The Rise of Skywalker: Initial Thoughts from a Geek
In case this is your first visit to my blog, I don't treat Star Wars movies, television shows, or books the same way I treat other titles. Because Star Wars is such a vital part of my childhood and seems to have become part of my DNA now, I tend avoid breaking down the artistic merits of the content. I focus more on the feelings each story generates in my soul.
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If I were to use one word to sum up each of the installments of the final trilogy of the Skywalker saga, it would be something like this...
The Force Awakens - Nostalgic
Not only did this movie return my childhood to me with one line, "The garbage will do" , followed by a shot of a beat up YT-1300 Corellian light freighter, it built a wonderful bridge between my then 8-year-old daughter and myself.
The Last Jedi - Annoyed
I still cannot believe how terrible this movie was. Thanks to the completely useless 45-minute long casino planet scene, I nearly chose the word "insulted" for this installment. After seeing The Rise of Skywalker it is even more clear that this movie was completely useless. One 22 minute long television show would have been enough to fit in the parts of this movie that actually mattered in the overall story.
The Rise of Skywalker - Entertained
This movie had one goal: pander to fans of all ages... and that is not a bad goal at all. This is a popcorn movie plain and simple. And that is enough. This film is a nothing more than a vehicle for space battles, land battles, and battles on spaceships that are now in the ocean. You know... FUN.
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Lightsabers blaze and old friends get to complete their stories. Some new friends get introduced... for some unknown reason... and my wife cried. My 14-year-old son and I pumped our fists as ships exploded and elbowed each other every time either one of us picked up on an Easter egg. My 12-year-old daughter cooed at cute aliens and did not have to ask "what's going on" even once.
We were all entertained... because all of us used our child brains that still believe in wizards, heroes, heroines, and Wookies.
Although I would have changed MANY scenes, The Rise of Skywalker was just good enough to fill my family with joy. At some point, when I'm not afraid of revealing any spoilers, I'll write more about this. But for now, some family joy is good enough for me.
@hanshotfirst
Yesterday I wrote my review (here is the link for anyone interested in reading it: https://steemit.com/movies/@wiseagent/movie-review-star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-2019) and I think that despite the good pieces of entertainment, the overall is quite disappointing.
P.S.: The Last Jedi monstrously bad!
I'm going to check it out now.
Awful conclusion of the Star Wars franchise 🤦🏼♂️😂
I can't argue. I just wrote a full review that was not as forgiving as my initial thoughts.
I just watched this movie late night yesterday.. With my buddy.. And we hardly woke up the next day for working.. And I agree with you, this latest movie was entertained me.. And my friend said he would watch it again with his family.. Nice..
I just couldn't get into the most recent films. I saw the force awakens and it was so cringe worthy that I couldn't see the other ones. I've seen youtube videos that break down what was wrong in the other movies. There is simply too much to get into detail, but The plot and character development didn't make sense to me. Lots of scenes were terrible for a bunch of reasons. These most recent movies are not cannon in my view. I guess I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to these things. The main character has to start at the bottom and work and struggle and overcome in my view. That style of story telling is tried and true. I just didn't get that from what I've seen and heard of the newest movies. Its also annoying when I see political themes in movies. I don't need to be given a lesson about someones narrow world view. The actors and actresses where fine, but the director did a crappy job the way I see it.
I loved The Force Awakens. But I may have looked at it a little differently than other people. I thought it built a bridge between old and young fans. Sadly, it seems it was abridge to nowhere...
Welcome back - you have been away for a long time or did I just miss your posts?
Nope I was a way but I needed to get these thoughts out... so my wife didn't have to listen to them for 4 hours.
Hahahaha excellent idea - and now both are happy
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I've never thought they were the same since the original trilogy, but it's all about if it filled you with joy and worth the price of admission
It really helps to watch it with my kids. I'm no longer the intended audience.
Too bad I couldn't watch it in the big screen but I just have to be contended watching it on my laptop Sir @hanshotfirst :)
@cryptopie
You will lose a lot of visual impact if you don't watch in theaters.
I don't think his physical condition will allow him to attend a theater. But this guy is incredibly strong. He doesn't let those limitations stop him. He will find a way to enjoy it!
I didn't want to read many reviews before watching the movie... so i was hesitant. BUT... happy to see you use the word ENTERTAINED.
@jarvie
If you want to read a more immersive and totally spoiler-free review... I invite you to go through my blog and read my review. But I can tell you this: you will have fun... but you will probably be more disappointed.
I'm going to see it tonight.
I hope you enjoy!
It is nice to see that for many of us the Star Wars movies became a part of our live despite of different generations we still can discuss with younger and older people the stories and share our opinions. I like the fact that around Christmas and New Year it is almost inseparable part of our festive time. The Rise of Skywalker is also on my to do list :)
I have enjoyed penciling these in to see with my kids the last few years.