Once Episode IX comes out, there's going to be people permanently disabled by cases of Numb Bum after these marathons!
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Star Wars VII : (No Spoilers please)
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Or it's because Ren is in fact Luke Skywalker.
Disclaimer: Haven't read any spoilers/rumors and the only Star Wars I know are the 6 (well, 3) movies. No books, comic books, extended universe nonsense. Nevertheless there are tidbits out there to make me think Ren is Luke. One is that Abrams has said that he initially turned down the directing job until he had a meeting with Kathleen Kennedy, current head of Lucasfilm, and, according to Abrams, Kennedy asked him one question which sold him on taking on directing "Who is Luke Skywaker?" Now everyone on the planet knows by now who Luke Skywalker is, so it seems like such an obvious question suggests an intent to take the character in a completely new and different direction for the new trilogy. Second, in the new trailer, Solo says the stories about the dark side and the Jedi are true - all of it. There may be untold events that happened to Luke after episode 6 and before 7 that we have yet to know. What about Adam Driver, the actor playing Ren? Well, it took 2 actors to portray Vader, David Prowse (sp?) and James Earl Jones. Third is the completely absence of the familiar Luke Skywalker in the trailers, posters, everything. He is completely MIA, but we know he's in the film. And I think he is going to finish, as was said in the trailer, what his father started.
What did Vader start, actually? I don't think they will make Luke into a villain which no one will accept. But the following is my own, completely basis conjecture about what the general plot for the trilogy could be - no spoilers, I have no idea what's up. Just spit balling.
One of the things that, after 6 films, still remains pretty much a mystery is who the Sith really are. There were a few mostly forgettable lines scattered throughout the movies that basically established that they were the bad guys, and thats about it. What if the Sith are a much larger organization than just the emperor from the previous films? Controlling far more galaxies than the one depicted in the movies? They might be just a little perturbed with the emperor's failure to gain control, in fact, he was given that relatively easy assignment only begrudgingly, because he was suspected of being, well, mostly a fool, a goofball. (I mean, he actually picked a top Jedi knight to be his right hand man, his apprentice and heir apparent!. Jeez, what an idiot...what was he thinking?). So the greater body of Sith are pretty pissed and are coming to clean up the mess....
Luke learns this after the events of episode 6 and decides to infiltrate the "new order" (aka the returning Sith) in order to thwart their plans to regain control. Thus he becomes Ren, who appears to be a powerful Sith ally (to Max Van Snydow, the as yet unseen new Sith lord who is there to return the Star Wars galaxy back to the Sith), but in reality he is going to finish what his father started. And what exactly did his father start? The elimination of the emperor, the downfall of the Sith, and return of order to the galaxy.
The Star Wars movies were originally inspired by the episodic movie serials of the 1940s. Those movies always ended in a cliffhanger (that was usually resolved in the first few minutes of the following episode) to get you back to see the next episode. The Force Returns will follow suit, and at the end of the movie, Ren will shockingly reveal himself - as Luke Skywalker.
Well, won't be long to see how far off I am!
Not important to me. Besides I'll be out of the country and I refuse to watch it in some foreign lingo.
Book a couple more seats and go as Jabba the Hutt.
I'm a big fan of Modern Family and can't but help imagining that's (character) Cameron Tucker in there.
Overkill. plus you'd have to endure the first 8 hours or so.
I don't think this is spoiling things: Luke isn't Kylo Ren; KR is a much younger character (played by Adam Driver) who yearns to follow in Darth Vader's damned bootsteps.
I am 100% content I won't see this opening weekend, I'll see it when I see it.
I am 100% content I won't see this opening weekend, I'll see it when I see it.
I'd rather see it when the movie is quieter and i'm not packed in like a sardine.
I agree, Huntn.
Me on the other hand, I have tickets and will be seeing this on Thursday at 7:00 pm....
I am actually digging the Vader FANBOY concept after George Lucas demasculated him in Ep II, III, and VI. Vader was so charismatic and cool in Ep IV and V. Then the moment to unmask him, he is some middle-aged, fat guy with a breathing problem. I was expecting someone more menacing. I didn't mind Ep I at little Anakin being an annoying twit. But Ep II & III took out the bad in bad*** and made him "nearly" annoying as Frodo Baggins!
Kylo Ren is trying honor the original Darth Vader. Bring back the aura. Alot of us were Darth Vader fanatics once until Lucas destroyed his image. PT made Yoda more bad*** but the whiney Anakin made us also miss Han Solo more. Now we have his potential son to bring back the edge from his grandpa. You can still be a reluctant hero without losing your edge. Vader lost it for me in the PT & ending of Ep 6.
*Story Theory Alert*
Opening crawl...
Kylo Ren and his crew raid a small village to try to find a lost artifact - Luke's lightsaber. The McGuffin that drives the story. But Finn has it.
Rey in Jakku being the scavenger she is.
Finn crashes there with the TIE fighter.
Rey helps out Finn which turns into a where is Luke movie?
They meet up with Han and Chewie for help.
All four go around searching for Luke but the Millennium Falcon is getting chased by Captain Phasma and The New Order.
We see Kylo Ren at some point holding the Vader's mask that was burned in Endor. He could be the anti-hero turning into the reluctant hero in this film or in Ep 8 & 9. Like a Sawyer in LOST and who's real name is something else. That's great because I loved Desmond and Sawyer the most in that show and Ren of Heavens in Shenmue II. Baddies with a heart of gold.
Alot of battles in the sky.
Another final act where the good guys win but the bad guys probably win in Ep 8. A few mysteries solved and surprises in-between.
