Star Wars --- The Prophecy

[tzznandrew]

This hits on another inanity of the prequels. George Lucas creates a religion or whatever that is all about absolutes. Boinking is not allowed, or at least boinking when coupled with long-term commitments, etc. Then Obi Wan tells newly converted Darth Vader that only siths deal in absolutes? Uh, okay. Lucas tried to make a political statement in his movies and dumped on his own world-making to do it. For the record, I m okay with using your own art to make a statement, but don't drop a deuce on past masterpieces to do it.

This is all true.

Although, I've just rewatched the prequels in anticipation of the new one, since I probably haven't seen them since they came out.

I know this sounds stupid, but if you could ignore the dialogue, they're not that bad. Well, all except The Phantom Menace. And as an English teacher, it's very hard to ignore the dialogue, to be sure. Really undercuts a number of scenes (STOP SAYING MILADY!). But watching 2 and 3 back to back can, if you allow it, be a pretty good experience. Nothing like 4-6, but definitely pretty enjoyable movies.

 

[Scalito]

This is all true.

Although, I've just rewatched the prequels in anticipation of the new one, since I probably haven't seen them since they came out.

I know this sounds stupid, but if you could ignore the dialogue, they're not that bad. Well, all accept The Phantom Menace. And as an English teacher, it's very hard to ignore the dialogue, to be sure. Really undercuts a number of scenes (STOP SAYING MILADY!). But watching 2 and 3 back to back can, if you allow it, be a pretty good experience. Nothing like 4-6, but definitely pretty enjoyable movies.

I agree. I love to complain about them, but when the digital versions were released on Amazon, I ultimately bought episodes 2 and 3 to go with the originals. I enjoy the action scenes and the music ensemble is as good as the originals'.

 

[intlzncster]

I hope we are going to have a moratorium on spoilers until at least a week has passed. I can't get to the show the first few nights and want to be completely virgin for the the screening.

 

[UCFBfan]

Got tickets at the AMC in Plainville and you get to choose your seats. Pretty sweet because we don't need to get there insanely early. As it is my wife is going begrudgingly and told me she wouldn't wait in lines. So Saturday afternoon I'll be seeing it. Have stayed away from anything Star Wars related on the internet to avoid spoilers. Have heard it's awesome though from others who read reviews.

Already converted my 3 year onld who saw the cover of Rolling Stones with Chewie and Han on it and said, "Look Dad, a Wookie!!" I have never used that word around her. I hugged her and made her repeat it to my wife who just rolled her eyes!

 

[tzznandrew]

I hope we are going to have a moratorium on spoilers until at least a week has passed. I can't get to the show the first few nights and want to be completely virgin for the the screening.

Agree. I'm usually not one who cares about spoilers, but this one is different. All the (spoiler-free!) reviews I've read have said the surprises are big enough where you want to learn them in the moment.

Maybe a Star Wars thread for those who have seen the movie to participate, with spoilers in the title?

 

[tzznandrew]

I agree. I love to complain about them, but when the digital versions were released on Amazon, I ultimately bought episodes 2 and 3 to go with the originals. I enjoy the action scenes and the music ensemble is as good as the originals'.

I also do think that 2 and 3 add some depth and shading to the characters of the OT. I mean, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan is pretty good despite lines like "I have the higher ground" and "even the younglings." And Ian McDiarmid is loads of fun as the Emperor.

Also, while most people didn't like the difference in aesthetics (me included), I do think, in retrospect, the change from 3 to 4 shows us something about the Empire, and gives us greater context for the universe. Similarly, upon rewatching the films Anakin's fall isn't nearly as quick or forced as I initially thought, and it does add a little bit of depth to Vader, particularly in Jedi.

None of it was ultimately necessary, and I can do without the future Darth Vader complaining about sand, but seeing it again with fresher eyes has made me appreciate it a little more, and (hopefully) will also make me like TFA by contrast.

 

[intlzncster]

I also do think that 2 and 3 add some depth and shading to the characters of the OT. I mean, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan is pretty good despite lines like "I have the higher ground" and "even the younglings." And Ian McDiarmid is loads of fun as the Emperor.

