Production Background
Development and Release
"Something Something Darkside" was released on December 22, 2008. The film was directed by Dominic Polcino and written by the show's creator Seth MacFarlane, along with his writing team. The project was developed as part of a series of Family Guy specials that reimagined famous films through the lens of the show's signature humor.
- Production Timeline:
1. Initial Announcement: Following the success of "Blue Harvest," the creators decided to produce a sequel.
2. Writing Phase: The script was developed to maintain the show's comedic style while incorporating Star Wars references.
3. Voice Recording: Cast members returned to voice their characters, providing continuity and a sense of familiarity for fans.
Animation Style
The animation style of "Something Something Darkside" remains consistent with the Family Guy series. It features the same cutaway gags, vibrant colors, and exaggerated character designs that fans have come to love. This familiarity allows viewers to easily immerse themselves in the film's story, even as it parodies a classic movie.
Plot Overview
The story follows Peter Griffin, who takes on the role of Han Solo, and his family and friends as they navigate their way through a parody of the Star Wars universe. The narrative closely mirrors that of "The Empire Strikes Back," with several key plot points and character arcs reimagined in a humorous light.
Main Plot Points
- The Rebel Alliance: The film opens with the Rebel Alliance under attack from the Empire, showcasing the comedic dynamics between characters like Princess Leia (Lois Griffin) and Luke Skywalker (Chris Griffin).
- The Dark Side: Stewie Griffin plays the role of Darth Vader, bringing his trademark wit and dark humor to the character.
- Character Relationships: The film explores relationships among characters, including the love story between Leia and Han and the complex father-son dynamic between Vader and Luke, albeit with a comedic twist.
Character Analysis
Key Characters
The characters in "Something Something Darkside" are essential to its success, as they not only parody their original Star Wars counterparts but also add depth through their unique Family Guy traits.
- Peter Griffin as Han Solo: Peter embodies Han's cocky demeanor and bravado, often finding himself in ridiculous situations that highlight his foolishness.
- Lois Griffin as Princess Leia: Lois brings a strong yet comedic presence to the role of Leia, often contrasting Peter's antics with her level-headedness.
- Stewie Griffin as Darth Vader: Stewie's intelligence and malevolence make for a perfect Darth Vader, as he often delivers menacing lines with a childlike charm.
- Brian Griffin as Obi-Wan Kenobi: Brian's laid-back attitude and cynical outlook serve as a humorous counterpart to the Jedi mentor role.
Supporting Characters
The film also features a range of supporting characters who contribute to the comedic narrative:
- Chris Griffin as Luke Skywalker: Chris's obliviousness and awkwardness provide a humorous take on Luke's heroic journey.
- Cleveland Brown as Lando Calrissian: Cleveland's character adds another layer of comedy as he navigates his relationship with Leia and the Rebel Alliance.
- Quagmire as Boba Fett: Quagmire's over-the-top personality translates well into the role of Boba Fett, bringing his signature catchphrases and antics to the character.
Thematic Elements
Humor and Satire
"Something Something Darkside" excels in its use of humor and satire, poking fun at not only the Star Wars franchise but also various pop culture references. The film showcases Family Guy's characteristic cutaway gags, which often interrupt the main narrative to deliver a punchline or highlight absurdity.
- Pop Culture References: The film is rich with references to other films, TV shows, and cultural phenomena, which adds an additional layer of humor for viewers who are well-versed in pop culture.
- Social Commentary: Beyond mere parody, the film often provides commentary on themes such as heroism, family dynamics, and the nature of good versus evil.
Character Development
Character development is another important aspect of "Something Something Darkside." Throughout the film, characters experience growth and change, albeit in a humorous context.
- Peter's Journey: As the story progresses, Peter learns about responsibility and teamwork, albeit while making foolish decisions along the way.
- Stewie's Ambitions: Stewie's desire for power and control is explored, showcasing his character's complexity and the darker sides of his personality.
Reception and Impact
Fan Reception
Upon its release, "Something Something Darkside" received a positive reception from fans of the Family Guy series. Many appreciated the film's clever humor, engaging story, and the way it honored the Star Wars franchise while simultaneously parodying it.
- Viewer Ratings: The film garnered high ratings on various platforms, indicating its popularity among audiences.
- Cult Following: Like many Family Guy productions, "Something Something Darkside" has developed a cult following, with fans quoting lines and referencing scenes long after its release.
Critical Response
Critics had a mixed but generally favorable response to the film. While some praised its humor and creativity, others felt that it relied too heavily on shock value and cutaway gags.
- Positive Reviews: Many critics noted the film's clever writing and the successful integration of Star Wars lore.
- Negative Critiques: Some pointed out that the film may not resonate with viewers who are not fans of Family Guy or the Star Wars franchise.
Conclusion
"Family Guy Something Something Darkside Online" stands as a testament to the show's ability to blend humor with pop culture in a unique and entertaining way. Through its clever parody of "The Empire Strikes Back," the film continues the tradition of Family Guy's irreverent storytelling and character-driven comedy. As part of the broader Family Guy legacy, it showcases the series' enduring appeal and its ability to attract both fans of the animated series and those who enjoy satirical takes on beloved franchises. Whether you are a die-hard Star Wars fan or a casual viewer, "Something Something Darkside" offers a delightful experience that is sure to leave you laughing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side' about?
'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side' is a parody of 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back' featuring the characters from the animated series 'Family Guy'.
Where can I watch 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side' online?
You can watch 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side' on streaming platforms like Hulu or Amazon Prime Video, or you may rent it from services like Google Play or iTunes.
Is 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side' suitable for children?
No, 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side' contains mature humor and themes, making it more suitable for adult audiences.
Who are the main characters in 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side'?
Main characters include Peter Griffin as Han Solo, Stewie Griffin as Darth Vader, and Brian as Chewbacca, among others.
What makes 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side' different from other Star Wars parodies?
It uniquely blends 'Family Guy's' signature humor and pop culture references with the storyline of 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back', creating an irreverent take on the original material.
How does 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side' compare to the first Star Wars parody by Family Guy?
It builds on the success of 'Family Guy: Blue Harvest', offering a more refined comedic take on the sequel while maintaining the same satirical style and humor.
When was 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side' released?
'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side' was released on December 22, 2009, as part of the series’ ongoing Star Wars parodies.
Are there any notable guest voices in 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side'?
Yes, notable guest voices include actors like Carrie Fisher reprising her role as Leia Organa and James Woods as the character of Jaws.
What is the critical reception of 'Family Guy: Something, Something, Dark Side'?
It received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise for its humor and animation, but some criticism for its handling of the source material.
