It was an enjoyable popcorn movie, and maybe even a Star Wars movie.
But it did leave me feeling very underwhelmed and did not bring anything new to the table.
Felt very much like rehashed plot points from the previous two trilogies and the expanded universe, rather than something truly "new".
I also do NOT like J.J Abrams style or his company Bad Robot, None of the visual effects felt "Star Wars". When blasters and turbolasers were firing they looked more like phasers an disruptors from Reboot Star Trek. Too fast, too flashy.
"If you can't take a little bloody nose, maybe you ought to go back home and crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross. But it's not for the timid." - Q
I liked it, and (even though I'm not as big a fan as some) it gets my approval. Just for clarification too, when I say I'm not as big a fan as some, I'll watch almost anything sci-fi related, and don't favour Star Trek over Star Wars (or vice versa); I appreciate both for what they are, though I've never (and likely will never) dress for the occasion.
Thought the film was solid anyway, and had the much needed humour that was lacking from the previous six episodes. Thankfully the film was telling a story too, so they didn't overload on the humour which some films (especially some of the Marvel films) have attempted to do. There was just enough of everything in this film, and at no point did I want a scene to hurry up.
My only quibbles (so to speak) is if there was a ship (old or otherwise) lying about, why didn't more people attempt to steal it and fly off for a better life? And that Jedi Temple Luke was found at, well, that was a lame excuse for a temple. Aside from Attack of the Clones, we've never really seen a proper Jedi/Sith fight (I'm talking in the numbers), it would be nice to see that in episodes VIII or IX, however knowing what's happened in the last 30years, I just can't see there being any other Jedi around to make that happen.
Wasn't overly fond of the Sith arc either; didn't see the twists of the son/father dynamic, though it was well done, and I loved how the Stormtroopers acted with the unstable Ren. Hah! Everyone thought Ray was the daughter, she obviously wasn't, though she is connected somehow (so I wonder whether she's the daughter of Luke?)
Hopefully Ren didn't slaughter all of the other Jedi, and Luke actually managed to save some (who are hiding out with him).
Well, I was 'forced' to see this movie. (That's a play on words. I was very excited)
Loved it. I feel like it was shot like an actual film. lol The actors were brilliant. Only thing I'd change is having Han go out down fighting, or not at all.
Assuming the full plot I read on the movie was correct, and yes thats a major assumption. It seems JJ learned his leason, this time not blowing anything up of significance or critical to star wars. My issue was he had to use Star Trek as his test tube, and Star Trek had to be the one to be sacrifcied. I understand what the Devs did with the Romulans, sometimes to make something great, you have to take it a new direction. Some aspects I just did not like. None of it would have been needed if JJ hadnt gone and blown up Romulus. Essentially the new star wars move for me, left a bitter taste in my mouth its going to be a long time before I bother to pay money to see the new star wars movie.
It had to have made sense, otherwise you would not have been able to make sense of it. Your ploy was a childish attempt to get the upper hand on this thread. Such attempts from children I have gotten used to on the forums. As for your actual point that JJ had free reign to do as he pleased with Star Trek and not Star Wars that is a logical argument. To be honest I can go with that, but its still not going to change how I feel about this new Star Wars movie.
What the devil are you going on about?
What "ploy" am I using and why the hell would I want to get an "upper hand" in this thread?
Please...
Take a moment to RE-READ the sentence that is in blue and then tell me that it makes sense as to what you are attempting to say...
I'll wait...
<smh>
STO Member since February 2009. I Was A Trekkie Before It Was Cool ... Sept. 8th, 1966 ... Not To Mention Before Most Folks Around Here Were Born! Forever a STO Veteran-Minion
I found the sequences depicting Rey picking through the remnants of rusting hulks in the desert to be a particularly apt metaphor for the film. All the half arsed nods to the previous films, lazy cloned plots and utterly stupid devices to move on the narrative meant you have to really dig to find anything of value.
I never cared for any of the films beyond Return of the Jedi. And even then, I was never a big fan of Star Wars. It was a fun bit of diversion to me, and nothing more.
I might watch this one when it becomes available for streaming, or on blu-ray/DvD.
Just saw the movie. I came into the movie a jaded Star Wars fan. I despise the downward spiral of the franchise with the Prequels. I am an "Original Trilogy >>>>>> Subsequent Trash with the Star Wars name on it." I was very cautious about JJ Abrams helming Star Wars after my dislike with his takes on the Star Trek movies but I was willing to give him a chance.
