The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Riddhi2011]

Spectre (2015)
Dir. Sam Mendes
2.75/5

An enjoyable but disappointing finale (supposedly) for Daniel Craig as James Bond.

After a slow but spectacular opening and the wonderful scene between Bond and Mr. White, the film begins to fall, step by step.
The action sequences are great but feel a bit dated/ 'been there seen that' type. The story is so thin, weak and derivative and so devoid of a central emotional core that the film falls flat on its face and feels almost as dry as Quantum of Solace.

Great character actors populate the film, but the script never allows them to shine.
There's virtually no chemistry between Craig and Seydoux (probably because she looks far too younger than him).
Craig and everyone else is let down by the poor script!
Dave Bautista is impressive though, I mean he does his character justice!
Music is sadly very derivative and predictable and Sam Smith's opening theme is forgettable (the visuals are great though).

The film as a whole feels like montages of various sequences from previous movies, loosely strung together. There's a genuine lack of cohesion. Christoph Waltz is not at all intimidating or scary and is very much wasted here.
Despite his admission of being the reason behind Bond's suffering in the past stories, it doesn't feel convincing. In fact, the back story feels forced and ultimately doesn't make sense. "You took away my father's affection for me, so I became an evil genius to spy on you and kill everyone you care," no, no it does not work. Christoph Waltz deserved a far more sinister character than the cheap treatment he got.
Th pacing of the film is very slow as well and the editing, poor. None of the characters seem to have any strong psychological depth or intentions. Scenes keep coming one after another but have little cohesion.
Andrew Scott is, well, somewhat wasted. Though he tries his best. On the other hand, Ben Wishaw as Q is a delight as he was in Skyfall.

If this is the last Bond for Daniel Craig then it is a very unsatisfactory send-off as a movie, purely in terms of how it's crafted.
I wanted to enjoy it immensely. But frankly, this is not the quality of work I expected from a great director like Sam Mendes. I think he had very little interest and it shows. In fact, this is the first Craig-Bond movie to lack heart. Like dry Martini, neither shaken nor stirred.

[Al_The_Strange]

I saw SPECTRE before going on holiday, but haven't found time to write a full-blown review. So here's a short one:

As a Bond fan, I didn't mind the film one bit. With the way people were talking, I was expecting a long and boring mess, but I was ultimately pleased with how the film's story fit into the continuity of the Craig series. Action was enjoyable enough - pacing in general wasn't terrible. What I found most pleasing was that Craig's performance as Bond felt more Bond-like than ever before - something about his dialogue and demeanor seemed much more in line with previous actors' performances (especially Brosnan or Dalton). Other characters are great (especially M, Q, Swan, the henchman). Style is pretty slick (despite the drab colors and everything).

There are things to hate though. Monica Bellucci is underused. The theme song sucks (even though the opening credits scene is gorgeous). The last act gets pretty ridiculous (there's

[Show spoiler]an explosion that happens for no apparent reason and doesn't seem to end, and Bond manages to shoot down a helicopter from hundreds of yards away with a pistol, among other things. There is a theory online about all this nonsense, which seems ridiculous and is likely not what filmmakers intended, but I do find it fascinating, and it kinda fits - it's one thing that'll keep me thinking and stopping me from calling it total stupidity

). One of the biggest problems is

[Show spoiler]the way they connect Blofeld to Bond with a personal connection, trying to give the story a personal stake. It might have worked well, except that it undermines Blofeld's motivations - he's no longer the head of SPECTRE because of money and power, now he's doing all this evil stuff because he's a slighted half-brother who wants to make Bond suffer. But what sense does that make, to subvert and control world powers and economies just to make one man suffer? Jeez.

In short, it's not as terrible as I imagined it would be. It might be my least-favorite in the Craig series, but it's still enjoyable, and I think it still outclasses most of the other older films.

4/5

Recommendation: Rental.

[Riddhi2011]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I saw SPECTRE ...One of the biggest problems is the way they

[Show spoiler]connect Blofeld to Bond with a personal connection, trying to give the story a personal stake. It might have worked well, except that it undermines Blofeld's motivations - he's no longer the head of SPECTRE because of money and power, now he's doing all this evil stuff because he's a slighted half-brother who wants to make Bond suffer. But what sense does that make, to subvert and control world powers and economies just to make one man suffer? Jeez.

Exactly my thoughts. I also feel personally, that Mendes's own nostalgic attachment to the Connery-era Bond is what undermines this movie the most. The script tries marrying the '60s type action and villains with a more modern, darker protagonist and as a result they do not work well. Casino Royale was perfect to a T! The best in the series - it made Bond brutal, clever even, but vulnerable and most important of all, human! We felt his pain, we were heartbroken with Vesper's death because we began genuinely caring for this guy and his first (and only?) love. These emotions weren't part of the Connery, Moore, Lazenby, Dalton or Brosnan movies. He was too suave an English gentleman.
Mendes tried bringing some of that heart to Skyfall and he was successful. I don't know why everything in Spectre feels so cold and disconnected despite the obvious connections made. It's because the ties feel forced and not genuine. All the actors seem to be struggling to give great performances because the script is sub-par.
Darren Franich at ew.com nails it -

[Show spoiler]"It is silly that James Bond was a childhood friend-brother to Franz Oberhauser a.k.a. Blofeld, and it’s silly that Oberhauser killed his father and faked his own death and changed his name to Blofeld and became the most evil man alive. Nothing that happens in Spectre holds up to even minor logical scrutiny. (Bond sets off on his mission because M leaves him a video with, basically, this instruction: “Kill this random guy and go to his funeral.”)

Here's the link to the original article - http://www.ew.com/article/2015/11/10/spectre-ending

The best emotion-filled exchange (and thread) in the movie comes between Bond and Mr. White and that is something which saves the movie and the label of a Tape from the past. There is a lot of messages from the past in this one: one particular video is a nice surprise.

I wanted to say a lot of things but it's a waste writing so much just to have to slather it with the despicable "spoiler" tag.

Watch the movie in the cinemas. I saw it on a huge screen which used to be a 15/70 IMAX screen, but has now been folded down to 2.40:1 after the cinema chain severed ties with the Canadian brand. Still it looked impressive and the cinematography was very good but not as impressive as Skyfall. And I miss the gorgeous colour palette of Casino Royale. None of the other Craig Bond movies had it including this one. The film was tinted with a white desaturated cold look and a dull yellow for the more exotic locales and the tonal difference was jarring, to me at least. A photochemical grading wouldn't have done that. In terms of cinematography, the anamorphic shots are the ones I always tend in general to dislike because of the lens distortions and the lack of sharpness that is otherwise found in standard 35mm/Super 35 formats. Some of the action sequences looked incredibly sharp and detailed and I imagine they used Vistavision on those.

[pikeman1]

Close Range (2015)

Bad direction, no screenplay, shoddy acting. A lot of shooting, but they are mostly ridiculous. Only some hand-to-hand combat scenes are worth watching, as expected from Scott Adkins and the director of Undisputed 2 & 3.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFl0NmRmJYU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwZ0QHWj1nc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6AtRyCA_xU

[Spirit Zero]

The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981)

Fun fact, this was Joel Schumacher's directorial debut. Yep that's right, way before we got ultra campy, neon lit Batman movies we got this, a campy, excessively colourful romp based (of course) on the Richard Matheson novel 'The Shrinking Man'. Yeah I know exactly what you're thinking, I'd never heard of this movie either, well judging by the films poster it doesn't look like anybody gave it much hope frankly, holy cheeseballs!

So I think we know what's gonna happen here don't we. An everyday woman leading an everyday life falls afoul of a bizarre accident that causes her to slowly shrink down to a microscopic size. In this case its not a nuclear/atomic bomb scenario, its not a mad experiment and its got nothing to do with potions and magic. In this movie the protagonist suffers from a serve reaction to an experimental perfume her husband is working on, along with various other household things. So yes...OK, it is about a weird experiment, but its not military based. Unfortunately despite the fact they have clearly tried to move away from the old formulaic notions that have surrounded previous movies like this, this new concept is really quite daft. Sure the entire notion of shrinking to the size of an ant is daft but...as a result of a perfume?? couldn't think of anything a bit better?

