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

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

I thought Pirates 4 was considerably better than Pirates 2 and 3. I could talk in depth about it (Jack Sparrow felt like the "good scoundrel" he was in the first film, as opposed to the completely amoral, self-centered jack-ass he is in 2 and 3), but this isn't the thread for that. Only real problem with the film is Blackbeard, as he isn't as memorable as Davy Jones or Barbossa.

I didn't think it was a bad film, either - it was narratively much thinner than what had come before, and was nice to see Sparrow on his own. Verbinski had taken the series on a strange tangent with three, which became more self-centred and bloated than it needed to be, and Marshall managed to get the franchise back to its original roots, as you say.

Don't think Verbinski would do a bad job with SW, and he certainly is a director who can handle big projects, but I'm not sure he'd be able to capture the feeling of the originals. He just strikes me as too commercial for something as unique as Star Wars.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

I didn't think it was a bad film, either - it was narratively much thinner than what had come before, and was nice to see Sparrow on his own. Verbinski had taken the series on a strange tangent with three, which became more self-centred and bloated than it needed to be, and Marshall managed to get the franchise back to its original roots, as you say.

Don't think Verbinski would do a bad job with SW, and he certainly is a director who can handle big projects, but I'm not sure he'd be able to capture the feeling of the originals. He just strikes me as too commercial for something as unique as Star Wars.

You might be right. I think he's a pro, and has great visual flair. Loved Rango. Looking forward to Lone Ranger. If Verbinksi directs...will Johnny Depp be in it?

[Will21st]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

But that's the thing: people who love 3D also biasly lament that it's here to stay. The truth be told, no one knows where the industry will go next and what it's chosen format will be - I know for a fact that 3D ticket sales have been in decline recently and, if studios think that they're not making enough profit with it, you can bet your bottom dollar they won't continue doing it, because it's more expensive to shoot like that (or do the conversion afterwards). 3D is a cash-cow idea, whichever way you look at it - Hollywood didn't one day decide that it would be nice for the fans to have things in 3D because they'd appreciate it more. They looked and knew that people would pay more to see it in "another dimension". It is, therefore, a cash-cow. Whether that cow continues to pay remains to be seen.

3D is a cash-cow idea? Tell me,what isn't a cash-cow idea in the movie business? It's all about raking in the $$$,that's the whole point,always trying to pull in the new punters.
3D ticket sales are in decline? Well,I know for a fact that all ticket sales are in decline so far,this wasn't exactly a vintage year....
The whole industry is heavily invested in digital and 3D and it's here to stay.

Nicky and Sue was right when he said that the 3D re-release anouncements were a hint new films were coming. After all Lucas financed Episodes 1-3 via the Special Editions of the OT.....
The recent re-scheduling of the 3D re-releases of Episodes 2-6 was another hint that something was up,really.
Now that everybody knows new Episodes are coming it means a boost to the 3D re-releases since it now makes sense to see them all again,and in the same format. One day there will be a 3D Blu box-set Episode 1-9.... sounds great to me.

Avatar2-4
Star Wars
Hobbit
all these gigantic Blockbusters will ensure 3D is here to stay.... count on it.

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by segagamer12

If they went with an established director I think it not should be but MUST be the guy who did the Pirates, those are just like Star Wars movies set in the past on earth. And they had a good combination of characters, awesome scenery, and some of the best action sequences ever. I loved all three, they were great. I don't get why people liked the first one hated the other two. The fourth one was terrible, and that was the one with a different director. Plus it wouldn't be the same a the Pirates, they won't be shot back to back so they will not at all be rushed, since that is the prevailing criticism of the pirate movies that can be laid to rest.

The Pirate films are nothing like Star Wars. Not even close. They have their fun factor for sure and Depp nails jacks character but the whole thing gets tiring after a while. The 2nd and 3rd films get completely convoluted and drag on for far too long. Especially the 3rd one - that movie has a plot that would require a 50-page flow chart to sort through it.

Star wars has a much better story line IMO and has endured so far for what like 40 years and is showing no signs of slowing down. Pirates, OTOH, is basically out of sight, out of mind already for most people. They werent bad movies, just not "forever" movies like Star Wars is and always will be.

