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

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Taipan

I also think the same way Geoff D. Jurassic World felt very similar to this movie. I thought " I've seen this movie before..." I'm not saying its a remake of Jurassic Park/ SW: A New Hope, but it really felt like these movies were completely playing it safe. I hope VIII tries something new and more bold.

There's a lot to be said for the power of fan service, it's getting out of hand at this point but as long as it continues to destroy the box office then fan service it shall be. Still, at least there's hope that the various sequels and spinoffs will actually tread different paths.

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

There's a lot to be said for the power of fan service, it's getting out of hand at this point but as long as it continues to destroy the box office then fan service it shall be. Still, at least there's hope that the various sequels and spinoffs will actually tread different paths.

I just try to tell people even if it's like Jurassic world, where the story has holes left and right (which I think this story was 500000x better), or weird character issues, enjoy the moment, enjoy the theatrics of it all and regardless of the personal issues there is plenty of things to be emeresed in.

Hopefully you find some way to get something positive from the film

[aiman04]

Originally Posted by Taipan

I also think the same way Geoff D. Jurassic World felt very similar to this movie. I thought " I've seen this movie before..." I'm not saying its a remake of Jurassic Park/ SW: A New Hope, but it really felt like these movies were completely playing it safe. I hope VIII tries something new and more bold.

JJ Abrams is just doing what he always do, I won't elaborate about it I think everyone knows. That's why I've been looking forward much more to Episode VIII than this. I have great hope for Rian Johnson's take. Some may not like Looper but he certainly shows he got his own visual style to sci-fi, after the amazing work on Brick and The Brothers Bloom. He's more bold and original as a writer, maybe he'll also bring some touch of noir to the galaxy.

[tilallr1]

Originally Posted by Jumpman

I hate to agree with you about the score because there's nothing memorable about it. Just to make sure I wasn't being an apologist, over the last couple of days, I've listened to JW's Prequel scores and good God, do those scores KILL. They are different from the classic scores from the Original Trilogy but they are just as impactful. Here? Nothing. Take away the callbacks and there's nothing there. Like you, I see John Williams and I'm kissing his ass for what he's given to cinema over the years but, he didn't deliver here. I don't know if its him or being directed JJ that's the problem.

And let's please talk about Carrie Fisher as Leia. Look, Carrie Fisher is Princess Leia. That's the end of that discussion but this film would've been better without her because for the love of God, what was with the photoshopping to her face? It was so distracting. Even my wife noticed and she never notices things of this minute. She just felt way past her time on the screen. Harrison brought the goods of course but even you could tell that he became the wise cracking old man. I mean, Han and Chewie were the new R2 and 3P0 in this, which is almost shameful.

When people watch the Saga from 1-9, this film will feel the most out of place because of how much it leans so heavily on what came before it, beat for beat. It will feel like the out liar of the Saga.

Very true. I totally forgot about how unmemorable the score was, since its really boring, except for the few snippets of the OT score. The prequels score kicked the crap out of TFA's. I was very surprised with Williams. The man must be totally out of ideas for doing a Star Wars score. I hope they don't bring him back. But his score still kicks the crap out of most other movies, so I might reconsider based on who else they can get.

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by aiman04

JJ Abrams is just doing what he always do, I won't elaborate about it I think everyone knows. That's why I've been looking forward much more to Episode VIII than this. I have great hope for Rian Johnson's take. Some may not like Looper but he certainly shows he got his own visual style to sci-fi, after the amazing work on Brick and The Brothers Bloom. He's more bold and original as a writer, maybe he'll also bring some touch of noir to the galaxy.

That's such a great pic of Lucas and Hamill in your avatar.

[jayman3]

I could listen to this all day.

Jimmy Fallon, The Roots & "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Cast Sing "Star Wars" Medley (A Cappella) - YouTube

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by supersix4

I just try to tell people even if it's like Jurassic world, where the story has holes left and right (which I think this story was 500000x better), or weird character issues, enjoy the moment, enjoy the theatrics of it all and regardless of the personal issues there is plenty of things to be emeresed in.

Hopefully you find some way to get something positive from the film

My feelings don't even centre on plot holes and junk, it felt like some people playing Star Wars dress up putting on a production of New Hope rather than some dazzling new Star Wars chapter. As I said in my lengthy initial post, maybe it's because it really has been too long of a gap for me to get my head around, and/or I really am getting too cynical to be truly entertained by the Hollywood meatgrinder any more. Dunno.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by aiman04

JJ Abrams is just doing what he always do, I won't elaborate about it I think everyone knows. That's why I've been looking forward much more to Episode VIII than this. I have great hope for Rian Johnson's take. Some may not like Looper but he certainly shows he got his own visual style to sci-fi, after the amazing work on Brick and The Brothers Bloom. He's more bold and original as a writer, maybe he'll also bring some touch of noir to the galaxy.

Aye, Ep VII feels like a big trailer waiting for the main event to begin (especially with that final shot in mind) so I'm looking forward to Ep VIII. I just hope Trevorrow doesn't turn in a remake of ROTJ when it comes time for him to do Ep IX.

[Gamma_Winstead]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Aye, Ep VII feels like a big trailer waiting for the main event to begin (especially with that final shot in mind) so I'm looking forward to Ep VIII. I just hope Trevorrow doesn't turn in a remake of ROTJ when it comes time for him to do Ep IX.

