Star Wars Magic at the Box Office with “The Phantom Menace”

 by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

May 8, 2024

 

Guess what movie was Number 2 at the domestic box office this past weekend (May 3-5)? It was the special re-release of a 25-year-old Star Wars movie.

 

That’s right, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace took in $8.7 million, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com, and that was second behind The Fall Guy ($27.7 million). 

Hmmm. I’m not sure if that says more about the current state of movies in theaters or the lasting effects of Star Wars. Probably both are at work here.

 

By the way, when released originally in 1999, the film cost $115 million to make, and it pulled in more than $924 million in gross box office revenues. That’s a major box office success.

 

And as for those who still diss the Star Wars prequels, while each film had its problems, they actually have improved with age, like a fine wine. Star Wars creator George Lucas directed The Phantom Menace, and there’s much to appreciate. 

 

My favorite moment is the final light saber battle where Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi take on Darth Maul. Lucas excels with these kinds of operatic scenes. But there’s a great deal more than action here to appreciate. Watch how each character acts or reacts when the fighting is paused periodically due to the forcefields engaging. Darth Maul paces like a caged animal. Qui-Gon kneels and meditates. And the young Obi-Wan bounces, wanting to get back in the action. 

 

Great stuff. 

 

I’m glad I journeyed to the theater this past weekend to catch The Phantom Menace on the big screen – apparently with a good number of other people.

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more.

 

Never miss any new book by Ray Keating by joining the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship with Ray Keating at

https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship.

 

Various books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 19 books in the series now.

 

• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel is at Amazon. 

 

• Order The Weekly Economist III: Another 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, and The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist at Amazon.com.

 

• Signed editions of Ray’s books are at www.raykeatingbooksandmore.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Good Advice from Walt Disney and George Lucas on Committees

 by Ray Keating

Commentary/Lessons

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 4, 2024

 

I’m not a fan of committees. I guess that’s part of the reason why I’ve had a home office since 1991 (!). Plus, in my life as an economist, I’ve seen too many wasteful committees in the world of policy and politics.

 

When it comes to the world of Disney, I might be in good company. It seems that Walt Disney and George Lucas shared a distaste for committees as well.

First, here’s a quote from Walt: “You can’t run anything by committee. Someone has to say, ‘We’ll go this way.’” Walt’s insight has been confirmed by my own work experiences for more than 35 years. Committees like to talk – eventually someone has to be in the position to make the call and move on. Walt the entrepreneur understood this.

 

But what about George Lucas? Consider the following exchange between Han Solo and Princess Leia in the midst of the action in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back…

 

“No time to discuss this as a committee.” - Han Solo 

“I am not a committee.” - Princess Leia 

 

That makes me laugh every time. It not only fits the characters, but it fits with the idea that committees talk things to death, and often-needed actions aren’t taken.

 

And finally, there’s another reference to committees in Star Wars. Queen Amidala in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace declares: “I will not defer. I've come before you to resolve this attack on our sovereignty now. I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee!”

 

We can understand her frustration. Although this last crack at committees didn’t work out so well, as it opened the door for Palpatine to gain power. Whoops.

 

Too often, committees, in politics, business and even churches, wind up being alternatives for taking action, and/or to placate some while nothing changes. I must admit, though, that in the world of politics, when action can mean costly and mistaken escapades are undertaken, the committee as a place where bad ideas go to die, as noted by Queen Amidala, can be a strange benefit of committees.

 

But other than that, the committee usually is a hindrance to moving forward. 

 

Think about it. Have you ever been excited to serve on a committee, and go in thinking: “Ok, now we’re going to make things happen”? No. It seems that Walt Disney and George Lucas understood this – not surprising, again, given that each ranks as a great entrepreneur.

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more.

 

Never miss any new book by Ray Keating by joining the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship with Ray Keating at

https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship.

 

Various books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 19 books in the series now.

 

• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel is at Amazon. 

 

• Order The Weekly Economist III: Another 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist.Kindle editions here.

 

• Grab The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Kindle and paperback editions here.

 

• Purchase The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Kindle and paperbacks here. 

 

• Signed editions of Ray’s books are at www.raykeatingbooksandmore.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Thoughts from Walt Disney, Michael Eisner, George Lucas, Bob Iger, ObiWan, and Other Disney Masters

 Are tuning in to the “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast. It serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Some to the latest episodes hit on loving what you do, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, integrity, building a brand, leadership, telling your business story, and more!

 

Listen today!

 

Check Out the Latest Daily Dose of Disney Episodes

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Recent episodes include...

Episode #352 – Tell Your Business Story Like Walt – Walt Disney was a storyteller for the ages. But we all have a story to tell, including related to our work.