The End
_
I remember seeing the Man of Steel trailer and thinking Chris Nolan probably wrote another emo story for Superman. I like the new SW7 trailer but it looks to be devoid of any humor and very little of Leia, Luke, R2-D2, and C-3PO. I can imagine Leia will have an Aunt Beru role without the death scene.
A New Hope was the funniest SW because of the banter followed by ROTJ. The biggest LOL moment for me in SW is when Han goes "Situation normal. Everything is fine now. How are you?" It would be something John Ritter (as Jack Tripper) would sound like and say in that same situation. I would chuckle or smile nomore than 1-2x for other SW films. I think Ep 7 will also have very little light-hearted moments unlike BTTF or Indy films which contain multiple smiling and chuckle moments every 30 minutes.
I don't want this Star Wars Sequel Trilogy to be like Chris Nolan's Batman films or Inception. Looks great watching it at the theater but becomes boring to watch at home, with ugly backdrops, and devoid of any fun moments for most of the duration. But I don't mind SW getting serious, more adult, and less campy too. Nomore Ewoks, Gon-Gons, and Jake Lloyd! Yippeeee!
What I liked from the trailer -
Kylo Ren looks like the real deal. Nomore whiney voice from a young Mark Hamill and wimpy voice from Hayden Christensen.
The trailer didn’t spill all the beans yet. The mysteries of Kylo Ren and Rey being related to Han and Leia is still very much in the air. And a possible confrontation between Kylo v his possible dad Han Solo. Who knows? Han always seemed to have a darkside to him.
Luke is probably captured somewhere or hiding, and we still don't see his face at all. Saving him for the end could be a good idea. I like surprises at the end.
The mystery behind why is Rey crying and Leia looking so sad.
My personal favorite trailer parts -
Kylo Ren with his posse. His voice and his confrontation with Finn. I am still not sold on Finn. Boyega doesn't have the charisma to me as a Jedi. But anything involving Kylo Ren looks intriguing to me.
Leia embracing Han which could be a reunion of sorts as Han had a secret wife in EU. I don't pay much attention to EU or non-canon stories which is why Star Wars: Anthology films don't intrigue me. This is the first and only time we see Leia's face in these trailers.
The beautiful ending music from The Empire Strikes Back gets played while Han talks. Feels god damn epic when you hear it!
_
Predictions -
The 3rd highest grossing movie of all-time.
IMDb rating between 7.7-8.3. Depending if it is better than ROTJ which isn't a high standard to reach.
Rotten Tomatoes has 75%-85% rating for it.
The users on Flixster like it between 80-90%. This is the stat I take into consideration more than snobby critics trying to push boring dramas to watch.
Is no worse than Super 8 and definitely no worse than MI3, Cloverfield, and both Star Trek for Abrams. Might actually be his best film yet and certainly will be the highest grossing for his directing career.
Kylo Ren costumes will be the most popular for cosplay by December when nerds will dress up as him for midnight showings.
May win an Academy Award or two for technical areas like special and sound effects. Genres play it out like this - Comedies is for replay value and it can be enjoyed equally in the theater or TV. Action/adventure is for blockbuster franchises taking in the most money, technical awards, and theater experience. Drama is for acting and best picture awards but lower replay value than the other two.
Overall anticipation - 8/10
Possible overall score - 8/10
This 7th Star Wars isn't going to change the world, the industry, or live up to everyone's expectations. It's just a movie. But it is probably could be better than Return of the Jedi, Age of Ultron, and Furious 7 at least. And personally more enjoyable for me than the fairly overrated Mad Max: Fury Road and Jurassic World. Not the best but likely my fav 2015 film because it is Star Wars.
"Nothing will stand in our way. I will finish what you started."
Normally, I would agree with you. However, I make an exception in the case of "Event Movies" like this one, where part of the fun is being buoyed up and carried along by the enthusiasm and energy of a crowd full of fellow fans. There will be a whole lifetime ahead to rewatch the movie and study it's finer nuances.I'd rather see it when the movie is quieter and i'm not packed in like a sardine.
Also, we are blessed to live in the age of premium movie theatres. No need to line-up hours ahead anymore - - I have reserved a big wide plush armchair in my local IMAX theatre, which is decidely unsardine-like!
You completely missed the point.
Hmm, I won't be available to see this until around the 24th, IMAX would be super, and a delayed viewing might make that happen other than Christmas means a surge of movie goers.
Use spoiler tags if appropriate.
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"Search your feelings. You know it to be true." - Darth Vader
Can The Force Awakens Be The Best Star Wars Film Ever? Possibly but highly unlikely.
Ranking TFA's Potential
1. The Empire Strikes Back
2. The Force Awakens?
3. A New Hope
4. Return Of The Jedi
5. Revenge Of The Sith
6. The Phantom Menace
7. Attack Of The Clones
Episode I vs VII
No Jar Jar, no child actor whose prior credit was acting annoying in Jingle All The Way, and no Trade Federations. TFA seems far more mature. Deeper villain. LOL at the racism towards John Boyega. So distractors want all-male Caucasian cast? Isn't that still the majority? Like to see female and black guy lead for a change.
Episode II vs VII
I don't think any future SW will be worse than AOTC. TFA already is no worse than 5th best SW by default for how bad Ep I & II were. TFA has no real competition so far until...
Episode III vs VII
Even if it is inferior and less popular, ROTS is my fav because of pace, being the darkest, and lightsaber duels. I enjoyed the beheadings and Lucas wasn't afraid to show Anakin getting burnt alive. But it still had Hayden's awful dialogue delivery like "From my perspective the Jedi are evil!" or "Don't make me destroy you" and other laughable scenes like Palpatine killing three other Jedis within 10 seconds and going "No, no, no!" to Mace. TFA could be better since it may not consist anymore Hayden, terrible dialogue, and overuse of CGI.
