I wouldn't go that far with Disney. They are off to a good start yes but I have mixed feelings on how they handle this. Disney is all about profit first. I want to see how things go 2-3 years from now before I say they're right for the franchise.
The Star Wars Episode VII Thread *DO NOT POST ANY SPOILERS IN THIS THREAD*
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I wouldn't go that far with Disney. They are off to a good start yes but I have mixed feelings on how they handle this. Disney is all about profit first. I want to see how things go 2-3 years from now before I say they're right for the franchise.
I quite enjoyed the film, but I've only seen it once, so my impressions aren't finalized.
My initial thoughts are that the script at times seems penned by a super Star Wars fanboy. There's an atmosphere of modernity that permeates the entire film, particularly from Finn and Poe. In fact, they seem the most earth-like people in the entire movie. This however blends well with the idea that decades have passed since Episode 6, and this is the story of a new generation of heroes and villains.
I loved so many of the shots in the film. They tried to give us a sense of how epic and grand this story is with ultra wide shots, showing characters and ships as tiny little objects in the frames. They were gorgeous. And the music was fantastic, but oddly distracting in some scenes.
Now for some thoughts on the various characters in the movie:
Kylo Ren
I thought it was scary and simultaneously hilarious how he wrecks everything and loses his s*** when he gets pissed. The man is just as unstable as his lightsaber. And speaking of which, why was there no mention of him constructing his lightsaber? (side note: I liked how he used his lightsaber's vents to hurt Finn during their battle).
At any rate, I wish we got to see some of Leia's gusto in him, or Han's bravado in there, and not just Anakin's characteristics and personality traits. He is brooding, emotive, and intimidating, not to mention powerful in the use of the Force.
The scene when he kills his father was odd to me. I didn't believe that he was truly struggling with the choice to come back to the Light side, despite his admission that he was (and of course, despite the obvious cue of the lighting/darkening from the sun). This is one scene I'm going to examine more carefully on my next viewing.
I wish the movie showed us more about how Ben became Kylo, but perhaps we'll get another prequel/sequel trilogy that fills in the gap between Episodes 6/7?
Lastly, I can't wait to see how he changes between this film and the next.
Rey
Isn't Rey just perfect for the Star Wars universe? There was a scene where the camera tightens on her face, and she gives this steely gaze with her piercing eyes. That scene really captures how Rey grew from a naive, wide-eyed scavenger into a powerful Jedi, just within the events of this movie. Rey in many ways reminds me of Luke, and perhaps this is not just coincidence, but then again, maybe there is no genealogical connection - just a Force-based one?
Rey's vision when she first touched the lightsaber was incredible. But then again, it seemed like it was more like a teaser trailer for the next movie.
I loved how Rey was a gear-head. It's a necessary skill as a scavenger. But when the heck did she learn how to fly?
Poe Dameron
When Finn said Poe "didn't make it," I honestly thought Poe was dead. How does a person get ejected from a Tie Fighter while getting stripped of his jacket? So when he re-appeared in his Black X-Wing, I thought, "POE IS A CLONE?!" But NOPE. Poe did indeed get ejected from his Tie, and somehow got stripped of his jacket.
Poe may not be a clone, but I believe he IS strong with the Force. We haven't seen a pilot like Poe since Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars. And although Poe couldn't fully resist Kylo's interrogation, I think everyone's use of the Force may manifest differently. Then again, maybe it's just wishful thinking.
Finn
The sweatiest dude in the Galaxy is also one of the best characters in the Star Wars universe. Did you notice how Finn seemed to sense Kylo Ren even before Kylo's command shuttle came into view? Did you notice Kylo staring at Finn for some time before leaving the scene? Did you notice how Finn also somehow drew himself to Poe, and then to Rey? I believe Finn is also a Force user. He doesn't have a strong a grasp on it, but he's got some knack of hooking up with people I believe are Force users as well. Then again, Han was the same way as well, and Han wasn't a Force user.
BB-8
This little droid was wonderful, and I must have a full-sized statue of him in my house.
Phasma
Let's face it. Phasma is the new Jar Jar, not the new Boba Fett.
Snoake
I didn't realize he was a hologram. Then I thought, "The dude HAS to be a tiny guy, like Yoda."
Maz
Maybe Maz is the new Jar Jar?
I loved so many of the shots in the film. They tried to give us a sense of how epic and grand this story is with ultra wide shots, showing characters and ships as tiny little objects in the frames. They were gorgeous. And the music was fantastic, but oddly distracting in some scenes.
