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Post by KevinC on Dec 17, 2017 15:36:48 GMT
So let's discuss the new Star Wars movie - The Last Jedi. Note, this topic is filled with SPOILERS, so if you have not watched the movie yet... you have been warned!
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Overall I really enjoyed the movie. A major reason for this was the originality and creativity of the movie. Nothing I expected happened, in a way that might be disappointing, which is what I believe happens with Star Wars fans - they have a vision of what they want to see, and then that does not happen. But I appreciated the direction of the story.
People don't make good movies anymore. This is because they either lack the ability of good story telling or the big movie companies want to play it safe. The 1980s was probably the most creative decade of movie making, everything was great. And just look at what they do these days, everything is just an '80s remake! SW Episode 7 was hailed as the best Star Wars movie in decade, but even that film followed a specific formula, very similar to the original Star Wars (which I don't have a problem with).
One element I really enjoyed is the plot twist with Supreme Leader Snoke. Some are saying he is worse than Jar Jar because he was a mere story telling device, but the story is not over yet...
After goading and chastising Kylo Ren, Kylo strikes Snoke down, apparently killing him. I thought this was a fun way to handle it. When I was a kid watching Return of the Jedi, I was always hoping Luke (or Vader) would just strike down the Emperor sitting on this throne, just as he was goading Luke to do. In a way, we got to see this happen now. And the Emperor would have been right when he told Luke "strike me down with all of your hatred and your journey towards the dark side will be complete," as Kylo is completely pushed to the dark side with this action.
As for Snoke, episode 9 needs to reveal who he was, whether he is dead or alive. I believe his "death" is another indicator that he is Darth Plagueis the Wise. For those of you who are not aware, these are the clues:
1. Snoke is old and scared and claims to have seen the Empire rise and fall.
2. During his scenes in both movies, the same music is played from Revenge of the Sith when Palpatine tells Anakin the story of Darth Plagueis the Wise.
3. In episode 7, Kylo tell Han Solo that the "Supreme Leader is Wise."
4. Palpatine stated that Plagueis could create life by manipulating the midichlorians and could save life, "but not himself." I believe Palpatine was wrong, and that Plagueis COULD save himself, hence he creates the First Order. Moreover, if Snoke is Plagueis and can cheat death, he may return in episode 9.
5. In episode 8, Snoke mentions more than once, that he wants Kylo to be the new Vader. Snoke seems almost obsessed with having his own Vader. This make sense, because it was Plagueis that created Anakin or at least that is implied in the prequels. In episode I, Anakin's mother says there was no father, Anakin was just born. Anakin also has a higher midichlorian count than Yoda. Then in Revenge of the Sith, Palpatine tells Anakin how Plagueis could create life by manipulating midichlorians.
6. Ray is apparently extremely powerful and her parents are said to be "nobodies." But what if Plagueis/Snoke created another powerful force user - Ray. It fits his M.O.
However, if Snoke is not Plagueis or anyone important, his backstory needs to be addressed in episode 9, even if very brief. Otherwise it would look like he was a mere story telling device for Kylo Ren's development.
Those are my thoughts for now...
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Post by TheREALricksalamone on Dec 18, 2017 4:37:21 GMT
I’m still processing. I think I loved the movie but I’m not entirely sure. It’s very weird. There was more humor in it, I planned on seeing Leia die (even when she died she force-floated back to the ship), I expected Ben to turn good or Rey to turn bad (neither happened). The opening sequence with the bombers was awesome. The battle in Snoke’s throne room had me pumping my fists (perhaps my favorite sequence so far-right up there with the Darth Maul saber fight, Obi v Anakin, Hoth battle, Podrace).
I wanted more Snoke. I was sad to hear Ben say that Rey has no past. I’m sad to see Phasma go, I wanted more of her.
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Post by KevinC on Dec 18, 2017 14:52:03 GMT
I’m still processing. I think I loved the movie but I’m not entirely sure. It’s very weird. There was more humor in it, I planned on seeing Leia die (even when she died she force-floated back to the ship), I expected Ben to turn good or Rey to turn bad (neither happened). The opening sequence with the bombers was awesome. The battle in Snoke’s throne room had me pumping my fists (perhaps my favorite sequence so far-right up there with the Darth Maul saber fight, Obi v Anakin, Hoth battle, Podrace). I wanted more Snoke. I was sad to hear Ben say that Rey has no past. I’m sad to see Phasma go, I wanted more of her. ---------I have a lot of the same thoughts. I def want more Snoke, and I'm really hoping my theory above is correct. The throne room battle was awesome - you finally get to see the Royal Guards fight. They should not have killed Phasma (you know that's Brienne of Tarth?), but I guess that's very Star Warsish (Boba Fett, Jango Fett, Darth Maul, etc.). I actually like Luke's jedi trick on Kylo at the end. I'm glad Yoda made an appearance. And I liked the porgs. I didn't like all the humor, I'm ok with a few jokes, but it was like everyone wanted to be a comedian. This is probably my biggest complaint. One reason I know I really loved the movie is because I cannot wait to go back and see it again. And the story makes me want to know and see more (can't wait for episode 9)...I think it's hard for people to process because it's all so unpredictable and not what they expected. When it comes to Star Wars, fans have an idea in their head about what they want to see or what they expect to see, and if the film is not what they wanted/expected they don't like it. When I arrived home after watching it, I was surprised at all the negative feelings people had in regards. I get their points, but I think they are wrong.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2017 19:23:16 GMT
I'm not holding my breath about Phasma, she's a survivor and it wouldn't surprise me if she somehow survived that fall; even though her helmet was cracked that's no ordinary trooper armor she's wearing and I'm sure the reason they "killed" her the way they did is so they could bring her back later if they wanted to.
