Star Wars

[BrickG]

As much as I appreciate George Lucas giving us the original trilogy... the prequel trilogy is just crap. I'd LOVE to see it replaced. However I'm not sure who the heck would be up for the task and it's just plain not happening. They've got too much invested in stuff like Clone Wars and that new series coming up.

The Sequel Trilogy has me open minded but I'm doubting it'll be as good as the original trilogy (I mean you can't possibly match how historic it was). I'm also doubting JJ. He's so hit and miss. Like Star Trek 2009, big hit. Star Trek Into Darkess... yeah I guess it got decent reviews but I'd call it a miss as it didn't review nearly as well. That movie was so ridiculously filled with tributes. I didn't know you could have too many. I really HOPE the new Star Wars isn't a large tribute with basically the same stuff happening. And I really hope the next Star TREK is actually original and doesn't tribute up the butt quite so much. I mean, wow... I had no idea you could go too far with that. Tributes can be very cool... That didn't happen here... Hope JJ learned his lesson.

Edited September 21, 2013 by BrickG

[Brickdoctor]

Star Trek Into Darkess... yeah I guess it got decent reviews but I'd call it a miss as it didn't review nearly as well. That movie was so ridiculously filled with tributes. I didn't know you could have too many. I really HOPE the new Star Wars isn't a large tribute with basically the same stuff happening.

I agree. I like subtle references, I like homages, I like tributes, but when you use a bunch of references to try to tie the movie together with its predecessors and at the same time you play the 'time travel different dimension' card, then it just seems like you're saying "I don't want to make my story in your universe and I'm just going to throw your fanboys a bone."

[Scorpiox]

I agree. I like subtle references, I like homages, I like tributes, but when you use a bunch of references to try to tie the movie together with its predecessors and at the same time you play the 'time travel different dimension' card, then it just seems like you're saying "I don't want to make my story in your universe and I'm just going to throw your fanboys a bone."

Very much agreed. I wanted so very much for his series to be prequels rather than an alternate timeline. Although Into Darkness is a mostly excellent film, it felt as though Abrams was trying to re-make Wrath of Khan rather than create an explanation for it. Yes, we all loved the touching hand-touching moment in Star Trek II, but not in every bloody place that a director wants to put it. I was in the cinema with a large audience of young people, few of whom seemed to understand any of the references - meanwhile, I'm trying to hold my tongue from crying out "No! He couldn't!" for most of the film. It'd be like some bloke making a war film and slapping on Ride of the Valkyries. It was cool in Apocalypse Now, but that doesn't mean we want to keep seeing it everywhere!

Anyway... back on topic.

I hope that Georgie holds some important writing position in the creation of the new trilogy. Although he is the one mostly responsible for Star Wars' downward turn, he also is the genius behind the thing in the first place. If he isn't involved, I sincerely doubt that it will work. As a light-action flick, perhaps, but not as a continuation for the saga.

Edited September 21, 2013 by Scorpiox

[Brickadeer]

I hope that Georgie holds some important writing position in the creation of the new trilogy. Although he is the one mostly responsible for Star Wars' downward turn, he also is the genius behind the thing in the first place. If he isn't involved, I sincerely doubt that it will work. As a light-action flick, perhaps, but not as a continuation for the saga.

As an in Star Wars interested person (I wouldn't go so far to consider myself a fan), I wonder what there exactly is that is continued. The story of Anakin Skywalker? Ended. The story of Palpatine's rise to Darth Sidious who took over the Republic? Ended. The story of Luke becoming a Jedi Knight? Ended. The rise of the Empire, of the rebellion, the war against the Empire and the Empire's defeat? Ended. So apparently, they need a new threat, and if a new threat is introduced, it is not exactly what I'd call a "continuation of the saga". Of course, there are rumors of Sidious' return as a force ghost. I hope that this won't happen. As a force ghost, what can he achieve but taking revenge? And I think compared to "becoming the most powerful being in the galaxy who took over the Republic" to "taking revenge", the latter really, really is a significant downgrade of goals. In other words, he doesn't work as "a new threat". Plus, the OT and the PT have already explored two different kinds of threat: the empire's brutal force as illustrated in EP IV (Vader capturing Leia's ship, Vader interrogating, Alderan's destruction and so on), and the subtle rise of an enemy from the within.

