UPDATE 01/25/2012: Hey, BOTpeeps! Sorry for the delay in getting Tuesday’s strip up – it’s not for lack of trying, believe me. We’re having some technical difficulties with the site which have made it impossible for me to post the latest JEFbot. I’m hoping my tech guru can resolve these issues before tomorrow afternoon at the latest. I’ll keep you guys posted as to any progress (or lack of such) as I know more. Frustratingly yours, Jeff.
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For the past couple of years, the Screen Actors Guild has been making the screeners for many of the SAG Awards nominated films available for download via iTunes, which is great, since I can push the movies to my television via my Apple TV. Unfortunately, I’m kinda fickle, and quick to change my mood and mind quickly, so although it might have seemed like a good idea at the moment, an hour later after these films download I’m either watching something else, playing a videogame, working on JEFbot, or out of my apartment altogether. I’m not sure why the films don’t stream (almost) instantly, the way many other films on iTunes or Netflix do, but if I have to wait more than 10 minutes (realistically, more like 2-5 minutes), I’ll generally catch it another day or time.

How about you readers? Do you download movies often? If it doesn’t download instantly, are you as apt to change your mind as I am? Has all this instant media made us spoiled and impatient? Sound off in the comments below!

Seriously, I haven’t seen this many family friendly movies in theaters at the same time since the ’80s! And most of the ones at the local theaters right now are pretty good: I can wholeheartedly recommend Hugo (though it’s not really a “kids” film, per se), Puss in Boots and The Muppets. Loved the first Happy Feet and I hear the second one’s good, too (but haven’t seen it, yet) and I’ll probably catch Tintin this weekend. As today’s strip points out, however, seeing a family movie in a theater is not always a good idea, because actual, well, families go to these things, with kids and stuff. (who’d a thunk?)

Seen any of these movies? Excited about any current or upcoming G/PG films? Disney’s re-release of Beauty and the Beast, Pixar’s Brave and Ghibli’s The Secret World of Arrietty later in the year come to mind. Sound off in the comments.

If you haven’t seen or heard of this show, basically, it’s the entire Star Wars Episodes IV, V and VI movies performed live, in 30 minutes, by an extremely talented troupe of fast-talking and fast-moving actors. Lightsabers are replaced with wiffle bats, folding chairs become X-Wings, and each actor plays multiple roles (see Michael Cornacchia, aka The Cornfather, play Jabba the Hutt and Admiral Akbar, among other characters!). The whole thing is absolutely hysterical and one of my favorite things I’ve seen in a theater, ever. Really. When it was playing in L.A. six years ago I must have seen it over 20 times, and it never got boring and I never stopped laughing.

Also, by buying a ticket you’ll be supporting a friend of the show, who recently underwent several brain surgeries, and doesn’t have health insurance. These two shows will help with those bills, so go see both shows if you can and bring friends. You won’t be disappointed, I guarantee.

And check it out - I was asked to create the poster for the show, and jumped at the chance at this honor! I thought a riff on the classic Return of the Jedi poster would be fun, which you can see above.

If you’re interested in seeing one or both performances, I suggest reserving your tickets now, in case they sell out. Tickets are only $10 and are available by calling 323.805.9355 or e-mailing tickets@starwars30.com and letting them know the time of the show you’d like to attend. Check out the official website for details (StarWars30.com) and to see video clips and read the acclaim this show has garnered (even from Mr. Lucas himself!).

I cannot praise and recommend this show enough. Go see it!

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August 15, 2009 2pm/8pm
K.L. Peters Auditorium
Beverly Hills High School
241 Moreno Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(on campus parking is free)
StarWars30.com