Now for some thoughts on the various characters in the movie:
Kylo Ren
I thought it was scary and simultaneously hilarious how he wrecks everything and loses his s*** when he gets pissed. The man is just as unstable as his lightsaber. And speaking of which, why was there no mention of him constructing his lightsaber? (side note: I liked how he used his lightsaber's vents to hurt Finn during their battle).
At any rate, I wish we got to see some of Leia's gusto in him, or Han's bravado in there, and not just Anakin's characteristics and personality traits. He is brooding, emotive, and intimidating, not to mention powerful in the use of the Force.
The scene when he kills his father was odd to me. I didn't believe that he was truly struggling with the choice to come back to the Light side, despite his admission that he was (and of course, despite the obvious cue of the lighting/darkening from the sun). This is one scene I'm going to examine more carefully on my next viewing.
I wish the movie showed us more about how Ben became Kylo, but perhaps we'll get another prequel/sequel trilogy that fills in the gap between Episodes 6/7?
Lastly, I can't wait to see how he changes between this film and the next.
Rey
Isn't Rey just perfect for the Star Wars universe? There was a scene where the camera tightens on her face, and she gives this steely gaze with her piercing eyes. That scene really captures how Rey grew from a naive, wide-eyed scavenger into a powerful Jedi, just within the events of this movie. Rey in many ways reminds me of Luke, and perhaps this is not just coincidence, but then again, maybe there is no genealogical connection - just a Force-based one?
Rey's vision when she first touched the lightsaber was incredible. But then again, it seemed like it was more like a teaser trailer for the next movie.
I loved how Rey was a gear-head. It's a necessary skill as a scavenger. But when the heck did she learn how to fly?
Poe Dameron
When Finn said Poe "didn't make it," I honestly thought Poe was dead. How does a person get ejected from a Tie Fighter while getting stripped of his jacket? So when he re-appeared in his Black X-Wing, I thought, "POE IS A CLONE?!" But NOPE. Poe did indeed get ejected from his Tie, and somehow got stripped of his jacket.
Poe may not be a clone, but I believe he IS strong with the Force. We haven't seen a pilot like Poe since Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars. And although Poe couldn't fully resist Kylo's interrogation, I think everyone's use of the Force may manifest differently. Then again, maybe it's just wishful thinking.
Finn
The sweatiest dude in the Galaxy is also one of the best characters in the Star Wars universe. Did you notice how Finn seemed to sense Kylo Ren even before Kylo's command shuttle came into view? Did you notice Kylo staring at Finn for some time before leaving the scene? Did you notice how Finn also somehow drew himself to Poe, and then to Rey? I believe Finn is also a Force user. He doesn't have a strong a grasp on it, but he's got some knack of hooking up with people I believe are Force users as well. Then again, Han was the same way as well, and Han wasn't a Force user.
BB-8
This little droid was wonderful, and I must have a full-sized statue of him in my house.
Phasma
Let's face it. Phasma is the new Jar Jar, not the new Boba Fett.
Snoake
I didn't realize he was a hologram. Then I thought, "The dude HAS to be a tiny guy, like Yoda."
Maz
Maybe Maz is the new Jar Jar?
So many spot-on impressions! Though
The time between 6 and TFA will be covered mostly by comics and novels and the anthology films will focus on pre-O3 period. And come on, there were comic reliefs, but none came close to Jar Jar!
DO NOT POST ANY SPOILERS ABOUT THE MOVIE WITHOUT USING TAGS!!!!!
BETTER YET, I'M MAKING A SPOILER THREAD!!!!!
BETTER YET, I'M MAKING A SPOILER THREAD!!!!!
i was in disbelief the movie ended when it did, thought it was only around 2/3rds done and lots more story stuff was going to happen then it.. just ended. the sequels are coming but this movie on its own felt very incomplete. overall i found it very similar to a new hope in that it focused on non-stop action with little room for story or politics, though TFA has the benefits of modern visuals. I would put TFA behind ESB and in front of ANH and ROTJ
In the contrary, Kylo Ren is Anakin finally done right. He is absolutely not one dimensional, to me. You've got your opinion, but mine is completely 180 from yours. JJ's job was NOT to make everything new. It was to connect 2 stories that are over 35 years apart. No small task. The movie is fantastic, days just about everyone I know who had seen it...geeks, everyday folk, young, and old. Sorry you are so judgemental that you can't have a good time and appreciate all the good that had happened here, with a single turnaround of a franchise...but to each their own.
For me: Empire, ANH, TFA, Jedi ..........................................EP 3,1,2.