I came away from the movie a very satisfied Star Wars fan. Better than any of the Prequels, hands down and JJ Abrams surprised me. I wondered if they were going to accomplish what they wanted with this movie during the allotted time because it is a very "busy" movie. Lots of things were underway but it came out pretty well. No annoying characters, races like the Ewoks, Gungans, Jar Jar. OTOH, lots of characters that I wanted to see more of from the First Order and Resistance. I wanted to see much more of the warships but interestingly, there's not as many scenes with them. Hell, for the First Order's grand weapon, I can't recall any escorting ships at all.
The film pays reverence to previous elements, characters, events. Then I look at the hamfisted use of previous characters, events in JJ's works with Star Trek and I just shake my head. Kind of bewildering, but it is what it is.
Again, The Force Awakens just blows away the entire Prequel Trilogy, which is interesting because Lucas helmed those movies completely and a newcomer takes up the chair and does better. Where does it rank with the Original Trilogy? Better than Return of the Jedi, but Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back are still better. Especially "Empire."
Just saw the movie. I came into the movie a jaded Star Wars fan. I despise the downward spiral of the franchise with the Prequels. I am an "Original Trilogy >>>>>> Subsequent Trash with the Star Wars name on it." I was very cautious about JJ Abrams helming Star Wars after my dislike with his takes on the Star Trek movies but I was willing to give him a chance.
I came away from the movie a very satisfied Star Wars fan. Better than any of the Prequels, hands down and JJ Abrams surprised me. I wondered if they were going to accomplish what they wanted with this movie during the allotted time because it is a very "busy" movie. Lots of things were underway but it came out pretty well. No annoying characters, races like the Ewoks, Gungans, Jar Jar. OTOH, lots of characters that I wanted to see more of from the First Order and Resistance. I wanted to see much more of the warships but interestingly, there's not as many scenes with them. Hell, for the First Order's grand weapon, I can't recall any escorting ships at all.
The film pays reverence to previous elements, characters, events. Then I look at the hamfisted use of previous characters, events in JJ's works with Star Trek and I just shake my head. Kind of bewildering, but it is what it is.
Again, The Force Awakens just blows away the entire Prequel Trilogy, which is interesting because Lucas helmed those movies completely and a newcomer takes up the chair and does better. Where does it rank with the Original Trilogy? Better than Return of the Jedi, but Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back are still better. Especially "Empire."
Why interesting? Lucas is as much of a hack as JJ... A New Hope is a watchable movie. It's Empire and Jedi (mainly Empire) which really kick things up a notch, and he didn't direct those. He butchered his own work with the prequels because Rick McCallum didn't have the stones to say 'no' to him and make it stick. So in that regard, I was interested to see JJ's take, especially as it was scripted by Kasdan, but as above, having read the plot, I have absolutely zero interest in watching it. Ever.
Just saw the movie. I came into the movie a jaded Star Wars fan. I despise the downward spiral of the franchise with the Prequels. I am an "Original Trilogy >>>>>> Subsequent Trash with the Star Wars name on it." I was very cautious about JJ Abrams helming Star Wars after my dislike with his takes on the Star Trek movies but I was willing to give him a chance.
I came away from the movie a very satisfied Star Wars fan. Better than any of the Prequels, hands down and JJ Abrams surprised me. I wondered if they were going to accomplish what they wanted with this movie during the allotted time because it is a very "busy" movie. Lots of things were underway but it came out pretty well. No annoying characters, races like the Ewoks, Gungans, Jar Jar. OTOH, lots of characters that I wanted to see more of from the First Order and Resistance. I wanted to see much more of the warships but interestingly, there's not as many scenes with them. Hell, for the First Order's grand weapon, I can't recall any escorting ships at all.
The film pays reverence to previous elements, characters, events. Then I look at the hamfisted use of previous characters, events in JJ's works with Star Trek and I just shake my head. Kind of bewildering, but it is what it is.
Again, The Force Awakens just blows away the entire Prequel Trilogy, which is interesting because Lucas helmed those movies completely and a newcomer takes up the chair and does better. Where does it rank with the Original Trilogy? Better than Return of the Jedi, but Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back are still better. Especially "Empire."
Why interesting? Lucas is as much of a hack as JJ... A New Hope is a watchable movie. It's Empire and Jedi (mainly Empire) which really kick things up a notch, and he didn't direct those. He butchered his own work with the prequels because Rick McCallum didn't have the stones to say 'no' to him and make it stick. So in that regard, I was interested to see JJ's take, especially as it was scripted by Kasdan, but as above, having read the plot, I have absolutely zero interest in watching it. Ever.
I wouldn't call ROTJ "kicking things up a notch" because the elements Lucas was blasted for with the Prequels really began in ROTJ and Lucas' other works in that ROTJ-timeframe. Caravan of Courage, anyone?
Read a few of the reviews, then read the plot on wikipedia... I won't waste my time or money watching this...
Of course you wouldn't. It would be time and money well spent!
