Family Guy Presents: Something, Something, Something, Dark Side (2009)

Film Overview
"Family Guy Presents: Something, Something, Something, Dark Side" is an animated parody movie that aired in 2009. This direct-to-video movie, which is a follow up to "Blue Harvest" and is the 2nd part in a trilogy, takes its main inspiration from the iconic science-fiction movie, "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back". It is directed by Dominic Polcino and composed by Kirker Butler. The movie maintains its profane take on pop culture by focusing on the Griffin family's zany experiences.

Plot Summary
The movie follows Peter Griffin as Han Solo, his other half Lois as Princess Leia, their son Chris as Luke Skywalker, their baby Stewie as Darth Vader, the household pet Brian as Chewbacca, and household good friend Quagmire as C-3PO. In the opening, Luke Skywalker (Chris), continues his training to end up being a Jedi however winds up colliding with a Star Destroyer and lands in the snow, unconscious. Chris is checked out by the at-the-market variation of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Herbert), informing him to go to Dagobah to train under Yoda. He follows the order and trains under Yoda (Carl) who teaches him the method of the Jedi.

While Luke is following his fate, the Millenium Falcon (Peter's ship) is damaged, eventually obstructed and drew into Darth Vader, Stewie's ship. With the assistance of other rebels (Cleveland and Joe), the Griffin household leave the ship, however not prior to Darth Vader, Stewie reveals to Luke, Chris, that he is his dad. Scarred by this revelation, Luke fights off Vader's stormtroopers and escapes.

Humor and Satire
"Family Guy Presents: Something, Something, Something, Dark Side" is gloriously over the top, loaded with popular culture referrals and twisted humor. The humor is mainly satirical with a strong focus on buffooning the sci-fi genre. The show's hallmark cutaways and flashbacks are prevalent throughout, providing continuous laughs. It makes tongue-in-cheek nods to other famous movies and series like Rocky, The Cosby Show, and Batman.

Voice Acting and Animation
The voice performing of the Family Guy cast is top-notch as normal. Seth MacFarlane does an outstanding task playing numerous characters, particularly Peter as Han Solo and Stewie as Darth Vader. The animation continues with the familiar Family Guy design, with components of the Star Wars universe contributed to maintain the parody-like environment.

Crucial Reception
The movie was met with usually favorable reviews for its humor, voice acting, and animation. Critics applauded the film's creativity, its smart and hilarious take on the Star Wars universe, and the efficiencies of the voice cast. Nevertheless, some felt that the humor was too repulsive and the plot too random at times. While the film does need some knowledge of both Family Guy and Star Wars, even viewers not familiar with one or both can still appreciate the comedy.

Overall, "Family Guy Presents: Something, Something, Something, Dark Side" is a fun, satirical, and handsomely made parody movie that provides an entirely various, irreverent take on a cherished classic.

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