Episode IV vs VII
Nostalgia plays a part here but I never was into ANH as much as 3, 5, and 6. Maybe because the puppet Yoda and the puppet master Sidious were NOT in it. It was the lowest budgeted and has the most outdated action scenes for being the oldest. The fight between Obi-Wan v Vader is laughable. Like watching Bruce Lee in The Big Boss. Out of style. But it deserves to still be higher than ROTS and ROTJ for its impact. Like the NES and og Super Mario of the series only surpassed by its younger sequels. If you can remove the nostalgia glasses off, then TFA "could" be better. If you can't, then ANH will always remain a Top 2 greatest and fav.
Episode V vs VII
V is the hardest one to surpass being regarded the GOAT SW and because it introduced Yoda in such a great way and Vader was in fine form here. The iconic lines and a shocking reveal that nobody saw coming during the pre-Internet days when nobody online would leak the info. Any future SW may no longer shock us the same way TESB did. SW7 can surpass it among personal favorites for some and being more rewatchable and nicer to look at. Best SW ever? Tough call. SW5 remains its toughest opponent with or without nostalgia glasses.
Episode VI vs VII
I enjoyed 6 more than 4 but I wouldn't rank it higher because of the Ewoks. 5 & 6 are more connected while 4 can be viewed on its own. SW6 answered the questions raised from 5. If you can overlook the rant from Clerks about the Ewoks and focus more of it as a son trying to bring the good out of his father, then ROTJ is the 2nd or 3rd best SW ever. If that awful story of teddy bear midgets beating the Empire still bothers you, then ROTJ might be no better than ROTS and TFA will have an easier time surpassing it.
SW OT - Best characters and story. Limited by technology and lower budgets. The different planets don't feel epic in scope. The ugliest to look but still the far better trilogy since it doesn't contain two of the worst SW films in the entire series.
SW PT - More epic backdrops. Better fight choreography. Better to look than OT although looking more fake like silicon boobs thanks to overuse with CGI. Poorly written story, characters, and screenplay. Only 1 decent entry which is not much better or worse than ROTJ.
SW ST - Has the ability to surpass both trilogies. Nomore Lucas. Balance of practical effects and CGI. No longer limited by technology and tight budgets. Some familiar faces are back. Disney is not adding their logo and not meddling with it that much. Changes with writers and directors might be the only obstacles for consistency and if the audience can love the new story and new characters just as much as the OT's.
I've only seen Adam Driver in one film but I liked what I saw. He played a jack*** bro to real-life SW fangirl, Tina Fey, in This Is Where I Leave You (2014). I haven't seen him in other more popular roles. I like that he uses his own voice in SW although a bit distorted.
So while SW7 might be a longshot to surpass SW5, it should be no worse than 5th and can easily be 2nd or 3rd best. I didn't think the Sequel Trilogy can surpass the OT but it could by learning from mistakes and no limitations. SW4's greatness comes from legacy and nostalgia. It is the most outdated-looking of the entire six with a shallow story. SW6 has the Ewoks and the worst addition - Hayden ending. SW ST has all the potential to surpass both trilogies. An IMAX 3D midnight showing for me here. SW7 has the potential to be my fav SW film ever and be the greatest SW in 35 years. Perhaps surpassed quickly by SW8 or 9.
After seeing the recent trailer at least 25x, my anticipation is now on hyperdrive! 10/10. Top 10 fav potential if ROTS ranks #9, but no new SW will ever surpass childhood favs like BTTF2. But this SW fanboy is getting very excited with anticipation and falling for the hype like a Jedi mind trick. Just to see it on IMAX 3D could make SW7 one of the best theater experiences of my life. Episode I-like anticipation with a film that might live up to it! The Force has awaken in me. The idea of a Vader fanboy after Lucas emasculated Vader sounds like a great story. The fact Lucas isn't involved sounds even better and can make me forget MCU films even exist.
"The Force is calling to you." - Leia (final SW7 trailer)
Can The Force Awakens Be The Best Star Wars Film Ever? Possibly but highly unlikely.
Ranking TFA's Potential
1. The Empire Strikes Back
2. The Force Awakens?
3. A New Hope
4. Return Of The Jedi
5. Revenge Of The Sith
6. The Phantom Menace
7. Attack Of The Clones
Episode I vs VII
No Jar Jar, no child actor whose prior credit was acting annoying in Jingle All The Way, and no Trade Federations. TFA seems far more mature. Deeper villain. LOL at the racism towards John Boyega. So distractors want all-male Caucasian cast? Isn't that still the majority? Like to see female and black guy lead for a change.
Episode II vs VII
I don't think any future SW will be worse than AOTC. TFA already is no worse than 5th best SW by default for how bad Ep I & II were. TFA has no real competition so far until...
Episode III vs VII
Even if it is inferior and less popular, ROTS is my fav because of pace, being the darkest, and lightsaber duels. I enjoyed the beheadings and Lucas wasn't afraid to show Anakin getting burnt alive. But it still had Hayden's awful dialogue delivery like "From my perspective the Jedi are evil!" or "Don't make me destroy you" and other laughable scenes like Palpatine killing three other Jedis within 10 seconds and going "No, no, no!" to Mace. TFA could be better since it may not consist anymore Hayden, terrible dialogue, and overuse of CGI.