What's even more ludicrous is the fact that despite it being a perfume/household products related accident and perfume/household products being a relatively innocent and unexciting plot device, they still manage to cram in a few nasty whitecoat scientist types because of course the perfume company gets taken over in part by dubious sources wanting to work out the shrinking mystery for their own dubious plans. Everything is entirely predictable of course, you know once Kramer starts to shrink their will be the media hype to content with, the humiliation, the rubbernecking etc...Along with that you know at some point evil people will try to kidnap her for their evil ways (obviously shrinking people around the world or their own armies), and there will be some kind of adventurous escape from a nasty old lab etc...Didn't really expect anything too mind blowing in all honesty, naturally this will take on many elements of the original source material, they have tried to go in a new direction, but I'm just not sure if this was the right way.

I'm still not really sure what the colour scheme/palette was about here either. All the sets, costumes, cars, props, everything, is an array of soft, outlandish, pastel colours that range from anything and everything. Think 'Dick Tracy', 'Miami Vice' or the 50's suburban housing estate in 'Edward Scissorhands' but in really really extreme camp colours. The weird thing were the outfits everybody wears, its was like some kind of retro 50's, 70's, 80's mishmash with suits in emerald green with bright pink ties etc...I'm guessing Schumacher wanted to create some kind of timeless hybrid that has never existed, a fantasy America where everything is kinda perfect, but scratch beneath the surface and its actually just like reality.

Another odd thing was the usage of Lily Tomlin as multiple characters. Now I'm assuming this was down to her comedic background as others have done the same thing, the problem is others have done it way better. The silly thing was you can clearly tell its Tomlin, there is no real effort to not make her look any different, so in that sense its not really funny or clever (an Eddie Murphy challenge this is not). I might add her various characters aren't exactly very different from each other...and did I mention she isn't funny?

Effects wise the movie does hold its own well and this is mainly down to the old old use of large scale props and sets. Tomlin looks great within the oversized sets and the forced perspective illusion, it just never fails to win that old trick. Naturally there are some hokey bluescreen moments but that can't really be helped. The best thing about the movie effects wise is easily Rick Baker and his gorilla suit. Now if you know your movies and special effects wizards then you know Baker has a gorilla fetish, a fetish he explores deeply here. Not only is his suit excellent in detail and movement, but Baker actually plays the gentle giant too. Think the gorilla from 'Trading Places' only better. The only stupid thing about that (along with all the other stupid stuff), is at the end the Kramer family decide to keep the gorilla as a pet, because that won't cause any problems will it (do I see a gorilla based sequel with hilarious gorilla shrinking antics??..no).

Yeah so this was a pretty mixed bag really. The visuals are undoubtedly lovely to look at in places, very colourful and cheerful, good designs and creativity, but it doesn't really make much sense why its like that. The comedy is so so, the action and adventure is so so, the acting is unsurprisingly so so despite having a darn good line-up of old stars, and the finale is too sickly. Everything gets wrapped up in a nice harmless bow with literately every character there to witness it because...I dunno. Why does she shrink so rapidly right at the end? and why or how does the chemical spillage bring her back to normal size?? Meh, its a family movie heavy on light-hearted tomfoolery and nothing more, don't question it.

5/10

[Spirit Zero]

Magicians (UK, 2007)

Right now this is an entirely British outing using entirely British comedy stars from entirely British comedy shows, in other words, if you haven't ever seen or heard of the comedy show Peep Show then chances are you probably haven't even heard of this. That's not to say this movie is based on that series, its not, but lets face it, it does kinda feel like an extended episode or spin off from the show. Yes I know I'm solely basing that on the fact the two main leads (Robert Webb and David Mitchell) are the two leads from that show but any British person who's familiar with the show knows what I mean.

Right its a comedy, lets just get that out there for everyone, its a black comedy based on the relationship between two reasonably famous magicians (Harry and Karl) based in the UK. Lets think of these characters as the Torvill and Dean of the British magic world (in the film), they are a household name in the UK and pretty well known elsewhere, but mainly they are a home-grown success story that are loved by their fellow countrymen (and women and kids). So what happens next, well obviously they fall out, why? because Karl is having an affair with Harry's wife. This also leads to the accidental death (or was it?) of Harry's wife during a show, which of course virtually destroys their act. This naturally leads to the pair losing touch and going their own separate ways, until a major magic competition comes along and the pair both enter.

OK so, as I've already mentioned this does feel very much like an extended episode of Peep Show. Aside from the fact you have Webb and Michell, you also have at least three other people that have also starred in the show, this really does make it hard not to look upon the film as an extended special or whatever. Of course a lot of the appeal here is down to whether or not you actually like the comedy duo of Mitchell and Webb, luckily I do like the duo and have enjoyed all their work thus far. Again though this does of course cause problems because the comedy feels very familiar, very predictable and like you've seen it all before. If you like the act then that might not be a problem, but even for me as a fan, I did feel a bit of deja vu creeping in and it always felt a bit like an over long sketch. Perhaps making this idea into a six part comedy show would have been a better option?

The whole concept of using magicians and having some big magic battle to find the best magician is a nice idea, it lends itself well for some great comedy. The various magicians we see are entertaining with the obvious array such as...the more traditional tux type, wacky and outlandish, rude, shock value, supernatural, funny for the kids and mind games. Harry and Karl are more traditional magicians at the start, using the more old fashioned well known tricks, but later Karl moves into mind games mixed with the supernatural trying to elevate his appeal. This does of course lead to conscious issues for him as he is of course a fake (more of a con artist than Harry), and he cannot bring himself to fool people around when it comes to their actual dead family members. This is one of the films small engaging plot devices with morals, does Karl hurt and trick people for success? can he handle that, is he willing to trick is own girlfriend into the bargain? His struggle is compelling and amusing as deep down he really doesn't want to but he finds himself getting sucked into these situations...mainly because of his fame seeking agent who also fancies him and is actually quite funny.

So Webb's character is the stronger of the two, I think, as Mitchell's Harry really does feel exactly the same as Mark Corrigan from Peep Show. Yes you could say exactly the same about Webb's character of Karl but I feel he displays more of a genuine story arc, he actually conveys some emotion. Where as Mitchell and his Harry/Mark characters seem pretty much the same, both are single, useless with the opposite sex, awkward, geeky and prone to outbursts. Its the other characters that are actually a bit more fun truth be told, Peter Capaldi is solid as the gruff and rude magic competition organiser, where as Steve Edge is easily the best as a controversial magician who simply doesn't think twice about speaking his mind, be it sexist or racist.

I guess what I'm trying to say overall is, this film is OK, but it could of been so much better. The whole thing is self contained, its simple, the gags are generally average at best, visually its a typically British movie in the sense that it kinda looks cheap but passable, and the magic aspect is cool. I really wanted to like this film so much, I like Mitchell and Webb, their brand of humour is solid, cheeky and at times close to the bar, but this is lacking something. I think it really does show that these TV folk do work better in the TV format/realm, their comedy just works so much better and there are many examples of this. So yeah, end of the day, its a solid attempt, it does kinda work but the comedy duo can't match their TV shows for pinpoint zinger bombs I'm afraid.

4.5/10

[Spirit Zero]

And Now for Something Completely Different (1971)

This was the first feature length Python movie, an anthology movie that was made up of well known sketches that the crew had done on their TV show, Monty Python's Flying Circus (the first two series). Apparently the main goal of this movie was to break the boys into America, introduce the States to their cult British humour. The film is made up of a variety of famous sketches that had previously been seen on TV but re-shot without an audience and, apparently, with a lower budget. Knowing this actually surprised me because I've always thought this film (and the sketches) looked pretty glossy in a way, the smooth transitions, the more cinematic approach and in some aspects bigger better locations. I don't recall the original series too much as I haven't seen it since I was a kid but I always thought the series looked way more shabby than this.

Its actually amazing to read that some sketches or effects couldn't be recreated for this film because the budget was so low! This makes me wanna go back and watch the TV show to see the differences. Anyway, despite those revelations I've always liked this compilation of classic Python material and seen it as (almost) the definitive versions of the sketches, although that's probably because I grew up with this movie rather than the TV show (will somebody please fondle my buttocks!).

Watching this today as an adult many things have obviously changed, firstly, I actually understand all the gags now, all the little cheeky lines and quips are loud and clear. Its amusing to watch and remember back in the day when I didn't understand certain scenes or dialog. They totally flew over my head and I only enjoyed them mainly because I knew it was silly and because my dad was laughing. Its also quite shocking and hilarious at how offensive this movie actually is in places, its things like this that, back in the day, were virtually normal, maybe slightly taboo, but generally accepted in comedy. Watching now and its incredible! obviously you'd never get away with it. I'm pretty sure the camp soldiers on drill would be lambasted these days, also certain lines are clearly racist...'did you see who moved in next door?', 'oh yes, black as the ace of spades', 'Oh well, there goes the neighbourhood', blimey!

