Will the Force Awakens age well

[Dales]

Okay I liked the film but I was not wowed by it. I rated it a 7/10 which is pretty a good score but I am aware of the hate some to many fans have for the film which is expected as you can please everyone but something struck me yesterday.

I saw articles that began to surface online about JJ Abrams defending the film from accusations that it was a rip off of a new hope which leads me to ask the big question. when this film is revisited in about 5 to 10 years will the film have aged well?

right now people are swept away by the nostalgia and the love of seeing this characters again after 30 plus years but that will fade away soon and we will begin to look at the film with clearer heads, I have a feeling that when that happens many peoples opinions will change.

I have seen the film twice and the first time I saw the film I gave it an 8/10 when I saw the film for the second time I gave it a 7/10.

 

[Ithekro]

It aging well will depend greatly on Episode VIII and IX, as the plot seems more integrated than the previous two trilogies. At least on the surface, tighter than even the end of The Empire Strikes Back and the start of Return of the Jedi.

The Empire Strikes Back wasn't as well thought of until the cliffhangers were resolved in Return of the Jedi. The Force Awakens cliffhangers and other plot points will need resolution before one will know if it will age well.

I can say that it see is enjoyable for myself after two viewings. I know some don't like the movie from a literary point of view. But others that aren't as into strict guidelines for the Heroes' Journey and the like seem to enjoy the movie as entertaining. The humor of the Original Trilogy returned which was something lacking, for the most part, I the Prequels. The stories were serious as were the characters, and it didn't help the enjoyment factor even with Jar Jar or C-3PO being used for comic relief. Obi-wan I think got all the good one liners that worked, aside from a few in Attack of the Clones between Padme and Anakin during the battle.

 

[-Brett-]

It aging well will depend greatly on Episode VIII and IX, as the plot seems more integrated than the previous two trilogies. At least on the surface, tighter than even the end of The Empire Strikes Back and the start of Return of the Jedi.

The Empire Strikes Back wasn't as well thought of until the cliffhangers were resolved in Return of the Jedi. The Force Awakens cliffhangers and other plot points will need resolution before one will know if it will age well.

I can say that it see is enjoyable for myself after two viewings. I know some don't like the movie from a literary point of view. But others that aren't as into strict guidelines for the Heroes' Journey and the like seem to enjoy the movie as entertaining. The humor of the Original Trilogy returned which was something lacking, for the most part, I the Prequels. The stories were serious as were the characters, and it didn't help the enjoyment factor even with Jar Jar or C-3PO being used for comic relief. Obi-wan I think got all the good one liners that worked, aside from a few in Attack of the Clones between Padme and Anakin during the battle.

This, pretty much. If episodes 8 and 9 are well received, the movie that introduced the cast will be remembered well. Otherwise, not so much.

 

[MacLeod]

Only time will tell. Sure it's decent enough even if it is derivative of ANH. But it's hard to say what will and won't stand the test of time.

But different age groups might see it differently, it is after all SW for a new generation in some respects. Those that grew up with the OT might be harsh critics in 5-10 years than those for whom it is their introduction to the SW universe.

 

[Joel_Kirk]

For me: I had a 'bad feeling' about things after seeing The Phantom Menace in the theaters. I actually was more enthused and impressed by The Matrix, which came out the same year. (I think I saw The Matrix 3 or 4 times in the theater, while only seeing The Phantom Menace once). I didn't see Episodes II and III in theaters, I only saw them on DVD or some means on television or tape.

I think TFA will stand the test of time if Episodes 8 and 9 do their job and be strong follow-ups. I'm actually just finding out that ESB wasn't looked at favorably when it initially came out, yet the film is considered the best of the trilogy...and a very good film altogether.

 

[Kor]

TFA brought back the magic of Star Wars, which was sorely lacking in the prequel trilogy. While I wish it had taken a little more risk, and I felt that it mainly served as a setup for a sequel, I have immensely enjoyed TFA every time that I have watched it. There was touching character interaction, natural humor, and character development befitting a classic "hero's journey." I actually cared about what happened to the protagonists. The battles had a certain emotional immediacy and intensity that I haven't seen since the original trilogy.

Contrast this the prequel trilogy, and all its wooden acting, horrid dialog, nonsensical character motivations, groan-inducing toilet humor, messy plots, style over substance, and over-the-top effects sequences that drown out the characters and make you feel like you're watching a video game cut scene for two hours... I hate the prequel trilogy with a vengeance. I HATE IT!!!

Kor

 

[The Doctor]

The performances of the four new leads and the humour will make sure this film ages well, IMHO.

 

[Corran Horn]

I think so - I even think the coming later films have the potential to raise it up due to coming payoffs, etc.

 

[Set Harth]

I'm actually just finding out that ESB wasn't looked at favorably when it initially came out

It was looked at extremely favorably by kids at the time. Perhaps some critics thought differently? There's no accounting for taste, as they say.

 

[Joel_Kirk]

It was looked at extremely favorably by kids at the time. Perhaps some critics thought differently? There's no accounting for taste, as they say.

Oh, today's critics kiss the movie's butt.

Chris Stuckman did a video recently where he showed some previous reviews of ESB and, as a kid at the time, it was a solid movie then. And I loved the music score. (Nothing has changed).

It just goes to show critics aren't always 'in the know.' Yeah, they're doing their job and giving their opinions on what works and what doesn't...but the film will live on if it's solid or keeps people coming back for more.

I also recall a book I saw at the library years ago, I forget the name, where ESB was listed as a 'cult film' (i.e. a film that is embedded in social consciousness and is a film that people return to - a film like Rocky Horror, for instance). Even though I assumed everyone saw and knew about ESB, I didn't see it as a cult film for some reason. I think in 2016, with people getting introduced to Star Wars through TFA, I still don't see the cult film tag being relevant.