To see a half-assed rip of EU characters, a rehashed plotline and the death of Han? Thanks, but no thanks... As above, I was interested in seeing it, but having learned all that about the movie, my interest is gone... I can see now why JJ was so determined to not let any reviews or leaks get posted...
I came away from the movie a very satisfied Star Wars fan. Better than any of the Prequels, hands down and JJ Abrams surprised me. I wondered if they were going to accomplish what they wanted with this movie during the allotted time because it is a very "busy" movie. Lots of things were underway but it came out pretty well. No annoying characters, races like the Ewoks, Gungans, Jar Jar. OTOH, lots of characters that I wanted to see more of from the First Order and Resistance. I wanted to see much more of the warships but interestingly, there's not as many scenes with them. Hell, for the First Order's grand weapon, I can't recall any escorting ships at all.
The film pays reverence to previous elements, characters, events. Then I look at the hamfisted use of previous characters, events in JJ's works with Star Trek and I just shake my head. Kind of bewildering, but it is what it is.
Again, The Force Awakens just blows away the entire Prequel Trilogy, which is interesting because Lucas helmed those movies completely and a newcomer takes up the chair and does better. Where does it rank with the Original Trilogy? Better than Return of the Jedi, but Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back are still better. Especially "Empire."
This is pretty much exactly how I felt about it. Although I thought JJTrek was okay...
Just saw the movie. I came into the movie a jaded Star Wars fan. I despise the downward spiral of the franchise with the Prequels. I am an "Original Trilogy >>>>>> Subsequent Trash with the Star Wars name on it." I was very cautious about JJ Abrams helming Star Wars after my dislike with his takes on the Star Trek movies but I was willing to give him a chance.
I came away from the movie a very satisfied Star Wars fan. Better than any of the Prequels, hands down and JJ Abrams surprised me. I wondered if they were going to accomplish what they wanted with this movie during the allotted time because it is a very "busy" movie. Lots of things were underway but it came out pretty well. No annoying characters, races like the Ewoks, Gungans, Jar Jar. OTOH, lots of characters that I wanted to see more of from the First Order and Resistance. I wanted to see much more of the warships but interestingly, there's not as many scenes with them. Hell, for the First Order's grand weapon, I can't recall any escorting ships at all.
The film pays reverence to previous elements, characters, events. Then I look at the hamfisted use of previous characters, events in JJ's works with Star Trek and I just shake my head. Kind of bewildering, but it is what it is.
Again, The Force Awakens just blows away the entire Prequel Trilogy, which is interesting because Lucas helmed those movies completely and a newcomer takes up the chair and does better. Where does it rank with the Original Trilogy? Better than Return of the Jedi, but Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back are still better. Especially "Empire."
Why interesting? Lucas is as much of a hack as JJ... A New Hope is a watchable movie. It's Empire and Jedi (mainly Empire) which really kick things up a notch, and he didn't direct those. He butchered his own work with the prequels because Rick McCallum didn't have the stones to say 'no' to him and make it stick. So in that regard, I was interested to see JJ's take, especially as it was scripted by Kasdan, but as above, having read the plot, I have absolutely zero interest in watching it. Ever.
I wouldn't call ROTJ "kicking things up a notch" because the elements Lucas was blasted for with the Prequels really began in ROTJ and Lucas' other works in that ROTJ-timeframe. Caravan of Courage, anyone?
Read a few of the reviews, then read the plot on wikipedia... I won't waste my time or money watching this...
Of course you wouldn't. It would be time and money well spent!
To see a half-assed rip of EU characters, a rehashed plotline and the death of Han? Thanks, but no thanks... As above, I was interested in seeing it, but having learned all that about the movie, my interest is gone... I can see now why JJ was so determined to not let any reviews or leaks get posted...
Which EU characters? Ben Solo could be a transferred name from Ben Skywalker, but not necessarily deliberately; it's just as likely that he was named after Obi-Wan. Han's son going dark is a common element, but there are many differences, and I'm pretty sure a Star Wars sequel was always going to feature Han and Leia's children. So what's the problem?
Your father was captain of a starship for twelve minutes. He saved 800 lives, including your mother's, and yours.
Read a few of the reviews, then read the plot on wikipedia... I won't waste my time or money watching this...
Of course you wouldn't. It would be time and money well spent!
To see a half-assed rip of EU characters, a rehashed plotline and the death of Han? Thanks, but no thanks... As above, I was interested in seeing it, but having learned all that about the movie, my interest is gone... I can see now why JJ was so determined to not let any reviews or leaks get posted...
Which EU characters? Ben Solo could be a transferred name from Ben Skywalker, but not necessarily deliberately; it's just as likely that he was named after Obi-Wan. Han's son going dark is a common element, but there are many differences, and I'm pretty sure a Star Wars sequel was always going to feature Han and Leia's children. So what's the problem?