Its also funny to mention as early sketch which starts out with the narration...'In 1970 the British Empire lay in ruins, foreign nationals frequented the streets, many of them Hungarians'. Now is it me or, apart from the fact its Hungarians, the date of course and the sarcasm, this silly statement has actually come true! just replace Hungarians with Polish, Romanian and Bulgarian. Anyway, aside from the awkward, yet admittedly funny, offensive bits, there are of course all the main humdingers that we all know and love. The all time classic dead Parrot sketch with Cleese and Palin, 'nudge nudge, wink wink' with Idle and Jones, the lumberjack song with Palin, how to defend yourself against a man armed with a banana etc...Next to that you of course have the slightly longer skits that form small stories and offered a glimpse into the brilliant future of Python movies that had yet to be made. I actually preferred these at times as they felt more complete, obviously, like tiny comic strips with little tiny story arcs. In this movie the best of which are easily the 'Upper Class Twit of the Year' competition and the 'killer joke', which I reckon could of been made into an entire movie.

But wait! who could forget about those off the wall and quite often gruesome little animations from Gilliam. These were a real highlight for Monty Python, I especially liked them as a kid for obvious reasons. The whole concept just added a completely new layer to the proceedings, the teams surreal comedy could be expanded and more risky with the use of adult cartoons, they looked cheap and tacky, but at the same time so very well created. The almost shabby, bare bones, crude methods used for these little animated moments feel very much like a precursor to South park if you ask me, it definitely seems that way, but the fact that some of the cartoon animations (and the style) have become just as big as the live action sketches goes to prove how fantastic they were. Everybody knows a Monty Python cartoon image when they see one.

All in all, even though this film could be looked upon as not entirely classic Python seeing as they remade everything from the original series for the cinema, and to some people that might cheapen or water down their act, the film has managed a cult following. Although, I must say, with all the various incarnations of their famous sketches, they can start to feel tiresome on occasion, I have often found one specific version of a sketch to be the best with many others missing a beat. Anyway being the first Python movie this naturally holds a special place in most fans hearts and its still an excellent spicy little ride. Application forms for lion tamer are available to all those with the proper qualifications only, thank you.

8/10

[Spirit Zero]

Best in Show (2000)

Number three out of five in a string of mockumentary movies that Christopher Guest has had a hand in writing, directing and of course starring. In my humble opinion this is probably the second most well known of the five with 'This Is Spinal Tap' being the clear winner in that field.

The simple premise behind this film is a dog show (in America of course), a dog show much like the famous British dog show Crufts. In fact the show in this movie is actually, supposedly, based upon a real dog show that takes place in New York each year, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. We the viewer follow the day to day lives of a set of dog owners and their preparation for the show, the ordeals during the show, and the eventual full outcome. The film is naturally in a documentary style with hand held cameras and many interviews on the fly as the adventures of each dog team is closely watched every bit of the way.

Its of no surprise of course that the dog teams are a varied larger than life bunch of people for maximum comedic effect. You have the flamboyant gay couple portrayed by Guest movie regular Michael McKean and John Higgins. McKean being the older, wiser, more conservatively dressed gent of the duo, whilst Higgins is the younger, fitter, spiritual, better looking toyboy of the couple who dresses flamboyantly. The pair own a small fluffy Shih Tzu which I guess you could say compliments their lifestyle? or is that too stereotypical to say? surely that was the idea though? Anyway, next up is Guest himself playing a small town hick type with a bloodhound. Other regular Guest movie team players Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara play a married couple, Levy of course being the nerdy half the couple, whilst O'Hara is, or was, a bit of a slut. Parker Posey and Michael Hitchcock play an executive yuppie-esque husband and wife couple that have major anger/lifestyle issues, Parker Posey's character is highly neurotic causing virtually all of the panic and grief. And finally Jennifer Coolidge plays a big dumb blonde (unsurprisingly) who is a trophy wife for some very old dude, but at the same time she is actually having an affair with their dog trainer, played by Jane Lynch.

We spend small amounts of time with each dog owner as each of their stories progress. Starting at their various homes across the country as they all begin their journey's to the show, how they look after their dogs, arrival, accommodation and of course the actual show group by group. As I have already said, each of the dog owners have their own unique, over the top quirks which are admittedly predictable and cliche, but at the same time well performed. The main humour in the movie is watching how each of these people go about their daily routines with themselves and of course their dogs. Its highly engaging to watch the gay couple and the way they act (and dress), their different styles (think 'The Birdcage'), naturally their little pooch is spoilt rotten. Parker Posey's character is a complete nervous wreck, severely neurotic and a total ***** because of it, I found this (her) to be quite sexy actually. Watching her and her other half fight over petty little things is actually really fun, you feel awkward and embarrassed just watching, the performances are that good. The duo are like a car crash, you just can't help but look, its almost like morbid curiosity to watch these people fight and bicker in public.

Guest himself doesn't actually play that much of an interesting character, a humble hick that sounds a bit slow, he has his little idiosyncrasies of course but nothing that is outstandingly funny. His character is actually the most regular and less outrageous of the bunch. Eugene Levy and O'Hara are probably the most cliched pairing in the movie (the stereotypical gays aside), I think it was obvious that Levy would be some kind of geek, and boy do they pile on the geek here, even giving him two left feet to appear even more pathetic. It is amusing to watch these two as they meet up with various people on their travels, the gag being Cookie (O'Hara) keeps bumping into blokes she once slept with back in the day. The whole angle is kinda corny admittedly but its Levy's reactions you're looking out for. Lastly the weakest of the lot goes to Coolidge as the blonde bimbo having an affair with her female dog trainer. Jane Lynch holds her own well as you'd expect, but I feel they could gone further with these two, a bit more naughty perhaps, it all just felt a bit bland and lacking.

The highlight of the film is the actual show of course, and it doesn't disappoint visually that's for sure. Pretty much looks like they used a real venue for the show, a packed capacity of extras, plenty of real dog owners...probably real competitors, probably real judges etc...the works. It also appears that the cast genuinely did train with the dogs and go through the hoops with them as it were, it all looks very real, true to the documentary style. Set against this level of realism is the typically brash all American commentator played by Fred Willard who kills it! This guy really ups the game so to speak, his obvious lack of any knowledge on the proceedings, along with his stereotypically fast sports style of commentary is brilliantly funny at times. The fact that he is partnered up with a smart, well spoken, no-nonsense Brit commentator (Jim Piddock) makes this scenario all the more delicious. Seeing Piddock's British dog expert character smiling politely at Willard's loud lowbrow American commentator as he comes out with his inane foot-in-mouth comments, is a glory to behold.

The movie is obviously all about stereotypes and satire, all the characters are typically cliche and predictable, behaving exactly how you would expect them too. I guess all Guest movies are in the same vein character wise, but this one felt more so to me. What did surprise me was the fact I was actually engaged in the plot, lets be honest here when you read that the film is all about a dog show, you could be forgiven for thinking the premise might not appeal. Again though, this does appear to be a typical Guest trait, choosing quite unusual (and generally mundane) plot scenarios that befit everyday life for everyday folk, to a degree, but not always. This just goes to show how good the comedy, writing and improv work is from all involved, that and its an original concept too, which is a breath of fresh air (give it a chance). I think anyone who knows what to expect from Guest will undoubtedly enjoy this, people not in know may need a bit more time to get into it, but I'm sure will get the hang of it quickly (surely everyone knows what to expect with Eugene Levy involved).

7.5/10

[Al_The_Strange]

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

[Show spoiler]"Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don't think. Trust your instincts." - Liam Neeson
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A long time ago in a movie studio far far away, three Star Wars were made and released with widespread acclaim and love. They would go on to captivate the hearts and imaginations of film fans for decades to come. The movies' scripts and stories alluded to much more history and lore in the world they created, prompting George Lucas to revisit this galaxy in a fresh trilogy. This time, with updated technology and techniques, he would tell the story from the beginning, digging into the untold origins of Anakin Skywalker.

