Star Wars - Impressions, no spoilers, just impressions!

[HVC]

If the last three movies get a good fan base maybe they'll redo the prequels

[celedhring]

If the last three movies get a good fan base maybe they'll redo the prequels

I have secret hopes for that, but it will be at least a decade away, and not while Lucas is alive I presume (even if he doesn't have any power over the franchise anymore, you don't want to insult the creator of the saga so openly).

[Syt]

I do wonder, though, how Lucas feels these days. He had huge success with the original trilogy. Then, when he had technical means to create the vision he originally had he "improved" them and many fans (not all) hated it.

Then he creates the prequels, again following his vision and in the way he wants it, and the fans hate it even more. Then he gives up on it, hands it over to someone else in what amounts to "Fine, if you're so smart, then *you* do it!"

And now fans (by and large) love the new movie, and it makes the prequels look even worse. I'm guessing you need a really thick skin for that kind of backlash.

And it's also tragic in a way, that you have a personal narrative where the fans love your imperfect creation but by and large hate the one that comes close to your original vision. I found his comments after he got a private advance screening telling: "I think the fans are going to love it. It's very much the kind of movie they've been looking for." It implies, "But it's not the movie I would have made." For him, and I kind of admire that, making those movies at this point seems to be about creating his own universe in the way he wants, and fans be damned (but buy the toys, please). I suppose that's what happens when an artist frees himself from the (often corrective) opinion of editors, producers, public, or critics.

I think there's a remote possibility that Disney will declare the current prequels non-canon at some point and re-do them; but they could add insult to injury by creating special editions of the prequels, using alternate (maybe better acted) takes, refurbishing special effects, or change scenes that were dear to George Lucas.

[Zanza]

There were zero referenceso to the prequels, so there is a chance. I actually liked the prequel story arc, just not the actual execution.

[celedhring]

There were zero referenceso to the prequels, so there is a chance. I actually liked the prequel story arc, just not the actual execution.

Yeah, it was a very good idea on paper; six movies telling the fall and redemption of Anakin Skywalker. They were just awfully terrible films.

[Brazen]

This is now my favourite of ALL the Star Wars films.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love sci-fi and fantasy, but I never really got on with the Star Wars franchise. 10-year-old-me was confused about the concept (wait, this is about taxation?) and the terrible cuts and dialogue made it hard to follow. The only female character was a princess and I was so over that. And even at 10 I knew a parsec was a measure of distance. The sequels seemed marketing-led, the "director's cuts" twee and the prequels... well the less said about those, the better.

The Force Awakens was almost a remake of A New Hope but with everyone's problems with it addressed. Or as a friend put it, like a tribute act that invited back some of the original members. The script was a vast improvement, the plot was linear and interesting with some real drama, the casting was spot-on (there were even some hugely respected actors in the background who didn't even get to speak) and the SFX just the right mix of a light hand with CGI and proper models.

There are women and people of different ethnicities in key roles (though both still under-represented in my opinion. The characterisation had more shades of grey, not just black and white (or light and dark). I did have a small problem with the Big Bad who seemed more suited to a Harry Potter role.

I laughed, gasped, and yes, cried. If you're on the fence about it, go and see it at the cinema; it just won't be the when on DVD/download release.

And the parsecs? For posterity's sake, I'll forgive you that one, JJ.

[11B4V]

I think there's a remote possibility that Disney will declare the current prequels non-canon at some point and re-do them; but they could add insult to injury by creating special editions of the prequels, using alternate (maybe better acted) takes, refurbishing special effects, or change scenes that were dear to George Lucas.

IMO that would be a good move and a cash cow.

[Berkut]

I think you could redo the sequels without even declaring the old ones non-canon. Just tell the same story over again, with different emphasis, and add competent story writing and direction.

[celedhring]

Ep VII has shattered opening box office records, and it's guaranteed to become one of the top 5 films of all time, with a decent shot at breaking Avatar's record. So we'll get Star Wars for a while.

I hope this means more Star Wars videogames besides a half-assed MOBA...

[MadImmortalMan]

People our age have a relationship with Star Wars that is a bit like a child with an abusive parent. Yes, I love you, but you beat me.

Now, we've been adopted by Disney and we're never really sure if they actually mean it when they say they won't hit us.

[celedhring]

People our age have a relationship with Star Wars that is a bit like a child with an abusive parent. Yes, I love you, but you beat me.

Now, we've been adopted by Disney and we're never really sure if they actually mean it when they say they won't hit us.

Disney is only interested in our auntie's inheritance, but will treat us well as long as we fork the money over.

[Syt]

The Simpsons in 2009:



(Though I believe we're at Chipmunk movie #4 now?)

[Crazy_Ivan80]

Ep VII has shattered opening box office records, and it's guaranteed to become one of the top 5 films of all time, with a decent shot at breaking Avatar's record. So we'll get Star Wars for a while.

I hope this means more Star Wars videogames besides a half-assed MOBA...

maybe we'll get a new and good X-wing/Tie-Fighter type game out of it. Given the apparent rise in interest in space-sims.

[Zanza]

Or something as good as KotoR.

[MadImmortalMan]

Disney is only interested in our auntie's inheritance, but will treat us well as long as we fork the money over.

I have lots and lots of stock that says keep it up. 

But honestly I think Abrams gave a crap about it. Like he'll shit all over Star Trek but this is...different.