Episode IV vs VII
Nostalgia plays a part here but I never was into ANH as much as 3, 5, and 6. Maybe because the puppet Yoda and the puppet master Sidious were NOT in it. It was the lowest budgeted and has the most outdated action scenes for being the oldest. The fight between Obi-Wan v Vader is laughable. Like watching Bruce Lee in The Big Boss. Out of style. But it deserves to still be higher than ROTS and ROTJ for its impact. Like the NES and og Super Mario of the series only surpassed by its younger sequels. If you can remove the nostalgia glasses off, then TFA "could" be better. If you can't, then ANH will always remain a Top 2 greatest and fav.
Episode V vs VII
V is the hardest one to surpass being regarded the GOAT SW and because it introduced Yoda in such a great way and Vader was in fine form here. The iconic lines and a shocking reveal that nobody saw coming during the pre-Internet days when nobody online would leak the info. Any future SW may no longer shock us the same way TESB did. SW7 can surpass it among personal favorites for some and being more rewatchable and nicer to look at. Best SW ever? Tough call. SW5 remains its toughest opponent with or without nostalgia glasses.
Episode VI vs VII
I enjoyed 6 more than 4 but I wouldn't rank it higher because of the Ewoks. 5 & 6 are more connected while 4 can be viewed on its own. SW6 answered the questions raised from 5. If you can overlook the rant from Clerks about the Ewoks and focus more of it as a son trying to bring the good out of his father, then ROTJ is the 2nd or 3rd best SW ever. If that awful story of teddy bear midgets beating the Empire still bothers you, then ROTJ might be no better than ROTS and TFA will have an easier time surpassing it.
SW OT - Best characters and story. Limited by technology and lower budgets. The different planets don't feel epic in scope. The ugliest to look but still the far better trilogy since it doesn't contain two of the worst SW films in the entire series.
SW PT - More epic backdrops. Better fight choreography. Better to look than OT although looking more fake like silicon boobs thanks to overuse with CGI. Poorly written story, characters, and screenplay. Only 1 decent entry which is not much better or worse than ROTJ.
SW ST - Has the ability to surpass both trilogies. Nomore Lucas. Balance of practical effects and CGI. No longer limited by technology and tight budgets. Some familiar faces are back. Disney is not adding their logo and not meddling with it that much. Changes with writers and directors might be the only obstacles for consistency and if the audience can love the new story and new characters just as much as the OT's.
I've only seen Adam Driver in one film but I liked what I saw. He played a jack*** bro to real-life SW fangirl, Tina Fey, in This Is Where I Leave You (2014). I haven't seen him in other more popular roles. I like that he uses his own voice in SW although a bit distorted.
So while SW7 might be a longshot to surpass SW5, it should be no worse than 5th and can easily be 2nd or 3rd best. I didn't think the Sequel Trilogy can surpass the OT but it could by learning from mistakes and no limitations. SW4's greatness comes from legacy and nostalgia. It is the most outdated-looking of the entire six with a shallow story. SW6 has the Ewoks and the worst addition - Hayden ending. SW ST has all the potential to surpass both trilogies. An IMAX 3D midnight showing for me here. SW7 has the potential to be my fav SW film ever and be the greatest SW in 35 years. Perhaps surpassed quickly by SW8 or 9.
After seeing the recent trailer at least 25x, my anticipation is now on hyperdrive! 10/10. Top 10 fav potential if ROTS ranks #9, but no new SW will ever surpass childhood favs like BTTF2. But this SW fanboy is getting very excited with anticipation and falling for the hype like a Jedi mind trick. Just to see it on IMAX 3D could make SW7 one of the best theater experiences of my life. Episode I-like anticipation with a film that might live up to it! The Force has awaken in me. The idea of a Vader fanboy after Lucas emasculated Vader sounds like a great story. The fact Lucas isn't involved sounds even better and can make me forget MCU films even exist.
"The Force is calling to you." - Leia (final SW7 trailer)
My own ranking is as follows:
1. Return of the Jedi
2. Empire Strikes Back
3. A New Hope
4. Revenge Of the Sith
5. Attack of the Clones
6. The Phantom Menace
7.
With Jar Jar Abrams at the helm, I will personally be satisfied if The Force Awakens manages to unseat The Phantom Menace and take over the #6 spot.
Agree, but I'll do that a couple of times too!I'd rather see it when the movie is quieter and i'm not packed in like a sardine.
I was playing Episode I and II yesterday while I was on Viber or arguing with my gf via text like usual. I really started to feel bad what Jake Lloyd and Ahmed Best had to go through in Episode I with the backlash. They are only human. They didn't deserve that much hate for a frickin' movie. That entire script would still be terrible without them.
www.vice.com/read/ahmed-best-jar-jar-binks-interview
With AOTC, Ewan had some funny lines like "Why do I have the feeling you will be the death of me", "You don't want to sell me any death sticks", and "good job." It starts off promising. Once we arrive at the conveyor belt with Threepio and Artoo, it goes downhill from there. "This party is over." Then the WEAKEST lightsaber battle in the history of the series. Moreso than Sir Alec fighting Prowse in ANH. That had emotion and purpose. Yoda fighting look funny and kinda cool but looks awful looking back. I watched AOTC to see that scene shot in Seville, Spain. I took pictures at the site where Anakin and Padmé first arrive in Naboo. Fond memories of Spain. At least least we didn't see Ewan's obi-wang in this one like in Trainspotting. That will become the death of me.
I rewatched the SW7 trailer a few more times to check out its ambiance. It looks good but I wouldn't say as classy as SW PT. I can understand the hate of CGI being overused, but haters aren't giving enough credit to Lucas' art and costume design team that he gives final approval to. CGI are like breast implants. We know it is FAKE. But the fashion and sense of style of Lucas and his team dressed over it isn't getting enough credit. The scenes of Coruscant in AOTC and ROTS were fantastic. The background colors and costumes used were great.
