Bashing Solo; A Star Wars Story seems to be the "in" thing to do these days on the internet.
My son posted an interesting article on my web-site arguing that to stay relevant, we need more films like Solo, not less.
http://thehauntedcinema.com/interviews-and-reviews/f/for-star-wars-to-stay-interesting-we-need-more-movies-like-solo (http://thehauntedcinema.com/interviews-and-reviews/f/for-star-wars-to-stay-interesting-we-need-more-movies-like-solo)
As much as I like Star Wars.....it should just retire. The tales have been told. That's a wrap. 8)
Haven't seen Solo. I don't think Episode 8 deserves the hate it's getting. It actually kept me interested and surprised throughout. I do think Skywalker would act that way after all he'd been through, so I disagree with Hammel. It was a decent movie, and it did not inspire fatigue from me because of all the surprises.
I liked Solo more than I thought I would. While it is indeed all about the younger days of a classic character, it doesn't feel like the whole movie is one long Easter Egg for the other films, or some kind of "hey, remember this!?" Of course there is one pretty big moment that might not be so easily understood unless you've seen the animated shows or at least read up on them a little, but otherwise the best thing I can say about Solo is that by and large, it truly is a stand-alone film that doesn't piggyback on the other films to justify its own existence.
And if the Star Wars franchise is to continue, I think it may be a good idea to make other films that stand on their own as well as this one does.
Whether anyone wants them or not there will be more; Disney isn't done milking the cash cow yet. I think Solo will get an extended life on dvd/Bluray and a lot of fans that rejected it will discover what a fun ride it is. I think one of the problems with the Star Wars Universe is that a large portion of its fans have prelaid storylines from comics, novels, fan fiction, etc. and parts of the new films aren't lining up to those expectations; certainly more so with The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi than Solo.
No! Please stop!
I haven't seen these modern waves of STAR WAR films because, with these prequels coming out, I think I'm AS INTERESTED in seeing the Solo's Granddad Story first. THAT should be the next prequel, and then have Solo's Dad's movie - Maybe Dad 1 & 2? Then what if Solo had a most interesting Great Great Uncle? We probably need to see THAT film, too.
I could imagine 100 prequels arriving, and every one of those could claim an equal level of interest in me.
Of course... if someone knocks these add-on's and prequels, they should SHUT UP and calculate that "next cash cow" alternative:
REMAKES.
So shut up. No more complaints about these films: there is definitely a far far worse alternative.
Nothing wrong with remakes; there are plenty of well done remakes/reboots.
Quote from: marsattacks666 on June 19, 2018, 10:44:11 AM
No! Please stop!
My view since the first one. Enough. The teddy bear village in the 3rd film should have sunk the franchise. Now it's just, how low can you go? Jar Jar was a hint.
I have to admit, right up front, that the idea of doing a young Han Solo film filled me with dread when I first heard about. (Especially since I had been less than impressed with THE ADVENTURES OF YOUNG INDIANA JONES, way back when.) Like the role of Inspector Clouseau, the actor who initially brought the character to life brought a lot of himself to the part. Between that, and the film being a problem-plagued production with a change in directors in the midst of filming just didn't bode well. But I knew a lot of my buddies and coworkers were going to see it, and that I'd probably tag along. And I did...and came away pleasantly surprised. Thought the actor who played Lando did a top notch job. It's not my favorite film from the STAR WARS universe, but thought it was a pretty sturdy story that held together well throughout the film's running time. I also thought ROGUE ONE was a pretty decent film (putting aside the mixed feelings of how Governor Tarkin was handled...that's all been discussed in depth elsewhere).
As for Episode 8: THE LAST JEDI...overall I enjoyed it, but felt it was a little too self-indulgent in places. For example, that 20 minute side trip to the casino planet. They're there to meet a guy, allegedly the only guy in the galaxy, who can help them with a specific technical task. They zip right past him and never even make eye contact. Then, by sheer coincidence, they just happen to get arrested and put in the exact same cell with a guy who can do the very same job. Just shows up when he's needed, and then takes off. Talk about luck. If it weren't for that, I'd say we'd been given a tightly told tale, but that sequence is too much like the droid factory scene in Episode 2; lots of running around just for the sake of running around. Like Ernest Hemingway once wrote, "Never mistake motion for action."
Quote from: BijouBob8mm on June 26, 2018, 10:20:42 AMThey're there to meet a guy, allegedly the only guy in the galaxy, who can help them with a specific technical task. They zip right past him and never even make eye contact. Then, by sheer coincidence, they just happen to get arrested and put in the exact same cell with a guy who can do the very same job. Just shows up when he's needed, and then takes off. Talk about luck.
I assumed on first watch that Benecio was the code breaker all along and the other guy (a red herring) had possibly won the red plom bloom from Benecio as it appeared to be a rather large/expensive brooch. Just rewatched the parts about it and it really isn't clear and my deduction was completely unfounded...although I'm still going with that theory.
An interesting thought, actually.
QuoteNothing wrong with remakes; there are plenty of well done remakes/reboots.