 

Episode #353 – Walt Disney’s Line Not to Cross – Walt Disney had a line he wouldn’t cross in his humor, and he likely considered his audience in drawing that line.

 

Episode #354 – Leadership is Expansive – Disney’s Lee Cockerell talks about leadership, and how expansive it needs to be.

 

Episode #355 – Agent Carter’s Jarvis on What Can Be Accomplished – Here’s a bit of wisdom from Agent Carter’s Jarvis and Ray Keating on what can be achieved, and why help is needed.

 

Episode #356 – Star Wars Lucas and Finding What You’re Good At – George Lucas advises people to find what you excel at and enjoy.

 

Catch Up on the Daily Dose of Disney, with Tidbits from Lucas, Eisner, Dr. Sweet, Nani and More!

Catch up the latest episodes of the “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast, with such topics as a reporter who predicted the future of Disney; advice from Dr. Sweet in Atlantis, Michael Eisner, Nani in Lilo & Stitch, Star Wars’ George Lucas and The Incredibles’ Brad Bird; and observations on jazz and comic books from Captain America co-creator Joe Simon.

Daily Dose of Disney on Disney Business Basics, Star Wars Toys and More!

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #306: Disney on Key Business Basics – The Disney Institute explains fundamental points about the Disney business, with lessons for the rest of us.

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #307: Walt Disney – The Entrepreneur and the Patriot – Walt Disney was an entrepreneur who looked to the future, but that also tied in to his appreciation of America’s past.

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #308: Star Wars Toys and Imagination – George Lucas loved Star Wars toys because they could spur imagination and creativity. Ray notes that he has toys around his office that very much juice up creativity.

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #309: Courage Matters to Leadership in Business – Walt Disney called courage the main quality of leadership.

Catch Up with Captain America, Disney Icons, George Lucas, Michael Eisner, Prof Henry Jones, and More!

 Are you caught up on the latest episodes of the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating podcast?

Episode #304: Captain America on Standing Strong – A famous quote from the Captain American comics and from Captain America: Civil War is great advice for business and life.

Episode #303: Disney Icons – Disney’s icons and brand are critical to the company, and while we all can’t achieve what Disney has on this front, entrepreneurs need to think about icons or brands.

Episode #302: George Lucas’ Valuable Career Checklist – Star Wars creator George Lucas talks about finding a career that you’re good at, by going down the list of what you like in life.

Episode #301: Eisner on Meetings and Letting Your Guard Down – Michael Eisner and Ray Keating talk about a workplace where people are comfortable to take risks.

Episode #300: Professor Henry Jones on Children – In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Professor Henry Jones offers advice to follow and not follow regarding your children.

Episode #299: Happy Workplaces Mean Quality Products – The founder of Disney Universities and Ray Keating talk happiness in business.

Daily Dose of Disney: Disneyland, Lucas on Movies, Walt & Roy, Innovation and Writing

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #295: Walt Didn’t Listen on Disneyland, Thankfully – Entrepreneurs need to listen to people they trust, but it doesn’t mean that you always take their advice, as proven by Walt Disney opening Disneyland.

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #294: George Lucas Offers Hints about the Future of Movies – Will people still go to the movies when they can have a near-cinematic experience at home? Star Wars George Lucas offers some thoughts.

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #293: Walt and Roy – Finding the Right Partner in Business – Walt and Roy O. Disney were brothers in life and in business, and it worked in business.

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #292: Walt Disney as a Leading Innovator – One of the most innovative entrepreneurs of the last century was Walt Disney.

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #291: Stan Lee on Writing Being Fun – Marvel’s Stan Lee understood that the acts of creating and storytelling should be fun.

Daily Dose of Disney Latest Episodes Include Walt Disney, Stan Lee, Roy O. Disney, Black Widow and More

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #278: Walt Disney on a Smaller World Creating More Opportunity – We talk about technology making the world smaller. Walt Disney recognized this, as well as the opportunities being created for creators.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #279: Walt Disney Was a Great U.S. Export – The U.S. State Department recognized the contribution Walt Disney made in creating friendlier attitudes around the world toward the U.S.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #280: Stan Lee Rejected Retirement – Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee saw no need to retire if work is fun.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #281: Roy O. Disney on Constructive Values – We hear a lot about “values” in business, but are these “values constructive?

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #282: Red in My Ledger – In The Avengers, Black Widow spoke of wiping out red in her ledger. That can be a powerful notion.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #283: Walt Disney’s 4 C’s for Creating Magic – Walt Disney’s four C’s for creating magic, or opportunity, are worth learning and debating.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #284: Timeless Storytelling in Star Wars – George Lucas recognizes the value of timeless themes in storytelling.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #285: Walt Disney on Creators and Courage – For Walt Disney it was straightforward, being a creator is about having the courage to create.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #286: Stan Lee on Characters – Marvel’s Stan Lee noted that creating interesting characters probably matters most in storytelling.