My SW7 excitement stems mostly from the waiting, camaraderie with fellow SW nerds who share the same passion as me, and seeing the lines for a midnight showing with fans dressed up as characters. The overall experience of it. But if the movie will be great, my expectations is realistic. Possibly a great SW film but not a great overall film. And Top 3 favorite SW contender for sure next to ROTS and TESB. I like the dark side and the darkest entries.
www.vice.com/read/ahmed-best-jar-jar-binks-interview
With AOTC, Ewan had some funny lines like "Why do I have the feeling you will be the death of me", "You don't want to sell me any death sticks", and "good job." It starts off promising. Once we arrive at the conveyor belt with Threepio and Artoo, it goes downhill from there. "This party is over." Then the WEAKEST lightsaber battle in the history of the series. Moreso than Sir Alec fighting Prowse in ANH. That had emotion and purpose. Yoda fighting look funny and kinda cool but looks awful looking back. I watched AOTC to see that scene shot in Seville, Spain. I took pictures at the site where Anakin and Padmé first arrive in Naboo. Fond memories of Spain. At least least we didn't see Ewan's obi-wang in this one like in Trainspotting. That will become the death of me.
I rewatched the SW7 trailer a few more times to check out its ambiance. It looks good but I wouldn't say as classy as SW PT. I can understand the hate of CGI being overused, but haters aren't giving enough credit to Lucas' art and costume design team that he gives final approval to. CGI are like breast implants. We know it is FAKE. But the fashion and sense of style of Lucas and his team dressed over it isn't getting enough credit. The scenes of Coruscant in AOTC and ROTS were fantastic. The background colors and costumes used were great.
My SW7 excitement stems mostly from the waiting, camaraderie with fellow SW nerds who share the same passion as me, and seeing the lines for a midnight showing with fans dressed up as characters. The overall experience of it. But if the movie will be great, my expectations is realistic. Possibly a great SW film but not a great overall film. And Top 3 favorite SW contender for sure next to ROTS and TESB. I like the dark side and the darkest entries.
I am so happy I flushed any expectations and my nostalgia. If I enjoy VII, great. If I don't, big whoop. Nothing will ever change my love for Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back. If I am still a part of this fandom almost 40 years on, I do not think I'll ever leave it (unless I get cut down by a Sith...)
My OT Characters' Screen Time Expectations In Episode VII
Han Solo - Likely gets the most screen time among returnees which is a great thing for the nostalgic fans being one of the most popular over the Skywalker twins. Harrison Ford is iconic with his Han and Indy roles. Kylo being a Solo twin wouldn't surprise me since Han always had a darkside to him like originally shooting Greedo first. I expect 1 hour or less screen time. Han has a tour guide role like the carpool driver for a couple of kids but a senior citizen who can still drive fast. Then Han gets smaller roles in the sequels if he doesn't get killed yet.
Leia Organa (Solo?) - I wanted Leia to be more like Carrie (wisecracking) and Jedi-like but I expect an Aunt Beru role mixed with the politician of her adoptive father and mother was in AOTC and ROTS. Maybe 15 minutes or less of screen time like Darth Maul in TPM. I expect to see more of her than Luke but her role seems very minor here. I would like to see another regal hairdo on her like in that official poster.
Luke Skywalker - I really don't think we see him until closer to the end of the movie. I don't believe he is Kylo Ren or is dead (yet). But I do think he carries a plot twist or a turning point when he finally appears. JJ Abrams has a few surprising tricks up his sleeve. I expect 10 minutes or less with Luke but we may see him more in the sequels.
Chewbacca - He did return in Episode III but never got an applause like Artoo in TPM. He had maybe 3-4 more scenes but more background role and no real action. I really liked the idea that Yoda and Chewie were homies before Chewie became Han's sidekick. I liked that scene in ROTS when Chewie gave Yoda a piggyback ride. I expect more screen time in TFA than ROTS but nothing major. Maybe more than Leia since he will be next to Han most of the time.
R2-D2 & C-3PO - BB8 is the new Artoo here. And Threepio may have a passing scene like in TPM and ROTS. Background stuff. I expect 10 min scenes or less for both droids which is fine since they were always background to begin with.
Darth Vader - Just seeing that helmet and probably he will be referenced by name a few times from Kylo Ren or the OT cast.
Darth Sidious & Yoda - I expect no references for either names considering Han and Leia didn’t meet them and we might barely see Luke in TFA who did meet them. Chewie did know Yoda but isn't going to reference his name with Wookie talk.
"Goodbye Chewbacca. Miss you I will."
_
Make no mistake after seeing all three trailers and their opening shots and listening to the voice-overs, The Force Awakens is really about Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren. Their story. The OT cast are just footnotes as it is paving the way for a newer generation. If you expect to see another adventure with Han, Leia, and Luke, think again.
I love Star Wars when villains are kicking ***. I've always been a rebel at heart so I like it when the darkside wins too. Something closer to the reality where the good guys don't always win. I want Kylo to be written like Sawyer in LOST. We find him despicable early on only to love him more than Jack. They aren't who we think they are at first. A thin line between love/hate, good/evil.
The Force Awakens has no true predecessor as this is the first SW without any ideas from George Lucas. First film of its kind without Lucas material with a more collaborating director. TFA is like a love letter to SW fan fiction and EU. I DON'T have a bad feeling about this. The Force is strong with this one. No Hayden. No Lucas, period.
The first SW film of the previous trilogies made the most money as seen in ANH and TPM. I expect box office records being shattered with TFA too. Star Wars still does have some of the highest replay value ever. I saw TPM and AOTC 2-3x in the theater and I expect TFA to dust them in reviews. This is what TPM should have been. A new trilogy that all generations of SW geeks can be proud of. The one that reminds us why we love Star Wars in the first place.