Also, while most people didn't like the difference in aesthetics (me included), I do think, in retrospect, the change from 3 to 4 shows us something about the Empire, and gives us greater context for the universe. Similarly, upon rewatching the films Anakin's fall isn't nearly as quick or forced as I initially thought, and it does add a little bit of depth to Vader, particularly in Jedi.

The casting wasn't too bad for the most part, even in TPM. Ian, Ewan, Liam, Natalie, etc...except the most important one: Anakin. Both Hayden and Jake were, quite frankly, terrible choices there. One wooden, the other a very annoying kid. I think were Anakin cast well, the movies might have had a better aftertaste to them than they do now.

And let's face it, Darth Maul is one of the better characters in the entire series. The letdown was not having him in it long enough.

 

[tzznandrew]

The casting wasn't too bad for the most part, even in TPM. Ian, Ewan, Liam, Natalie, etc...except the most important one: Anakin. Both Hayden and Jake were, quite frankly, terrible choices there. One wooden, the other a very annoying kid. I think were Anakin cast well, the movies might have had a better aftertaste to them than they do now.

And let's face it, Darth Maul is one of the better characters in the entire series. The letdown was not having him in it long enough.

Lucas decided to have about one villain per movie. I guess that whets Palpatine's appetite for a better apprentice, but it means no one cares about Maul, Dooku, or Greivous...which is sad because, because each had things that were interesting, and were any of them given more than one movie, they might have been worthy inheritors to Vader.

 

[mauconnfan]

There's a lot of Star Wars followers out there, amazing huh? Never watched any of them in full.

 

[August_West]

There's a lot of Star Wars followers out there, amazing huh? Never watched any of them in full.

You wouldnt like them. Chewabacca would remind you of Brimah.

 

[intlzncster]

There's a lot of Star Wars followers out there, amazing huh? Never watched any of them in full.

Star Wars is damn near a religion mau.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Got tickets at the AMC in Plainville and you get to choose your seats. Pretty sweet because we don't need to get there insanely early. As it is my wife is going begrudgingly and told me she wouldn't wait in lines. So Saturday afternoon I'll be seeing it. Have stayed away from anything Star Wars related on the internet to avoid spoilers. Have heard it's awesome though from others who read reviews.

Already converted my 3 year onld who saw the cover of Rolling Stones with Chewie and Han on it and said, "Look Dad, a Wookie!!" I have never used that word around her. I hugged her and made her repeat it to my wife who just rolled her eyes!

My wife hates Star Wars and sci-fi in general. Unforgettably for her, both of her sons and her husband are big time into it. Glad the movie is finally coming out today because she is very close to losing it. Of course, I did make her cry over the summer when I told her there is going to be a new Star Wars movie coming out beginning this December (today!!!) every year for the next 5 or 6 years (3 new 'main' movies every other year and 2 or 3 anthology movie in between starting with Rouge One next Christmas).

I was reading the spoilers/rumors up until 2 or 3 month ago; but, then stopped. I want to be surprised and enjoy it. Going tonight at 7 with my two kids and plan to again in a week or two and catch the IMAX version here in NYC.

 

[Excalibur]

I also do think that 2 and 3 add some depth and shading to the characters of the OT. I mean, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan is pretty good despite lines like "I have the higher ground" and "even the younglings." And Ian McDiarmid is loads of fun as the Emperor.

Also, while most people didn't like the difference in aesthetics (me included), I do think, in retrospect, the change from 3 to 4 shows us something about the Empire, and gives us greater context for the universe. Similarly, upon rewatching the films Anakin's fall isn't nearly as quick or forced as I initially thought, and it does add a little bit of depth to Vader, particularly in Jedi.

None of it was ultimately necessary, and I can do without the future Darth Vader complaining about sand, but seeing it again with fresher eyes has made me appreciate it a little more, and (hopefully) will also make me like TFA by contrast.

I've always felt that 2 was the worst of the prequels by a wide margin. Awful dialogue by generally awful actors throughout (with the exception of McGregor and McDermid). If you take JarJar and the pod race out of Episode I, it's the truest to the Star Wars formula.

 

[tzznandrew]

I've always felt that 2 was the worst of the prequels by a wide margin. Awful dialogue by generally awful actors throughout (with the exception of McGregor and McDermid). If you take JarJar and the pod race out of Episode I, it's the truest to the Star Wars formula.