I wasn't terribly impressed with the movie. Kevin mentioned why. Hollywood is just incapable of producing anything good these days, preferring to play it safe rather than take any kind of a risk. Most of this movie could have just been "generic scifi movie # 9" there was hardly anything in there that said "THIS IS STAR WARS!".
Loved the scene in the throne room, I've also thought that Snoke may have been Plagueis; would be interested to learn more about his backstory. The royal guards were great, it's just a shame that they had to be tested against two powerful jedi instead of something they stood a chance of winning against.
Hated the Porgs; those things were just put in there as a way to sell toys and merch and as something kids could scream at their parents they want moar of. I did like the scene with Chewbacca on the planet and the guilt for trying to eat one of them, but I didn't feel like they were needed much after that.
The comedy factor was nice; I just hope they don't get too heavy-handed with it - Star Wars is not a comedy.
Was expecting Leia to die; was disappointed actually that she didn't. Now it seems like they're either going to have to go the bad CGI route ala Rogue One or they'll have to just have her off-camera off-world pretty much from now on which is too bad.
Hated the new female character; the "plucky female sidekick" who is somehow the moral compass for the whole team. She just came out of left field.
Poe didn't disappoint, I felt he did a great job, although I would have liked to see more of him from the backseat of his fighter.
Loved Laura Derns character; shame she had to die. Although it had me thinking if all the rebel fleet had to do to get the empire off their back was lightspeed a ship in the direction of the New Order why isn't that standard tactics for them? Seemed SO much more effective than direct confrontation with blasters and fighters/bombers.
I am excited to see the movie again though. I thought the movie better than Force Awakens, although neither of them can hold a candle still to Rogue One or the Original Trilogy.
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Post by strutsagget on Dec 18, 2017 20:21:15 GMT
I brought my company on release date, and I just have to say I loved it. For me, Star Wars always had some comic punch lines as all Lucas films. Think Rey, Poe, Kylo, and Snoke are all great characters. And who can not love a scene with a "fat" man in an x-wing? I have only seen it once yet so might change a little bit when I look at it next time. I do feel it belongs to episode 3.5 and 4-6.
On a side note. Trying to cultivate my wife and will force her to see 3.5-8 in the next couples of months. She did like the new star trek movies, so there is still hope in the galaxy.
I want the story of Han now and episode 9 tomorrow!
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Post by gjnoronh on Dec 20, 2017 17:13:29 GMT
Saw it and really enjoyed it. I don't agree with some of the choices but as a whole really enjoyed.
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Post by frozenfood on Dec 21, 2017 13:11:14 GMT
Best Star Wars movie in a long time. Comedy was too much in the beginning but it levelled out. This movie ignores all the shittychlorian stuff so not sure about Snoky boy. Really enjoyed it
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Post by mottdon on Dec 28, 2017 21:28:13 GMT
I loved it. There were so many answered questions, as well as so many new ones posed. The fight scene in the throne room was my favorite. The Royal Guard were all armed with Bounty Hunter weapons, designed specifically to combat a Jedi. There are books about how Bounty Hunters (the ones that came before Bobba Fett) hunted and killed many Jedi. Behind the Sith, they were next on the Jedi threat level list. That scene finally gave us an idea why those Royal Guard were so heavily favored by the Sith Emperors. It's been YEARS since I read the books, but I know I read a set about Han and Leia having twins. They were apparently waaaay super powerful in the force. Like being able to move planets and such. I don't know if they are taking from that story line, but it would make sense to me. And with Kylo and Ren being able to communicate the way they were, it's more than just a mere acquaintance. One chose good, one chose dark. But I have to admit, the whole twins-separated-at-birth thing has already been done. I just couldn't help but getting flashbacks to those books while I was watching the movie. The whole being born out of nothing makes sense to me as well though. When she delved into that Dark Side cave, her reflection showed her nothing. No parents. So that makes sense. What doesn't make sense, is that in the first movie, Ray had a "memory" of being abandoned on that sand planet. Why would Snoke do that if he created her? And if he didn't know where she was, why wasn't he looking for her? Seems like he would've been at least trying to. Maybe that has to do with the whole "balance" thing. I totally think that Snoke is Darth Plagueis the Wise. He is the only other Sith character that has been mentioned in the series, and we all know that they don't mention big hitter characters like that lightly. It explains a LOT and gives the writers an incredible amount of flexibility when creating a story line. And if he IS Darth Plagueis, then that definitely won't be the last we see of him. It was too easy a death for him. He'll come back and it'll force Kylo into choosing a side again. I loved Kylo's acting this time. He didn't seem like just a whiny little boy. I truly felt his rage. I could see the