Also... I heard a rumor that it was Harrison Ford's idea to kill Han anyways.
I came away from the movie a very satisfied Star Wars fan. Better than any of the Prequels, hands down and JJ Abrams surprised me. I wondered if they were going to accomplish what they wanted with this movie during the allotted time because it is a very "busy" movie. Lots of things were underway but it came out pretty well. No annoying characters, races like the Ewoks, Gungans, Jar Jar. OTOH, lots of characters that I wanted to see more of from the First Order and Resistance. I wanted to see much more of the warships but interestingly, there's not as many scenes with them. Hell, for the First Order's grand weapon, I can't recall any escorting ships at all.
The film pays reverence to previous elements, characters, events. Then I look at the hamfisted use of previous characters, events in JJ's works with Star Trek and I just shake my head. Kind of bewildering, but it is what it is.
Again, The Force Awakens just blows away the entire Prequel Trilogy, which is interesting because Lucas helmed those movies completely and a newcomer takes up the chair and does better. Where does it rank with the Original Trilogy? Better than Return of the Jedi, but Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back are still better. Especially "Empire."
This is pretty much exactly how I felt about it. Although I thought JJTrek was okay...
Given more time, there's more things that I can pick apart with The Force Awakens. But even despite that, like I said, I left a pretty satisfied SW fan. It had something for the old and new fans.
Read a few of the reviews, then read the plot on wikipedia... I won't waste my time or money watching this...
Of course you wouldn't. It would be time and money well spent!
To see a half-assed rip of EU characters, a rehashed plotline and the death of Han? Thanks, but no thanks... As above, I was interested in seeing it, but having learned all that about the movie, my interest is gone... I can see now why JJ was so determined to not let any reviews or leaks get posted...
Which EU characters? Ben Solo could be a transferred name from Ben Skywalker, but not necessarily deliberately; it's just as likely that he was named after Obi-Wan. Han's son going dark is a common element, but there are many differences, and I'm pretty sure a Star Wars sequel was always going to feature Han and Leia's children. So what's the problem?
Also... I heard a rumor that it was Harrison Ford's idea to kill Han anyways.
LOL, I remember reading that a long time ago. It was his idea to do that as far back as Return of the Jedi!
Read a few of the reviews, then read the plot on wikipedia... I won't waste my time or money watching this...
Of course you wouldn't. It would be time and money well spent!
To see a half-assed rip of EU characters, a rehashed plotline and the death of Han? Thanks, but no thanks... As above, I was interested in seeing it, but having learned all that about the movie, my interest is gone... I can see now why JJ was so determined to not let any reviews or leaks get posted...
Which EU characters? Ben Solo could be a transferred name from Ben Skywalker, but not necessarily deliberately; it's just as likely that he was named after Obi-Wan. Han's son going dark is a common element, but there are many differences, and I'm pretty sure a Star Wars sequel was always going to feature Han and Leia's children. So what's the problem?
Which characters? Can't you tell, or do you just want to know which ones I think have been ripped?
Well, IMHO, Jacen Solo + Kyp Durron + Ben Skywalker = Kylo Ren = Utterly unoriginal and could have been accomplished using EU characters which people already had investment in...
Starkiller (original concept by Lucas was Anakin Starkiller) Sounds like a rehash of Kyp Durron's Sun Crusher... Whoops, there's another Kyp reference...
Rey being Force-sensitive enough to whoop Kylo Ren despite no (yet disclosed) training (might as well be Jaina Solo)
Finn using a lightsaber with no training
Lightsabers being declared as plasma weapons, not forcefield-based (the 'side-blades' on Kylo Ren's lightsaber are 'bleed vents', rather than intentionally designed 'blades')
So what's the problem? IMHO, JJ has, once more, done another film where he's pissed on someone else's IP to make it his own and then cleared off, after destroying/killing a main feature, using a character with Daddy Issues, and generally being the lazy, derivative hack that he is... I'm sure it looks great, and as I bove, I really wanted to see it and like it, but after reading the reviews, I'm simply not interested... No different than trying to get a Vegan to eat a nice bacon sandwhich... Nothing wrong with bacon, but they're just not going to do it...
Rey being Force-sensitive enough to whoop Kylo Ren despite no (yet disclosed) training (might as well be Jaina Solo)
Kylo Ren wasn't exactly in peak performance was he? He'd just killed his father, and we know from an earlier scene that he still has light within him. He probably had that dwelling at the back of his mind somewhere. Furthermore, he had been shot and was bleeding out. If he was at peak, then he'd have probably dealt with Rey a lot easier, but he was hurt, and Rey (as we already knew from earlier scenes) was quite capable of handling herself.