Prime example: THE MALTESE FALCON. The Humphrey Bogart classic was the third attempt to put the tale onscreen. And then there's Cary Grant's HIS GIRL FRIDAY, one of several film versions of Ben Hecht's play "The Front Page."
Quote from: zombiehorror on June 26, 2018, 12:59:56 PM
I assumed on first watch that Benecio was the code breaker all along and the other guy (a red herring) had possibly won the red plom bloom from Benecio as it appeared to be a rather large/expensive brooch. Just rewatched the parts about it and it really isn't clear and my deduction was completely unfounded...although I'm still going with that theory.
I also had that same feeling, though I knew there was nothing in the film to confirm my theory. It just seemed like the casino story was intended to be much longer than it was and that, for the sake of saving time, they just left that unexplained plot hole. I don't get why this casino planet story gets so much hate. Did I like the casino story? Let's just say it wasn't my favorite part of this film. Did it bother me extensively like it does some folks? No. Did it seem out of place? Yes. Did the characters seem out of place? Yes. Did it kill the movie for me? No. Star Wars has often taken weird side tours and it just seemed like an overdone homage to the original Mos Eisley Catina.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on June 27, 2018, 01:15:34 AM
Did it seem out of place? Yes. Did the characters seem out of place? Yes.
It felt more akin to something out of the prequels than either the original trilogy or the new Disney Star Wars flicks. It definitely wasn't my favorite moment.
QuoteStar Wars has often taken weird side tours and it just seemed like an overdone homage to the original Mos Eisley Catina.
That's my point; the self-indulgence of the filmmakers. There's a difference between having a show-stopping moment and a sequence that simply stops the plot. As you point out, the scene and characters "seem out of place." While I really enjoy THE LAST JEDI, at times I felt I was watching multi-million dollar fan fiction.
QuoteIt felt more akin to something out of the prequels
"I've got a bad feeling about this!" ;)
Overall, I've really enjoyed the Disney entries (in spite of a few quibbles about superfluous segments). I do feel, however, that many of the new characters in the current trilogy aren't quite as endearing/engaging as they could be. Poe has had his moments, yet I feel more could be done with both he and Finn's characters. I feel much the same way about Captain Phasma. If you see the Blu-ray of LAST JEDI, there is an alternate version of her final scene from the film that gave her a bit more to do than what we ultimately got. I'd like to have seen that used instead, especially since her character had so little screen time in this episode to begin with.
The problem with Lucasfilm has more to do with the management (ie Kathleen Kennedy) and the overall overtones in the newer films. If anything the box office of Solo was affected by the backlash from the fans towards the Last Jedi.What do you expect when Kennedy herself stated that she isn't worried about pleasing the fans? Who is she trying to appeal to? Did anyone even want a Solo film? I think Disney needs to ascertain who there fanbase is (the ones buying the figures, toys, buying the box sets) and how to best move forward with the franchise.
Quote from: BijouBob8mm on June 27, 2018, 09:18:17 AM
Overall, I've really enjoyed the Disney entries (in spite of a few quibbles about superfluous segments). I do feel, however, that many of the new characters in the current trilogy aren't quite as endearing/engaging as they could be. Poe has had his moments, yet I feel more could be done with both he and Finn's characters. I feel much the same way about Captain Phasma. If you see the Blu-ray of LAST JEDI, there is an alternate version of her final scene from the film that gave her a bit more to do than what we ultimately got. I'd like to have seen that used instead, especially since her character had so little screen time in this episode to begin with.
I agree. I like Poe and Finn a lot, but I don't even remember Poe's name while watching the movies. That's how overpacked the plots are. Just give me three to five characters to care about, to invest in. All of the additional characters just need, for the sake of the plot, to disappear into the background.
Quote from: Crossbonez74 on June 27, 2018, 12:17:53 PM
If anything the box office of Solo was affected by the backlash from the fans towards the Last Jedi.
If anything I think you may be right but those "fans" are only hurting themselves; they're missing out on a great entry into the Star Wars franchise.
Quote from: Crossbonez74 on June 27, 2018, 12:17:53 PMWhat do you expect when Kennedy herself stated that she isn't worried about pleasing the fans?
"
I have a responsibility to the company that I work with. I don't feel that I have a responsibility to cater in some way. I would never just seize on saying, 'Well, this is a franchise that's appealed primarily to men for many, many years, and therefore I owe men something."~Kathleen Kennedy
Lucas overly catered to children with the prequels so I'm all for not catering to anyone and just making flicks that fit with the Star Wars Universe created in the original trilogy. I don't need the films to follow some predetermined path that was laid out in a novel, comic book or video game; which I think was the point she was trying to make.
Maybe. However if the current buzz about Kennedy is true... then she may be on her way out. The rumor is that Bog Iger isn't happy with her or the overall direction of the franchise.
Quote from: Crossbonez74 on June 28, 2018, 08:27:18 AM
Maybe. However if the current buzz about Kennedy is true... then she may be on her way out. The rumor is that Bog Iger isn't happy with her or the overall direction of the franchise.
