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(I saw the movie just over a day ago, and I will give a more in depth review a week from now after further viewings.) NO SPOILERS. Not even innuendos, because no matter how vague I think I may be, I'm sure someone will pick up on it. I was very fortunate to count myself as one of those who got to see an early viewing, and am very thankful to the kind and dear friend who got me the ticket. Truly, I owe you a lot and remain moved by your loving gesture. As anyone who has read my posts here knows I am a fan of Star Wars in every sense of the word, but given that, I still am not blind to the fact that some of what has come before were ... let’s say they were not as beloved as the Original Trilogy. What I am trying to say is that I can be critical when it counts. Do we not hold friends and loved ones to task when it is called for? With that in mind I am attempting to ONLY compare this movie with the other two in the SEQUEL Trilogy, NOT with all films in the Greater SAGA. While that’s a fair enough statement, it’s rather hard to mentally enforce, for we do remember the past, and no films could stand up to that level of scrutiny. THE REVIEW The audience I went with comprised mostly media and film industry folks. You will be hard pressed to find a more jaded group of scum and villainy anywhere. I am fairly sure there were more than a few skeptics among the viewers. One I think YouTube blogger seated behind me even loudly mentioned a BIG spoiler, which was rather uncalled for and I called him out on it. Then the lights dimmed, the decades old familiar music filled the room, the opening crawl started. And there I was surrounded by some 800 adults, some wearing expensive evening attire, who despite themselves managed to reconnect with their wide eyed, opened mouthed, popcorn eating 6 year old selves again. There were many a loud cheers throughout the whole film, there were a few "full applause" moments and those were well within the first hour alone. I shed many a tear, and more than a handful of adults next to me did the same. Why? Simply put, because after many of my life’s stages of going to see Star Wars films, we once more, can look up on the silver screen and proclaim, This IS A STAR WARS FILM! By the first few minutes of celluloid alone it is beautifully clear, JJ Abrams and his team have made thier attempt to create a fitting end to our multi-generation’s Space Opera that is compelling, exciting and larger than life. With all my heart I wish we still live in the days where we can proudly claim we once again have a movie that is well worthy an heir to the Originals. But this film, as grand as it strives to be, on my first viewing, seems more of a shadow or echo of past glories. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a loving and cared for eyes wide spectacle, and I plan to see it at least three more times in the cinema. There can be no doubt JJ Abrams made a film for the fans, and there maybe those who decry these story beats as simple fan service. Well butter my popcorn and top off my root beer because that’s what I’m here for. For those wondering, I can say that many unanswered questions (and even derisive complaints) are addressed in the narrative. Certain issues that may have been wrought by the last film are tempered and smoothed out. The first half of the film may seem a little jarring, the pacing of the story is a blitz and more rapid than a supped up speeder bike. Scene hastily cuts to another scene and Abrams & company assume the audience can keep up with each of the story twists and controversial turns, giving the viewers what they want right when they want it, at times BEFORE the audience realizes they wanted it. Of course Carrie/Leia is honored, and C3PO gets a story arc, the new leads get to shine. There is more than enough parts nostalgia, emotional investment for the characters and good natured humor thrown in the film experience help let you escape to a Galaxy far, far away. As fans, we owe John Williams a Life Debt. The musical score is BEAUTIFUL. I could watch the whole movie sans dialogue and still be awestruck at the grandeur of the compositions. John Williams unequivocally remains the uncontested Jedi Master. He gets my vote for the first human we clone. There are some DEEP cuts in the film, I am happy to say that some Legends material are once again Canon, some dealing with The Force, the Jedi and the Sith. Was it as good as The Empire Strikes Back? Oh come on you scruffy looking nerf herder! In a New York minute see if you can name me five pieces of art as profound and memorable as Episode V. MY Imperial ADVICE BEFORE YOU WATCH THE MOVIE Avoid the rampant spoilers and naysayers, butter the popcorn, wear comfy clothes, hit the restroom, the sit down and SMILE. No need to be skeptical or have low expectations, try not to be hyper critical, leave your life's worries behind for two hours, and invite your six your old self along for the ride. Be a kid again. Have a blast. You owe it to yourself. Meet the movie half way, the movie will Wookiee charge to meet you. The Rise of Skywalker is FINALE of the all three Trilogies. This is it. Thank you George Lucas, Thank you JJ, Thank you Mark, Harrison and all the rest. We miss you Peter M, Alec, Peter C, Kenny, and Carrie! Thank you all for making me a fan of The Saga. I’m going to find baby Yoda, I need a hug.
For shareholders, this will be a day long remembered. Interestingly, the NINE nominated Academy Award movies for Best Picture have a combined Box Office revenue that is less than The Last Jedi.
True. Baron didn't establish a context for the question. I thought he was simply asking for an opinion. If there's ever a Kenobi movie, of course it should be Ewan McGregor. I believe I DID. The question was, which of the two both incredible actors comes into your mind’s eye FIRST. I love Ewan McGregor, I can’t see any living actor today but him play Obi Wan. BUT to this day, it’s Sir Alec Guinness who comes into my head FIRST when I hear the name Obi Wan.
The First Order French Toast recipe. I would add two more healthy dashes of cinnamon to the mixture. With or without blue milk.
Since it’s awards season, Disney has The Last Jedi soundtrack up on its ‘For Your Consideration’ page.
Raises a chilled glass of Merenzane Gold, ‘May The Empire continue to remain Victorious on ALL fronts.’ While wistfully wishing some bottles of Toniray survived offworld after the Justice dealt to rebellious Alderaan.
Baron, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you deeply for your thread here. You are very kind. But please, Baron was my father, since we are friends, ‘Your Excellency’ will suffice. Speaking of fathers, Mark Hamill is one of the best voice over actors of all time. Just like his father before him, James Earl Jones.
The Emperor would like to wish all the loyal citizens of The Empire a Happy New Year! The Empire is Victorious on ALL Fronts!
How are people seeing it already? I am the very model of a modern Loyal Imperial Advisor. I've information sectreted by Bothan’s behind a Rancor’s incisor. I know the Sith Lords Canonical, and Clone Wars historical. Planetary Systems Ahch-To to Yavin, in order Astrophysical. I'm very well acquainted, with matters Separtist and Senatorial. I understand Lightspeed Interdiction, Parsec and Quadratical. Asked about Midichlorian count I am teeming with a lot o' news. Pressed to perform I dare say I can even make a dour Hutt amuse. I am the very model of a modern Loyal Imperial Advisor.
In a press briefing, Andy Serkis is asked if Supreme Leader Snoke is more powerful than our beloved Imperial Majesty, The Emperor Palpatine. Without pause, Serkis says he is. ’Snoke is the Dark End of The Force.’ Which proves Serkis is traitorous leech, little better than a Rebel scum propagandist. - - - My take away from this is full confirmation that Snoke is not a Sith, but a Dark Side user of another sort.
In Tacticsliontown I would be an Imperial Purebred Human, with the Grand Moff Archtype, and even more extra superfluous but you know it’s in there Imperial Advisor Prestidge Class. You know, what Hellkight mothers tell their children to scare them into eating their vegetables. |
