George Lucas' Star Wars

[lazserus]

Star Wars is one of the most popular stories produced on film. The books that came after the original (yet late story-wise) trilogy were people who indulged into the Star Wars universe. Nothing read in literature pertains to the original concept, story, or idea of Star Wars.

This thread is made to discuss the universe of Star Wars between lovers and fanatics. I was born relatively near the release of the original and my parents showed it to me before I was 5 years of age. It's always been a love of mine and I've got lots of things to share and discuss with other people in love with the epic. Some of us older folks (Gen X) constantly quote and relate to the original trilogy. Before I describe my personal experiences, opinions, and thoughts on the story, I'd like to hear from fans.

Let us geek out!


PS - This thread is reserved for fans, not haters. If you come to insult people for their love of Star Wars your posts will be deleted.

[Marajadex]

Some of us older folks (Gen X)Oh you make me feel old! Star Wars was originally released 25 May 1977. It ran for over a year! I was a Junior in High School when it came out. It was still in its original run when I graduated. Great date night movie and led to some interesting "roll play" LOL!!! Guess that is when my fascination with Darth Vader began. (and lightsabers) In College I had a life size Darth Vader Mannequin in my dorm room. A friend had made the costume, it was pretty close to the real thing. Scared the hell out of a lot of people there! LOL!!!! One of the guys in the dorm would borrow the helmet cape and gloves and cruise around the dorms late at night.

For me... I had the story figured out from the first movie. I knew that Luke and Leia would wind up brother and sister. Knew that Darth Vader would be their father. Hell my roommate and I were calling the Darth Vader Mannequin Dad from the day it was set up in our dorm room. (Before the second (5th) movie came out.

[lazserus]

I hate you for knowing! When Episode V came out and I watched it I was like, "HOLY POOP MONSTERS!" It was the FIRST dramatic plot twist ever in film. One of such magnitude, that is. Relative to the time period, Star Wars is still one of the highest grossing movies ever made in Hollywood history.

Star Wars influenced me so much that the first album I've ever cut had samples from Empire. our entire band were goofy about it. Not only that, but just before the last edition, the entire world went Star Wars crazy. Every McDonald's had toys (which I collected), posters, action figures, everything. I have a friend who has an original poster of Star Wars: Episode IV. I'm talking original from the late 70s.

I've dug so deep into the idea that I know some of the silly secrets of original conception! Vader and Skywalker's relationship was actually a late development.

[Marajadex]

I remember that no one not even the crew knew that the scene would play out. The actors only got the script change just before they filmed. I had a lot of the magazines talking about production, miniatures and how they were made, filmed and blown to bits. I was taking and teaching a Film analysis course and a TV Production course in High School at the time and have always been very interested in the behind the scenes stuff. Not to mention the friend who created the Darth Vader costume. He actually did promo for places in town dressed in costume. LOL!!!!! you will get a real kick out of this but he was asked to be on one of the local parades as Darth and was asked if he could bring along a Princess Leia... Guess who he got to play the part for the day! LOL!!! Fuzzy buns hairdo and all! Damn I wish I could find a picture... I'll have to look. Come to think of it... He picked me up from school more than once in full Vader costume driving his huge white cadillac. 1977/78 was one hell of a Star Wars filled time. Damn, come to think of it no wonder I have such a thing for Darth Vader...

Hey remember all the fuq-ups in continuity in the first movie? The make-up on Han Solo's and Luke's stormtrooper costumes in the "Rescue Leia from the brig" scene? Or after the they blow the death star... Han and Leia are running up to luke. She yells Luke but he calles her Carrie not Leia!

[donniedarko]

This is awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Lx016uPSo

[Defiant Noquisi]

What the hell is an aluminum falcon?

HAHHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Defiant Noquisi]

Oh damn I forgot about this one. It's my personal fave...

http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=a5e38417-7ea4-4404-ad8f-3c0869584041&f=imbot_us_f_3549&fg=rss

[MCR Freak]

I saw episode 4-6 in one night and that's when I became obssesed with star wars and I gotta say I love those movies.