In the summer of 1999, The Phantom Menace represented the first major Star Wars film in decades. The hype and anticipation for it was extreme. At the time, the film seemed to deliver tremendously - it wasted little time in setting the stage for swashbuckling Jedi combat, big space battles, and in the middle of a film, a rip-roaring race involving chariot-like machines. Even the sight of Coruscant - a city that takes up an entire planet - was a thrilling experience. The film pushed the limits of technology and special effects to present a lush and exciting space adventure, the likes of which had never been seen before.

Unfortunately, the experience is marred heavily, leaving many fans disappointed. One of the most overbearing culprits is Jar Jar Binks, whose slapstick antics and goofy voice induces more cringes than laughs. Fans will be quick to pick apart various other aspects, such as the concept of midi-chlorians. The plot itself isn't terrible - it repeats the pattern of A New Hope, and part of it even takes place on the same planet. It is inherently compelling to watch Anakin achieve freedom. Everything else comes together into one thrilling climax. It might come off as formulaic, but it feels complete, while leaving enough open for the rest of Anakin's story.

This film is crafted with decent photography. In fact, many shots stand out as spectacular, thanks to the way they're framed, cut, and staged. The new cast takes some getting used to. Jake Lloyd is rather hammy, but for Star Wars, I never saw it as that much of a problem. Natalie Portman plays Queen Amidala rather stiffly - it might be on purpose, but it makes the character rather cold and detached, despite the gorgeous make-up work. Ewan McGregor inhabits the body of a young Obi-Wan quite aptly, and Liam Neeson is a badass as Qui-Gon Jinn. Ray Park is similarly badass as Darth Maul - it's a shame his part is so brief. Ahmed Best...yeah we won't talk about him. Additional players - Samuel L Jackson as Mace Windu, Frank Oz returning to play Yoda, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid, Terrence Stamp - are all welcome additions. As grand as the cast is, the film's dialogue often wavers from being stilted and lifeless to being goofy and over-the-top - it comes off as jarring and cheesy in many ways. However, the film looks spectacular with its incredibly lavish locales, intricate prop and make-up designs, and countless special effects. Computer effects are dispensed liberally, painting some lovely backgrounds and space scenes, but they show their age horridly with creature effects (of which there are many). John Williams' music score is as spectacular as ever, and adds some much-needed feeling to the experience.

Episode I of Star Wars was quite the event film of the late 90s, but it hasn't necessarily aged well and it has caused many fans to become disillusioned or spiteful. Despite all the obvious blemishes, I still think that the film is good fun. If nothing else, it is the most colorful and lavish Star Wars film to date (unless The Force Awakens bests it, we'll find out soon). There is also a certain child-like innocence and nativity that lends the film a certain sense of fantasy and wonder.

4/5
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Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

[Show spoiler]"The shroud of the Dark Side has fallen. Begun, the Clone War has." - Frank Oz
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In the original 1977 film Star Wars, a little something called "The Clone Wars" was mentioned. For years, one could only imagine what that implied. When George Lucas sought to expand the Star Wars storyline with the prequel trilogy, it was inevitable that he'd show how this grand conflict began, and how Anakin Skywalker became involved.

This second film in the prequel series echoes the plot and pattern of The Empire Strikes Back, to emphasize romance and drama. The result is not always that endearing - pacing tends to drag a lot during these scenes, especially with the silted dialogue. It can be a struggle to relate to the characters and their relationship.

The biggest draw to this film will be the action, of which there's plenty. There's a huge chase scene through Coruscant. There's a fight between Obi-Wan and Jango Fett. There's an asteroid field chase. There's a big scene where everybody's fighting in the middle of a droid factory. A lot of these scenes are cool, but unfortunately, they serve little purpose - a lot of them could have been cut without sacrificing the story. I have always been enamored by the climax though - it starts off as a small arena fight, which then expands into an all-out battle between Jedi and droids. Just when you think it's big enough, the battle flows over into a sprawling campaign, where massive groups of clone troopers, Jedi, and droids clash violently. After all this build-up, the film ultimately ends with a pretty cool lightsaber fight. In the midst of all this, the visual spectacle is undeniably grandiose and epic.

The story bridges some gaps and fills in some holes that need filling - the romance angle is easy to follow and it's easy to see where it's going. The film's biggest value is in seeing Anakin's continuing journey and how emotionally torn he is. The mystery that Obi-Wan undertakes can be interesting. The political struggle he uncovers is intriguing once you know how it all turns out, but parts of it are rather wonky (I still can't fathom why the owner of a diner was his first source of information, and why a bounty hunter was used as a genetic template for a million clones, among other things). The sequence of events doesn't always make sense, but the story overall does its job of putting things in place for the next, last conflict in the prequel saga.

This film boasts some pretty good-looking photography, with a few strong and stirring images. Editing is not as smooth as other films in the series. The cast has their moments. A lot of folks harp on Hayden Christensen's performance for various reasons, but I never felt it was all that terrible - the man reminds me of James Dean in a lot of respects (especially when compared to Rebel Without a Cause, and I suspect that's the intention). Natalie Portman is not as stiff as she was in Episode I, and I felt she was more heroic in this film. Ewan McGregor is still impeccable as Obi-Wan. Christopher Lee is welcome as a new Star Wars villain. Numerous smaller parts by other players - Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid - are as fun as ever. Despite the talents of the cast, the script suffers from some horrid dialogue. Between the cringe-worthy romance scenes and the convoluted political scheming, the performances suffer a little from the strange lines and strange line delivery. This film makes use of some fine-looking sets, props, and costumes. Special effects are more plentiful than before - some look great, others look horrid. John Williams' music score has a few strong moments.

In 2002, Attack of the Clones felt epic and exciting, but it hasn't stood the test of time that well. The more I see it, the more I can see how nutty the plot is, how bad the dialogue is, and certain special effects haven't aged well. However, there are still moments worth seeing, not only in the grand action scenes, but in the occasional dramatic beat and visual punch. Those are moments that allow me to forgive the film's many flaws - even if this is my least-favorite of the series, it is still quite the adventure.

4/5

--------------------
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

[Show spoiler]"So this is how liberty dies... with thunderous applause." - Natalie Portman
--------------------
For two straight movies, we watched as characters and events all aligned into place and led up to this: the epic tragedy in which goodness falls and evil rises. On one hand, this is the story of a republic transforming into an tyrannical empire. Mort importantly, this is the story of how Darth Vader - still one of the most ominous villains of all time - was born.

The film starts off fast and furious with the Battle of Coruscant, and it is a sight to behold. The opening shots are chilling, as the camera follows a pair of fighters into the thick of battle, with starships colliding and burning on all sides. Things slow down slightly after the battle, but there are still some great lightsaber duels and ground battles scattered throughout. Halfway through, things change dramatically when evil is revealed and the newborn Empire mops things up across the galaxy. The tone shifts and becomes sobering, as the Sith begin their ruthless purge and clone soldiers reign death all over the galaxy. Inevitably, this leads to the climactic duel between Obi-Wan and Vader - it can be rather over-the-top, but it is every bit as intense and emotionally-charged as I would have imagined. By the film's end, the transformation is complete, and all the threads align with A New Hope pretty well.

The spectacle is as grand as ever, and there are certain moments (like the "Order 66" scene) that go above-and-beyond the normal realms of typical Star Wars cinema to truly express something meaningful. What matters the most is the story though - there is a lot going on that drives the characters to their inevitable destinies. The combination of complex political schemes, motivations, and impulses build up to some great key moments that make the entire prequel series worth seeing.

Best of all, the film itself seems to stand out over its predecessors. Photography and editing are great, and there are a lot of memorable images to behold. Despite one or two bad lines, acting isn't too shabby, and seems to have improved since the last two films. Hayden Christensen plays a more likable hero, and eventually he manages to channel a fair amount of emotional power into the character's heroic downfall. Ewan McGregor is still excellent as Obi-Wan. Natalie Portman doesn't get to kick as much butt as before, but her performance still elicits enough sympathy. Ian McDiarmid hams it up in his role, and it's delicious. Other actors - Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Christopher Lee, and more - are good too. Writing has few weaknesses, but it is largely successful. This production boasts some great-looking sets, props, and costumes. Special effects are at their best here, and most of them hold up very well. John Williams' music score is decent.

This is the film that makes the prequel series worth seeing. It is dark and sobering, without brooding too much. It still has a lot of incredible sights to behold, but at its core, it's a character-driven tragedy, and it is quite potent.