Now, with the announcement of EP VII, Disney held that George wrote the new trilogy; in an interview, Mark Hamill confirmed that George spoke with him about this new trilogy half a year ago. Nevertheless, I wonder how credible these statements are. Did George write it? Noone knows for sure. Did he actually talk to Hamill? Noone knows for sure. Does Hamill have a good cause to lie on the subject? That depends if a role for him in the new trilogy is regarded as a "good cause" or not. Is there, to make the point, the possibility that the story of George's new trilogy is basically a hoax created to help milking the cash cow? I think yes, that may be the case. Thus, I think holding expectations low is a pretty good approach.

[Brickdoctor]

I hope that Georgie holds some important writing position in the creation of the new trilogy. Although he is the one mostly responsible for Star Wars' downward turn, he also is the genius behind the thing in the first place. If he isn't involved, I sincerely doubt that it will work. As a light-action flick, perhaps, but not as a continuation for the saga.

Yeah, if there's one thing the PT had, it was that it was thought up by the same guy. The transition to OT technology and themes is well done in most cases. (The 'bridges', as they like to call them. Although it's very arguable that the most important transition of all, that of Anakin to Vader, is not well done.) Not just references, but reasons. Similarly, I hope that the ST doesn't just have

references, but has results.

The rise of the Empire, of the rebellion, the war against the Empire and the Empire's defeat? Ended. So apparently, they need a new threat, and if a new threat is introduced, it is not exactly what I'd call a "continuation of the saga". Of course, there are rumors of Sidious' return as a force ghost. I hope that this won't happen. As a force ghost, what can he achieve but taking revenge? And I think compared to "becoming the most powerful being in the galaxy who took over the Republic" to "taking revenge", the latter really, really is a significant downgrade of goals. In other words, he doesn't work as "a new threat".

To be fair, no, that storyline hasn't ended...but it's already been told. Palpatine's clones and all that, plus there are a lot of major conflicts left and the war doesn't actually end until the Pellaeon-Gavrisom Treaty is signed nineteen years after Star Wars.

I agree with you, it seems like we've seen all the threats already. Resurrecting Palpatine again would be annoying, I think. (I could see a Palpatine Clone and the Death Star III as a joke, but not as a serious plot for a movie.) We've seen the enemies from unknown space (the Ssi-Ruuk), the enemies trying to take commander of the Empire (Daala, Isard, various moffs and generals), we've seen the enemy genius promoted in secret (Thrawn), we've seen enemy remnants trying to be independant (Thracken Sal-Solo), we've seen enemies from within the Jedi (Caedus, Kyp Durron), we've seen the enemies from outside the galaxy (the Vong), we've seen enemies almost of the Force itself (Abeloth)...

[CMP]

I agree with you, it seems like we've seen all the threats already. Resurrecting Palpatine again would be annoying, I think. (I could see a Palpatine Clone and the Death Star III as a joke, but not as a serious plot for a movie.) We've seen the enemies from unknown space (the Ssi-Ruuk), the enemies trying to take commander of the Empire (Daala, Isard, various moffs and generals), we've seen the enemy genius promoted in secret (Thrawn), we've seen enemy remnants trying to be independant (Thracken Sal-Solo), we've seen enemies from within the Jedi (Caedus, Kyp Durron), we've seen the enemies from outside the galaxy (the Vong), we've seen enemies almost of the Force itself (Abeloth)...

The people making the movies probably don't have a clue what any of those are, though.

[BrickG]

Can't say I agree that Lucas should still be involved. The prequels were such a mess. Indiana Jones 4 was such a mess. Like Speilberg he hasn't made anything good in decades.

That said I'm not sure who can handle Star Wars... JJ? Maaaaybe... but again, he's hit and miss and has never made anything nearly as big. The Toy Story 3 writers? Wat?

Idunno... hope for the best, prepare for the worst!

[Scorpiox]

Can't say I agree that Lucas should still be involved. The prequels were such a mess. Indiana Jones 4 was such a mess. Like Speilberg he hasn't made anything good in decades.

That said I'm not sure who can handle Star Wars... JJ? Maaaaybe... but again, he's hit and miss and has never made anything nearly as big. The Toy Story 3 writers? Wat?