Verbinski aint the right guy. I dont think, anyways.

[MikeCL]

still not sure about this but I guess it can't be that bad.

[segagamer12]

Wrong, nothing will ever have the massive following that Star Wars does, look back at how it came into the world, the world was ready for Star Wars they just didn't know it. Pirates has the same feel as a Star Wars movie, maybe not exactly but it is a lot closer than Star Trek even if they both take place in space.

[beadelf]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

The Pirate films are nothing like Star Wars. Not even close. They have their fun factor for sure and Depp nails jacks character but the whole thing gets tiring after a while. The 2nd and 3rd films get completely convoluted and drag on for far too long. Especially the 3rd one - that movie has a plot that would require a 50-page flow chart to sort through it.

Star wars has a much better story line IMO and has endured so far for what like 40 years and is showing no signs of slowing down. Pirates, OTOH, is basically out of sight, out of mind already for most people. They werent bad movies, just not "forever" movies like Star Wars is and always will be.

Verbinski aint the right guy. I dont think, anyways.

agreed!

to be fair I really wouldnt worry about Verbinski getting the job, regardless of how good or not people think he is. I bet you he wont direct the next star wars films!

[Josh]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

The Pirate films are nothing like Star Wars. Not even close. They have their fun factor for sure and Depp nails jacks character but the whole thing gets tiring after a while. The 2nd and 3rd films get completely convoluted and drag on for far too long. Especially the 3rd one - that movie has a plot that would require a 50-page flow chart to sort through it.

Star wars has a much better story line IMO and has endured so far for what like 40 years and is showing no signs of slowing down. Pirates, OTOH, is basically out of sight, out of mind already for most people. They werent bad movies, just not "forever" movies like Star Wars is and always will be.

Verbinski aint the right guy. I dont think, anyways.

To each there own. A lot of people would say that The Matrix is a classic, but I can't watch it. To me, it is good concept with horrible acting (Reaves). And I can probably watch Pirates 1 as many times as Empire and still be entertained. A New Hope and Jedi... I probably couldn't watch those more than once a year. At most.

Can we all agree that the director should be baned from using wipes?

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by Sven1976

Verbinski will be reevaluated this coming summer when Lone Ranger opens. If that loses Disney hundreds of millions he will never ever get the chance to do a SW, methinks.

(And I wouldn't start placing bets that it won't...Sez the one who knows. )

[Riddler The Slag]

I am curious to see if Disney changes the opening of Star Wars.

George Lucas is credited with popularizing this with his Star Wars films which display only the film's title at the start. His decision to omit opening credits in his films Star Wars (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980) led him to resign from the Directors Guild of America after being fined $250,000 for not crediting the director during the opening title sequence

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by Riddler The Slag

I am curious to see if Disney changes the opening of Star Wars.

No way Disney changes it. It's way too iconic to do that.

[Ryan0503]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

The Pirate films are nothing like Star Wars. Not even close. They have their fun factor for sure and Depp nails jacks character but the whole thing gets tiring after a while. The 2nd and 3rd films get completely convoluted and drag on for far too long. Especially the 3rd one - that movie has a plot that would require a 50-page flow chart to sort through it.

Star wars has a much better story line IMO and has endured so far for what like 40 years and is showing no signs of slowing down. Pirates, OTOH, is basically out of sight, out of mind already for most people. They werent bad movies, just not "forever" movies like Star Wars is and always will be.

Verbinski aint the right guy. I dont think, anyways.

I use the Pirates comparison because it shows a family friendly film done right ... it has action, comedy, drama, etc ... the prequels used a lot of slapstick comedy to make them appeal to young kids as well ... but i feel Pirates did a better job of bringing all these elements together

Originally Posted by Josh

To each there own. A lot of people would say that The Matrix is a classic, but I can't watch it. To me, it is good concept with horrible acting (Reaves). And I can probably watch Pirates 1 as many times as Empire and still be entertained. A New Hope and Jedi... I probably couldn't watch those more than once a year. At most.