Screw you, Uncle! I want to be bad*** like my Grandpa and honor his greatness! I like where this story is heading. An anti-hero story. I expect TFA to be no worse than ROTJ and ANH among my favorites. The Force Awakens is going to be one of the most bad*** Star Wars next to Empire (GOAT SW) and Sith (darkest/most action-packed). Possibly my fav film of 2015 and decade...
_
"Your overconfidence is your weakness."
"Your faith in your friends is yours."
My Favorite SW Characters (in the films)
1. Yoda
2. Darth Vader (OT version)
3. Han Solo
4. Obi-Wan Kenobi
5. R2-D2
6. Leia Organa
7. Luke Skywalker
8. Darth Sidious
9. Qui-Gonn Jin
10. Chewbacca
Honorable mentions: Lando Calrissian. Padmé. Count Dooku. Darth Maul. Watto. Bail Organa.
Least favorites: George Lucas for coming up with Ewoks, Gungans, and an emasculated Anakin Skywalker. Jar Jar Binks. General Tarkin. C-3PO. Stormtroopers who always miss. Mace Windu (SLJ was a miscast).
Kylo Ren - Potential Top 5 surpassing the Skywalker twins and being the spiritual son of Darth Vader. Kylo is basically Vader's image if Luke went rogue. Vader used to be my favorite before Lucas ruined Anakin Skywalker with Hayden Christensen. Perhaps Kylo has the potential to be my #1 favorite SW character of all-time...
Rey - Will surpass Padmé for sure by just how independent she is as a scavenger. Surpassing possible mama Leia? Not sure. But Top 10 potential for sure if she ends up the female Luke of this trilogy.
Finn - Not sure. Might not crack Top 10. I think Lando is the coolest black guy in SW and he doesn't crack Top 10. The ex-Stormtrooper might be the weakest link of the main trio but he could surprise me. I ignore the bigotry towards John Boyega since I doubt Finn will be lamer than Jar Jar or Boyega will be as awful as Hayden.
Captain Phasma - I was never into Jango and his overrated son, Boba Fett, so JJ's favorite TFA character may not appeal to me that much either. We'll see.
The rest of the new TFA characters are still a mystery. The Force Awakens could already be great with Kylo Ren alone. I loved my Grandfather and Kylo will pay homage to arguably the greatest SW character in Darth Vader before the ending of ROTJ and PT. The Solo twin who went rogue... The Jacen Solo. A cooler Anakin and darker Luke.
My Expectations - The Avengers (2012) level and it might surpass it for sure in the box office. High but not unrealistic levels that Age of Ultron or The Dark Knight Rises were bound to NEVER live up to. The first non-Lucas SW directed and co-written according to a SW fanboy like us who grew up on them. This isn't Star Trek where JJ was never a fan. Lucas has a better vision in his head with what his SW universe looks like even if the idea sucks. Abrams is more willing to improv. Ep 8 will have a tougher time living up to expectations if TFA turns out be a global phenomenon in the box office which looks like it will after 10.5 years since the last SW, 32.5 years since the original trio, and the first true fan fiction Star Wars film.
Fingers crossed. If you made me bet, this will be a huge, worthy (as in me buying the disk) hit of a movie. For perspective, I don't own Avengers.
I don't own the Avengers either Huntn. The only Marvel films I own are the Captain America solo films. All I ask for is to have the same feeling of being transported like when I first saw Luke and his pals going through their Death Star run. If I don't get that here, no big deal, I still have that.
All I ask for is to have the same feeling of being transported like when I first saw Luke and his pals going through their Death Star run. If I don't get that here, no big deal, I still have that.
I never understood why Lucas wanted to start Anakin at such a young age? Why not start his story at 16-17? We don't need to watch his childhood goodness. If there was one guy whose childhood was literally ruined by Star Wars is Jake Lloyd . I wouldn't be shocked if Jake will die young before he turns 40 like Corey Haim. The Phantom Menace ruined his life. I feel bad for the guy and was only 8. At 246, he may live the rest of his life filled with drugs and crimes. Another sad ending for a child actor. I am rooting for Jake to pull through.
Back in late-1998 leading up to The Phantom Menace day, I remember thinking how cool Darth Maul looked and how cool and modern the fight choreography was in the teaser trailer. Like if Jar Jar were to sell toys to the kiddies, Maul was for the older or cooler kids. At 18, I even went out to buy Maul's action figure. I think Darth Maul was a such a missed opportunity. I think he is cooler than Boba Fett. Along with the great subtle performance by Liam Neeson as the cool-headed Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Maul was the only real highlight of TPM. Except he had like two lines and was in the movie for less than 15 minutes. Lesser than Jar Jar! A villian with shallow depth that got disposed after one film. Ray Park did a commendable job for what little he was given.
I saw TPM back-to-back on opening day and still kept the ticket stubs. And saw it again with my cousins and friends another night. I might have paid to see it three times and a couple times sneaking to the theater with my 5-year old brother. To me, TPM is SUPERIOR to AOTC but are polar opposites on how they were told. TPM starts off much slower but ends much better with a far better lightsaber duel. AOTC starts off promising with humor but ends horribly with a terrible duel. And lightsaber battles have always been action highlights in SW. They are both turds for SW but I would take TPM over AOTC anyday thanks to Qui-Gon & Kenobi vs Maul and can tolerate Jar Jar.