That's without the test of time that the originals have had.
I also think Star Wars (A New Hope) is largely underrated. It sets up characters well, has the very best musical score, and gives birth to everything in the universe, all in a modest budget. Just saying. It stays at #2, for me.
That's without the test of time that the originals have had.
I also think Star Wars (A New Hope) is largely underrated. It sets up characters well, has the very best musical score, and gives birth to everything in the universe, all in a modest budget. Just saying. It stays at #2, for me.
Everybody also enjoyed revenge of the sith and dark knight rises, two films I hate. Everybody loved jurassic world which was a mess.
Again I'm just not so easily impressed. You can't throw OT characters and pretty cgi and make me giddy. People have the ability to "turn their brains off and watch a movie". I can't do that, and there are films like mad max or creed that didn't buckle under the pressure of their own weight and not play to the strength of the series and didn't feel like some marvel movie. The film was good it didn't blow me away, the score wasn't as impressive, the cinematography wasnt great, reys development feels rushed, the story felt like a one giant setpiece to another without feeling justified in its own right, and the villain was one dimensional and at times whiney to a fault(you must not know what subtle is). I don't feel this is a turnaround for the franchise it's just another movie. Star Wars has always made a lot of money, and even the prequels were well liked by people and critics (except for attack of the clones), it never needed a turnaround or to be resurrected. This is simply a good addition to a film series that needed to change hands long time ago. This is A step in the right direction, not the second coming, the birth of my child, or the godfather part 2. It's a good star wars movie that happened to be executed well with faults. If you can't handle that maybe you have blinders on,with a quiet desperation to try and live out your childhood again that you're willing to overlook obvious faults to try justify not being hurt again. P.S. The director of jurassic world is apparently doing the sequel. Oh boy
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I don't think it's a bad movie, per say. I do think it's the weakest of the OT. There are some really good moments, though. I will say that I felt more satisfied and excited walking out of this than my 9 yo self did, walking out of Jedi.
This movie has better dialog than more than half of the OT. That is a fact.
No, that is not a fact. I can recall from memory distinct lines, dialogue and moments throughout the OT. I maybe came out with a handful of good, pivotal, or even funny lines and moments. But script wise the Force Awakens isn't even that much better ROTS, ROTS was just a jumbled mess but the dialogue wasn't bad. On that note I mean the last 30 minutes of ROTJ is better than all of FA (especially Finns corniness). I must of watched an incomplete version of FA then, because I don't what the hell you guys are talking about at this point.
If only you were as critical of paragraph breaks as movie making.......
The director of Jurassic World is doing Ep IX, not VIII. It was an OK movie, not great. Probably better than the last 2, and one of those was Spielberg. Probably his worst movie JP: Lost World. They can't all be perfect. Blockbusters are not easy to make good, and there is no such thing as a perfect movie for everyone.
You act like a movie critic, but put anything in the prequel trilogy up against this?... OK. Sorry, RotS is not that good, borderline terrible most times.No, that is not a fact. I can recall from memory distinct lines, dialogue and moments throughout the OT. I maybe came out with a handful of good, pivotal, or even funny lines and moments. But script wise the Force Awakens isn't even that much better ROTS, ROTS was just a jumbled mess but the dialogue wasn't bad. On that note I mean the last 30 minutes of ROTJ is better than all of FA (especially Finns corniness). I must of watched an incomplete version of FA then, because I don't what the hell you guys are talking about at this point.
Hard to do paragraph breaks on my mobile device, there is no tab function so my apologies
Its not perfection that its being measured on, and I actually enjoyed lost world more so than I did Jurassic world. Now again I believe Abrams was limited in regards to cinematography because that's one thing I can say without a doubt that should have translated over from Lucas. Abrams has a tendency to not let the film breath, and I wished the Abrams watched Hidden Fortress by Akira Kurosawa. A lot of inspiration and film techniques from the OT Star wars (especially the wipe, not a big deal but the small things though) came from him and some from his other films like Rashomon. The lighting design, camera work aside from a few good scenes in FA is still one of Abrams weakness.
