Something, Something, Something Dark Side is the second Family Guy outing into the Star Wars universe. This time they take on what is arguably the best of all six George Lucas’ films, The Empire Strikes Back.
Starting in the same way that Family Guy: Blue Harvest did, having suffered a power cut in their home, Peter Griffin narrates his version of Star Wars to his eager family.
A long time ago, when the gays weren’t all in your face about it….
Luke (Chris), Leia (Lois), Han Solo (Peter) and Chewbacca (Brian) have evaded the dreaded Imperial Starfleet led by the cunning, conniving and curiously short evil lord Darth Vader (Stewie), setting up a new secret base on the remote ice world of Hoth. With the rebellion in trouble, young Skywalker must take the advice of his late, and rather lascivious, mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Herbert) and learn the ways of the “farce” under Jedi Master Yoda (Carl) to save the galaxy once and for all.
SSSDS has Peter, Lois, Brian, Stewie, Chris, Quagmire and Meg (in a tiny role again) playing Han, Leia, Chewie, Darth Vader, Luke, C3PO and the giant asteroid worm that the Millennium Falcon lands in. The plot plays out exactly like The Empire Strikes Back, starting on the ice planet of Hoth with Luke getting attacked by a Cookie Monster Wompa; The arrival and attack by the Empire; Luke seeking out Yoda and the pursuit of Han and Leia by Darth Stewie.
As someone who always seems to miss Family Guy when it’s airing on TV, I have to admit that some of the jokes were lost on me. I also think some of the gags were squarely aimed for our American cousins. That said, some of the best jokes were the ones based on scenes from The Empire Strikes Back. Of note and without giving any spoilers are the Han and Leia “I love you” scene on Bespin – Han/Peter’s response had me crying on the floor – and Leia’s briefing of the rebel pilots fleeing Hoth.
I’m okay, but the midget inside of me has a head concussion
Seth MacFarlane has to be commended as the attention to detail is superb. Some of the scenes, especially the battles on Hoth and in space are so exact that you almost forget you’re watching Family Guy and not The Empire Strikes Back. The sound effects and the score have also benefited from from this attention to detail and makes SSSDS just as thrilling as George Lucas’ version and obviously more so when compared to episodes I-III.
This is a very slick and professional animation with some good balls out laughter as well as loads and loads of in jokes to keep the Geeks-a-smirkin! If you’re on the fence about cartoon canned comedy, don’t be! This is grown up humor in a childish sort of way and merges Robot Chicken’s irreverent wet kippers with Family Guy’s professional wit and pace. Its a keeper – go buy a copy now!
The Farce Is Strong With This Never-Before Seen “Family Guy” Adventure, arriving on Blu-ray and DVD December 28 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Fully loaded with hilarious bonus material including deleted scenes, commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, a pop-up video feature and more!
