Mike_Droideka wrote:
That's it! This film is easily forgettable. A generic space flick!
I am usually tearing to get back to the cinema, to watch a new Star Wars film. With TLJ, I actually forget it's still playing.
On average, I go to see a new Star Wars film ten times at the cinema - this one, I have only seen three times.
What is so much more evident now, is that Star Wars is no longer pure, escapist entertainment - but a platform for pushing political agendas.
Story telling is not the prime goal here. The focus is on box office results, politics and selling product.
Before the film started, I saw SIX advertisements for current Disney Star Wars product. I do not recall seeing so many toy and video game ads before a Star Wars film before - and this is an observation from a 47 year old man, who has in excess of five thousand Star Wars action figures.
I've been re-watching the prequels over the last week, and have fallen in love with them all over again. My appreciation for them and the work Lucas put into all of the world building, new characters and expanding of lore, has only deepened.
So much to agree with and disagree with here.
I'm happy you've rediscovered the prequels, which I was on board with from day one. The prequels actually tell a very politically oriented story that becomes more literal and relatable in the real world with each successive episode, culminating in Vader's line just before the Mustafar duel (If you're not with me, then you're my enemy). I don't pay prequel haters any attention. They are brilliant storytelling combined with ahead-of-its-time visuals packaged together in a form like nothing seen before or since.
The focus of releasing a film is box office results? Last I checked, boards of directors at film corporations aren't in the business for the charity. I'm happy TLJ crossed the $600 million barrier in box office rentals. The more successful these films are, the better.
I always find it interesting - not trying to pick on you specifically Mike - but people who complain about political messages often don't complain about political messages/agenda when they happen to agree with said message or agenda. Using a film/show/whatever to advance a political agenda is perfectly fine - as long as someone agrees with it. I rolled my eyes a bit at Rose's monologue on Canto Bight, but at the end of the day, it was one line. I moved on. Sort of like I did at a particular half-second that occurred in the 1997 ANH Special Edition release.
Star Wars has been, and always will be, the ultimate escapist vessel for me. That's just how I process it in my head. It works for me. Everyone has their own formula for how they process these films and this story. What works for me might not work for you.