4.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

[Show spoiler]"Remember...the Force will be with you, always." - Sir Alec Guinness
--------------------
In the summer of 1977, during a time when most motion pictures were all about being rough, gritty, and realistic, Star Wars exploded onto the scene with its fresh take on classic adventurism and epic storytelling. The immense popularity that followed ensured that it beat the odds against a skeptical studio that never saw the viability of the franchise, and ensured its resounding success for decades. It has since become the progenitor of all modern blockbuster films.

Whether you start the series here or with the modern prequel The Phantom Menace, you’ll be immediately submerged into a unique and original universe. Great care and consideration is placed into every person, place, and thing in the series, with an exceptional level of background and detail. Entering the Star Wars universe is one of the deepest and most lively franchises, even to this day.

The story kicks off right in the middle of a big space pursuit, and maintains steadily fast pacing throughout. The original special effects have always been impressive, with loads of quality models and matte paintings that still hold up. There are a number of added CGI scenes from the ’97 update, which haven’t aged that well. But what really matters is the spirit of the movie - whether lurking around the seedy underbelly of Mos Eisley, or storming the decks of the Death Star, the movie is loaded with action and comedy, and it takes itself seriously only when it has to. The resulting thrill ride is as lighthearted as it is exciting and memorable.

Borrowing directly from Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress, and with some influence by classic sci-fi serials like Buck Rogers, the story for this is not terribly original, but it is a solid and fresh take on the genre, with a cast of fine characters. The biggest and most original contribution is Luke Skywalker’s journey from being a humble farm boy to being the hero of the Rebel Alliance (featuring themes that echo Lucas’ previous film American Graffiti). The film’s structuring allows for a steady introduction to all the characters and concepts, making it easily digestible and continuously iconic.

The film is competently-made, with solid photography and editing. Special effects are groundbreaking for its time. At times, I feel that the imagery with the given camera angles, lighting effects, costume and set designs are like an evolution of everything Lucas experimented with in THX1138. It lends the film a slick, futuristic style and appeal. Acting tends to be a bit hammy in all the Star Wars films, but are probably at their best here. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Sir Alec Guinness bring the characters to life in a vivid and memorable way. Writing can be quite nutty, but the dialogue is memorable. All of the film’s sets, props, costumes, and special effects are swell, even if they do show their age a little. And the music is excellent; John Williams’ original score matches the movie perfectly, and is exceptional.

Star Wars accomplishes so much using so little. Even when it's imperfect or derivative, its lighthearted sense of adventure is infectious and inspiring. It's a fantastic galaxy full of visual wonder, within which a thrilling and thoughtful story unfolds. Everybody needs to experience this once in a lifetime.

As mentioned above, this film was updated in 1997. Numerous special effects shots were updated or extended, which includes adding more aliens and troopers around Tatooine, more shots of the Falcon, better-looking battle scenes over the Death Star, and more. A new scene between Han and Jabba is included (which, personally, I feel is useless, and the effects are horrid). There's a new shot where Luke shoots the sh*t with Biggs (very short, but it has a payoff during the battle itself, I'll admit). More dialogue is added (and I have to say that the added "Close the blast doors!" is pretty funny). Later changes include altering Obi-Wan's Krayt dragon sound, which is genuinely awful. Other changes, especially the whole controversy behind the Han/Greedo shootout, has caused a lot of outrage and bickering among fans. Despite some goof-ups, the Special Edition does fix a few issues and it is worth a look.

5/5
--------------------
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

[Show spoiler]"Do...or do not. There is no try." - Frank Oz
--------------------
In the last film, A New Hope, the stage was set with with a cast of fresh, likable characters in a vast galaxy for endless possibilities. The Empire Strikes Back provides a follow-up that many consider to be the best Star Wars film in the franchise. The film definitely pumps up the stakes as the Rebels are driven away in a massive battle, before the characters become hunted, and ultimately entangled in a web of treachery. This film will probably always be memorable for its big reveal towards the end though: an epic twist of fate that undoubtedly surprised everybody back in 1981. Overall, this film is darker than its predecessor, much more serious than any of the other films, and has a certain theatrical flair that could supersede every other film in the series.

The serious tone will be most appealing to most audiences. Personally, I favor the adventurism and color of the other films. However, the story is decent and worthwhile. Characters remain as strong as ever, with a nice bit of added romance and plenty of added background to keep them fresh and lively. The plot structure is decent, and it is ultimately interesting to see the big plot the Imperials develop to trap the main characters. My only real complaint is that this is still only the middle part of the overall story arc - by the end of the movie, you can tell that the characters still have a ways to go yet.

The film is well-made, with good photography and editing. Special effects are as strong as ever. Acting and writing are still a little campy, but are mostly earnest. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, and everybody else are quite decent, and remain true to their respective characters. Writing is not bad. Production value features lots of excellent sets, props, costumes, and special effects. Music is good.

For all the drama, suspense, thrills, and craftsmanship that The Empire Strikes Back offers, it remains a must-see for all film fans.

This film was updated in 1997 with a number of new shots. They are all very short - a few more close-ups of the Wampa, more shots of Cloud City, and more transitional shots of Vader boarding a shuttle and flying back to the Executor. The hologram of the Emperor was altered to match up with other films. That's pretty much it - it's not much and these changes probably aren't necessary, but they do add a little more oomph, and best of all, they take nothing away from the film itself.

5/5
--------------------
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

[Show spoiler]"I'll never turn to the Dark Side. You've failed, your highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me." - Mark Hamill
--------------------
Of all the Star Wars films, this one was my favorite for the longest time. Critical viewers tend to admonish this for showing an army of cutesy furry Ewoks turning the tide of the last battle. But I’ve always enjoyed this film for its subplot featuring Jabba the Hutt, the cool speeder-bike chase, its epic space battle over Endor (which comes very close to being my favorite space battle of all films, second maybe only to the battle of Coruscant in Episode III), and most importantly, for showing the final confrontation between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. All of the major conflicts are resolved in this film once and for all, and regardless of how unlikely it is for the Ewoks to overcome the Empire, I find the final fight between Luke and Vader to be very invoking. It is a fine climax to a fine series.

The story is quite straightforward, offering just a little more insight on the characters and the previous films’ loose ends, so as to answer any questions the audience may still have. It suffers just a little drag between the Jabba the Hutt scenes and the Endor scenes, but otherwise, the pacing is quite high. As it is with any major film trilogy, Return of the Jedi offers an excellent finale with excellent closure, even if it has little more to the plot and characters.

The film is competently-made, with decent photography and editing. I still enjoy the actors’ performances - Mark Hamill is probably at his most earnest here, while Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, and everybody else reprises their roles well. Writing is not bad. Production value features good sets, props, costumes, and special effects. Music is good.

There are goofy parts in this film, but for the dramatic space battles, the duels, and the seedy depths of Jabba's palace, the film remains iconic and entertaining in its own way. Best recommended to fans of the franchise.

In 1997, this film was given some updates. The big musical number in Jabba's palace was changed, and it is pretty hideous. A few things - more shots of Oola and Boba Fett, more tentacles around the Sarlaac Pit, some celebration scenes across the galaxy, different music at the end - aren't too terrible. Later editions, however, include an added bit where Vader screams "NOOOOOO!!!" and they swap out Sebastian Shaw for Hayden Christensen. Those are changes that have rubbed fans the wrong way. I can handle a lot of the additions throughout the series, but for this film, I think I prefer the original (if for no other reason than Lapti Nek).

5/5
--------------------
Tomorrow, The Force Awakens...

[Foggy]

Mate, why are you wasting your time on those boring ass old Star Wars movies?

[Diesel]

Can't wait to hear (read?) your thoughts on VII Al

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Mate, why are you wasting your time on those boring ass old Star Wars movies?

[Al_The_Strange]

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

"The light — It's always been there. It'll guide you." - Lupita Nyong'o
--------------------
It's easy to become burned out over Star Wars. 38 years ago, the original film whetted audiences appetites for escapist adventure and fantasy, the likes of which were never seen before. The original magic and charm can become buried beneath the vitriol and controversy surrounding the sequels, prequels, revisions, spin-offs, and more. With George Lucas selling his company to Disney in 2012, the floodgates suddenly opened for a wave of new talent - writers, directors, actors, and more - to pick up the legacy of this troubled series and take into the next generation.