P.S. somehow espisode 4,5,6 are better than 1,2,3 i think because the action in 4,5,6 is evened out and in 1,2 there's barely any action and 3 there's a whole mess of action

[Demonskates]

I caught it at the theatre with my dad and grandfather.It was twards the end of 77'
i was two going on three.Dont remember much of it.when i watched it around ten or eleven,i decided that i had to have evry action figure ever.I have everyone from the first three movies somewhere around here.Man star wars when i was a kid was just awesome.its all i thought about.the original three films were the best in my opinion.The later three werent as good to me.Mabey cuz im older,or because of the 20 year gap since the last film.I still havent seen the latest film.I think Lucas waited to damn long for it to hold my intrest.Some say the cinematography is way better now ect.the computer graphics ect.I suppose.But damn,what he did with blue screens and sets,costumes and charectures in the first three,i feel is still unsurpassed.The origanal films will always be my favorite.

[Zyztem]

Star Wars was the first movie I had ever seen in a theater. My parents actually came to my school, got me out of kindergarden and we went and saw it. That may not sound like a big deal, but I barely ever got to stay home sick, let alone get out early.

I will always have a fond place on my shelf for the original. I also find it a trip that on the new DVD, they edited in the "clunk" sound when the stormtrooper hits his head on the door when they break into the control room (garbage compactor scene).

[Skynet12]

I never really liked sci-fi, until i watched the new hope(c)
It really is a brilliant ollection of films, although eps 1 and 2 left a bit to the imagination. Lucus was only interested in the money when he made ep 1, but I still like it! In fact, its prbably thanks to star wars that i am on here!

[db99]

This is awesome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Lx016uPSo

Ive seen that it makes me laugh all the time hehe

[Perfectionist]

The new Star Wars prequels were total crapola - The originals were far better !! :jamn:

[db99]

The new Star Wars prequels were total crapola - The originals were far better !! :jamn:

Yes i agree but i still like the 3 new ones i like episode 3 but my favourite is the final one ive seen a script from the last 3 and heard rumours that they are bringing out three more. The saga continues about how luke rebuilt the jedi temple on Yavin 4.

[B.NyeTheUruk-Hai]

Let us geek out!
YES !!!


Oh you make me feel old! Star Wars was originally released 25 May 1977. It ran for over a year! I was a Junior in High School when it came out.
I can't believe that it's been that long! I was 8 years old when the first one came out. Strangely enough, even though I am a HUGE fan, I don't remember seeing it in the theater even though my mom said that she took me and my two brothers to see it. We had ALL the toys. The operative word being "had". Sniff...


I hate you for knowing! When Episode V came out and I watched it I was like, "HOLY POOP MONSTERS!" It was the FIRST dramatic plot twist ever in film. One of such magnitude, that is.
Yeah, I was the same as you, laz! I was stunned when Vader revealed that he was Luke's father. I also remember being surprised when the credits for Empire came up at the end because I didn't expect a cliffhanger ending like that and I wanted to see what happened to Han Solo and see if Vader was telling the truth or if he was just lying to Luke. I was actually upset when the movie ended!


Hey remember all the fuq-ups in continuity in the first movie? The make-up on Han Solo's and Luke's stormtrooper costumes in the "Rescue Leia from the brig" scene? Or after the they blow the death star... Han and Leia are running up to luke. She yells Luke but he calles her Carrie not Leia!
I've watched that scene carefully to see if that's what he's really saying, but I can't really tell! But I can finally say that I've noticed the part where the stormtrooper bumps his head while walking through a door on the death star. Even though I've known about that particular blooper for years, I've never been able to notice it until recently. Funny stuff!


Laz: Have you seen my Jedianity thread? Check it out here (http://forums.armageddononline.org/showthread.php?t=4310&highlight=jedianity) ...

[lazserus]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xhpG17WH0Ek&mode=related&search=

Everyone must watch this! Look for all the subtleties, because they make the short so much more hilarious.

Thanks for reviving the thread, Bill. It didn't get enough attention to justify keeping it as a sticky.

[Assassin X]

I never seen this thread! Or did I?

Don't know if its been mentioned but theres a Star Wars tv series coming this coming summer(or is it 08?) to UPN....er whatever its called now....CW?

Its based 1000 years before the first movie. For you gamers out there around the time of the game "KOTOR"....aka Knights Of The Old Replublic. Its suppsoe to be a Live Action series dealing with diffrent peoples stories, like a action drama. At least thats what was said at a few months back.

There also doing a cartoon. Don't know what about though.