That's like comparing someone who uses a hammer with no training. All Finn needed to do was turn the damn thing on and use it to defend himself; doesn't take a genius to work that out. He probably had some basic training when he was being trained up as a Stormtrooper.
Starkiller (original concept by Lucas was Anakin Starkiller) Sounds like a rehash of Kyp Durron's Sun Crusher... Whoops, there's another Kyp reference...
The Sun Crusher was mobile. This is more like an upscaled (planet, rather than space station) Galaxy Gun.
I agree with most of the rest, with one caveat:
Lightsabers were always plasma weapons. Plasma contained in a forcefield, but plasma nonetheless. While I have no sources to go from (not checking Wookieepedia right now), it may be that the inferior craftsmanship of Ren's saber necessitated the vents.
Infinite possibilities have implications that could not be completely understood if you turned this entire universe into a giant supercomputer.
Hehe, comparing chars to the EU is exactly why Disney tossed it. They had two choices, make movies out of books, which probably had licensing issues, or make movies with their own story.
Rey being Force-sensitive enough to whoop Kylo Ren despite no (yet disclosed) training (might as well be Jaina Solo)
Kylo Ren wasn't exactly in peak performance was he? He'd just killed his father, and we know from an earlier scene that he still has light within him. He probably had that dwelling at the back of his mind somewhere. Furthermore, he had been shot and was bleeding out. If he was at peak, then he'd have probably dealt with Rey a lot easier, but he was hurt, and Rey (as we already knew from earlier scenes) was quite capable of handling herself.
I couldn't say, because as mentioned, I haven't seen the film... What I would say though, is that someone who had been trained in the use of the Force, and who killed off his classmates, should not be taken down by an untrained Force user...
That's like comparing someone who uses a hammer with no training. All Finn needed to do was turn the damn thing on and use it to defend himself; doesn't take a genius to work that out. He probably had some basic training when he was being trained up as a Stormtrooper.
Nooo. That is an absolutely incorrect analogy and a horrendously inaccurate simplification... Star Wars lore has always held that in the hands of an untrained user, a lightsaber is as dangerous to the person holding it, as it is to their target. If you want to use a tool analogy, it would be like comparing someoneone picking up a chainsaw with no experience or supervision and then trying to use it (and likely winding up in the ER...) Jedi are trained in their use since infancy. I know that in Ralph McQuarrie's original artwork, stormtroopers were shown to be carrying lightsabers, and they were intended to be the in-verse equivalent of a billy-club that just any Joe could use, but that is not how the previous films have shown them, and Luke's ability to just 'pick up up and use it', is easily explained by his innate Force abilities, ie, as Qui-Gon said about Anakin's ability to pilot a pod-racer: "He sees things before they happen, that's why he appears to have such quick reflexes..." So yes, Luke, or any sufficiently cognitive Force sensitive should be able to 'pick one up and use one', but a non-Force sensitive, should not (even with stormtrooper training)
Starkiller (original concept by Lucas was Anakin Starkiller) Sounds like a rehash of Kyp Durron's Sun Crusher... Whoops, there's another Kyp reference...
The Sun Crusher was mobile. This is more like an upscaled (planet, rather than space station) Galaxy Gun.
I agree with most of the rest, with one caveat:
Lightsabers were always plasma weapons. Plasma contained in a forcefield, but plasma nonetheless. While I have no sources to go from (not checking Wookieepedia right now), it may be that the inferior craftsmanship of Ren's saber necessitated the vents.
Even the Death Star was mobile... I was just meaning in terms of naming of SuperWeapon, it reads as similar...
And re lightsabers being plasma weapons, nothing about how they have been thus described, either in the canon of the movies/animated series, nor the Visual Dictionaries (I know, I know, not canon, but atill Licenced Product) has shown any kind of component in a lightsaber which contains the gas which becomes the plasma. It does, however, show energy cells and a focussing crystal, which by comparison, seems more like a tractor beam emitter, rather than say a phaser emitter, hence why I've always considered the blade to be a type of forcefield (focussed gravitons) rather than plasma-based (also the heat would render the device un-wieldable ) so the idea of Kylo Ren's saber requiring 'bleed vents', yeah, makes sense if it was a more antiquated/less sophisticated design, but I definitely foud it disappointing for the lightsaber to now be squarely identified as something which the existing lore, really suggested it was not
Finn didn't fair too well with it anyway. But he did have a desperate need to save Rey. He had a run-away/or be a hero arc going on, so wielding the lightsaber was part of that.
Hehe, comparing chars to the EU is exactly why Disney tossed it. They had two choices, make movies out of books, which probably had licensing issues, or make movies with their own story.
