Opening this week

micky wrote: Atavachron wrote: It stunk.   Not Star Wars.   Plus I yawned three times. really? It WAS Star Wars, though with a less classic less convincing villain (really an..EMO-Vadar) but perhaps better overall good guys.   I caught myself nearly doing multiple fist pumps during various parts of the movie as two new leading characters (the chick and the pilot dude) kicked ass.

Yes, with the "Whoo-hoo!" that is now required for any cathartic moment in movies.

By "not Star Wars" I mean that it is like being in a different galaxy, one much more close to home.   But what made SW special was its exotic and quirky nature that set it apart from the clean, antiseptic visions of space life in 2001, Star Trek, or Logan's Run.   Plus SW takes place in the distant past, not the future.  

These were major breakthroughs for sci-fi storytelling.   I remember seeing the trailers for Episode 4 in 1977 and thinking 'Wow!-- finally someone has done something different in sci-fi/fantasy. And real ' ; Things were rusty, falling apart, covered in grime.   You could smell Star Wars.   And as a car enthusiast, that is exactly what Lucas wanted (he was going to be a mechanic if filmmaking didn't work out).   That whole mentality and style is gone and I don't see it returning unless the next one is made by someone who truly loves and understands the SW universe.   You can't just throw some familiar costumes and actors and voices around, slap the SW logo on, and think no one will notice.   The public at large love this new one, but the hardcore fans smell something rotten.  

Hey J.J., stick to ruining one sci-fi tradition at a time.




Edited by Atavachron - January 03 2016 at 17:48

It was like Neo Star Wars.

I quite liked the new Star Wars despite a few gripes. Don't expect to like Sisters as much if I see it (as much as I enjoy Amy's work on Parks and Rec). Alvin and the Chipmunks, on the other hand, is too good to even be considered in the same art form. It is the holy word of God and I won't stand for it being unfairly compared to two mere films.

^ me three.. but not for any damn movie. It was good... it wasn't THAT good.

I have wagers on whether cockroaches will be ruling the Earth by the time G.R.R. Martin finishes the Game of Thrones series of books... much less if HE lives long enough.

dr wu23 wrote:  If I live long enough I hope to see the next one in May 2017.

I dozed thru the first part of star wars but woke up for the second better half.

well well well

went to go see Force Awakens yesterday and though I had a few minor quibbles (another droid carrying secret plans on a desert planet and seemed pretty much a complete plot recyle of the 1st, and some continuity questions from the where the last left off) MORE MORE MORE than offset by the best film since Empire Strikes Back.  Characters you feel attached to, not just the old favorites but especially the new ones.  A major weakness of the prequel whose characters were often annoying at best and unlikeable at worst.  Along with some fabulous acting (especially that young female lead), and stunning visuals.  Big thumbs up from me!


Edited by micky - January 03 2016 at 07:54

just say no Jar Jar Binks or annoying little Anakins and I'll be happy....

None. I couldn't care less for new Star Wars, as I didn't really care for old Star Wars.

none of the above