[lazserus]

KOTOR took place close to 4,000 years before Episode I, but regardless that could prove interesting. The only problem is that it'll be coming to UPN/CW. Most shows that start their lives on that station are destine to bomb hard. It's basically a station that will air crap no one else will.

[Skynet12]

Come again ?

[Assassin X]

Ah then, 4,000 years before. I couldn't remember. Yeah, CW/UPN is a crappy ass choice to premier such a great thing!

[lazserus]

Definitely. I suppose the best we can do is cross our fingers and hope for the best.

[B.NyeTheUruk-Hai]

I just finished watching the DVD of "Pulse" ( don't bother renting it, it is average at best ) and there was a trailer at the beginning of the disc for a movie called "Fan Boys" which is coming to theaters soon. It looks hilarious! It's about a group of Star Wars geeks who journey to Skywalker Ranch in 1998 to steal a print of Episode I so that they can watch the movie before anybody else. Here is the must-see trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaMDJxQjKP0

[bbbv3.5]

Heh, not a BIG fan of the series. Do love the Empire Strikes Back, but thought the movies that sandwiched it were just decent. I happen to believe that the first star wars is the most overrated film ever..mainly because the dialouge in the film is downright awful. Plus, I first saw it 5 years a go, literally a week after "The Matrix" came out, so I really didn't respect the movie's special effects.

Then Return of the Jedi is simply crap. Only two scenes that I remember enjoying (The Last Lightsabor fight, and the adjusted ending released in 2004).

The first two prequels were horrible as we all know. Plotless and stupid are the first two words that come to mind.

Now, the 3rd prequel I am already stating as one of the most underrated films ever. Besides one awful line (NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO) I enjoyed every minute of it. The final duel on the lava planet is an absolute masterpiece, and the musical score is definatley the best in all of the series (The way the Imperial Theme was incorporated with the film's plot, the epic theme blasting in the background of the final duels, the hymn during the Jedi Purge). It is the most like ESB, hence probably the reason why I loved it so much.

[lazserus]

Poor you, man. The original Star Wars trilogy broke every theatrical release record in Hollywood history. There is some commentary by the actors about the dialog of the original film saying they thought the lines were...unnatural. However, it was a fantasy world. By the second film (Empire Strikes Back) the actors were so hyped they ate it all up.

The prequel trilogy was a decent, yet inconsistent story. Also, I personally feel it was POORLY presented. There was just too much cheese and broken elements to be admired. The Revenge of the Sith was a good film (compared to the two cesspools before), I was still left with a feeling of being cheated.

I suppose it's the fact that you didn't grow up around the original franchise Lucas created. We older fans have a part of out brains reserved specifically for the relishing and enjoyment of the original Star Wars trilogy. You younger wippersnappers expect much more than we seasoned folk. I remember all the SW action figures I had, finding my favorite cereal to be C3P-O's, etc. Without age and apropriate appreciation for what Lucas did during those times, you'll never, ever find the original works valuable.

That being said, I actually came face-to-face with an actual Stardestroyer used in the original film. It was like finding the Dead Sea scolls to me.

[bbbv3.5]

My first memory of growing up was watching Star Wars, but I didn't understand it. When I rewatched it when I was 12 (when I really watched it for the first time) I didn't like it as much.

Empire Strikes Back is defo one of my top ten favorite films. Awesome movie. Laz check your AIM.

[lazserus]

My AIM? If you're referring to AOL Instant Messenger, then there's nothing to check if you have my name. My AIM pserona isn't "lazserus." Someone retarded was actually able to grab it before me.

[MaximumPain]

Have any of you seen the animated series I think its called the Clone wars or something like that. it has kind of cheesy animation but it is really cool. If you do catch it there is a spirit journy of sorts that Anakin takes twords the end of the second season that blew me away. If you are a Star wars freak its worth checking out.

[Skynet12]

Granted I havnt', but I have heard of it and thought it looked like shite. is it on youtube?

Sky

[UVsaturated]

Star Wars was one of the first movies I ever remember that I paid attention to the trailers on TV and actually wanted to go see. I think it had to do with the franchising they established at the time. I still remember the commercial for (I believe it was Burger King) that used R2, C3PO, Vader and Storm Troopers. I remember the rush for all my friends to own every action figure. Unfortunately, my parents never caught on and I was lucky to only have one that someone gave me.