Fair enough. I actually like that AotC tries something a little different, and I like the Kenobi as detective thing it has going.

There's a lot more "what if" with the movie than the others, though, because Christopher Lee should be more menacing, and we should get a little more of him, but maybe with fewer political things.

While I enjoy the Kenobi stuff, and the end, the Padmé/Anakin stuff is just brutal, yet the whole scene with the sand people at least makes sense, and his motivations are somewhat interesting there. But I guess I'm sort of okay with a moody, poorly written, teenage Darth Vader than I am a young, "Yipee!" yelling child one. The second has potential.

If I were ranking, it goes:

1. Empire
2. Star Wars
- Gap -
3. Jedi
4. Sith
- Gap -
5. Clones
- Big gap -
6. Menace

Here's hoping Force Awakens at least fits between my third and fourth ranked, and maybe pushes itself into that top echelon.

 

[mauconnfan]

You wouldnt like them. Chewabacca would remind you of Brimah.

I've seen enough here and there to know that Chewbacca has a higher ceiling.

 

[Scalito]

I hope we are going to have a moratorium on spoilers until at least a week has passed. I can't get to the show the first few nights and want to be completely virgin for the the screening.

I'm going to leave random spoilers all over the BY. You'll never know where to expect them either. Indeed the safest place might be the Entertainment Board.

 

[August_West]

I'm going to leave random spoilers all over the BY. You'll never know where to expect them either. Indeed the safest place might be the Entertainment Board.

Welcome to my ignore list.
Was supposed to go tonight but had to take a gig for some extra holiday cash. Can't stand that I'm not going now. ( I early gifted my tix for my daughter and me to my brother and my nephew, at least some shopping got done)

 

[Scalito]

Welcome to my ignore list.
Was supposed to go tonight but had to take a gig for some extra holiday cash. Can't stand that I'm not going now. ( I early gifted my tix for my daughter and me to my brother and my nephew, at least some shopping got done)

The weekend will be here soon. I actually wouldn't mind waiting. Stayed home sick the past 2 days myself. But I will drag myself out of bed and infect the general population if I have to . . . .

 

[Scalito]

There's a lot of Star Wars followers out there, amazing huh? Never watched any of them in full.

Were you raised in the U.S.S.R. or in America by Soviet spies?

 

[August_West]

Were you raised in the U.S.S.R. or in America by Soviet spies?

East German Stasi community?

 

[intlzncster]

I'm going to leave random spoilers all over the BY. You'll never know where to expect them either. Indeed the safest place might be the Entertainment Board.

!

 

[intlzncster]

Were you raised in the U.S.S.R. or in America by Soviet spies?

East German Stasi community?

North Korea iirc.

 

[intlzncster]

Welcome to my ignore list.
Was supposed to go tonight but had to take a gig for some extra holiday cash. Can't stand that I'm not going now. ( I early gifted my tix for my daughter and me to my brother and my nephew, at least some shopping got done)

Gave your daughters ticket away...smh. Merry Christmas kid! Hahahhah

 

[intlzncster]

There's a lot more "what if" with the movie than the others, though, because Christopher Lee should be more menacing, and we should get a little more of him, but maybe with fewer political things.

While I enjoy the Kenobi stuff, and the end, the Padmé/Anakin stuff is just brutal, yet the whole scene with the sand people at least makes sense, and his motivations are somewhat interesting there. But I guess I'm sort of okay with a moody, poorly written, teenage Darth Vader than I am a young, "Yipee!" yelling child one. The second has potential.

As I said above, casting and writing for those two was atrocious. Ridiculously done. Portman was good casting as Padme, but the writing made her impact ineffectual. And Hayden was a dumpster fire. The writing was cringe worthy.

I'm one of the few who enjoyed the political aspect, if only because it provides context to the earlier (original) films. It could have been less convoluted and better done, but nothing wrong with the subject matter.

 

[August_West]

Gave your daughters ticket away...smh. Merry Christmas kid! Hahahhah

eh. She didnt/doesnt care. She was going to go with me because my wife bagged out. My daughter is only cursory interested in Star Wars. Trust me, my daughter will like the 4 days surfing in Costa Rica in March (her "big" present this year) much more than Star Wars. I will probably end up going alone sometime in the next week. Probably better that way anyway.