Can we all agree that the director should be baned from using wipes?

You can't be serious about removing wipes from star wars!?!?

[Silo5]

Originally Posted by Riddler The Slag

I am curious to see if Disney changes the opening of Star Wars.

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

No way Disney changes it. It's way too iconic to do that.

Exactly. Lucasfilm is still the "driving force" behind Episode 7 (and 8 & 9). You don't see the Disney Logo on their other movie companies that they own (I'm looking at you, Marvel ). Can you imagine seeing the Disney logo at the beginning of Kill Bill, vols. 1 & 2?? Not your typical family-friendly movie, is it?

However, there may be something shown at the beginning to show that it's "Disney owned", but I don't think you'll see the Disney Castle like you do for Toy Story or other Disney family films. Truth be told, I wouldn't mind something "Disney" at the beginning as long as they show the Lucasfilm fanfare.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by Riddler The Slag

I am curious to see if Disney changes the opening of Star Wars.

And the sad thing is, many films since, including those by Lucas' longtime friend Steven Spielberg, began without crediting the director. The DGA was way out of line. Classic case of formalism...following the letter of a standard to "protect" directors, even when it hurt the director's vision. Madness.

[Stridulent]

You can't be serious about removing wipes from star wars!?!?

I agree. I love the wipes and different transitions that you normally never see anymore.

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by Will21st

3D is a cash-cow idea? Tell me,what isn't a cash-cow idea in the movie business? It's all about raking in the $$$,that's the whole point,always trying to pull in the new punters.
3D ticket sales are in decline? Well,I know for a fact that all ticket sales are in decline so far,this wasn't exactly a vintage year....
The whole industry is heavily invested in digital and 3D and it's here to stay.

Nicky and Sue was right when he said that the 3D re-release anouncements were a hint new films were coming. After all Lucas financed Episodes 1-3 via the Special Editions of the OT.....
The recent re-scheduling of the 3D re-releases of Episodes 2-6 was another hint that something was up,really.
Now that everybody knows new Episodes are coming it means a boost to the 3D re-releases since it now makes sense to see them all again,and in the same format. One day there will be a 3D Blu box-set Episode 1-9.... sounds great to me.

Avatar2-4
Star Wars
Hobbit
all these gigantic Blockbusters will ensure 3D is here to stay.... count on it.

Everything in the movie business is a cash-cow idea. I was simply using the term that Nicky and Sue had already used. And you know what I mean - since Avatar, the sales of 3D tickets have declined and last year's Brave received only 38% of its total from 3D tickets, which is a record low. There has been a reported boom of 3D sales in Brazil, Russia and China, which will be the reason film companies plough on through with the 3D format, but unless things begin to change in America and Europe, I can't see them persevering with something that might lose them money. I'm not against people who like 3D, and I can even understand why people love it, I'm just trying to make a point - there are people who whine about 3D without facts, and there are people who claim that it's "here to stay, so get used to it." Both of those statements could be as true as the other, but the statistics show us that 3D attendance isn't doing that well at the moment.

Anyway, Star Wars might change that; a beloved brand that might just encourage people to part with a bit more of their cash to see it in 3D.

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by Silo5

Exactly. Lucasfilm is still the "driving force" behind Episode 7 (and 8 & 9). You don't see the Disney Logo on their other movie companies that they own (I'm looking at you, Marvel ). Can you imagine seeing the Disney logo at the beginning of Kill Bill, vols. 1 & 2?? Not your typical family-friendly movie, is it?

However, there may be something shown at the beginning to show that it's "Disney owned", but I don't think you'll see the Disney Castle like you do for Toy Story or other Disney family films. Truth be told, I wouldn't mind something "Disney" at the beginning as long as they show the Lucasfilm fanfare.

It still is Lucasfilm though, so they won't change it - Disney don't own the rights to Star Wars per se, they own the company that owns them. Disney will use the hands-off approach that has done so well with Marvel, and definitely won't do anything that might annoy long-term fans of the series, because that would hurt sales in the future. It'll most likely be something they put in the end credits to show that it's Disney...I mean, with the recent huge news that they've bought it anyway, do they really need to market it any more?