 

[Mr. Adventure]

I enjoyed my sole viewing but the thought has crossed my mind about how it would hold up over time. I also wondered if it would generate any memorable lines. Say what you will about them everyone knows about Tosche Station, shooting womprats, being a bit short for a stormtrooper and so on.

 

[{ Emilia }]

Wait, "Escape now, hug later" isn't an instant classic?

 

[Joel_Kirk]

I enjoyed my sole viewing but the thought has crossed my mind about how it would hold up over time. I also wondered if it would generate any memorable lines. Say what you will about them everyone knows about Tosche Station, shooting womprats, being a bit short for a stormtrooper and so on.

I think it still took some time, though. For instance, only recently, online, did the 'It's a trap!' become a favorite meme in regards to anything shady a person might be walking into (e.g. a situation with the significant other or a situation one may regret in the future, etc.).

Family Guy, like it or hate it, did their bit with certain Star Wars elements; putting images and lines back into the public consciousness.

"Chewie, we're home!" is a memorable line, imo. I'm sure there will be more after the trilogy is done.

 

[TRON JA307020]

Okay I liked the film but I was not wowed by it. I rated it a 7/10 which is pretty a good score but I am aware of the hate some to many fans have for the film which is expected as you can please everyone but something struck me yesterday.

I saw articles that began to surface online about JJ Abrams defending the film from accusations that it was a rip off of a new hope which leads me to ask the big question. when this film is revisited in about 5 to 10 years will the film have aged well?

right now people are swept away by the nostalgia and the love of seeing this characters again after 30 plus years but that will fade away soon and we will begin to look at the film with clearer heads, I have a feeling that when that happens many peoples opinions will change.

I have seen the film twice and the first time I saw the film I gave it an 8/10 when I saw the film for the second time I gave it a 7/10.

I always thought the originals aged very well even ANH so since the look of TFA is based on the OT I think it will be fine. I have to admit the only reason I even liked the original is because of Han and Chewie. Nostalgia got me. new characters were ok but they just weren't as great as the originals. Well I actually really liked Poe Dameron but he was hardly in it.

 

[Dude]

I think it still took some time, though. For instance, only recently, online, did the 'It's a trap!' become a favorite meme in regards to anything shady a person might be walking into (e.g. a situation with the significant other or a situation one may regret in the future, etc.).

Family Guy, like it or hate it, did their bit with certain Star Wars elements; putting images and lines back into the public consciousness.

"Chewie, we're home!" is a memorable line, imo. I'm sure there will be more after the trilogy is done.

I wonder if Family Guy will ever do the PT?

 

[Kor]

I also recall a book I saw at the library years ago, I forget the name, where ESB was listed as a 'cult film' (i.e. a film that is embedded in social consciousness and is a film that people return to - a film like Rocky Horror, for instance). Even though I assumed everyone saw and knew about ESB, I didn't see it as a cult film for some reason. I think in 2016, with people getting introduced to Star Wars through TFA, I still don't see the cult film tag being relevant.

I always thought the term "cult film" applied to oddball movies with a niche following, like Barbarella, Plan 9 from Outer Space, and Attack of the Giant Leeches. The Empire Strikes Back is too much of a mainstream blockbuster for that. The Star Wars Holiday Special would fit the "cult" category better than any of the theatrical Star Wars releases.

Kor

 

[davejames]

I admit I wasn't blown away by the movie either (not to the degree I was watching The Matrix or even Fury Road for the first time, for example), but I still enjoyed the movie quite a bit and think a lot of the greater character moments and action sequences I loved the best will eventually come to overshadow some of the plot stuff that felt a bit too tired and familiar.

And personally for me, I don't think the "nostalgia" of seeing Han Solo's final adventure, or the Falcon or Chewie or Luke Skywalker for the first time in 30 years, will ever really fade away. Abrams just got those things WAY too right for that to ever happen, I think.

 

[fireproof78]

"Will it age well?"
*thinks*

I think so, and not just for the nostalgia. Even if this were the first Star Wars film, I think it would age well. For me, it has to do with the story (which is relatively simple in its plot points) and the strength of the characters. The first Star Wars was pretty black and white, and didn't really delve in to the gray areas until later on. TFA feels like there is more tension and conflict between the characters, even between the villains. Hux and Kylo are competing against each other, Rey is in a conflict with herself, and even Finn has his internal struggles.

I agree with a lot of the posts that say that it will depend on the next two films as to how well they finish the story, but thus far, I think TFA will stand out among the strongest contenders in the Star Wars franchise. Not for nostalgia, but because the characters are so dynamic.

 

[Kor]

It was looked at extremely favorably by kids at the time. Perhaps some critics thought differently? There's no accounting for taste, as they say.

Upon ESB's initial release, Vincent Canby of the New York Times seemed underwhelmed: http://www.nytimes.com/library/film/061580empire.html

I'm not as bothered by the film's lack of resolution as I am about my suspicion that I really don't care.

Kor

 

[TremblingBluStar]

Upon ESB's initial release, Vincent Canby of the New York Times seemed underwhelmed: http://www.nytimes.com/library/film/061580empire.html

No offence to Mr. Canby, but this:

Gone from "The Empire Strikes Back" are those associations that so enchanted us in "Star Wars," reminders of everything from the Passion of Jesus and the stories of Beowulf and King Arthur to those of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, the Oz books, Buck Rogers and Peanuts.

sounds like he disapproves of the film because it isn't another Star Wars.

I think Empire would not be remembered as fondly if Jedi weren't such a colossal dud story-wise. The kid in me is still wowed by Jedi's effects, but the adult in me, after seeing the prequels, feels like Jedi was Lucas' attempt to take back the franchise.