struggle he was fighting within. Very cool. I loved seeing Poe pilot that X-Wing in the beginning of the movie. Especially the way he "landed" it in the bay upon his return. Truly a great pilot! But I agree, there wasn't enough of him in the cockpit. I suppose they are trying to make him into the next Han? Finn and Rose didn't really impress me that much. You could've taken them completely out of the movie and it wouldn't have changed that much for me. I definitely think that we'll see more of Phasma. The helmet was cracked, but otherwise, she was still armored. I'm betting that she survived that fall, but she'll be scarred on her face where her helmet was broken. For a "Janitor" to be able to best one of the most elite Storm Troopers in the entire Empire....that's a bit much. She'll be back. Did you guys notice just how much Leia was sitting down or just standing still in her scenes? She rarely moved. That made me sad and remember that she's no longer with us. At least we got this last movie with her. I would've liked to see more actual lightsabre training with Luke and Ray though. There really wasn't any. She just up and left, and then was able to compete on a level equal to Kylo and kill many Royal Guard! That was a bit of a stretch for me. But how about that kid with the broom at the end? Overall, I loved it. I can't wait to see the next one!
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Post by gjnoronh on Dec 28, 2017 23:35:37 GMT
Agree entirely
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Post by roughtimes on Dec 30, 2017 18:17:30 GMT
This going to sound weird...I liked the movie but I don't think it's very good.
Positives: Maybe the best looking star wars movie ever Kylo was very good and this is coming from someone who didn't care for him in the first movie Leia was great The space battles were very well done
Negatives:
The casino story with Rose and Finn was good awful and really hurt the flow of the film Snoke was useless (I also dislike almost all CGI characters)
I wasn't happy with Luke but I can understand what they were going for
Humor didn't work but wasn't a deal breaker
A lot of the characters were pointless in this movie. You could remove snoke, Finn, Poe, rose, and that purple hair admiral and not skip a beat.
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Post by roughtimes on Dec 30, 2017 18:19:15 GMT
I brought my company on release date, and I just have to say I loved it. For me, Star Wars always had some comic punch lines as all Lucas films. Think Rey, Poe, Kylo, and Snoke are all great characters. And who can not love a scene with a "fat" man in an x-wing? I have only seen it once yet so might change a little bit when I look at it next time. I do feel it belongs to episode 3.5 and 4-6. On a side note. Trying to cultivate my wife and will force her to see 3.5-8 in the next couples of months. She did like the new star trek movies, so there is still hope in the galaxy. I want the story of Han now and episode 9 tomorrow! I'm terrified for the han movie Fired the directors and hired an acting coach for the new han
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Post by strutsagget on Dec 30, 2017 18:32:56 GMT
I brought my company on release date, and I just have to say I loved it. For me, Star Wars always had some comic punch lines as all Lucas films. Think Rey, Poe, Kylo, and Snoke are all great characters. And who can not love a scene with a "fat" man in an x-wing? I have only seen it once yet so might change a little bit when I look at it next time. I do feel it belongs to episode 3.5 and 4-6. On a side note. Trying to cultivate my wife and will force her to see 3.5-8 in the next couples of months. She did like the new star trek movies, so there is still hope in the galaxy. I want the story of Han now and episode 9 tomorrow! I'm terrified for the han movie Fired the directors and hired an acting coach for the new han I don't think a Han movie can fail though. Star Wars is made for single character/story movies. The first 3(4,5,6) opened up for a bunch of stories to be told
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Post by roughtimes on Dec 30, 2017 19:48:34 GMT
Seems like it should be a slam dunk but the acting coach thing is weird
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Post by knoffles on Dec 31, 2017 8:32:37 GMT
I enjoyed the film though it was very much a middle of the trilogy film. I especially liked the ending scene with Luke and Kylo. I also loved the little references and nods to the original films. The above mentioned ‘emperor’ scene and bbo under the box looking like an oversized imperial droid. Opening battle was good but I still think the revenge of the sith opening space battle is the best to date as the amount of stuff going on in every frame is immense. The ‘nuns’ on the island were a bit odd and were a cross between something out of the dark crystal and monty python. The main gripe I have with the new films (ignoring the fact they invalidate the 30+ Star Wars books I bought over the years) is they are basically remakes of a New Hope and Empire. That isn’t to say they aren’t both enjoyable (they are) but with the number of excellent writers out there and the wealth of stories available they could have produced something more original.
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Post by frozenfood on Dec 31, 2017 12:34:50 GMT
they could have produced something more original. Jar-Jar? Pod races? Droid battles? Damn original to the eighth circle of the Abyss, let them feed my nostalgia
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