Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (USE SPOILER TAGS!)

[Harry Güchenschlong]

Originally Posted by RickDee

hahaha nice try. Attack of the prequel fanboys!

Next

lol, you have me confused with someone else I think. I hate the prequels.

This movie has a fun factor for sure that can be enjoyed by most anyone but so much of it was a letdown for me. That's why I scored it 3 out of 5 stars in the poll. But it has plenty of flaws so it cracks me up that so many people who see the mess in the prequels refuse to see the flaws in this film.

[The Lizard King]

Originally Posted by kylor

Changing subjects..

For those who have watched the movie already..

[Show spoiler]
did anyone notice the R2-KT cameo?

Yes.

[Show spoiler]I thought that she was R2-D2's love interest.

[Zivouhr]

Originally Posted by L-Rouge

that is interesting. I have to say I loved the ship scenes in 3d. The Falcon weaving through the derelict Star Destroyer, the ties and x-wings the planet with the asteroid ring field, I couldn't believe how smooth the firepower looked as it was being shot toward the viewers.

Our cinema is 4k (and can do 48fps), so it looked super crisp.

the opening scroll I was too invested in the visual and then remembered I had to read the content. scim reading ensued.

there was

[Show spoiler]one prominent star destroyer visual which looked tremendous, as it sat in front of the death star 3. it was terrific.

Also enjoyed the 3D in Star Wars VII, which had high medium to strong 3D layering and some nice pop outs here and there, the Star ship sticking a good distance out of the screen for those few seconds, but very cool. The 3D brought plenty of dimension to the world of Star Wars, converted by Stereo D. The well done 3D conversion was the next best thing to being there in that world.

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

So I've been thinking about this artistically in regards of what to expect. I realize that there could be a musical parallel to the series - the original was basically a Lucas mash-up of Kurosawa and Buck Rogers type of sci-fi. Would it be a fair comparison to say that TFA is the Abrams remix of Lucas?

I think it could explain a lot of things - some people will be upset seeing parts of a beloved classic being sampled or covered, others will call it unoriginal, but we all love the beat.

I personally love it when good songs get remixed or remade in exciting new ways - I'm kinda expecting TFA to be similar cinematically.

The score of VII sounds great, and it's important to emphasize the trademark theme John Williams made famous in the series, even if we've heard those moments before.

[dvdmike]

So if I am right about what the IMAX scene is what is the fuss with that scene being printed on 70mm?

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Zivouhr

The score of VII sounds great, and it's important to emphasize the trademark theme John Williams made famous in the series, even if we've heard those moments before.

Well, I wasn't thinking of the literal music of Star Wars, I was just thinking of metaphors to the music industry in general.

But, I do have the score on order, and it's good to hear that some familiar themes will be back.

[CinemaBlu]

Originally Posted by MasturB

Yeah I have never seen a prequel fan that spit on the originals like prequel haters spit on the prequels.

I just want the prequels to be recognized in the same manner as original, maybe even slightly below. They aren't trash like the haters make out.

I liked Force Awakens just thought it was too safe since it was basically rehashed.

Exactly. And they're all going to be safe from here on out. Say what you want about George Lucas, but the guy took risks. Some worked out and some didn't. Star Wars wouldn't even exist if he wasn't so bold.

[snobird]

Originally Posted by New_sacred_cow

Saw it down in Spring Hill at the new Carmike 20 last night. Wife and I used to live in Franklin before moving to SH. Going down to Huntsville on Sunday to check it out in IMAX with the 70mm scene.

Used to go to Thoroughbred but always had issues with people talking during the films there. Never failed to get someone chit chatting through a whole movie.

I understand that, Franklin gets a lot of teeangers now but living just a few mins away its my best option. I still havent been to the new Spring Hill one but I will check it out soon. Enjoy Huntsville and let us know what you think, at some point I'll head to Opry Mills to see Imax there.

[Zivouhr]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Well, I wasn't thinking of the literal music of Star Wars, I was just thinking of metaphors to the music industry in general.

But, I do have the score on order, and it's good to hear that some familiar themes will be back.

Okay, thanks Al. Interesting point of view. Enjoy the music score!

[RickDee]

Originally Posted by CinemaBlu

Exactly. And they're all going to be safe from here on out. Say what you want about George Lucas, but the guy took risks. Some worked out and some didn't. Star Wars wouldn't even exist if he wasn't so bold.