I even had, and wished I knew what they'd be worth today, some promotional posters made by P&G depicting different Star Wars scenes. I had 4 of them, all different.

Now I feel old, thanks.

[usohypocrisy]

love them all!! i remember seeing them when i was a little boy. I watched them over and over and over and over. The plot was consistent, the main characters and supporting casts were great! I'm still a mesmerized little boy when it comes to Star Wars!! Wish they'd make 7, 8, and 9! I wanna see what happens when Luke turns to the Dark Side!

Never did care for Star Trek....Star Trek never could carry a candle to Star Wars. The plots were ridiculous the characters sucked, and the creatures were really pathetic.

[Crimepunisher]

Wish they'd make 7, 8, and 9! I wanna see what happens when Luke turns to the Dark Side!

As much as I love the originals and the story: more sequels at this point may be a bad thing. Remember what happened with the prequels.

[Assassin X]

Clone Wars, I don't really like this...well whatever the Japanese style is called (read it on the Lucas forums). But the movie still doesn't look that bad I guess.

Click "You Tube Video" and select the "High Quality" version since this ones a little fuzzy.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gLu86mPODU

[Crimepunisher]

I keep hearing more and more about this and to me it seems like Lucas's attempt at even more cash. Movie itself has no relevance whatsoever, the weird cartooney crap is....weird, to say the least.

Oh well. At least Lucas is distracted from the next Indy film a bit.

[MaximumPain]

Granted I havnt', but I have heard of it and thought it looked like shite. is it on youtube?

Sky

As far as I know its not on youtube. Like I said it looks cheesy and some of it is but if you are a star wars geek you will appreciate some of the story lines, characters, and action that occurs.

[usohypocrisy]

didn't realize this until right around Christmas Time, but that prick George Lucas, never digitalized the original first three movies.

I have the first three movies that came in the Gold Case, which is the Star Wars Fullscreen Special Edition Trilogy.

This is the Star Wars Fullscreen Trilogy Special Edition Release (tampered scenes)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/413KNNZ55PL.jpg


This is the Star Wars Widescreen Trilogy Special Edition Release (tampered scenes)
http://jackasscritics.com/images/movies/star_wars_trilogy_01.jpg

Well little known to me, all the special effects, and many of the scenes have been fucking tampered with in the release of the Special Edition Series. I thought it was funny, when I was watching them and I'd see a tampered scene or tampered special effect, and I'd think to myself, I don't remember that part.

So I got to doing a little research and found out that asshole Lucas didn't release the originals in digital format. After enough people raised hell he re-released the originals in their untampered state, but it was the equivalent of copying a vhs to a dvd and not bothering to remove the debris from the film (dirt, lint, etc) by washing them through a computer.

When Lucas will wash the originals through the computer and digitalize them, who knows? But I'm not buying another damn Trilogy or soundtrack from any store, so that proceeds will earn him money.

I am furious over this. Who wants to watch a movie you saw 20 years ago, that's been tampered with and isn't it as you remembered?

Why Lucas did this I have no idea, but it's an outrage that's for sure.

I'm probably hoping to no avail, but I hope he corrects this atrocious misjudgement by getting the originals cleaned up, digitalized and released to Blu-Ray. If he does that, then I will definitely forgive him, and buy all 6 on Blu-Ray.

Now you can get the Originals but the quality is piss poor, and while you get to see the movies in their original production, watching in the quality it was converted to DVD, makes it a gut wrenching experience, and you're just sitting there all pissed off about Lucas' incompetence. You'd think a moron with a Masters Degree from USC would be smarter than that.

If you want the originals, here's the Trilogy to buy (but the quality isn't all that great)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2781901520_574bea927a_m.jpg

[Assassin X]

I owned like every stupid version of Star Wars because they kept releasing new ones. Hopefully they will release blu-ray version so I can just buy that and be done with it.

[Cyranothe2nd]

*geeks* I still have my old VHS versions because I absolutely cannot stand Lucas' revisionist BULLSHIT!

[Max]

I love the star wars universe as a whole. Its like a living breathing ever growing organism, the cannon of which George always has final say over. I especially like the KOTOR era!