Rian is writing 9 as well. Colin is basically a hired hand to direct it. I really hope he doesn't pull a Jurassic world and use horrible CGI for everything though.

[UK_fan_05]

Originally Posted by jayman3

I could listen to this all day.

Jimmy Fallon, The Roots & "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Cast Sing "Star Wars" Medley (A Cappella) - YouTube

That is awesome!

[Nightopian]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

but I'm allowed to like what I like, amiright?

No, you must like what we like. These aren't the droids you're looking for...

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Nightopian

No, you must like what we like. These aren't the droids you're looking for...

I am quickly getting that impression, sir! I'll bow out until I've seen it again, that'll help solidify my thoughts on it.

[Nightopian]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

I am quickly getting that impression, sir! I'll bow out until I've seen it again, that'll help solidify my thoughts on it.

May the Force be with you, always.

[toddly6666]

What do people think of my theory:

[Show spoiler]

The new Star Wars films have been created to not only bring back magic of the originals but to fix and make better versions of the flaws/weaknesses in the prequels and the originals. So far, The Force Awakens has mirrored the pattern of The Phantom Menace and A New Hope in a positive way. If the mirror continues in the upcoming films, this is what I expect to see:

1. The movie wants us to believe that Rey is Luke's daughter which means that this obviousness could make us think that she actually isn't Luke's daughter - maybe being the daughter of Han & Leia or just a random girl not connected to anyone. Now remember what the prequels failed to convincingly do - the prequels FAILED to convincingly show the evolution of a heroic character turn evil. The story of Anakin Skywalker from good guy to bad guy was a complete failure in the prequels - we all know that the writing of Anakin's character wasn't that good, especially with the sudden turn to evil in Revenge of the Sith. So...the new Star Wars movies may be developing Rey as the new Anakin who starts good but turns bad. So she may even be the daughter of Palpatine or Snoke or whoever - the main thing is that so far she has convinced us of her bad-assness, her heroics, her good heart and her great power. Sure, it would be great if she becomes the next Luke Skywalker but Disney ain't stopping after Episode 9 which makes me believe that they are developing quite an awesome Sith with Rey.

2. Similar to the above, Kylo Ren may actually be the character that is a more "complex version of Darth Vader with depth." In the originals, Darth Vader is certainly famous for his bad-assness yet he actually doesn't have much depth and it is sort of surprising and unpredictable that he saves Luke because he is pretty much perceived as bad until the moment he saves Luke. When Luke keeps on telling Darth, "I still see the good in you" through out Jedi, we don't see it but we just have to believe Luke's observation. So now we have Kylo Ren who is already conflicted and does think about going to the good side even while he's doing monstrous things. It is quite possible that the new Star Wars movies may be developing Kylo Ren from a Sith to a heroic Jedi master. Remember, Darth Vader goes from villain to hero. So it's quite possible that they are mirroring the same with Kylo Ren.

[jayman3]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Aye, Ep VII feels like a big trailer waiting for the main event to begin (especially with that final shot in mind) so I'm looking forward to Ep VIII. I just hope Trevorrow doesn't turn in a remake of ROTJ when it comes time for him to do Ep IX.

This is going to make an interesting trilogy. You have JJ Abrams, Rian, and Colin. To get a better understanding watch Star Trek (2009)/The Force Awakens, followed by Looper, and Jurassic World. It's like a Neapolitan ice cream Star Wars trilogy.

[iamsometal]

Originally Posted by tilallr1

Very true. I totally forgot about how unmemorable the score was, since its really boring, except for the few snippets of the OT score. The prequels score kicked the crap out of TFA's. I was very surprised with Williams. The man must be totally out of ideas for doing a Star Wars score. I hope they don't bring him back. But his score still kicks the crap out of most other movies, so I might reconsider based on who else they can get.

But then again, Williams' score was the only decent thing about the prequels, soooo....

I'm totally good with the TFA score being the least memorable thing about the film. And the more I listen to the score, the more I like it.

[Rick Grimes]

I thought Episode 7 was fantastic. Went into the cinema with my expectations lowered, and I was thoroughly surprised with a great flick reminiscent of the OT. 4.5/5. A return to form for the saga!
Ep 7 has become my second favourite of the 7 films thus far, after Empire of course.
Going to see it for a second time tomorrow. Will be able to take in a lot more knowing the plot line from the beginning,

[Show spoiler] having the knowledge right from the start that Kylo Ren is Luke Skywalker's nephew; although you know from the beginning, when Max Von Sydow's character mentions something about family, that Kylo Ren must be of Skywalker lineage… Why else would "Ben" (Is that what Han says when he calls out to his son near the end?) be so hell bent on finding Luke.

For those mild to moderate SW fans who haven't seen it, keep an open mind when going in, but I am certain you are going to be in for a treat.

[The Debts]

Well, I am now officially Star Wars trash. Someone save me.

Seriously though, this movie helped bring my faith back to the franchise. It never lost me with the prequels tho; It was the fandom. And even though I'm still in a way salty towards it, the sheer quality of the new film is enough to make me look past them.

@Ranger_Steve Piss off, you bloody jerk!

[Ernest Rister]

Candy doesn't need a reason. That's why it's candy.

[The Debts]

High Def Digest did a comparison of which presentation of the film is better: IMAX laser or Dolby Cinema. Spoilers, btw.