And the prequels were what didn't work out.

[KMFDMvsEnya]

Viewed it this morning in Atmos and it was an awesome experience.

Overall solid entry to the series that is infused with most of Abrams best traits and Kasdan is clearly evident in various aspects as well.

The last third is where things feel a bit too disjointed and that maybe due to perhaps trying to trim down the run time for more viewings. Frankly, I would have preferred at least an additional ten minutes to ease up on the near neck breaking pacing. Very little downtime to get one's bearings.

The two leads are great and have a great chemistry together and with the rest of the cast. Especially enjoy some of the deconstruction of certain cliche action movie tropes thanks to their interactions. They really are fun engaging characters and have some nice developments.

Fisher's role is nearly a cameo and her character's contributions suffers from condensing certain plot points that are applicable to the last act in order to ensure a brisk pacing.

For those who love the Solo character, isn't that everyone, there is much to enjoy and there are interesting developments for his character.

I would put this in the 4-5 point range. If the latter third had established a few logistics a bit clearer and better I would definitely put it closer to 5. Despite some reservations about certain pieces throughout the film as a whole it is a fun grand adventure that leaves me with wanting to see it again very soon and looking forward to the next installment.

Highly recommended,
KvE

[ScarredLungs]

Originally Posted by The Lizard King

Interesting theory. I'll have to watch it again to see if it holds up to a 2nd viewing.

Agreed. Ill have to check this next time I see it.

[A Sith Lord?]

Originally Posted by RickDee

And the prequels were what didn't work out.

I'm still salty about the fact, he possibly changed the direction of Jar Jar's character into a Sith Lord because of fan backlash from EP1.

If true I'm mad he caved in to fan pressure.

To this day many fans refuse to give him any sort of credit for the success of the series.

The way they poop on him and his legacy is shameful.

Just my .02

[LinkMaster64]

Originally Posted by snobird

Thats where I was last night and will be tonight, you from the area as well?

Yeah I'm over near Fairview. I go there from time to time, last movie I saw there was X-Men First Class.

Back when they first opened my father worked there as a Projectionist so I got to see a bunch of stuff free

I didn't know they offer IMAX now though.

[A Sith Lord?]

Originally Posted by Jack Burton

Great film but why is so much going over peoples head with regards to Rey becoming

[Show spoiler] Super force sentive at the end. You can clearly tell that she is already Jedi trained and that her memory was wiped or blocked. If you look between the lines you can clearly see that it comes back in the fight with Ren. In the moment she close her eyes and then came out fighting. Also right after that fight she meets up with Lea and you tell in that they recognised each other and hugged for her loss. This was not two strangers meeting for the first time. Lea walked right past everyone else to get to Rey. Han didn't know her so clearly han had left lea in the build up of Rey memory block.

Because I don't think that's the case.

[Show spoiler]I don't believe her memory was wiped. I believe she probably was dropped off at a young age on Jakku.

I do believe though, that Luke has been watching her through the force and has been setting these tracks for her to follow without her knowing.

I think Luke is why the Millenium Falcon was there, so she could take it and come across Han.

I think when she touched that lightsaber, Luke is what guided her there downstairs. Otherwise he wouldn't be in her vision she had.

And it's probably a long shot, but I thought when she was about to finish of Kylo, that Luke used the force to separate the ground from her to prevent her from finishing the job. I know the planet was tumbling but it's still possible consdering how powerful he is now.

[HeavyHitter]

Just got back from seeing it - very good. Star Wars Re-Born should be the title.

[Blu Warrior]

5/5

I loved it! The new characters are great as well as the old cast. It may feel like a bit of a re-tread of ANH but it doesn't matter. There were so many great scenes and moments that I couldn't wait to see what came next and I went in knowing everything. This is a special movie.

My theater filled up right before the trailers started as thankfully they were a great crowd. Cheers and laughter all around and not one phone screen was seen. Gonna go see this again asap.