 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

 

Make 2022 the Year for Enjoying the Daily Dose of Disney

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #240: George Lucas Offers Secrets of Storytelling – Star Wars creator George Lucas provides key reminders on good storytelling.

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #241: Need to Recognize Creative Thinkers – Imagineer Tony Baxter provides a reminder to business leaders that, no matter how big the company gets, creativity must be recognized.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #242: Bob Iger Beyond Buzzwords – Certain words in management can seem like buzzwords to be glossed over, but doing so with authenticity, honesty and truth is a dangerous game.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #243: Important to Find the Bright Side – Even in the most troubling times in business, it’s important to find something positive.

 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Star Wars George Lucas Influenced by Walt Disney

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #173: Walt Disney Influenced George Lucas – The creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, was influenced by Walt Disney. Not surprising!

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Star Wars George Lucas on Talent

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #103: Star Wars George Lucas Talks Finding Your Talent – Like George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, the key is to find your talent. 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Star Wars George Lucas on Secret of the Move Biz

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #8: George Lucas on the Secret of the Movie Business – Ray Keating sees wisdom for the movie business and beyond from Star Wars creator George Lucas. 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

 

Star Wars Day: George Lucas and Walt Disney

by Chris Lucas

Guest Column

DisneyBizJournal.com

May 4, 2020

George Lucas idolized Walt Disney.

Born in 1944, Lucas came of age as a youngster just as Walt was exploring live action films and theme parks. 1954’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was one of the first films George saw, and it became a favorite.

Lucas, whose family visited Disneyland the first week it was open and made frequent trips there, wanted more than anything to work for Disney.

As his interest in filmmaking grew, Lucas started to use the newest tools available to him in the 1960s, while tinkering and developing even more, just as Walt and his staff did in the 30s and 40s. Walt loved trains, and included them in his films and parks. George Lucas did the same for cars and other speedy vehicles. Lucas thought, perhaps, he could make live-action films for Disney one day.

He developed a myth-based science fiction adventure story in the 1970s that was a throwback to the serials and Disney special effects films he loved as a kid. 

Unfortunately, Disney wasn’t in the sci-fi business and showed little interest in Star Wars. Their first and only feature film of that genre up to that point was 1962’s Moon Pilot.

Disney wasn’t the place for Star Wars, so George had to go to FOX. But Lucas learned a valuable lesson from Walt: always control the characters and marketing plans for merchandise. It made Lucas a billionaire.

Eventually, like other Hollywood Studios after 1977, Disney played catch up with Star Wars.  The Black Hole, in 1979, was their answer. It was a great attempt, and paid homage to Star Wars, but couldn’t match the box office results. 

In 2012, George Lucas sold his company - Lucasfilm, Ltd. - to Disney for $4 billion. He’s earmarked the majority of that money for philanthropic purposes, and for assisting and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and artists, just as Disney did for him.

George Lucas never got to meet Walt Disney, but we’re sure that Walt would have been very proud of this fellow visionary filmmaker and creator of fantastic worlds.

Chris Lucas is the author of Top Disney: 100 Top Ten Lists of the Best of Disney, from the Man to the Mouse and Beyond.

Spielberg Will Not Direct Indy 5, According to Variety

by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

February 26, 2020

Apparently, this is the week for mega-surprising announcements related to The Walt Disney Company. First, it was Bob Chapek replacing Bob Iger as CEO, and now Variety is reporting that Steven Spielberg has decided not to direct the next Indiana Jones movie.

Variety notes that director James Mangold, who was at the helm of Ford v. Ferrari, likely will replace Spielberg behind the camera with “Indiana Jones 5.” Though that has not been finalized.

Of course, this raises questions about possible further delays for this movie, which originally was slated for a release in July 2019. I have written at DisneyBizJournal before wondering why Disney seems to be lagging on the Indiana Jones front – see What’s Up with Script Delays and Indiana Jones? (July 23, 2018) and What the Heck is Disney Doing with Indiana Jones? (October 25, 2018).

Now, only one of the “Big 3” on Indiana Jones will be directly involved with “Indy 5.” While Spielberg reportedly plans to be a “hands-on” producer, George Lucas isn’t involved. That leaves only Harrison Ford returning in the role of Indiana Jones. 

Let’s hope Mangold can capture the Indiana Jones magic, while at the same time, avoiding further major delays.

Geez, Disney, anything else you want to tell us this week?

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution and the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.