[usohypocrisy]

*geeks* I still have my old VHS versions because I absolutely cannot stand Lucas' revisionist BULLSHIT!

i couldn't agree more. I don't understand why anyone would do that at all...it's just not fair to the fans who loved the originals so much.

[TNAfan121]

A canceled game....that would have been cannon...all i can say is PLOT TWIST!

http://kotaku.com/5132905/heres-star-wars-battlefront-iiis-sith-kenobi

[Cyranothe2nd]

Sith Kenobi?!?! No fucking way!!!! ROXXORS!

[phedrereine]

You younger wippersnappers expect much more than we seasoned folk. Without age and apropriate appreciation for what Lucas did during those times, you'll never, ever find the original works valuable.

Looks like I'm a little late to the party, but I just want to say that that is so not true! I first saw the trilogy on New Years' Eve when I was 9 years old. My parents had bought the VHS set, which I still have, as a Christmas present. I ate it up. Absolutely loved it. I became especially obsessed with Return of the Jedi, and went through a phase where I watched it religiously every day after school.

I did not like the "revamped" releases at all. The originals are best. And I don't care for special affects much in movies in general. I guess much of my generation does hold effects about all else, but I think that's pretty sad and well.. dumb. Effects aren't timeless, nor do they make you think and feel. In fact, the best sci-fi movies tend to be the ones that do not have fancy effects, but work with real costumes and designs. Cheesy effects (I call it over-reaching) are much worse than good effects, though. Those can really kill a movie. lol.

[pico]

Some of the best and most memorable shows of all time had little in the way of sets and obviously no effects to go along with it. The Honeymooners comes to mind, as does I Love Lucy. The newer 3 films were clearly directed for the fans of the first 3, so 20 somethings and up. How can children understand any of the economics involved in the films? I thought the marketing was all aimed at young kids, which turned out to be successful. My kids love that newest crap being put out on Cartoon Network. Anyway, I found the newest films to be great stories, but lacking the good versus bad theme from the first three. The more complicated story lines make me wonder how the younger fans know what the hell is going on. Anyway, just my $0.02 worth.

[bluenose_ian]

Well like most people my age, I love Star Wars!
It was one of my favourite childhood films and watched it at a young age, like 3 or 4. still watch the old ones now and again, have them on video and dvd box set.

big kid at heart still!

I never saw a meaning at the time as a child apart from good and bad forces but see now that George Lucas was spreading a message through the film.

A New hope, Luke Skywalker, The force, Jedi's, Anakin,Vader, Empires and rebels all have some meaning with a message that us kids would see when we are older I believe.

I dont want to look silly with some of my thoughts on this so i'll just shut up now about this.

wish I had kept all the original toys, worth a few quid now.

[Singularity]

I saw Star Wars in the theaters back in '78. I was five years old and I think I can honestly say that it defined my childhood for the next couple years. It was my first obsession and it remains one of my favorite things in the world. I even dig the prequels, though I fully agree that they get progressively better; the first is almost unwatchable while the second is entertaining for the most part and the third rocks!

[Nasik]

I saw Star Wars in the theaters back in '78. I was five years old and I think I can honestly say that it defined my childhood for the next couple years. It was my first obsession and it remains one of my favorite things in the world. I even dig the prequels, though I fully agree that they get progressively better; the first is almost unwatchable while the second is entertaining for the most part and the third rocks!


Same here! I was young when I first saw it and in tears when the movie ended - strictly because it ended.

The opening sequence with the Star Wars logo and the music starts up - gets me everytime!

I remember seeing the first prequel - a bunch of us were so excited waiting for it to start - the logo came up - the music started - and .... well, that was the best part of that movie. Can there be a more annoying character than Jar Jar Bigs? I ask you.

Now, it's funny watching the "Making Of" (on DVD) and listening to Lucas and his team of "yes man" (a group of guys in t-shirts that follow Lucas around and say, "yes Mr. Lucas, yes sir, Yes Mr. Lucas") going on about how great Jar Jar was going to be. I dearly wish I could go back in time and stop Lucas, tap him on the shoulder and say, "no.. please don't do it - it won't go well".

I like the last one the best of the prequels - except I have to say, Hayden Christensen's acting sometimes faltered - it was hit and miss.

