The Ewok Adventure (1985)

The Ewok Adventure Poster

The Towani family civilian shuttlecraft crashes on the forest moon of Endor. The four Towani's are separated. Jermitt and Catarine, the mother and father are captured by the giant Gorax, and Mace and Cindel, the son and daughter, are missing when they are captured. The next day, the Ewok Deej is looking for his two sons when they find Cindel all alone in the shuttle (Mace and Cindel were looking for the transmitter to send a distress call), when Mace appears with his emergency blaster. Eventually, the four-year old Cindel is able to convince the teenage Mace that the Ewoks are nice. Then, the Ewoks and the Towani's go on an adventure to find the elder Towanis.

Film Overview
Likewise referred to as 'Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure', the 1985 movie 'The Ewok Adventure' is a made-for-television spinoff from George Lucas's globally renowned 'Star Wars' franchise. Venturing into the family fantasy genre, the two-hour tv movie is directed by John Korty and includes a script by Bob Carrau, based upon a story by George Lucas. It represents a departure from the legendary space opera tone of the main Star Wars films and presents a heart-warming narrative focusing on the planet Endor's small, furry residents, the Ewoks.

Plot Summary
'The Ewok Adventure' revolves around the rescue quest of 2 siblings, Cindel, played by Aubree Miller and Mace Towani, depicted by Eric Walker, who discover themselves stranded on the moon of Endor following a spaceship crash. The pair set out looking for their moms and dads, who have actually been abducted by the moon's huge animals, the Gorax. Helping them in their objective are Endor's locals, the Ewoks, led by Wicket, a character initially included in 'Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi'.

Characters and Performances
While Aubree Miller's young impressionable character and Eric Walker's self-important older-brother representation shape the core of the movie, it is the Ewoks who steal the spotlight, beautifully communicating their intents and sensations without resorting to intelligible speech patterns. Warwick Davis, who represented Wicket in 'Return of the Jedi' reprises his role in the film.

Tone and Style
The tone of 'The Ewok Adventure' exemplifies a more child-friendly, fairy-tale-like environment, guiding far from the grand scale of conflict seen in the regular 'Star Wars' movies. It is loaded with wonderful components and a sense of whimsical adventure that conveniently locates itself in the world of kids's television programming. The film likewise impresses with its use of creature and set design, successfully duplicating the feel of an alien planet.

Public Reaction and Legacy
Though not as extensively celebrated as other 'Star Wars' offshoots, 'The Ewok Adventure' does hold a special place amongst a niche of fans, and it has been admired for its capitivating storytelling and ingenious use of puppeteering and animatronics. It was followed up by a sequel, 'Ewoks: The Battle for Endor', the following year.

Conclusion
'The Ewok Adventure' may not mirror the impressive scale related to its moms and dad franchise 'Star Wars', however it most definitely sculpts a distinct niche for itself within Lucasfilm's legendary universe. Its thematic concentrate on household, relationship, and bravery, juxtaposed with a fascinating, albeit eerie, alien environment shows an unique storytelling technique. Through befriending the regional Ewoks and utilizing their bravery and resourcefulness, Cindel and Mace embody the spirit of heroism and durability. Viewers are thus treated to an experience that's intimate, interesting, and perfectly heartwarming, all imbued with the magic of the 'Star Wars' universe.

Top Cast

  • Eric Walker (small)
    Eric Walker
    Mace Towani
  • Warwick Davis (small)
    Warwick Davis
    Wicket W. Warrick
  • Fionnula Flanagan (small)
    Fionnula Flanagan
    Catarine Towani
  • Guy Boyd (small)
    Guy Boyd
    Jeremitt Towani
  • Aubree Miller (small)
    Aubree Miller
    Cindel Towani
  • Burl Ives (small)
    Burl Ives
    Narrator (voice)
  • Daniel Frishman (small)
    Daniel Frishman
    Deej
  • Debbie Lee Carrington (small)
    Debbie Lee Carrington
    Weechee
  • Tony Cox (small)
    Tony Cox
    Widdle
  • Kevin Thompson (small)
    Kevin Thompson
    Chukha-Trok
  • Margarita Fernández
    Kainik