For sure, and yet, they still came up with a character, who seems to be an amalgam of three clearly identifiable and established EU characters... I can understand why they did it, but I always felt that the completr tossing of the EU was disrespectful to the fandom who had supported the franchise for the better part of twenty plus years. And so by having a character who is so clearly relatable to established EU characters, it makes me feel like it was simply, as with Star Trek 09 and Into Darkness, 'change for the sake of it so JJ can say its his', and then giving the backhand slap to the fans of the EU, by saying "Haha, I took those characters, made them irrelevant, then re-skinned them so I could repurpose them!" It just seems a bit counter-productive, when they could have simply come up with completely fresh new characters (which some of them are, such as Finn) to avoid the comparison completely...
And re lightsabers being plasma weapons, nothing about how they have been thus described, either in the canon of the movies/animated series, nor the Visual Dictionaries (I know, I know, not canon, but atill Licenced Product) has shown any kind of component in a lightsaber which contains the gas which becomes the plasma. It does, however, show energy cells and a focussing crystal, which by comparison, seems more like a tractor beam emitter, rather than say a phaser emitter, hence why I've always considered the blade to be a type of forcefield (focussed gravitons) rather than plasma-based (also the heat would render the device un-wieldable ) so the idea of Kylo Ren's saber requiring 'bleed vents', yeah, makes sense if it was a more antiquated/less sophisticated design, but I definitely foud it disappointing for the lightsaber to now be squarely identified as something which the existing lore, really suggested it was not
Thought it was kind of cool, and he made use of those cross guards in the film.
I know us Trekkies pay attention to the details, but not sure if Star Wars falls under the same microscope. Someone asked JJ, at the Global Press Conf, if any of the recent discoveries in space and science made it into the films and he just went, "Nope."
Finn didn't fair too well with it anyway. But he did have a desperate need to save Rey. He had a run-away/or be a hero arc going on, so wielding the lightsaber was part of that.
So he's just 'a trope', not a character? I don't like to think of characters in such ways, as I feel it diminishes their uniqueness and ability to be used differently (because once they're used in any other way, they get labeled as yet another different trope, rather than simply being accepted 'as a character'.) Personally, I'm just going to take it as an example of JJ wanting to do something and 'thinking its cool', and Doing It (Cold Fusion SuperTorpedoes across the Klingon Empire Focussed Running Augment shrugging off a nerve pinch*) rather than being true to existing lore of the franchise
*as if it is simply a painful incapacitation, rather than a straight up biological reaction, ie cutting off flow in the carotid artery...
Thought it was kind of cool, and he made use of those cross guards in the film.
I know us Trekkies pay attention to the details, but not sure if Star Wars falls under the same microscope. Someone asked JJ, at the Global Press Conf, if any of the recent discoveries in space and science made it into the films and he just went, "Nope."
I never liked the idea of the cross guards (although glad to hear that they do get used, rather than simply existing 'because JJ thought It Would Be Cool') but I'm just saying, nothing in previous lore actually identified a lightsaber's blade as plasma (and infact seemed to be describing something more akin to a type of forcefield) and I just find it disappointing that now that they are essentially identified as plasma-based, simply 'because the new film says so', rather than having been more consistent to previous depictions.
And as for 'the details' there are Star Wars fans who take them very seriously
Starkiller (original concept by Lucas was Anakin Starkiller) Sounds like a rehash of Kyp Durron's Sun Crusher... Whoops, there's another Kyp reference...
The Sun Crusher was mobile. This is more like an upscaled (planet, rather than space station) Galaxy Gun.
I agree with most of the rest, with one caveat:
Lightsabers were always plasma weapons. Plasma contained in a forcefield, but plasma nonetheless. While I have no sources to go from (not checking Wookieepedia right now), it may be that the inferior craftsmanship of Ren's saber necessitated the vents.
Even the Death Star was mobile... I was just meaning in terms of naming of SuperWeapon, it reads as similar...
Sure, the Death Star was mobile. The Galaxy Gun, and Starkiller Base, were not.
And re lightsabers being plasma weapons, nothing about how they have been thus described, either in the canon of the movies/animated series, nor the Visual Dictionaries (I know, I know, not canon, but atill Licenced Product) has shown any kind of component in a lightsaber which contains the gas which becomes the plasma. It does, however, show energy cells and a focussing crystal, which by comparison, seems more like a tractor beam emitter, rather than say a phaser emitter, hence why I've always considered the blade to be a type of forcefield (focussed gravitons) rather than plasma-based (also the heat would render the device un-wieldable ) so the idea of Kylo Ren's saber requiring 'bleed vents', yeah, makes sense if it was a more antiquated/less sophisticated design, but I definitely foud it disappointing for the lightsaber to now be squarely identified as something which the existing lore, really suggested it was not
Granted, the new canon hasn't provided any similar sources up until TFA came out, but the sources for the Legends article do seem to be both abundant and valid.
