Dark Legacy opens with a shot of a solar system. The “camera” descends to one of the planets. Then we find out it’s a Star Wars short. Because, until that point, director Pietromonaco could be doing anything. He’s just showcasing the visuals. Not showing off. Showcasing. It’s such a nice difference.
Anyway, back on the planet Erin Wu has to kill Fabien Garcia (he’s in a Sith mask, with Dave Thomas doing the voice). Neither of the Dave Thomases you’re thinking of. Different one. Wu doesn’t have many lines (if any), while Thomas has evil Darth Vader knock-off monologues. Even though the production values are strong, Pietromonaco starts to lose pace. There’s a lot of exposition, a lot of distraction.
And then comes the lightsaber duel. It’s in pitch black with the opponents turning off their lightsabers for subterfuge. Almost all of the fight choreography is great–Wu does an inexplicable kick–but otherwise, it’s awesome. Pietromonaco puts the viewer behind the lightsaber, but without making it cheap. Instead it’s graceful and lovely; the editing is fantastic. And without a credited editor. Pietromonaco perhaps?
But then the reality of being a Star Wars short returns and Dark Legacy starts to drag again. But it doesn’t go too long. Pietromonaco never rushes it, but the finale is brisk. It’s either visually stunning or it’s brisk. Never both.
The lightsaber duel in Dark Legacy is fantastic and it doesn’t go on too long afterwards to make you want to stop it.
Recommended
CREDITS
Directed by Anthony Pietromonaco; screenplay by Pietromonaco, based on a story by Pietromonaco and Alex Chinnici; director of photography, Chinnici; music by Michael Meinhart; produced by Chadd Dorak.
Starring Erin Wu (Kia) and Fabien Garcia & Dave Thomas (The Master).
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