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| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
(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.
OMG!
This is an AWESOME review!
If you were intending to hype up your readers & get them to go watch this movie, you've succeeded with this reader!
And without ANY spoilers!
Thank you! <3
Carry on!
--C.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
(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...
Its from a different Star-based series, but this post and this entire thread reminds me of why you are, and will always be, my friend, Baron Arem Hashevaum.
Also, I MET THE COUSIN OF THE VOICE ACTRESS WHO WAS THE SECOND SISTER IN JEDI FALLEN ORDER SHE WORKS AT MY CHICFILA!
I saw RoS this afternoon (C.E.T.) and enjoyed it. I'll be watching it again this coming Sunday. :)
I saw it and I was pleasantly surprised, given what the Saltier than Crait folks were saying. It might have been better as 2 movies, but even rushed it was still pretty good.