiltskin: “Magic always comes with a price.”

Regina: “(Magic) This is a way of life.”

In Once Upon a Time, magic is a central element to the story. Magic and the use of magic is explored like a morality tale throughout the series. Magic is feared by some (like Baelfire and Henry) and even the strongest magic wielders warn against it’s use at certain times (Maleficent, Rumpelstiltskin and the Blue Fairy). Magic is also yearned for and chosen instead of important things like family and love (Cora, Rumpelstiltskin, Malcolm). Magic also is considered Power, and to some the power of magic is strength, but love is considered a weakness (Cora).

Some learn to use magic without a wand or other magical item (Rumpelstiltskin, Cora, Regina, Zelena), some require a wand (The Blue Fairy, Astrid, Tinkerbell), some use the Dark One dagger (The Dark One, Zoso, Rumplestiltskin, Zelena). In Neverland, Henry needed to believe in the power of pixie dust in order to fly.

There are also times when an individual may need a little kick start to bring their magic back, like a spell book or touching another person who has magic (Regina). Magic can also be harnessed and protected, as was the case with Zelena’s emerald pendant. Once the pendant was removed, so was her magic.

There are items that have magical properties as well, such as magic beans or mirrors that have the power to open portals to other realms. Mirrors can also be used to find a person, even in another land (Ariel).

It is never explained why some posses magic abilities and others do not. A couple with no prior history of magic can have a child with tremendous power (Snow White & Prince Charming). Some realize they have power when their young (Zelena) while others may not even know they posses any kind of power (Emma). It remains dormant inside of them until they have awakened it.

Magic must also be taught and learned. The more training you have, the better you become. Rumpelstiltskin taught both Regina and Cora that it takes great focus and concentration to yield it.

Training

Normally, Rumpelstiltskin would seek out those who had the aptitude for using Magic and train them. As Regina stated that Rumpelstiltskin was a “bully,” and his training methods were sink or swim. Regina was chosen for advanced training by Rumpelstiltskin over Zelena. Regina trained Emma, but patterned her methods after Rumpelstiltskin.

Forms of Magic

Magic has multiple forms. There is Light Magic (Wielded by Emma) and Dark Magic (Wielded by Rumpelstilskin, Cora, Regina, Zelena). It would seem that Light Magic has no dangerous side effects, but Dark Magic is different.

Dark Magic has the capability of corrupting the user. Whatever the user’s reason to use Dark Magic, most of the time the Dark Magic ends up corrupting and eventually controlling the user, and that is why many fear it. Dark Magic appears to be more powerful because nothing stands in it’s way. The cost of the dark curse that Regina cast was sacrificing the thing you love most. Love, family, morality and goodness must all be given up to yield dark magic. This is why Cora removed her own heart, Regina killed her father, Malcolm gave up his son, Zelena plotted against her only sister and Rumpelstiltskin lost Bae.

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“Find your anger and use it to focus” – Regina

“There has to be a way (To use Magic) without going dark” – Emma

It is interesting to note that even a wielder of Dark Magic can, if even for a time, find the capability of finding and using Light Magic as well. An example of this is when Regina tapped into the Light Magic within her and defeated Zelena by using it against her.

Cora believed that love was weakness but Emma knew it was strength. Regina’s love for Henry is what gave her the motivation to change and choose the path of love instead of anger. Who you are inside will define what type of magic you yield.

The battle between dark and light magic is a struggle because one is fueled by Anger (Rumpelstiltskin, Cora, Regina) and the other is Love (Emma).

The Force

“Well, the Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together.” Obi-Wan Kenobi

In Star Wars, the Force is a metaphysical power that gives certain people the power with the ability to use the Force (Many times a seasoned Jedi, Sith or a group will spot, find and let a person who would be a good candidate become aware that they should pursue learning to use the force) to sense things, see visions, manipulate physical objects and communicate with some people that have died.

The Force has two sides; The Light side and the Dark side. The Jedi focus on using the Light side and the Sith focus on using the Dark side.

The Light Side of the Force

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“A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense. Never for attack.”
―Yoda

When a person is chosen by the Jedi council to learn the Force from a seasoned Jedi, they must follow the teachings given to them, live a life of sacrifice and let go of attachments (physical and emotional) Younglings (young children found to have strength or aptitude in using the force), Padawans (Those who agree to join the Jedi Order and follow the Jedi Code (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Jedi_Code)), Jedi Knights and Jedi Masters.

In the Star Wars films, we have seen Luke trained by Obi-Wan, then Yoda. Obi-Wan was trained by Qui-Gon. Anakin was trained by Obi-Wan.

The Jedi uses the Light side of the Force to settle disputes and intervene in certain situations deemed necessary by the Jedi Council.

The Dark Side of the Force

Yoda warns against the use of the Dark Side, “Yes, a Jedi’s strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan’s apprentice.”

In the Star Wars films, we are introduced to many Sith Lords (Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Darth Tyranus and Darth Sidious) that drew their power from the Dark Side of the Force. Darth Sidious was trained by Darth Plagueis. Darth Maul was trained by Darth Sidious. Darth Vader was trained by Darth Sidious. It is interesting to note that some (Darth Tyranus, Darth Vader) initially learned the Light Side of the force, then where lured to follow the path of the Dark Side.