Idunno... hope for the best, prepare for the worst!

I completely disagree. Without George, the sequels have little chance (in my view) of being anything worth seeing. Yes, he did mess-up the prequels and mess-about with the Special Edition, but it's important to forget that he is the one who wrote the original masterpieces back in '77. Disney NEEDS George to have any hope of doing the films justice, although perhaps he should be kept on a leash just in case.

As for Abrams: I'd much prefer it if he isn't given free-reign to make it his film. The best possible result would be to have Georgie and the writers directly involved in the film-making so as to limit the chances of disaster.

I agree with you, it seems like we've seen all the threats already. Resurrecting Palpatine again would be annoying, I think. (I could see a Palpatine Clone and the Death Star III as a joke, but not as a serious plot for a movie.)

Bringing Palpatine back would be the lamest "quick-let's-write-a-plot" solution that they come up with. Cloning as a rule is a boring and uninteresting way to re-use characters that the director regrets killing off (although as a scientific principle the clone would share neither the memories or personality of the original by default).

It's what Michael Bay did with Transformers, and its why I dislike the second and third films of his trilogy. As I'm sure every fan of G1 Transformers and the recent games is aware: Sideswipe is NOT just a re-worked and re-voiced Jazz with blades. Just because Bay pulled a bad move by eliminating one of the universe's most awesome characters in an illogical fight, doesn't mean that he has to force another Autobot to evolve into him because the movies need more one-liners. Cybertronians transform into different vehicles, not different personalities.Jazz and Sideswipe are supposed to work together, and have very clearly defined attributes. Sideswipe is a professional, Jazz is laid-back and smart-mouthed. THEY ARE DIFFERENT ROBOTS! Whatever next? "How about we remove Shockwave's Spock-esque apathy and have him only say one-word (Optimus...), and then control a giant drilling thing? Oh wait, he's already done that." The only part of Bay's Shockwave that in any way, shape or form resembles the character is that he has one eye.

Edited September 21, 2013 by Scorpiox

[Scorpiox]

*Double Post*

Edited September 21, 2013 by Scorpiox

[The Legonater]

I completely disagree. Without George, the sequels have little chance (in my view) of being anything worth seeing. Yes, he did mess-up the prequels and mess-about with the Special Edition, but it's important to forget that he is the one who wrote the original masterpieces back in '77. Disney NEEDS George to have any hope of doing the films justice, although perhaps he should be kept on a leash just in case.

As for Abrams: I'd much prefer it if he isn't given free-reign to make it his film. The best possible result would be to have Georgie and the writers directly involved in the film-making so as to limit the chances of disaster.

Personally, Lucas is an excellent visionary and story-teller, but not that great of a writer. ANH was written by him, sure, and ANH was great, but ESB and RotJ were both written and directed by people other than Lucas. When the prequels came out, they were pure Lucas with no filter.

That said, Lucas having input may definitely help this movie. Lawrense Kasdan writing will definitely make it at least watchable. Say what you want about the Star Trek movies, but I believe they were pretty well done, and I have a lot of confidence with Abrams at the helm. Throw in John Williams, and you really have a pretty great team to make an excellent movie.

The success of this movie, to me, is definitely going to come down to the plot. As weird as the Dark Empire arc was, you can't deny that it does a good job continuing the series. Cloning Palpatine is one of the more annoying decisions in the EU, but it definitely ties it back to the movies in a way I could see them doing. I like, so many others, would love a Thrawn trilogy, but the official remarks that they aren't taking directly from any EU source seems to discount that. I'm really not sure what to think of this decision personally, because being a man very invested into the EU I have trouble seeing a scenario where Lucas doesn't totally overwrite everything, but who knows what'll happen.

Just one last note, about the references issue. A few months ago I'd probably disagree, saying the more nods the better. I recently read X-Wing Mercy Kill, however, which seems to try to hold up on references to the older books instead of its own plot and characters. It performs fairly well, but any fan of the series will tell you that Allstan seemed sacrificed the charm of the old books - the characters and how they interact with each other - to make all sorts of references and tie up old loose ends.

[Brickdoctor]

The people making the movies probably don't have a clue what any of those are, though.