The Force Awakens is certainly the experience Star Wars fans crave. It has spectacular action - it starts off hard and fast with stormtroopers razing a village and fighters clashing in the skies. The most spectacular sequences include a breakneck chase scene over deserts and through the heart of a crashed spaceship. The last act is an all-out battle that shows X-Wings battling TIE fighters while the characters duke it out with blasters and lightsabers. It's all fast and it's some of the biggest scenes in the series.

Fortunately, it's not all that exhausting either - the film finds a decent balance between the spectacle, humor, and rolling the story forward.
Most reviews make this film sound like a remake of A New Hope. Undeniably, the film banks quite a bit on nostalgia, and it does repeat the broad story beats of the original film - both feature plots revolving around planet-destroying superweapons, rebels fighting a desperate battles to stop evil regimes, cantina scenes, aged mentors, and characters running across random droids who take them off-world on a grand adventure. Despite the notable similarities, I never once felt that I was being beaten over the head by nostalgia (whereas The Phantom Menace did make me feel battered by senseless cameos and references). The nostalgic factor in The Force Awakens is merely a knuckle in the overall fist that smashes the face of Star Wars apathy. Even with familiar faces returning, the film's focus is firmly set on new characters, and they are truly a lovable bunch. Finn and Rey are heroes who elicit great empathy in their struggles, and show a lot of personality and character through their various nuances (which is especially phenomenal given the short amount of time they actually have to develop in the midst of so much action). Kylo Ren is a truly intimidating villain, far more volatile than any before him. Once the motivations are clear for these characters, one can't help but to wonder what directions they will go next.

Unfortunately, that leads me to wonder what else is left unsaid in the film. Many questions won't be answered until the next episode. Others can only be speculated in the gap between this and Return of the Jedi (I personally wish more was said about the New Republic, the New Order, Snoke, and other odd things). Characters like General Hux and Captain Phasma are great to behold, but are the shallowest characters of the lot.

Despite the even flow and attention to characters, the plot itself is fast and loose (come to think of it, all of JJ Abrams' films are like that). This ultimately correlates to the film's biggest issue: like a Marvel movie, this film is built to bridge a franchise, rather than to craft an original story. It requires knowledge of what happened before, and it sets up what will happen next. The film does its job admirably to revitalize the series with new faces, an expanded universe, and the old-fashioned sense of adventure. Some audiences won't be so easily swayed.

Of all the Star Wars films, this may be one of the best-looking ones of the lot. Filmmakers took great care to craft a plethora of authentic new creatures, sets, props, weapons, vehicles, costumes, and more. The film is packed with real-looking places and things, lending it the same sense of realism that made the original so jarring. What computer-generated effects the film has are spectacular and take nothing away from the experience. An even more pleasant surprise is in the acting and the script. Dialogue is often sharp, witty, and provides enough depth to make the story feel more relevant (even if it is a retread). Daisy Ridley brings Rey to life beautifully, with a commanding presence and emotional range. John Boyega's performance is superb and fun to watch. Oscar Isaac is surprisingly playful as Poe Dameron. Adam Driver portrays rage and tragedy very well in his part. Despite his age, Harrison Ford inhabits the body of Han Solo like wearing an old jacket, and he's surprisingly endearing that way. Carrie Fischer still plays it tough as Leia. Lupita Nyong'o plays and alien, and it's interesting. With so many players going all at once, what matters the most is that all of them pull their weight so that every little face, gesture, and word contributes to their respective characterization, giving much more depth to them through the art of showing more than telling. John Williams' music score is notably different, but I believe it lends the movie its own unique style and feeling (which is much preferred over blaring the same tired themes over and over again like before).

Some might call this an unoriginal sellout, lacking in the boldness that the other films presented. However, it is a well-crafted crowd-pleaser. It entertains not only through its action, but also captivates with its characters. What I like about it the most is that, like many of my other favorites (including the original Star Wars), it shows more than it tells, to capture and let our own imaginations fill in the gaps. With my own imagination filling with the possibilities of what could happen next, my appetite is now whetted for the next episode, and any Star Wars fatigue I had is gone.

4.5/5

[Spirit Zero]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

[Show spoiler]"Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don't think. Trust your instincts." - Liam Neeson
--------------------
A long time ago in a movie studio far far away, three Star Wars were made and released with widespread acclaim and love. They would go on to captivate the hearts and imaginations of film fans for decades to come. The movies' scripts and stories alluded to much more history and lore in the world they created, prompting George Lucas to revisit this galaxy in a fresh trilogy. This time, with updated technology and techniques, he would tell the story from the beginning, digging into the untold origins of Anakin Skywalker.

In the summer of 1999, The Phantom Menace represented the first major Star Wars film in decades. The hype and anticipation for it was extreme. At the time, the film seemed to deliver tremendously - it wasted little time in setting the stage for swashbuckling Jedi combat, big space battles, and in the middle of a film, a rip-roaring race involving chariot-like machines. Even the sight of Coruscant - a city that takes up an entire planet - was a thrilling experience. The film pushed the limits of technology and special effects to present a lush and exciting space adventure, the likes of which had never been seen before.

Unfortunately, the experience is marred heavily, leaving many fans disappointed. One of the most overbearing culprits is Jar Jar Binks, whose slapstick antics and goofy voice induces more cringes than laughs. Fans will be quick to pick apart various other aspects, such as the concept of midi-chlorians. The plot itself isn't terrible - it repeats the pattern of A New Hope, and part of it even takes place on the same planet. It is inherently compelling to watch Anakin achieve freedom. Everything else comes together into one thrilling climax. It might come off as formulaic, but it feels complete, while leaving enough open for the rest of Anakin's story.

This film is crafted with decent photography. In fact, many shots stand out as spectacular, thanks to the way they're framed, cut, and staged. The new cast takes some getting used to. Jake Lloyd is rather hammy, but for Star Wars, I never saw it as that much of a problem. Natalie Portman plays Queen Amidala rather stiffly - it might be on purpose, but it makes the character rather cold and detached, despite the gorgeous make-up work. Ewan McGregor inhabits the body of a young Obi-Wan quite aptly, and Liam Neeson is a badass as Qui-Gon Jinn. Ray Park is similarly badass as Darth Maul - it's a shame his part is so brief. Ahmed Best...yeah we won't talk about him. Additional players - Samuel L Jackson as Mace Windu, Frank Oz returning to play Yoda, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid, Terrence Stamp - are all welcome additions. As grand as the cast is, the film's dialogue often wavers from being stilted and lifeless to being goofy and over-the-top - it comes off as jarring and cheesy in many ways. However, the film looks spectacular with its incredibly lavish locales, intricate prop and make-up designs, and countless special effects. Computer effects are dispensed liberally, painting some lovely backgrounds and space scenes, but they show their age horridly with creature effects (of which there are many). John Williams' music score is as spectacular as ever, and adds some much-needed feeling to the experience.

Episode I of Star Wars was quite the event film of the late 90s, but it hasn't necessarily aged well and it has caused many fans to become disillusioned or spiteful. Despite all the obvious blemishes, I still think that the film is good fun. If nothing else, it is the most colorful and lavish Star Wars film to date (unless The Force Awakens bests it, we'll find out soon). There is also a certain child-like innocence and nativity that lends the film a certain sense of fantasy and wonder.

4/5
--------------------
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

[Show spoiler]"The shroud of the Dark Side has fallen. Begun, the Clone War has." - Frank Oz
--------------------
In the original 1977 film Star Wars, a little something called "The Clone Wars" was mentioned. For years, one could only imagine what that implied. When George Lucas sought to expand the Star Wars storyline with the prequel trilogy, it was inevitable that he'd show how this grand conflict began, and how Anakin Skywalker became involved.

This second film in the prequel series echoes the plot and pattern of The Empire Strikes Back, to emphasize romance and drama. The result is not always that endearing - pacing tends to drag a lot during these scenes, especially with the silted dialogue. It can be a struggle to relate to the characters and their relationship.

The biggest draw to this film will be the action, of which there's plenty. There's a huge chase scene through Coruscant. There's a fight between Obi-Wan and Jango Fett. There's an asteroid field chase. There's a big scene where everybody's fighting in the middle of a droid factory. A lot of these scenes are cool, but unfortunately, they serve little purpose - a lot of them could have been cut without sacrificing the story. I have always been enamored by the climax though - it starts off as a small arena fight, which then expands into an all-out battle between Jedi and droids. Just when you think it's big enough, the battle flows over into a sprawling campaign, where massive groups of clone troopers, Jedi, and droids clash violently. After all this build-up, the film ultimately ends with a pretty cool lightsaber fight. In the midst of all this, the visual spectacle is undeniably grandiose and epic.