Infinite possibilities have implications that could not be completely understood if you turned this entire universe into a giant supercomputer.
Comments
But it did leave me feeling very underwhelmed and did not bring anything new to the table.
Felt very much like rehashed plot points from the previous two trilogies and the expanded universe, rather than something truly "new".
I also do NOT like J.J Abrams style or his company Bad Robot, None of the visual effects felt "Star Wars". When blasters and turbolasers were firing they looked more like phasers an disruptors from Reboot Star Trek. Too fast, too flashy.
Thought the film was solid anyway, and had the much needed humour that was lacking from the previous six episodes. Thankfully the film was telling a story too, so they didn't overload on the humour which some films (especially some of the Marvel films) have attempted to do. There was just enough of everything in this film, and at no point did I want a scene to hurry up.
My only quibbles (so to speak) is if there was a ship (old or otherwise) lying about, why didn't more people attempt to steal it and fly off for a better life? And that Jedi Temple Luke was found at, well, that was a lame excuse for a temple. Aside from Attack of the Clones, we've never really seen a proper Jedi/Sith fight (I'm talking in the numbers), it would be nice to see that in episodes VIII or IX, however knowing what's happened in the last 30years, I just can't see there being any other Jedi around to make that happen.
Wasn't overly fond of the Sith arc either; didn't see the twists of the son/father dynamic, though it was well done, and I loved how the Stormtroopers acted with the unstable Ren. Hah! Everyone thought Ray was the daughter, she obviously wasn't, though she is connected somehow (so I wonder whether she's the daughter of Luke?)
Hopefully Ren didn't slaughter all of the other Jedi, and Luke actually managed to save some (who are hiding out with him).
Loved it. I feel like it was shot like an actual film. lol The actors were brilliant. Only thing I'd change is having Han go out down fighting, or not at all.
What the devil are you going on about?
What "ploy" am I using and why the hell would I want to get an "upper hand" in this thread?
Please...
Take a moment to RE-READ the sentence that is in blue and then tell me that it makes sense as to what you are attempting to say...
I'll wait...
<smh>
I Was A Trekkie Before It Was Cool ... Sept. 8th, 1966 ... Not To Mention Before Most Folks Around Here Were Born!
Forever a STO Veteran-Minion
Still, plenty of cool toys for the kids.
I might watch this one when it becomes available for streaming, or on blu-ray/DvD.
I came away from the movie a very satisfied Star Wars fan. Better than any of the Prequels, hands down and JJ Abrams surprised me. I wondered if they were going to accomplish what they wanted with this movie during the allotted time because it is a very "busy" movie. Lots of things were underway but it came out pretty well. No annoying characters, races like the Ewoks, Gungans, Jar Jar. OTOH, lots of characters that I wanted to see more of from the First Order and Resistance. I wanted to see much more of the warships but interestingly, there's not as many scenes with them. Hell, for the First Order's grand weapon, I can't recall any escorting ships at all.
The film pays reverence to previous elements, characters, events. Then I look at the hamfisted use of previous characters, events in JJ's works with Star Trek and I just shake my head. Kind of bewildering, but it is what it is.
Again, The Force Awakens just blows away the entire Prequel Trilogy, which is interesting because Lucas helmed those movies completely and a newcomer takes up the chair and does better. Where does it rank with the Original Trilogy? Better than Return of the Jedi, but Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back are still better. Especially "Empire."
Of course you wouldn't. It would be time and money well spent!
Your father was captain of a starship for twelve minutes. He saved 800 lives, including your mother's, and yours.
I dare you to do better.
I wouldn't call ROTJ "kicking things up a notch" because the elements Lucas was blasted for with the Prequels really began in ROTJ and Lucas' other works in that ROTJ-timeframe. Caravan of Courage, anyone?
This is pretty much exactly how I felt about it. Although I thought JJTrek was okay...
I did specify 'mainly Empire'...
Which EU characters? Ben Solo could be a transferred name from Ben Skywalker, but not necessarily deliberately; it's just as likely that he was named after Obi-Wan. Han's son going dark is a common element, but there are many differences, and I'm pretty sure a Star Wars sequel was always going to feature Han and Leia's children. So what's the problem?
Your father was captain of a starship for twelve minutes. He saved 800 lives, including your mother's, and yours.
I dare you to do better.
My character Tsin'xing
Given more time, there's more things that I can pick apart with The Force Awakens. But even despite that, like I said, I left a pretty satisfied SW fan. It had something for the old and new fans.
LOL, I remember reading that a long time ago. It was his idea to do that as far back as Return of the Jedi!