[Singularity]

To be fair, Hayden Christian's acting really wasn't much worse than Mark Hamil's. We tend to overlook the bad acting in the original trilogy, I think because we've been watching it all our lives, but there is some seriously bad delivery from him in quite a few scenes. Of course there was nothing quite as bad as the complete lack of chemistry between Hayden and Natalie, but that's something I can overlook in favor of the other elements of the movies.

Having so much Jango Fett in Episode II, and having him as the original for both Boba Fett and the rest of the clones was a huge payoff for us Mandalorian fans.

[Nasik]

To be fair, Hayden Christian's acting really wasn't much worse than Mark Hamil's. We tend to overlook the bad acting in the original trilogy, I think because we've been watching it all our lives,
but there is some seriously bad delivery from him in quite a few scenes.

LOL - oh yes, so true. Some are so bad they're actually classic. That takes skill. (I'm thinking Robot Chicken).



Of course there was nothing quite as bad as the complete lack of chemistry between Hayden and Natalie, but that's something I can overlook in favor of the other elements of the movies.


Well there was a lot of eye candy, many of the special effects were truly brilliant. It was fun to watch.



Having so much Jango Fett in Episode II, and having him as the original for both Boba Fett and the rest of the clones was a huge payoff for us Mandalorian fans.


Yes, they did that well. Many elements of the story came together perfectly. I liked those small touches, like how, in Episode III, they changed the hairstyles of the main characters to marry with what we see in the original Star Wars (and the glimpse of the Falcon in one scene).

Lucas redeemed himself with Episode III - I bought the DVD.

[Cartesiantheater]

Blasphemy time:

Star Trek > Star Wars

It's just more realistic.




BUT Star Wars has something Star Trek has never quite gotten:

EPIC ASSKICKING!

Sure, fighting with freakin' light sabers when you have a weapon that can destroy a planet is pretty retarded. BUT a light saber fight is fukkin epic!

That is what makes Star Wars badass. It's just epic. The story, the action, the fights, all of it. Totally EPIC.

[Cyranothe2nd]

I actually like Star Trek better because it is, on the whole, more hopeful. Of course, sometimes its preachy too and that's annoying as hell (yes, yes, humans are special flowers. WE GET IT.) but its one of the few sci-fi shows where the future (or past, in the case of Star Wars) isn't a distopia or horrible regime. I kind of like the optimism.

Also, Lucas has totally ass raped Star Wars into the ground. I mean, I love me some Darth Vader but I REFUSE to accept the new trilogy and the total wussification of Anakin. I just can't do it.

[Nasik]

Blasphemy time:

Star Trek > Star Wars

It's just more realistic.


BUT Star Wars has something Star Trek has never quite gotten:

EPIC ASSKICKING!

Sure, fighting with freakin' light sabers when you have a weapon that can destroy a planet is pretty retarded. BUT a light saber fight is fukkin epic!

That is what makes Star Wars badass. It's just epic. The story, the action, the fights, all of it. Totally EPIC.

True - I agree. Sometimes Star Trek (particularly, the Next Generation) feels like "a day at the office in outerspace" but Star Wars never gives you that feeling. Some of the different planets, the different ships - it's very imaginative and eye catching.


...I REFUSE to accept the new trilogy and the total wussification of Anakin. I just can't do it.

I love this word hahaha! "wussification" - I'm going to have to try and find a way to incorporate that into my everyday conversations !

[Cartesiantheater]

True - I agree. Sometimes Star Trek (particularly, the Next Generation) feels like "a day at the office in outerspace" but Star Wars never gives you that feeling.


[...]

I see that as a strength for Star Trek, however. In four hundred years, even if we achieve that kind of technology, I do not believe human culture will drastically change. Well, what I mean is that they will look at us the way we look at Newton, and there would certainly be some strong connections a time traveler could make with people from Newton's time. Likewise with our future, so long as we remain in/near the Scientific Revolution. I imagine they will view our eating of other animals the way we view slavery and the sexism of three hundred years ago, but on a whole they will understand much of us and we would understand enough of them.

In that way I believe Star Trek does very well. I think they really capture a realism.



But this is about Star Wars, lol. Star Wars does not have that touch of 'boring' realism, but it has a flare to it. Each series works well in each of their own niches.

[Mezurashi]

BUT Star Wars has something Star Trek has never quite gotten:

EPIC ASSKICKING!

Sure, fighting with freakin' light sabers when you have a weapon that can destroy a planet is pretty retarded. BUT a light saber fight is fukkin epic!