Conversely, Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker) began learning the Light Side of the Force, then lured to learn the Dark Side of the Force, then because of the hope, love and belief of his son Luke, Vader let the Dark Side of the Force go and returned to the Light Side of the Force before his death on the second Death Star.

The Sith uses the Dark side of the Force as an individual. The wielder draws power from raw emotions like anger, rage, hatred, fear, aggression, and passion. There is also an addictive portion of the Dark side which can lure the the wielder and take them over.

DisneyOnceAgain – Robin Hood (1973) – 233

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“Robin Hood” (1973)

Podcast Episode 233

Show notes can be found at:

http://onceuponatimepodcast.com/233

Pre Order Once Upon a Time DVDs/Blu Rays now!

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Pre Order Once Upon a Time Season 3 DVD/Blu Rays now! Release date is August 19th.

http://www.onceuponatimepodcast.com/ouatS3

Robin Hood show notes

Alan-a-Dale referred to the song he sang as a folk song, but its sounded an awful lot like a country song to me.

Folk music was big at the time, so maybe referring to a folk song might related better to the early 1970’s audience?

Prince John was comedically evil.

The snake face animation was incredible showing the 3d look of the face as it turned.

It was interesting to see the Prince with psychological problems. Pretty bold for a Disney cartoon. Seemed a bit like the Smother’s Brothers.

Robin Hood and Little John are master’s of disguise.

Little John made a Medieval Haunted Mansion floating crystal ball.

We see another mirror in a Disney animated film (Snow White, Beauty and the Beast and (so far) this one).

Robin Hood is a reflection of Hope for tough times, like Once Upon a Time shows.

It was a great choice of all the animals for all the characters.

Great kid voices for the bunnies and turtle.

What is “Oo De Lally”???

Boob jokes – in a Disney movie???

You will go from an Outlaw to a Hero, like the storylines of Season 3 of Once Upon a Time.

Friar Tuck kept sipping Robin Hood’s burnt stew – Ewww.

Lots of late 60’s, early 70’s vernacular and music (Hip Daddy Cat music).

Lots of marching.

Tail spinning and arrow flying by sounds made by a person? Maybe a you Ben Burtt? just kidding

We see one crossbow in a movie filled with regular bows and arrows

It was so great to see how the animals took care of each other, even when they were in jail, and when the church mouse gave her last coin for the church poor box.

Sir Hiss was Prince John’s second in command, but Once Upon a Time baddies have no second in commands.

Prince John’s guards shoot arrows like Stormtroopers shoot laser beams.

Little John dressed up in a disguise like a 70’s Pimp Daddy (with a cane, even)

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Thanks to Daniel Hale from the DisGeek Podcast for his thoughts on Robin Hood.

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OUAT Themes and Meanings – 6. Always Stand Up For Yourself

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Never be afraid to fight for yourself, for others, and for what you believe in. In “Lost Girl”, we saw Snow White found the strength to defend her kingdom, and herself. In “That Still Small Voice” Archie stands up to Regina even after she had threatened him. We must never let others intimidate us, and it’s always important for us to do what we think is right.

Submitted by Marissa

OUAT Themes and Meanings – 5. Choose Love over Anger

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Its always incredibly tempting to hold onto anger, onto bitterness – especially when it seems like the world is going out of its way to bring you down. Nobody understands this feeling better than Regina. But we must always try our best to let go, and not let darkness win. As Regina says in “Quite A Common Fairy”, pick hope over anger, and choose love.

Submitted by Marissa

DisneyOnceAgain – Beauty and the Beast – 232

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Disney, Once Again Podcast 002

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)

Podcast Episode 232

Show notes can be found at:

http://onceuponatimepodcast.com/232

This Just In!!

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Pre Order Once Upon a Time Season 3 DVD/Blu Rays now! Release date is August 19th.

http://www.onceuponatimepodcast.com/ouatS3

Another animated Disney film that starts with “Once Upon a Time”

BATB is basically a morality play teaching a lesson about not being selfish

Never judge a book by its cover. Books are Belle’s treasures.

Belle mentions she was reading a book about beanstalks and ogres.

Another theme is that reading makes you a hero.

The opening song that also serves as exposition of the story.

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Gaston says he wants Belle because she’s beautiful, but there are other beautiful women in town, maybe he sees Belle for more than beauty?

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The wolf chase scenes were chilling.

There is a classic horror film look to some of the scenes; the gate, the castle, etc.

The Beast entrance was scary, as well.

Belle breaks many stereotypes; She says no to marrying the strongest man, she reads, she wants adventure instead of staying at home.

Belle bold sacrifice – “Take me instead (of my father)”.

The Beast wants her to stay forever (like Rumpel said in OUAT).

Another classic horror story motif, the hunting party (or mob).

Lots of classic Battle (or Misunderstanding) of the Sexes moments; Men can’t eat or handle their temper properly.

The Be our Guest song was very Esther Williams and Busby Berkley pool or dancing number.

(below) Picture of Busby Berkley section in Hollywood Studios’ Great Movie Ride

Even dishes, chairs and lamps have destinies.

We are shown an animated conflict resolution.
“If you didn’t…”
“If you had…”
“Thank you…for saving me”
“You’re welcome”

Ripping the shades of the windows.

He’s No Prince Charming.

Hunters are bad. At least that’s one of themes of the film is.

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Thanks to Michelle and Jayne from the Disney Dream Girls Podcast for their thoughts http://disneydreamgirlspodcast.blogspot.com/