Well, IMHO, Jacen Solo + Kyp Durron + Ben Skywalker = Kylo Ren = Utterly unoriginal and could have been accomplished using EU characters which people already had investment in...
Starkiller (original concept by Lucas was Anakin Starkiller) Sounds like a rehash of Kyp Durron's Sun Crusher... Whoops, there's another Kyp reference...
Rey being Force-sensitive enough to whoop Kylo Ren despite no (yet disclosed) training (might as well be Jaina Solo)
Finn using a lightsaber with no training
Lightsabers being declared as plasma weapons, not forcefield-based (the 'side-blades' on Kylo Ren's lightsaber are 'bleed vents', rather than intentionally designed 'blades')
So what's the problem? IMHO, JJ has, once more, done another film where he's pissed on someone else's IP to make it his own and then cleared off, after destroying/killing a main feature, using a character with Daddy Issues, and generally being the lazy, derivative hack that he is... I'm sure it looks great, and as I bove, I really wanted to see it and like it, but after reading the reviews, I'm simply not interested... No different than trying to get a Vegan to eat a nice bacon sandwhich... Nothing wrong with bacon, but they're just not going to do it...
That's like comparing someone who uses a hammer with no training. All Finn needed to do was turn the damn thing on and use it to defend himself; doesn't take a genius to work that out. He probably had some basic training when he was being trained up as a Stormtrooper.
The Sun Crusher was mobile. This is more like an upscaled (planet, rather than space station) Galaxy Gun.
I agree with most of the rest, with one caveat:
Lightsabers were always plasma weapons. Plasma contained in a forcefield, but plasma nonetheless. While I have no sources to go from (not checking Wookieepedia right now), it may be that the inferior craftsmanship of Ren's saber necessitated the vents.
Infinite possibilities have implications that could not be completely understood if you turned this entire universe into a giant supercomputer.
My character Tsin'xing
Nooo. That is an absolutely incorrect analogy and a horrendously inaccurate simplification... Star Wars lore has always held that in the hands of an untrained user, a lightsaber is as dangerous to the person holding it, as it is to their target. If you want to use a tool analogy, it would be like comparing someoneone picking up a chainsaw with no experience or supervision and then trying to use it (and likely winding up in the ER...) Jedi are trained in their use since infancy. I know that in Ralph McQuarrie's original artwork, stormtroopers were shown to be carrying lightsabers, and they were intended to be the in-verse equivalent of a billy-club that just any Joe could use, but that is not how the previous films have shown them, and Luke's ability to just 'pick up up and use it', is easily explained by his innate Force abilities, ie, as Qui-Gon said about Anakin's ability to pilot a pod-racer: "He sees things before they happen, that's why he appears to have such quick reflexes..." So yes, Luke, or any sufficiently cognitive Force sensitive should be able to 'pick one up and use one', but a non-Force sensitive, should not (even with stormtrooper training)
And re lightsabers being plasma weapons, nothing about how they have been thus described, either in the canon of the movies/animated series, nor the Visual Dictionaries (I know, I know, not canon, but atill Licenced Product) has shown any kind of component in a lightsaber which contains the gas which becomes the plasma. It does, however, show energy cells and a focussing crystal, which by comparison, seems more like a tractor beam emitter, rather than say a phaser emitter, hence why I've always considered the blade to be a type of forcefield (focussed gravitons) rather than plasma-based (also the heat would render the device un-wieldable
The-Grand-Nagus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Thought it was kind of cool, and he made use of those cross guards in the film.
I know us Trekkies pay attention to the details, but not sure if Star Wars falls under the same microscope. Someone asked JJ, at the Global Press Conf, if any of the recent discoveries in space and science made it into the films and he just went, "Nope."
*as if it is simply a painful incapacitation, rather than a straight up biological reaction, ie cutting off flow in the carotid artery...
I never liked the idea of the cross guards (although glad to hear that they do get used, rather than simply existing 'because JJ thought It Would Be Cool') but I'm just saying, nothing in previous lore actually identified a lightsaber's blade as plasma (and infact seemed to be describing something more akin to a type of forcefield) and I just find it disappointing that now that they are essentially identified as plasma-based, simply 'because the new film says so', rather than having been more consistent to previous depictions.
And as for 'the details' there are Star Wars fans who take them very seriously
Sure, the Death Star was mobile. The Galaxy Gun, and Starkiller Base, were not.
I must direct your attention to this: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lightsaber/Legends#Mechanics
Granted, the new canon hasn't provided any similar sources up until TFA came out, but the sources for the Legends article do seem to be both abundant and valid.
Infinite possibilities have implications that could not be completely understood if you turned this entire universe into a giant supercomputer.