My rankings after one viewing:

ANH
ROTS
ESB
TFA
TPM
ROTJ
AOTC

[dvdmike]

Originally Posted by toddly6666

Things to remember regarding Han Solo and Captain Phasma:

[Show spoiler]
1. Harrison Ford probably did not want to be commited to another Star Wars film, even not wanting to be in one at all. So with a pretty good paycheck the filmmakers did the best they could for his character. What they did was better than recasting him and better than not having him appear. Furthermore, it's one of Harrison's best performances in years. So it's not like he "owes fans" to be in more films.
2. Captain Phasma was awesome for me because she was just like Boba Fett. What did Boba Fett do in the OT besides looking bad-ass? Nothing except stand around and go out like a biotch. They already did that with Phasma but she'll be in more movies unlike Boba Fett. Just be patient - just like the two Raid Indonesian dudes (the Guavians), Phasma, Snoke and Luke Skywalker - they all did nothing in this film but will do so in future films.

Also, anyone notice how the majority of the characters in the new lineup of Star Wars action figures did not appear in Force Awakens? They released figures for the upcoming films it seemed.

[Show spoiler]The raid guys did nothing out of costume....

[dvdmike]

Originally Posted by Porco Azzurro

To expand on foggy's answer:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/technical?

So, yes. Should scrub up nicely as a UHD BD release at some point hopefully

2k finish

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by RickDee

hahaha nice try. Attack of the prequel fanboys!

Next

Sadly, Rick, gonna be a lot of that the next few days.

Prequel Defense League -- Attack!!!

This movie is to the Prequels what Katharine Hepburn was to Cary Grant.

[Sylentwolf]

Originally Posted by Brahby

I'm going to copy/pasta what I sent my friend on facebook this morning regarding my one beef with the film:

[Show spoiler]So I was thinking today as I was getting ready for work that the one thing that pissed me off was Rey knowing Jedi mind tricks with no formal training but then I had this theory...Isn't the scene with Snoke where he says "there has been an awaken..." AFTER Rey picks up the Saber for the first time and has all the visions. Is it possible she was trained previously but forgot it all due to her age of when she learned and living on Jakku for so long. Maybe the awakening was her knowledge of the force? Like it all came back to her in that moment and that's what Snoke felt. I mean the film still did a piss poor job of explaining that if that's the case but I expect a lot of dialogue from Luke in 8 that is going to tie up a lot of loose ends. I feel like this was bound to be a lose/lose situation for a lot of people. There was two options going into this film: giving you a decent film with not a lot of backstory, or giving you a film that was just backstory and/or character development. I am quite ok with it being the first option. Again, I have to emphasize that ANH did't tell you anything about who anyone was. In a sense both stories told you the same. In ANH we knew nothing about Vader but a little about Luke, in TFA we know a little about Kylo Ren (who his parents are) and nothing about Rey (other than her growing up on a desert planet). I think people are being too critical of the missing backstory of some of these characters. It took us two whole movies to find out who Vader was and 3 films to show you his backstory.

I really like that theory and hope that Episode VIII and IX do build on character development / back-stories like what Episode V and VI did for ANH Not only would I like to know and maybe see...

[Show spoiler]the back story of Rey, but also of that of Finn and maybe even a little more about Kylo as well

Also on two fronts...
1.)

[Show spoiler]Finn and Rey battled it out with a WOUNDED Kylo Ren, after he was shot by Chewie. There lies the reasoning as to why Kylo couldn't and/or completely hold his own

2.)

[Show spoiler]Chewie didn't go after Han, because it was Kylo Ren and The Mission, not Han, that was his focus. When we finally see Leia and Rey meet, Chewie is tending to Finn, just as we saw Finn tending to Chewie earlier in the film.

We have to remember that Episode VII is a "bridge" film, where we see the mixing of new and older characters on one screen. The nostalgia for our old and favorite characters mixing it up with our growth for the new characters;

[Show spoiler]Rey and Han, Rey and Leia, Finn and Chewie, C-3PO and BB-8

This is also another reason why i hold my Ranking/Judgment of a film, especially those with anticipated sequels. If I gave TFW a 4.0, I was probably erroring on the side of caution. What we hear and/or see coming from Rian Johnson's Episode VIII is where I may draw my biggest conclusion from Episode VII, which from there, I will probably have a follow up "Re-Ranking" of sorts for Episode VII

Episode VII can be ripped apart to no end, but overall, it was safely executed by J.J. Abrams; Hopefully to have everything answered and explained in Episode VIII and IX