If you get a chance, run over to Lucasfilm.com's main site, and take a turn through this interesting page. Many of us know by now that ILM is one of the, if not the most premier effects designers and consultants in Hollywood or anywhere else, for that matter. They wrote the book, they got the statues, and they blossomed into their own high-tech eye-popping industry. Which also means we probably know they have their fingers in a moose-load of pies.

As I go through the list, I see a multitude of Academy Awards and nominations from both sides of the pond. I see films and television shows that frankly I don't remember seeing visual effects in - which is telling, because it means they were seamless. ILM can blow your mind or be completely innocuous, whatever mood you're in, it seems.

Certainly I was aware of the Spielberg connection, and it makes sense that nearly every film he's made has been supported by this Lucasfilm division. It also is no small surprise that they have intersected with Harrison Ford's career on at least 7 major film projects. They have been involved in the entire spectrum - flops, bombs, blockbusters, groundbreakers, and soaring cinematic tales that became instant classics.

Perhaps most surprising to me is the most embarassing. I have always also been a semi-halfway closet-Trekkie. I remember thinking, back when their films were actually entertaining, how amazed I was at their special effects. They were so different, so fresh. I compared them to the venerable Star Wars and found it hard to tell which I liked more. I was torn between two franchises...well at least for a short time, in the expansive gulf between the Original Trilogy and the Prequel Trilogy. What can I say... I got lonely. Meese have needs, too, you know.

But as I go through this list, I see my favorite Star Trek movies and episodes, the stunning "Trek-esque" effects that I found so unique...were supported by none other than our dear folks born of George Lucas and Star Wars - Industrial Light & Magic. They include:

STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN
STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK
STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - "Journey to Farpoint"
STAR TREK ATTRACTION - Universal Studios Tour
STAR TREK VI (for which they garnered an Academy Award Nomination for Best Visual Effects)
...and even one Star Trek parody
GALAXY QUEST

Now I don't know to what extent they produced effects for these projects, but just the fact that they were involved in part or in whole speaks volumes to me. That a competing film franchise, from an occasionally competitive studio, would contract ILM, a division of Lucasfilm LTD., shows the respect and admiration they've achieved in their industry.

Their upcoming projects are just as interesting to note, not just for their involvement, but it's a nice peek into upcoming or present blockbusters. You know that if ILM is in the works, these films are probably worth checking out...after you've seen Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith for the umpteenth time, of course:

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE Disney
POSEIDON Warner Bros.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST Disney
ANTARCTICA Disney
RENT Revolution
HERBIE: FULLY LOADED Disney
WAR OF THE WORLDS Paramount/DreamWorks SKG
JARHEAD Universal
THE ISLAND DreamWorks SKG/Warner Bros. (starring our pal Ewan McGregor)
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE Warner Bros.

But of all their accomplishments, accolades, awards, associations and artistry, one film stands out above all others. One film surpasses this long list of prestigious and successful releases. No, certainly not Star Trek. Not Jurassic Park, not Minority Report, not E.T., not even Star Wars. Yes, I said it - not even Star Wars....

THE ADVENTURES OF ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE

If you see one film in your whole life about the touching love story between a moose and a squirrel, see this one.

As always, this moose is not yet rated.

DM out