Ewoks - Karawane der Tapferen

These furry little bears known as "Ewoks" had been related to the STAR WARS legend, but this made-for-TV concoction (and the one following this) has nothing to do with the legendary movies. It is, of course, an expansion of the STAR WARS universe that reaches into the realms of mystical adventures, while still holding on to the familiar science fiction theme that George Lucas once created.

THE EWOK ADVENTURE isn't going to win any awards for its basic storyline, plot, and acting routines, and it may remind some of us about the silly live-action Filmation programs that once dominated Saturday mornings in the 70s. The leftover sets from JEDI and its costumes are a real help along with Burl Ives' narration. Don't expect BIG results here; it's VERY predictable! While its fun for virtually all ages, leave this to the kids.

First off, I should point out that the two Ewok movies are made for little kids, and that should always be taken into account when reviewing them. Some people seem to forget that. It doesn't mean the writing is stupid or bad (As _some_ "children's" films often are), but it means the plot is kept simple and fun.

There's an innocent charm to 'Caravan of Courage', and it's great to see both Ewok movies released in HD finally. I had not seen them since I was a kid, on VHS, and I was a little worried they would date terribly. Instead, they're perfect entertainment for little ones and adults enjoying a nostalgia trip. As made-for-tv products they are good quality for the time, with some nice effects.

As the 'human' brother-and-sister heroes, Eric Walker does well as teenager Mace (A pre-prequel-trilogy introduction of the name!), walking the fine line between what could have merely been "annoying" and instead being "arrogant teen who learns to grow up during the adventure", while Aubree Miller is adorable as Cindel, and acts surprisingly well given her age.

Warwick Davies also brings his distinct performance and mannerisms to the role of Wicket, which help to make the character clearly 'him', as opposed to another actor in the costume.

Between the two films, I think you can see some of Lucas' ideas that eventually became Willow, which adds an interesting angle when reviewing. Are they ground breaking incredible adventures? No. Are they heart-warming and innocent fun? Most definitely.

Caravan of Courage, the first of two Ewok films is a nice adventure film for kids, but too slow for adults to enjoy. The film captures the essential elements of what an Ewok film should be like but fails in certain other areas.

Firstly the film looks rather messy in comparison to other LucasFilm productions and particularly when compared to its immediate sequel. The narrator is also more distracting than anything and would sound more appropriate in a nature documentary rather than a children's fantasy adventure film.

On the other hand, the film sets itself apart from the bigger SW films quite nicely, feeling more like a fantasy than a science fiction film and having some fairly good special-effects and interesting creatures. But as said, adults are more likely to find the film numbing rather than enjoyable.

Having heard terrible things for so many years, I actually thought this was pretty good.

It started a little slow, and the dubbing took some getting used to, particularly as the Ewok's mouths bear no relation to their speech.

There's really nothing original in the main story, a ragtag band of brave hearts go on a quest together to free a Princess trapped in an ogres cave, except the Princess are parents and the braves are Ewoks, but it's all done very well, filmed beautifully and there's never a dull moment.

For fans of practical effects, once the band gets questing, there is one in almost every scene, tons of interesting matte paintings, puppets, stop motion, animation, superimposition, playing with film speed and scale, there's lots to enjoy.

I was entertained, and that's all one could ask of any movie, really.

It's unfortunate that sometimes nostalgia can turn out to be a deceiving pain. I used to watch "The Ewok Adventure" on VHS when I was younger and was a huge fan - I'd view it frequently (probably even before I saw all the original "Star Wars" films) and, although I recognized it was cheesy even as a child, I still enjoyed it.

Today, it simply doesn't hold up. It comes across as a desperate and silly cash-in on "Star Wars: Episode IV: Return of the Jedi." The "lovable" Ewoks of that film return here to wreak more havoc - they find a boy and his younger sister after they crash land on the planet. The boy and sister have lost their parents, whom were apparently grabbed out of the space ship by some scary alien creature.

The alien creature's special F/X are absolutely terrible which explains why his full frontal view is saved until the ending - which is ludicrous and way over-the-top.

If you're a "Star Wars" fan you'll need to own this simply because it's got the Lucas "stamp of approval" - but to any casual viewer it comes across as a desperate and pathetic franchise cash-in.