The story bridges some gaps and fills in some holes that need filling - the romance angle is easy to follow and it's easy to see where it's going. The film's biggest value is in seeing Anakin's continuing journey and how emotionally torn he is. The mystery that Obi-Wan undertakes can be interesting. The political struggle he uncovers is intriguing once you know how it all turns out, but parts of it are rather wonky (I still can't fathom why the owner of a diner was his first source of information, and why a bounty hunter was used as a genetic template for a million clones, among other things). The sequence of events doesn't always make sense, but the story overall does its job of putting things in place for the next, last conflict in the prequel saga.

This film boasts some pretty good-looking photography, with a few strong and stirring images. Editing is not as smooth as other films in the series. The cast has their moments. A lot of folks harp on Hayden Christensen's performance for various reasons, but I never felt it was all that terrible - the man reminds me of James Dean in a lot of respects (especially when compared to Rebel Without a Cause, and I suspect that's the intention). Natalie Portman is not as stiff as she was in Episode I, and I felt she was more heroic in this film. Ewan McGregor is still impeccable as Obi-Wan. Christopher Lee is welcome as a new Star Wars villain. Numerous smaller parts by other players - Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid - are as fun as ever. Despite the talents of the cast, the script suffers from some horrid dialogue. Between the cringe-worthy romance scenes and the convoluted political scheming, the performances suffer a little from the strange lines and strange line delivery. This film makes use of some fine-looking sets, props, and costumes. Special effects are more plentiful than before - some look great, others look horrid. John Williams' music score has a few strong moments.

In 2002, Attack of the Clones felt epic and exciting, but it hasn't stood the test of time that well. The more I see it, the more I can see how nutty the plot is, how bad the dialogue is, and certain special effects haven't aged well. However, there are still moments worth seeing, not only in the grand action scenes, but in the occasional dramatic beat and visual punch. Those are moments that allow me to forgive the film's many flaws - even if this is my least-favorite of the series, it is still quite the adventure.

4/5

--------------------
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

[Show spoiler]"So this is how liberty dies... with thunderous applause." - Natalie Portman
--------------------
For two straight movies, we watched as characters and events all aligned into place and led up to this: the epic tragedy in which goodness falls and evil rises. On one hand, this is the story of a republic transforming into an tyrannical empire. Mort importantly, this is the story of how Darth Vader - still one of the most ominous villains of all time - was born.

The film starts off fast and furious with the Battle of Coruscant, and it is a sight to behold. The opening shots are chilling, as the camera follows a pair of fighters into the thick of battle, with starships colliding and burning on all sides. Things slow down slightly after the battle, but there are still some great lightsaber duels and ground battles scattered throughout. Halfway through, things change dramatically when evil is revealed and the newborn Empire mops things up across the galaxy. The tone shifts and becomes sobering, as the Sith begin their ruthless purge and clone soldiers reign death all over the galaxy. Inevitably, this leads to the climactic duel between Obi-Wan and Vader - it can be rather over-the-top, but it is every bit as intense and emotionally-charged as I would have imagined. By the film's end, the transformation is complete, and all the threads align with A New Hope pretty well.

The spectacle is as grand as ever, and there are certain moments (like the "Order 66" scene) that go above-and-beyond the normal realms of typical Star Wars cinema to truly express something meaningful. What matters the most is the story though - there is a lot going on that drives the characters to their inevitable destinies. The combination of complex political schemes, motivations, and impulses build up to some great key moments that make the entire prequel series worth seeing.

Best of all, the film itself seems to stand out over its predecessors. Photography and editing are great, and there are a lot of memorable images to behold. Despite one or two bad lines, acting isn't too shabby, and seems to have improved since the last two films. Hayden Christensen plays a more likable hero, and eventually he manages to channel a fair amount of emotional power into the character's heroic downfall. Ewan McGregor is still excellent as Obi-Wan. Natalie Portman doesn't get to kick as much butt as before, but her performance still elicits enough sympathy. Ian McDiarmid hams it up in his role, and it's delicious. Other actors - Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Christopher Lee, and more - are good too. Writing has few weaknesses, but it is largely successful. This production boasts some great-looking sets, props, and costumes. Special effects are at their best here, and most of them hold up very well. John Williams' music score is decent.

This is the film that makes the prequel series worth seeing. It is dark and sobering, without brooding too much. It still has a lot of incredible sights to behold, but at its core, it's a character-driven tragedy, and it is quite potent.

4.5/5

Generous scores there!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Spirit Zero

Generous scores there!

My scores are admittedly too generous for many movies, but I can't drop them much further for Star Wars, I'm too much of a fan. It took me this long to acknowledge the PT's faults and drop them all from 5/5 status.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

[Show spoiler]"The light — It's always been there. It'll guide you." - Lupita Nyong'o
--------------------
It's easy to become burned out over Star Wars. 38 years ago, the original film whetted audiences appetites for escapist adventure and fantasy, the likes of which were never seen before. The original magic and charm can become buried beneath the vitriol and controversy surrounding the sequels, prequels, revisions, spin-offs, and more. With George Lucas selling his company to Disney in 2012, the floodgates suddenly opened for a wave of new talent - writers, directors, actors, and more - to pick up the legacy of this troubled series and take into the next generation.

The Force Awakens is certainly the experience Star Wars fans crave. It has spectacular action - it starts off hard and fast with stormtroopers razing a village and fighters clashing in the skies. The most spectacular sequences include a breakneck chase scene over deserts and through the heart of a crashed spaceship. The last act is an all-out battle that shows X-Wings battling TIE fighters while the characters duke it out with blasters and lightsabers. It's all fast and it's some of the biggest scenes in the series.

Fortunately, it's not all that exhausting either - the film finds a decent balance between the spectacle, humor, and rolling the story forward.
Most reviews make this film sound like a remake of A New Hope. Undeniably, the film banks quite a bit on nostalgia, and it does repeat the broad story beats of the original film - both feature plots revolving around planet-destroying superweapons, rebels fighting a desperate battles to stop evil regimes, cantina scenes, aged mentors, and characters running across random droids who take them off-world on a grand adventure. Despite the notable similarities, I never once felt that I was being beaten over the head by nostalgia (whereas The Phantom Menace did make me feel battered by senseless cameos and references). The nostalgic factor in The Force Awakens is merely a knuckle in the overall fist that smashes the face of Star Wars apathy. Even with familiar faces returning, the film's focus is firmly set on new characters, and they are truly a lovable bunch. Finn and Rey are heroes who elicit great empathy in their struggles, and show a lot of personality and character through their various nuances (which is especially phenomenal given the short amount of time they actually have to develop in the midst of so much action). Kylo Ren is a truly intimidating villain, far more volatile than any before him. Once the motivations are clear for these characters, one can't help but to wonder what directions they will go next.

Unfortunately, that leads me to wonder what else is left unsaid in the film. Many questions won't be answered until the next episode. Others can only be speculated in the gap between this and Return of the Jedi (I personally wish more was said about the New Republic, the New Order, Snoke, and other odd things). Characters like General Hux and Captain Phasma are great to behold, but are the shallowest characters of the lot.

Despite the even flow and attention to characters, the plot itself is fast and loose (come to think of it, all of JJ Abrams' films are like that). This ultimately correlates to the film's biggest issue: like a Marvel movie, this film is built to bridge a franchise, rather than to craft an original story. It requires knowledge of what happened before, and it sets up what will happen next. The film does its job admirably to revitalize the series with new faces, an expanded universe, and the old-fashioned sense of adventure. Some audiences won't be so easily swayed.