[Dynamo of Eternia]

Originally Posted by Silo5

Exactly. Lucasfilm is still the "driving force" behind Episode 7 (and 8 & 9). You don't see the Disney Logo on their other movie companies that they own (I'm looking at you, Marvel ). Can you imagine seeing the Disney logo at the beginning of Kill Bill, vols. 1 & 2?? Not your typical family-friendly movie, is it?

However, there may be something shown at the beginning to show that it's "Disney owned", but I don't think you'll see the Disney Castle like you do for Toy Story or other Disney family films. Truth be told, I wouldn't mind something "Disney" at the beginning as long as they show the Lucasfilm fanfare.

I don't think the comment was meant in regards to what studio logo will precede the opening crawl. The question was more so whether the opening would remain "credit-free" (the Star Wars movies do not open like most other movies with credits naming the actors, director, writer, etc).

There will most likely be some kind of Disney studio logo at the start of the movies. That much is almost certain to change since I can't see them using the 20th Century Fox logo since Fox will have no involvement with this. The reason that we saw the Paramount logo in front of Avengers is because they were originally putting the film out before Disney paid them a bunch of money to distribute it instead.

That being said, I would imagine that most everything else following the studio logo will likely be the same.... The Lucasfilm logo, the opening crawl (with no credits to anyone involved with the films during the opening), etc.

[Will21st]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

Everything in the movie business is a cash-cow idea. I was simply using the term that Nicky and Sue had already used. And you know what I mean - since Avatar, the sales of 3D tickets have declined and last year's Brave received only 38% of its total from 3D tickets, which is a record low. There has been a reported boom of 3D sales in Brazil, Russia and China, which will be the reason film companies plough on through with the 3D format, but unless things begin to change in America and Europe, I can't see them persevering with something that might lose them money. I'm not against people who like 3D, and I can even understand why people love it, I'm just trying to make a point - there are people who whine about 3D without facts, and there are people who claim that it's "here to stay, so get used to it." Both of those statements could be as true as the other, but the statistics show us that 3D attendance isn't doing that well at the moment.

Anyway, Star Wars might change that; a beloved brand that might just encourage people to part with a bit more of their cash to see it in 3D.

Yup,China is a very big driver and part of the reason why the format will succeed.
However my point was that overall ticket sales are down,not just 3D. So is the business overall in trouble? Of course not,and neither is 3D.

I'll tell you what,the format will still be here in 10 years and we'll continue the conversation then...

[Bluyoda]

Originally Posted by rickah88

If Disney doesn't go with Filoni, I think they'll get some new blood to helm it. I'd bet George already have submitted a short list of promising, up-n-coming directors.
Most of the bigtime directors everyone keeps mentioning, are just that: Big, popular, have made a name for themselves with other franchises.
Star Wars is already a brand name, and I don't think any of those big names will want to step into something that's so established. The odds of them failing in the fans opinion, are much higher than succeeding, IMO.
I guess we'll be getting the formal announcement in several months, once the script is complete. Which is what I'm more concerned about: THE SCRIPT!
In my opinion good writing can carry the load of poor directing/acting any day of the week!

Agreed

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

And the sad thing is, many films since, including those by Lucas' longtime friend Steven Spielberg, began without crediting the director. The DGA was way out of line. Classic case of formalism...following the letter of a standard to "protect" directors, even when it hurt the director's vision. Madness.

Yeah, absolutely ridiculous. Bureaucracy at its worst.

Originally Posted by Josh

To each there own. A lot of people would say that The Matrix is a classic, but I can't watch it. To me, it is good concept with horrible acting (Reaves). And I can probably watch Pirates 1 as many times as Empire and still be entertained. A New Hope and Jedi... I probably couldn't watch those more than once a year. At most.

Can we all agree that the director should be baned from using wipes?

Banned? Are you kidding??? That's like saying: Can we all agree to have lightsabers banned from SW?

The wipes in SW are awesome, and a stylistic trademark of the series.