That's fair, I suppose...and the one thing that I despised in Jurassic World, was that motorcycle ride, that was somehow smooth like it was on a track...going through the woods. Yeah, I'm slightly worried about Ep IX with him... especially since he has done a single big-budget movie. Still, I thought JW was OK.. Not great, but OK. I had a lot more faith in JJ, actually. Glad he is producing the next one, at least. Still, TFA is JJ's best movie, by a long shot.Hard to do paragraph breaks on my mobile device, there is no tab function so my apologies
Its not perfection that its being measured on, and I actually enjoyed lost world more so than I did Jurassic world. Now again I believe Abrams was limited in regards to cinematography because that's one thing I can say without a doubt that should have translated over from Lucas. Abrams has a tendency to not let the film breath, and I wished the Abrams watched Hidden Fortress by Akira Kurosawa. A lot of inspiration and film techniques from the OT Star wars (especially the wipe, not a big deal but the small things though) came from him and some from his other films like Rashomon. The lighting design, camera work aside from a few good scenes in FA is still one of Abrams weakness.
I think I have mentioned this already, almost anything is better than prequels. ROTS suffered from Lucas (current, not old Lucas) inability to move the plot along congruently. Vaders transformation like Reys felt rushed and unwarranted (Reys development was handled better I give it that). For the sake of the plot they became Deus ex machinas serving the purpose of having to exist for the sake of existing. For FA it was one of its weakest points and what made it fall behind the OT or even film making in general , ill use Creed for example did this well despite having to take place in the ROCKY universe. Despite the romance scene/love interest being the weak point of that film , the character arch feels fully justified in the actions of its protagonist that it moves the film; carries it well without ever having to focus on Balboa or boxing itself. Its the journey. Rey could have had potential to be a great character but she was hampered by the constant recalls to the old cast, and the presence of han solo, and Finn (the pilot guy was underused).
I mean the chemistry between her and Finn was good but she had zero time to become a Jedi, all she did was conveniently find a lightsaber half across the galaxy no one was looking for, and of a sudden be able to master her powers to use jedi mind tricks, and duel with a saber she never touched against someone trained by Luke himself and win without ever putting half of second of training, mediation or exploration of this latent power of hers she can now control at whim
You've have raised plenty of good points there but the most salient is this:
"Kylo Ren is Anakin finally doneright.He is absolutely not one dimensional"
Amen brother. Kylo is finally the conflicted and torn character that was meant to be shown in the second trilogy with Anakin.
$238 million this weekend. However if you take away Thursday previews (both JW and TFA) JW made more.
TFA also made $517 million worldwide, which was second all time to JW.
TFA also made $517 million worldwide, which was second all time to JW.
The Rey vs Kylo thing:
Almost. He seemed to me, pretty much obviously taunting her, letting her try, with no idea that she had any force powers or skills at first (He clearly was surprised enough to offer her his teachings)...but let's face it, she was pretty darn good with the staff in the beginning. She was obviously developing her force/fighting ability well before she knew what it was. She can also "fly anything". Once trained, I believe she could be the most powerful Jedi of all time.
The fact that Han was the one to really try to convey the reality and powerful nature of the force to her and convince her to seek out Luke, was sheer writing brilliance, IMO. That really completed his arch, even if he did return to his smuggler ways. Everyone always said making him general in the OT showed a complete arc, but there is much more to being human than position or rank. Going from naysayer to complete believer was really awesome to watch, for me.
The fact that Han was the one to really try to convey the reality and powerful nature of the force to her and convince her to seek out Luke, was sheer writing brilliance, IMO. That really completed his arch, even if he did return to his smuggler ways. Everyone always said making him general in the OT showed a complete arc, but there is much more to being human than position or rank. Going from naysayer to complete believer was really awesome to watch, for me.
The writers were: Lawrence Kasden (who wrote Empire Strikes Back), JJ Abrams, and Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3). This was a very talented and capable writing staff, and it showed. The writing was fantastic, IMO.
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Just saw it. I maintain my opinion that some people just want to crap on others, want to spoil the party, want to be the contrarian. That's just how some people are. The majority has spoken and this will go down as an excellent movie. Perfect? No, but certainly a very good movie and really sets up the franchise to go forward in interesting ways. If you like star wars, or even if you want to go see a fun action movie, you won't be disappointed despite how the vocal few may try to paint it in a negative way.
I was upset at first when Disney bought Star Wars but after I thought about it I realized there really isn't anyone better to take it from Lucas. Who else has reputation for doing fantasy right the way Disney does? Yeah they are a big corporate evil in the world but visit any of their parks or watch most of their movies and you come away feeling like a kid again. Do they do everything perfectly? nope but nobody does.
Star Wars lumps Jurassic World at box office. $238m vs. $209m for opening weekend.
It's no denying their talent, but Star Wars is more than just the movies. I expect them to deliver on all fronts.
They should be able to, they have more than enough talent and money at that company to do it.