That is what makes Star Wars badass. It's just epic. The story, the action, the fights, all of it. Totally EPIC.


True - I agree. Sometimes Star Trek (particularly, the Next Generation) feels like "a day at the office in outerspace" but Star Wars never gives you that feeling. Some of the different planets, the different ships - it's very imaginative and eye catching.

Star Trek was originally an idea developed by a Korean War Vet turned TV Producer/Writer who had seen the strife, hate and negativity of the world and was trying to offer an alternative to the bland, 'we don;t talk about that' media drivel that was the norm for TV in the first half of the 1960's. in his attempt to accomplish this he chose to think completely outside the box and address things that had not been addressed before, using story techniques and character developments which had not been tried on TV before and thus ran much risk of controversy and marginalization. the series only lasted 3 seasons because the network failed to see the potential, and it lost money.

Star Wars was the plagarized brainchild of a wanna be movie maker who envisioned himself as the modern version of the great Fantasy film makers of the 1940's and '50's. to accomplish this he created a cut and paste story based on the Great Works of those who came before him and rather than write an original story or even some original ideas he simply stole from the best and gave it a flashy modern paint job. there is nothing new or creative in Star Wars past the technical accomplishments of the special effects and yet it made money hand over fist.

the irony for me is that I own all the Star Wars DVD's but not the whole Star Trek anthology - though I am working on it.

as for the Next Gen, DS9, Voyager and the abortion Enterprise I have no real comments beyond, "the Cow is Tired of Being Milked."

thank god the JJ Abrahms Star Trek lived up to the hype - and I hope to god the Clone Wars cartoons are the last we hear of that particular unscientific science fiction ...

[Cartesiantheater]

[...]

as for the Next Gen, DS9, Voyager and the abortion Enterprise I have no real comments beyond, "the Cow is Tired of Being Milked."

thank god the JJ Abrahms Star Trek lived up to the hype - and I hope to god the Clone Wars cartoons are the last we hear of that particular unscientific science fiction ...

Thanks for the insight, but dude, Next Gen pwns. Picard is the shit. So is Data.

[Singularity]

Star Wars was the plagarized brainchild of a wanna be movie maker who envisioned himself as the modern version of the great Fantasy film makers of the 1940's and '50's. to accomplish this he created a cut and paste story based on the Great Works of those who came before him and rather than write an original story or even some original ideas he simply stole from the best and gave it a flashy modern paint job. there is nothing new or creative in Star Wars past the technical accomplishments of the special effects and yet it made money hand over fist.

Obviously you don't realize that some of the greatest works of literature were unoriginal in concept. Seriously, Shakespeare. Wonderful work, but not an original idea there, it's all in the delivery. Same deal with Star Wars and that's what makes it a masterpiece.

[Mezurashi]

Thanks for the insight, but dude, Next Gen pwns. Picard is the shit. So is Data.

you will get no argument from me because I like them. hell, I even have a grudging 'like' of characters like Yar and Wesley. in a greater sense, you could think of Next Gen being the 'successful follow up' in the way Empire Strikes Back (hands down the best of the Star Wars films) was for Star Wars (A New Hope, mon cul).

but I personally found TNG past season three to be getting a bit repetitive in it's storylines. once they'd had the huge Borg climax and season 4 opener it was like they'd lost the fire and could never relight it to the same intensity.

and soon things devolved into the 'Star Trek: More Time-Space Anomalies' dreck that plagued all the series ...


Obviously you don't realize that some of the greatest works of literature were unoriginal in concept. Seriously, Shakespeare. Wonderful work, but not an original idea there, it's all in the delivery. Same deal with Star Wars and that's what makes it a masterpiece.

damn, and here I thought I was being subtle ... but you obviously read something into my post that isn't there - Value Judgement.

did I speak of Shakespeare, value or whether or not Star Wars was good or bad? nope, I only stated some basic facts that anyone's who's watched any of the documentaries on any of the Star Wars or Star Trek DVD's knows.

I even went so far as to 'admit' that I am a Star Wars geek to some extent ...

what I was doing was trying to bridge a thematic discussion point with some trivia that had not yet been brought up in discussion -- and I failed based on your reaction.

thanks for the patronization, it reminds me of how it must feel when I get that way with others :w00t:

[acacia]

Another age old question: Can an evil parent produce a righteous child?