I think the theory of Luke going dark started with the August EW issue...
www.ew.com/article/2015/08/12/star-wars-luke-skywalker-hooked-jj-abrams
Back in late-1998 leading up to The Phantom Menace day, I remember thinking how cool Darth Maul looked and how cool and modern the fight choreography was in the teaser trailer. Like if Jar Jar were to sell toys to the kiddies, Maul was for the older or cooler kids. At 18, I even went out to buy Maul's action figure. I think Darth Maul was a such a missed opportunity. I think he is cooler than Boba Fett. Along with the great subtle performance by Liam Neeson as the cool-headed Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Maul was the only real highlight of TPM. Except he had like two lines and was in the movie for less than 15 minutes. Lesser than Jar Jar! A villian with shallow depth that got disposed after one film. Ray Park did a commendable job for what little he was given.
I saw TPM back-to-back on opening day and still kept the ticket stubs. And saw it again with my cousins and friends another night. I might have paid to see it three times and a couple times sneaking to the theater with my 5-year old brother. To me, TPM is SUPERIOR to AOTC but are polar opposites on how they were told. TPM starts off much slower but ends much better with a far better lightsaber duel. AOTC starts off promising with humor but ends horribly with a terrible duel. And lightsaber battles have always been action highlights in SW. They are both turds for SW but I would take TPM over AOTC anyday thanks to Qui-Gon & Kenobi vs Maul and can tolerate Jar Jar.
I think the theory of Luke going dark started with the August EW issue...
www.ew.com/article/2015/08/12/star-wars-luke-skywalker-hooked-jj-abrams
But those four words — Who is Luke Skywalker? — created a disturbance in the Force for Abrams. After all these years, we thought we knew him, but what if there was more to that Tatooine farmboy? Or… what if there was less? The answer could alter not just how audiences look at the original trilogy, but the arc of a planned universe that now tallies at least five more upcoming films.
There’s no question, the Luke we watched staring off at the twin suns of Tatooine in the original Star Wars is not the same Luke we last saw standing in the shadows of Endor while his victorious friends celebrated the fall of the Emperor, the death of Darth Vader, and the destruction of the second Death Star. War distorts any soul, and getting older always comes with compromises. Each one takes a piece of you — parts that can’t be replaced like a cybernetic hand.
“The themes and ideas that we all continue to talk about are the themes and ideas that were the inherent in the original movies,” Kennedy says. “We’re looking, obviously, for aspiration, for characters who are conflicted between good and evil, dark and light.”
People often ask what role George Lucas has in the creation of The Force Awakens , having sold his Lucasfilm empire to The Walt Disney Co. and announced his retirement. Even though he is not involved with the story or the making of the movie, here’s where Kennedy says his influence is still vital: “George spoke often about that tension in everybody between what’s good and bad. He always felt that it was easier to be bad than good,” she says with a laugh. “I’m not sure all people would agree, but I think that that’s always an interesting conflict to explore. So that’s a big part of the themes inside of Episode VII .”If Luke Skywalker did turn to the darkside, it is going to be a dramatic reveal that JJ will pull off to make the audience gasp assisted by some epic John Williams score. I knew pretty much the core story of Episode III and the tension in the music and scenes was still there when I first saw it a few times starting with Mace and seeing Order 66 by the 80th minute mark. Who knows in that second TFA trailer that we might assume Luke is talking to Rey is actually Kylo? Is Luke a Sith Lord?
We know by the way Finn holds his lightsaber he isn't trained for it and maybe Luke wants it back and asked Kylo to retrieve it. It is hard enough for me to believe Luke goes dark after seeing him touch Artoo who will never join him to the darkside! I haven't really read much about Pameron but the stakes get raised. The theory of Chewbacca dead where Rey is crying? That bothers me! Not Chewie! *Wookie roar*
Actually, not really. I am kinda immune to shocking reveals thanks to LOST and The Walking Dead killing off major characters . How it is presented to us is what I look for. Not the result but the journey and the motive behind it. If Chewie dies, it's just a movie! Everyone dies in real life.
I forget Lawrence Kasdan came back to write stories for SW since he wasn't there for PT which generally sucked but did write TESB and ROTJ which are better than ANH. He said he never wrote a character like Kylo Ren before who is full of emotion. Considering I still enjoyed all three SW PT in the theater multiple times and expect TFA to be superior to the first two, I think Dec 17 (we get it a day before the U.S.), is going to be AWESOME! I will be 39 hours ahead of my Californians at watching it so I should have a post here either liking or loving TFA before Noon (Pacific Time), December 16.
Whether Luke goes dark, Kylo and Rey are related to Han and Leia, Starkiller will destroy entire solar systems, and a major character dies, this movie is worth getting EXCITED for if you are a SW fanatic!
I never understood why Lucas wanted to start Anakin at such a young age? Why not start his story at 16-17? We don't need to watch his childhood goodness. If there was one guy whose childhood was literally ruined by Star Wars is Jake Lloyd . I wouldn't be shocked if Jake will die young before he turns 40 like Corey Haim. The Phantom Menace ruined his life. I feel bad for the guy and was only 8. At 246, he may live the rest of his life filled with drugs and crimes. Another sad ending for a child actor. I am rooting for Jake to pull through.
Back in late-1998 leading up to The Phantom Menace day, I remember thinking how cool Darth Maul looked and how cool and modern the fight choreography was in the teaser trailer. Like if Jar Jar were to sell toys to the kiddies, Maul was for the older or cooler kids. At 18, I even went out to buy Maul's action figure. I think Darth Maul was a such a missed opportunity. I think he is cooler than Boba Fett. Along with the great subtle performance by Liam Neeson as the cool-headed Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Maul was the only real highlight of TPM. Except he had like two lines and was in the movie for less than 15 minutes. Lesser than Jar Jar! A villian with shallow depth that got disposed after one film. Ray Park did a commendable job for what little he was given.