Of all the Star Wars films, this may be one of the best-looking ones of the lot. Filmmakers took great care to craft a plethora of authentic new creatures, sets, props, weapons, vehicles, costumes, and more. The film is packed with real-looking places and things, lending it the same sense of realism that made the original so jarring. What computer-generated effects the film has are spectacular and take nothing away from the experience. An even more pleasant surprise is in the acting and the script. Dialogue is often sharp, witty, and provides enough depth to make the story feel more relevant (even if it is a retread). Daisy Ridley brings Rey to life beautifully, with a commanding presence and emotional range. John Boyega's performance is superb and fun to watch. Oscar Isaac is surprisingly playful as Poe Dameron. Adam Driver portrays rage and tragedy very well in his part. Despite his age, Harrison Ford inhabits the body of Han Solo like wearing an old jacket, and he's surprisingly endearing that way. Carrie Fischer still plays it tough as Leia. Lupita Nyong'o plays and alien, and it's interesting. With so many players going all at once, what matters the most is that all of them pull their weight so that every little face, gesture, and word contributes to their respective characterization, giving much more depth to them through the art of showing more than telling. John Williams' music score is notably different, but I believe it lends the movie its own unique style and feeling (which is much preferred over blaring the same tired themes over and over again like before).

Some might call this an unoriginal sellout, lacking in the boldness that the other films presented. However, it is a well-crafted crowd-pleaser. It entertains not only through its action, but also captivates with its characters. What I like about it the most is that, like many of my other favorites (including the original Star Wars), it shows more than it tells, to capture and let our own imaginations fill in the gaps. With my own imagination filling with the possibilities of what could happen next, my appetite is now whetted for the next episode, and any Star Wars fatigue I had is gone.

4.5/5

Acceptable


I've seen so many people saying "Ugh! They didn't answer a lot of the questions hey should have!!!!111!!!"

To that I say, when you think of Star Wars, what do you remember? "No, I am your father" "Leia is my sister!"

Both of which...wait for it....were not in the original movie. Le gasp.

I think they are going for the exact same thing here. Disney is playing the long game, and I love it.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Acceptable

Originally Posted by Diesel

I've seen so many people saying "Ugh! They didn't answer a lot of the questions hey should have!!!!111!!!"

To that I say, when you think of Star Wars, what do you remember? "No, I am your father" "Leia is my sister!"

Both of which...wait for it....were not in the original movie. Le gasp.

I think they are going for the exact same thing here. Disney is playing the long game, and I love it.

I personally have no problem filling in some gaps, and I think it's pretty obvious where they'll go next (maybe), and stuff that happened before just elicits more intrigue.

Chances are that my score/appreciation of the film will increase the more I see it - the current review is a pseudo-critical look at it. The movie was still on my mind for the past couple of days, so it'll likely stick with me. I think it'll definitely be remembered more for the character discoveries than for the actual plot (same as the old ones).

Right now, it's sizing up to be my fourth favorite of the year (behind Mad Max, Sicario, and Kingsman), and probably 3rd or 4th favorite Star Wars movie.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I personally have no problem filling in some gaps, and I think it's pretty obvious where they'll go next (maybe), and stuff that happened before just elicits more intrigue.

Chances are that my score/appreciation of the film will increase the more I see it - the current review is a pseudo-critical look at it. The movie was still on my mind for the past couple of days, so it'll likely stick with me. I think it'll definitely be remembered more for the character discoveries than for the actual plot (same as the old ones).

Right now, it's sizing up to be my fourth favorite of the year (behind Mad Max, Sicario, and Kingsman), and probably 3rd or 4th favorite Star Wars movie.

I'm still deciding when I will rewatch it. I have a few friends that can still get me in for free, so I am trying to pressure them into bringing me along

I have it at my #2 for the series. While I absolutely love the mythology of the overall series, Empire is the only film of the bunch that I score the film itself above a 4.25/5 (It's in my Top 10).

For the year it sits at #2 behind Creed and above Jurassic World after one view each of the Creed/Star Wars. Need to see each one more to confirm.

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

[Show spoiler]"The light — It's always been there. It'll guide you." - Lupita Nyong'o
--------------------
It's easy to become burned out over Star Wars. 38 years ago, the original film whetted audiences appetites for escapist adventure and fantasy, the likes of which were never seen before. The original magic and charm can become buried beneath the vitriol and controversy surrounding the sequels, prequels, revisions, spin-offs, and more. With George Lucas selling his company to Disney in 2012, the floodgates suddenly opened for a wave of new talent - writers, directors, actors, and more - to pick up the legacy of this troubled series and take into the next generation.

The Force Awakens is certainly the experience Star Wars fans crave. It has spectacular action - it starts off hard and fast with stormtroopers razing a village and fighters clashing in the skies. The most spectacular sequences include a breakneck chase scene over deserts and through the heart of a crashed spaceship. The last act is an all-out battle that shows X-Wings battling TIE fighters while the characters duke it out with blasters and lightsabers. It's all fast and it's some of the biggest scenes in the series.

Fortunately, it's not all that exhausting either - the film finds a decent balance between the spectacle, humor, and rolling the story forward.
Most reviews make this film sound like a remake of A New Hope. Undeniably, the film banks quite a bit on nostalgia, and it does repeat the broad story beats of the original film - both feature plots revolving around planet-destroying superweapons, rebels fighting a desperate battles to stop evil regimes, cantina scenes, aged mentors, and characters running across random droids who take them off-world on a grand adventure. Despite the notable similarities, I never once felt that I was being beaten over the head by nostalgia (whereas The Phantom Menace did make me feel battered by senseless cameos and references). The nostalgic factor in The Force Awakens is merely a knuckle in the overall fist that smashes the face of Star Wars apathy. Even with familiar faces returning, the film's focus is firmly set on new characters, and they are truly a lovable bunch. Finn and Rey are heroes who elicit great empathy in their struggles, and show a lot of personality and character through their various nuances (which is especially phenomenal given the short amount of time they actually have to develop in the midst of so much action). Kylo Ren is a truly intimidating villain, far more volatile than any before him. Once the motivations are clear for these characters, one can't help but to wonder what directions they will go next.

Unfortunately, that leads me to wonder what else is left unsaid in the film. Many questions won't be answered until the next episode. Others can only be speculated in the gap between this and Return of the Jedi (I personally wish more was said about the New Republic, the New Order, Snoke, and other odd things). Characters like General Hux and Captain Phasma are great to behold, but are the shallowest characters of the lot.

Despite the even flow and attention to characters, the plot itself is fast and loose (come to think of it, all of JJ Abrams' films are like that). This ultimately correlates to the film's biggest issue: like a Marvel movie, this film is built to bridge a franchise, rather than to craft an original story. It requires knowledge of what happened before, and it sets up what will happen next. The film does its job admirably to revitalize the series with new faces, an expanded universe, and the old-fashioned sense of adventure. Some audiences won't be so easily swayed.

Of all the Star Wars films, this may be one of the best-looking ones of the lot. Filmmakers took great care to craft a plethora of authentic new creatures, sets, props, weapons, vehicles, costumes, and more. The film is packed with real-looking places and things, lending it the same sense of realism that made the original so jarring. What computer-generated effects the film has are spectacular and take nothing away from the experience. An even more pleasant surprise is in the acting and the script. Dialogue is often sharp, witty, and provides enough depth to make the story feel more relevant (even if it is a retread). Daisy Ridley brings Rey to life beautifully, with a commanding presence and emotional range. John Boyega's performance is superb and fun to watch. Oscar Isaac is surprisingly playful as Poe Dameron. Adam Driver portrays rage and tragedy very well in his part. Despite his age, Harrison Ford inhabits the body of Han Solo like wearing an old jacket, and he's surprisingly endearing that way. Carrie Fischer still plays it tough as Leia. Lupita Nyong'o plays and alien, and it's interesting. With so many players going all at once, what matters the most is that all of them pull their weight so that every little face, gesture, and word contributes to their respective characterization, giving much more depth to them through the art of showing more than telling. John Williams' music score is notably different, but I believe it lends the movie its own unique style and feeling (which is much preferred over blaring the same tired themes over and over again like before).

Some might call this an unoriginal sellout, lacking in the boldness that the other films presented. However, it is a well-crafted crowd-pleaser. It entertains not only through its action, but also captivates with its characters. What I like about it the most is that, like many of my other favorites (including the original Star Wars), it shows more than it tells, to capture and let our own imaginations fill in the gaps. With my own imagination filling with the possibilities of what could happen next, my appetite is now whetted for the next episode, and any Star Wars fatigue I had is gone.

4.5/5

Posted this on your Letterboxd- Great review. I did find the New Hope rehashing to be the only notable "problem" I had with this one--although some parallels I think were done perfectly. What I find most interesting is how it presents the beginnings of Kylo Ren's inner conflict, which will likely unravel into something far greater. The story was so apparently handled with such care that I'm only sad to see JJ won't be in the directing chair for the next installments.