[Cartesiantheater]

Another age old question: Can an evil parent produce a righteous child?

Clearly the answer is yes... unless Mr. Vader isn't really evil? Is he? Can we really say that, based upon the new trilogy? (hangs self remembering the pain...)

[Nasik]

Star Trek was originally an idea developed by a Korean War Vet turned TV Producer/Writer who had seen the strife, hate and negativity of the world and was trying to offer an alternative to the bland, 'we don;t talk about that' media drivel that was the norm for TV in the first half of the 1960's. in his attempt to accomplish this he chose to think completely outside the box and address things that had not been addressed before, using story techniques and character developments which had not been tried on TV before and thus ran much risk of controversy and marginalization. the series only lasted 3 seasons because the network failed to see the potential, and it lost money.

Star Wars was the plagarized brainchild of a wanna be movie maker who envisioned himself as the modern version of the great Fantasy film makers of the 1940's and '50's. to accomplish this he created a cut and paste story based on the Great Works of those who came before him and rather than write an original story or even some original ideas he simply stole from the best and gave it a flashy modern paint job. there is nothing new or creative in Star Wars past the technical accomplishments of the special effects and yet it made money hand over fist....

I totally had no idea about all that. Very interesting!




as for the Next Gen, DS9, Voyager and the abortion Enterprise I have no real comments beyond, "the Cow is Tired of Being Milked."


HAHAHA! - (high five Mez) YES, I couldn't agree more!


Clearly the answer is yes... unless Mr. Vader isn't really evil? Is he? Can we really say that, based upon the new trilogy? (hangs self remembering the pain...)

Funny, I try to compare Christensen's Vader to Prowse/Jones, I don't know.... he seemed truly "evil" in the good o'l days and then, after that one movie, member the one with the furry enocks - you know, the furry things that had visible zippers up the back; the episode that had more drooling muppets in it than sesame street - yeah, that one. We got to see Vader.... awwwweeee look, he's a nice guy now.... (not great looking but he's nice)..... then the last time Lucas revised SW - (what is it now, the 313th time?) - ghost Vader is now Anakin..... okay I digressed didn't I?

You know.... Lucas is a prime example of why yo mamma told ya to stop picking at that thing. (Sigh).

[bluenose_ian]

We got to see Vader.... awwwweeee look, he's a nice guy now.... (not great looking but he's nice)..... then the last time Lucas revised SW - (what is it now, the 313th time?) - ghost Vader is now Anakin

Yeh I just noticed with the newer version of Return of the Jedi that Hayden Christiansen is now at the end of the film as young Anakin appearing as a spirit.

James earl Jones voice made evil Vader work.

I shouldn't say this in same thread but I am now officially a trekkie.
love the new movie and next generation is a great message of hope.

do we have a Star trek thread going?

[Reef Badlaw]

fave Lucas-written 'throw-away' type of dialogue, that completely captures Lucas' heart, soul, and passion for the mid-20th century serial-films:

(from A New Hope, as Kenobi sneaks past two troopers to shut-down the Death Star's shield-field)

Trooper A: Did you see that new BT-16 ?
Trooper B: No. Some-of-the-guys were saying it's really something to see- WHAT WAS THAT ?
Trooper A: Probably some hot-gassing...

I'm glad Lucas was able to include the two greatest UK sci-fi/horror actors; Pete Cushing and Chris Lee, into the project. As-well-as the greatest female sci-fi writer ever; Leigh Bracket, to ink The Empire Strikes Back.

I was lucky-enough to've seen Lucas' first movie; THX-1138, his 2nd; American Graffiti, so i knew what to reasonably expect from him as far as shot-angles, action editting, and believable dialogue. I chalked-up the tinge of blandness from 'the prequels' as a form of hangover from his divorce.

[Cyranothe2nd]

Another age old question: Can an evil parent produce a righteous child?

Depends on whether you believe that 'evil' is genetic or in the triumph of free will.

I personally really love the redemptive arc in Star Wars. Not that saving Luke meant that everything DV did was a-okay. But it showed that he had some breaking point, that he wasn't willing to give himself over completely.

Now, we should talk about Obi-Wan and Yoda trying to groom Luke for patricide...


Ian--Star Trek thread made.