 

[intlzncster]

eh. She didnt/doesnt care. She was going to go with me because my wife bagged out. My daughter is only cursory interested in Star Wars. Trust me, my daughter will like the 4 days surfing in Costa Rica in March (her "big" present this year) much more than Star Wars. I will probably end up going alone sometime in the next week. Probably better that way anyway.

As a lifelong surfer, and having been there before, I will gladly guide your daughter around Costa Rica. Just early Christmas gift me your ticket.

 

[tzznandrew]

As I said above, casting and writing for those two was atrocious. Ridiculously done. Portman was good casting as Padme, but the writing made her impact ineffectual. And Hayden was a dumpster fire. The writing was cringe worthy.

I'm one of the few who enjoyed the political aspect, if only because it provides context to the earlier (original) films. It could have been less convoluted and better done, but nothing wrong with the subject matter.

I actually didn't hate the political parts, they just weren't particularly well done. But the idea that the Empire came naturally from the Republic was actually smart, and having Palpatine manipulate the system--and Anakin--the way he did was also quite pretty well done. Especially if you just decide you believe he telekinetically killed Padmé (the only thing that allows me accept that part).

What's weird about Portman and Christiansen is that neither are bad actors, but the writing makes them look it. Lucas's writing was way too stilted, and he decided--for some reason--that every emotion not said allowed wouldn't be understood by the audience. If he had let there be some actual subtlety, it would have deepened so much.

Watching the films again, it feels like they could have abandoned Phantom Menace, told the Clone Wars story for the three movies, and focused on one or two villains aside from Palpatine and been pretty okay. Oh well.

Wish I were seeing the film tonight. Have to wait until Monday.

 

[intlzncster]

I actually didn't hate the political parts, they just weren't particularly well done. But the idea that the Empire came naturally from the Republic was actually smart, and having Palpatine manipulate the system--and Anakin--the way he did was also quite pretty well done. Especially if you just decide you believe he telekinetically killed Padmé (the only thing that allows me accept that part).

What's weird about Portman and Christiansen is that neither are bad actors, but the writing makes them look it. Lucas's writing was way too stilted, and he decided--for some reason--that every emotion not said allowed wouldn't be understood by the audience. If he had let there be some actual subtlety, it would have deepened so much.

Watching the films again, it feels like they could have abandoned Phantom Menace, told the Clone Wars story for the three movies, and focused on one or two villains aside from Palpatine and been pretty okay. Oh well.

+1 on the Bold. But I'm just not into with the way the Padme thing went down. Not well done there. Christiansen may not be a bad actor (I've no opinion there), but I don't think he was right for the role. He definitely had the right look, a mix between youthful optimism and dark and brooding, but he was just too wooden for me. And the writing crushed him. Totally needed Shia LeBeouf there.

Somebody said this somewhere (possibly in the thread), but three movies of Anakin as a teenager going through the transformative process would have been way more powerful than young Ani. Young Ani could have been done in a 10 minute flash back/forward and been enough.



jk on shia. A guy like Landon Liboiron would have been decent. The guy who plays Luke doesn't have to be ridiculously good looking. Hamill was an average every man type, and I think that works for Luke. Richard Harmon has the acting chops, but not quite the right look.

 

[Scalito]

eh. She didnt/doesnt care. She was going to go with me because my wife bagged out. My daughter is only cursory interested in Star Wars. Trust me, my daughter will like the 4 days surfing in Costa Rica in March (her "big" present this year) much more than Star Wars. I will probably end up going alone sometime in the next week. Probably better that way anyway.

I saw a commercial yesterday for KB Toys or something advertising light sabers. An 8-year old girl picks one off the rack, lights it up, and the goofy dad gets excited and says "I am you father." I really related . . . .

 

[intlzncster]

I saw a commercial yesterday for KB Toys or something advertising light sabers. An 8-year old girl picks one off the rack, lights it up, and the goofy dad gets excited and says "I am you father." I really related . . . .

KB Toys....that belongs in the Hard Rock thread. Right next to Caldor/Bradlees. Although I guess it's still around?