Star Wars: The Force Awakens Discussion (HERE THERE BE SPOILERS)
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Picked up the Blu-ray this afternoon. This was my second viewing. I still think this movie is a cliched festival of pandering to the original trilogy, but it's hard to argue with the fact that it's just plain FUN. I think, having accepted that there isn't a new thought presented anywhere in the film, just retreads of ideas from ANH-ESB-ROTJ, I'm able to finally get past that and just enjoy what's in front of me.
All three of our new major characters are well handled, and Maz and BB-8 steal every scene they are in. Also, there are some wonderful visual touches that I missed the first time. Most notably for me, during the climactic bridge confrontation, is the Starkiller literally putting out the sun just before Kylo makes his big play. Darkness completely consuming the last spark of light. Visual metaphor well played.
Final verdict, now that I've seen it twice? Fun. Maybe so fun that it overcomes the navel-gazing nostalgia fetishism. Maybe.
All three of our new major characters are well handled, and Maz and BB-8 steal every scene they are in. Also, there are some wonderful visual touches that I missed the first time. Most notably for me, during the climactic bridge confrontation, is the Starkiller literally putting out the sun just before Kylo makes his big play. Darkness completely consuming the last spark of light. Visual metaphor well played.
Final verdict, now that I've seen it twice? Fun. Maybe so fun that it overcomes the navel-gazing nostalgia fetishism. Maybe.
I wouldn't go that far. The film borrowed a lot of ideas not only from the OT but also from the old EU as well, but there are a couple of "original" things here and there if you really look for them. Of course, I say that as someone lacking an encyclopedic knowledge of the old EU, so it's possible I only took them as original because I don't know the source. For example, Kylo Ren immobilizing a blaster bolt in midair. That wasn't in ANH, TESB or ROTJ. Also, getting Force visions from a lightsaber wasn't in the movies until TFA, though psychometry was a Force power in the EU.
And if we're going to talk about retreads of previous story ideas, ROTJ is a lot like ANH. Another Death Star. Another visit to Tatooine. Another mention of and/or look at Jabba the Hutt. Another group of exotic and strange aliens. Another tactical briefing on how to destroy that Death Star. Another Rebel starfighter strike where most of the pilots are killed before the Millennium Falcon helps save the day at the last moment.
And you know what? It's still an awesome film that makes the most of those similarities and gives you enough that's radically different and groundbreaking to feel like a different and unique story with its own merits and emotional rewards. TFA is a rehash of many elements from the original film, but that's not necessarily a bad thing so long as that rehash was executed well and the film was entertaining. And it was.
And you know what? It's still an awesome film that makes the most of those similarities and gives you enough that's radically different and groundbreaking to feel like a different and unique story with its own merits and emotional rewards. TFA is a rehash of many elements from the original film, but that's not necessarily a bad thing so long as that rehash was executed well and the film was entertaining. And it was.
And I would go that far. And have. And will again. Not an original idea to be had. That said, disagreement is to be expected, especially with something like Star Wars. And I'm not going to criticize anyone who enjoyed the movie, or frankly, anything else in entertainment. Just didn't work for me. At all.
The redundant nature of ROTJ is not lost on me. That movie also has other real, serious problems. The redundant nature of TFA, and the fact it's obsessive nostalgia callbacks take me out of the movie and make me roll my eyes and yawn, seriously hurts the film, in my eyes. As I said, it's still a fun film, and that feeling almost overcomes the fact that it's obvious, nostalgia fueled marketing strategies are plastered over it more blatantly than neon in Times Square. But I can't agree that it was executed well, because it wasn't. At its soulless worst it is less a narrative than it is a retrospective collage of the OT. That's what it wants the audience reveling in, that's what it wants to be treated as. At it's best it's a solid action piece with some talented actors and high end production values.
For me, the one maybe, almost overcomes the other. But only just. You obviously feel differently. But I'm not you, and I've no wish to be. The movie was fun garbage. Which of those matters more to each and everyone I leave to them.
I already mentioned several. So you can keep insisting they didn't happen, but we call that being in denial.
And I don't get why this isn't happening already, Ewan said he would do it, the audience mostly loved him as Obi-Wan, for me it's a no-brainer.
Maybe they want to get Rogue One released and production on the Han Solo movie underway before they commit to an Obi-Wan film. Or like was said above they could just be taking a long time to work on the script so it's as good a movie as possible and won't make an official announcement until its finished and casting is about to begin.
Poe would be the world's greatest drinking buddy. Who wouldn't want to go pub crawling with that guy?
I can't wait for the blu ray to be released in Germany!
This is why I like to call him Bro Dameron.
Poe would be the world's greatest drinking buddy. Who wouldn't want to go pub crawling with that guy?
This is why I like to call him Bro Dameron.
Poe Dameron is the guy we all wish we knew but hope would take the time to hang out with us. I think he would. He seems like the kind of person who bonds quickly with complete strangers and in awkward situations.
I've already seen a few people take cheap shots at the film winning MTV Movie Awards by making sarcastic comments, but it's still an award for excellence as voted on by the public. It may not be an Oscar or a Golden Globe but they're awards that will be acknowledged alongside the film's other positive honors.
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I watched it a third time tonight, and found even more to love about it. It is my opinion that Daisy Ridley is the best new Star Wars breakout star. I love Finn, love Poe, but Rey is the winner of the best new Star Wars character award.
I completely agree and I can't wait to see where they take the character.
That's just because MTV is garbage.
First Blu Rey viewing!!! Still love the movie!!!
It was particularly exciting to have captions for the first time. I loved that they even included minor background dialogue like the Stormtroopers talking with each other. And this time I actually managed to hear Frank Oz and Ewan McGregor!!!
I'm convinced that Kylo is the one who saved Rey at the Jedi Academy, mind-wiped her, and dumped her on Jakku now. The visions do seem to show Kylo killing a guy who was attacking Lil'Rey.
So, what the hell is up with only 4.5 minutes of cut scenes? I thought there was like 20 minutes or something. Where's Unkarr Plutt getting his arms ripped off by Chewie????
It was particularly exciting to have captions for the first time. I loved that they even included minor background dialogue like the Stormtroopers talking with each other. And this time I actually managed to hear Frank Oz and Ewan McGregor!!!
I'm convinced that Kylo is the one who saved Rey at the Jedi Academy, mind-wiped her, and dumped her on Jakku now. The visions do seem to show Kylo killing a guy who was attacking Lil'Rey.
So, what the hell is up with only 4.5 minutes of cut scenes? I thought there was like 20 minutes or something. Where's Unkarr Plutt getting his arms ripped off by Chewie????