I'm not saying that they'll avoid doing those things knowjng that they've been done; I'm saying that most likely whatever they try to do is going to end up being something that we've seen something similar to already.

[Scorpiox]

To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if Disney tramples over a whole lot of EU media in order to make his film. :shrug:

[CMP]

I'm not saying that they'll avoid doing those things knowjng that they've been done; I'm saying that most likely whatever they try to do is going to end up being something that we've seen something similar to already.

In such a broad plot sense, yes, but the OT's plot isn't exactly inspired either and people love it. It's the execution that matters, and since..

To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if Disney tramples over a whole lot of EU media in order to make his film. :shrug:

...this is almost a sure thing, I doubt anything they do will be too similar to the current EU.

[ep3_lol]

I'm a RedLetterMedia fan and thought The People vs. George Lucas was a decent documentary, so I'm a bit biased, but I just don't have any faith in George at all anymore. I don't see how he could help. I'm sure there are plenty of people in the industry that both are more competent and like Star Wars more than he does.

Edited September 24, 2013 by ep3_lol

[BrickG]

I think potentially he could be a very valuable asset if he works... on a team.

His best work has been with him in a TEAM. His worst is when he's a team of ONE and just fires everyone who disagrees and expects everyone to kiss his butt as happened with the prequels, everyone raving about his genius and not being willing or able to stand up to him without probably hurting their career.

But I don't see him doing that. He's basically retired and focusing on doing as much good as he can with that $4 billion he got. He's a decent d00d, loved what he did with that land turning into low cost apartments lol. But he's not going to do anything and if he was it's unlikely he'd be willing to be a team player.

[Oky]

So it looks like Abrams will be writing Episode VII as well, along with Lawrence Kasdan. Whether this bodes well or badly for the final product remains to be seen I think.

http://www.technologytell.com/entertainment/30593/star-wars-episode-vii-writer-gets-the-boot-and-look-whos-replacing-him/

[CMP]

So it looks like Abrams will be writing Episode VII as well, along with Lawrence Kasdan. Whether this bodes well or badly for the final product remains to be seen I think.

http://www.technolog...-replacing-him/

Bodes better than it was before. Kasdan getting bumped up to co-writer can only be a good thing.

Edited October 28, 2013 by CallMePie

[BrickG]

Supposedly now Harrison Ford has yet to sign on to the new Star Wars and is trying to get them to agree to Indiana Jones 5 for his signature.

I feel okay about that :P. 4 sucked. It would be nice to see it out in a better way.

[Fives]

December 18th 2015! Mark your calendars!

http://starwars.com/news/star-wars-episode-vii-to-open-december-18-2015.html

[Brickdoctor]

Huh, breaking with the tradition of May SW releases.

[Fives]

Huh, breaking with the tradition of May SW releases.

That was my first thought, and I'm genuinely upset by it. Sure, Disney is brilliant to take advantage of the Xmas season, but it is a set tradition. I've always associated Star Wars with summer time and LOTR with winter due to the times of year they were released. This will feel different.

[CMP]

That was my first thought, and I'm genuinely upset by it. Sure, Disney is brilliant to take advantage of the Xmas season, but it is a set tradition. I've always associated Star Wars with summer time and LOTR with winter due to the times of year they were released. This will feel different.

It probably wouldn't be ready by summer 2015. Are you saying you'd rather wait a whole 6 more months to see in theaters when this way it'll be out on DVD by then?

I'm pretty excited, I thought for sure they'd have to push it back a year, but it seems everything's going according to plan so far. Hopefully we'll get some teasers by Celebration VII.

[Artanis I]

I've always associated Star Wars with summer time and LOTR with winter due to the times of year they were released. This will feel different.

It's the opposite here...

[Piranha]

Huh, breaking with the tradition of May SW releases.

I wonder if that is because Avengers: Age of Ultron is scheduled to be released in May and Disney didn't want its two biggest film franchises releasing their respective films in the same month.

[Professor Flitwick]

That was my first thought, and I'm genuinely upset by it. Sure, Disney is brilliant to take advantage of the Xmas season, but it is a set tradition. I've always associated Star Wars with summer time and LOTR with winter due to the times of year they were released. This will feel different.

... You have too few problems in life. There is literally no way a release date can affect your enjoyment of a film.