I saw TPM back-to-back on opening day and still kept the ticket stubs. And saw it again with my cousins and friends another night. I might have paid to see it three times and a couple times sneaking to the theater with my 5-year old brother. To me, TPM is SUPERIOR to AOTC but are polar opposites on how they were told. TPM starts off much slower but ends much better with a far better lightsaber duel. AOTC starts off promising with humor but ends horribly with a terrible duel. And lightsaber battles have always been action highlights in SW. They are both turds for SW but I would take TPM over AOTC anyday thanks to Qui-Gon & Kenobi vs Maul and can tolerate Jar Jar.
I think the theory of Luke going dark started with the August EW issue...
www.ew.com/article/2015/08/12/star-wars-luke-skywalker-hooked-jj-abrams
If Luke Skywalker did turn to the darkside, it is going to be a dramatic reveal that JJ will pull off to make the audience gasp assisted by some epic John Williams score. I knew pretty much the core story of Episode III and the tension in the music and scenes was still there when I first saw it a few times starting with Mace and seeing Order 66 by the 80th minute mark. Who knows in that second TFA trailer that we might assume Luke is talking to Rey is actually Kylo? Is Luke a Sith Lord?
We know by the way Finn holds his lightsaber he isn't trained for it and maybe Luke wants it back and asked Kylo to retrieve it. It is hard enough for me to believe Luke goes dark after seeing him touch Artoo who will never join him to the darkside! I haven't really read much about Pameron but the stakes get raised. The theory of Chewbacca dead where Rey is crying? That bothers me! Not Chewie! *Wookie roar*
Actually, not really. I am kinda immune to shocking reveals thanks to LOST and The Walking Dead killing off major characters . How it is presented to us is what I look for. Not the result but the journey and the motive behind it. If Chewie dies, it's just a movie! Everyone dies in real life.
I forget Lawrence Kasdan came back to write stories for SW since he wasn't there for PT which generally sucked but did write TESB and ROTJ which are better than ANH. He said he never wrote a character like Kylo Ren before who is full of emotion. Considering I still enjoyed all three SW PT in the theater multiple times and expect TFA to be superior to the first two, I think Dec 17 (we get it a day before the U.S.), is going to be AWESOME! I will be 39 hours ahead of my Californians at watching it so I should have a post here either liking or loving TFA before Noon (Pacific Time), December 16.
Whether Luke goes dark, Kylo and Rey are related to Han and Leia, Starkiller will destroy entire solar systems, and a major character dies, this movie is worth getting EXCITED for if you are a SW fanati
Back in late-1998 leading up to The Phantom Menace day, I remember thinking how cool Darth Maul looked and how cool and modern the fight choreography was in the teaser trailer. Like if Jar Jar were to sell toys to the kiddies, Maul was for the older or cooler kids. At 18, I even went out to buy Maul's action figure. I think Darth Maul was a such a missed opportunity. I think he is cooler than Boba Fett. Along with the great subtle performance by Liam Neeson as the cool-headed Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Maul was the only real highlight of TPM. Except he had like two lines and was in the movie for less than 15 minutes. Lesser than Jar Jar! A villian with shallow depth that got disposed after one film. Ray Park did a commendable job for what little he was given.
I saw TPM back-to-back on opening day and still kept the ticket stubs. And saw it again with my cousins and friends another night. I might have paid to see it three times and a couple times sneaking to the theater with my 5-year old brother. To me, TPM is SUPERIOR to AOTC but are polar opposites on how they were told. TPM starts off much slower but ends much better with a far better lightsaber duel. AOTC starts off promising with humor but ends horribly with a terrible duel. And lightsaber battles have always been action highlights in SW. They are both turds for SW but I would take TPM over AOTC anyday thanks to Qui-Gon & Kenobi vs Maul and can tolerate Jar Jar.
I think the theory of Luke going dark started with the August EW issue...
www.ew.com/article/2015/08/12/star-wars-luke-skywalker-hooked-jj-abrams
If Luke Skywalker did turn to the darkside, it is going to be a dramatic reveal that JJ will pull off to make the audience gasp assisted by some epic John Williams score. I knew pretty much the core story of Episode III and the tension in the music and scenes was still there when I first saw it a few times starting with Mace and seeing Order 66 by the 80th minute mark. Who knows in that second TFA trailer that we might assume Luke is talking to Rey is actually Kylo? Is Luke a Sith Lord?
We know by the way Finn holds his lightsaber he isn't trained for it and maybe Luke wants it back and asked Kylo to retrieve it. It is hard enough for me to believe Luke goes dark after seeing him touch Artoo who will never join him to the darkside! I haven't really read much about Pameron but the stakes get raised. The theory of Chewbacca dead where Rey is crying? That bothers me! Not Chewie! *Wookie roar*
Actually, not really. I am kinda immune to shocking reveals thanks to LOST and The Walking Dead killing off major characters . How it is presented to us is what I look for. Not the result but the journey and the motive behind it. If Chewie dies, it's just a movie! Everyone dies in real life.
I forget Lawrence Kasdan came back to write stories for SW since he wasn't there for PT which generally sucked but did write TESB and ROTJ which are better than ANH. He said he never wrote a character like Kylo Ren before who is full of emotion. Considering I still enjoyed all three SW PT in the theater multiple times and expect TFA to be superior to the first two, I think Dec 17 (we get it a day before the U.S.), is going to be AWESOME! I will be 39 hours ahead of my Californians at watching it so I should have a post here either liking or loving TFA before Noon (Pacific Time), December 16.
Whether Luke goes dark, Kylo and Rey are related to Han and Leia, Starkiller will destroy entire solar systems, and a major character dies, this movie is worth getting EXCITED for if you are a SW fanati