It's a lose-lose either way. She keeps going, she gets sh*t on; someone else takes over they get sh*t on. It won't matter whether they/she "cater" to a certain percentage of fans or keep changing things up in the Star Wars Universe. I still suspect that in a short time when Solo is released on dvd/Bluray many Last Jedi haters will be kicking themselves for not seeing Solo in theaters if that is indeed the reason why they skipped it and for the low box office.
Either way They have themselves to blame for hiring inexperienced directors and releasing questionable films like Solo. I mean who was asking for this movie? Who really wants a Boba Fett movie? Are the masses crying out for these? No, not so much.
As fans of a franchise they should all want to see more of their favorite characters and more of that universe...or I should say as open minded fans. I didn't ask for the prequels but hell yeah I wanted to see them; unfortunately for me it was mixed results but I begrudge no one who enjoys them. Same thing with the new trilogy and Star Wars Story films, never asked for them but will check all of them out; so far for me they are much more cohesive with the original trilogy and have been fun space adventures, they recall the same feeling I got from watching the original trilogy as a kid.
Quote from: Crossbonez74 on June 28, 2018, 11:55:47 AM
Either way They have themselves to blame for hiring inexperienced directors and releasing questionable films like Solo. I mean who was asking for this movie? Who really wants a Boba Fett movie? Are the masses crying out for these? No, not so much.
The only excuse for a Boba Fett movie is that he's a character who became a fan favorite basically because he looked cool, even though he never really did anything interesting or useful. And I'd say that's also a perfectly good reason why NOT to make a Boba Fett movie. Sure, it would finally give that character a reason for existing, but...if he's not all that interesting to start with, why give him a movie?
Quote from: Big Bad Wolf on June 29, 2018, 05:42:53 PM
The only excuse for a Boba Fett movie is that he's a character...
...that sells a crap ton of merch. He's actually gone on to have an interesting background/history in novels and comics but of course they may not use any of that; one thing they will have to use is his escape from Sarlacc's Pit which could be an interesting segment if done right.
I think an adaptation of the Tales of Bounty Hunters (1996) novel could be really cool; it gives background on each bounty hunter seen in Empire Strikes back and all the stories converge at that moment from the film and continue from there. It could be a great anthology or tv show.
Quote from: zombiehorror on June 29, 2018, 07:42:13 PM
...that sells a crap ton of merch. He's actually gone on to have an interesting background/history in novels and comics but of course they may not use any of that; one thing they will have to use is his escape from Sarlacc's Pit which could be an interesting segment if done right.
I think an adaptation of the Tales of Bounty Hunters (1996) novel could be really cool; it gives background on each bounty hunter seen in Empire Strikes back and all the stories converge at that moment from the film and continue from there. It could be a great anthology or tv show.
They're definitely not using anything from the old novels and comics prior to Disney's takeover. They wiped the entire EU away and out of continuity, aside from borrowing the occasional popular character like Thrawn. As for escaping the Sarlacc Pit, there's no guaranteeing that such a film would take place after ROTJ. It could easily be another prequel/origin thingy.
Quote from: Big Bad Wolf on June 29, 2018, 10:06:25 PM
They're definitely not using anything from the old novels and comics prior to Disney's takeover. They wiped the entire EU away and out of continuity....
True but a future script writer could still find insliration from a previous non-cannon reference; as you point out.
Quote from: Big Bad Wolf on June 29, 2018, 10:06:25 PM
As for escaping the Sarlacc Pit, there's no guaranteeing that such a film would take place after ROTJ. It could easily be another prequel/origin thingy.
That may very well be the case; and I'm sure it will involve early Fett adventures...having Fett survive the Pit might be considered to much catering to a certain percentage of the fanbase by Kathleen Kennedy.
Quote from: Big Bad Wolf on June 29, 2018, 10:06:25 PM
They're definitely not using anything from the old novels and comics prior to Disney's takeover. They wiped the entire EU away and out of continuity, aside from borrowing the occasional popular character like Thrawn. As for escaping the Sarlacc Pit, there's no guaranteeing that such a film would take place after ROTJ. It could easily be another prequel/origin thingy.
Why would Lucasfilm want to make films based off the the EU? I mean why they want to take the franchise in creative directions? Forget that were getting Mos Eisley the movie. We also want to ensure diversity drives the bus at Lucasfilm...not creativity.
Quote from: Crossbonez74 on June 28, 2018, 08:27:18 AM
Maybe. However if the current buzz about Kennedy is true... then she may be on her way out. The rumor is that Bog Iger isn't happy with her or the overall direction of the franchise.
I hear that the problem is no one wants the job. She has driven the ship so far onto the rocks, there aren't many brave enough to grab the wheel.
"Solo" is within my top 5 SW movies. 'Don't mind how many different SW movies are made, as there may be at least 1 or 2 cool scenes to enjoy, or another cool model ship to buy.
Films like "Solo" that don't mention use the force are fine with me. It was a nice break away from some of the films that were almost too similar.
'Older fans such as me that saw SW in high school have a completely different set of likes & dislikes about the more recent movies. There were quite a few movies after the first 3 movies that just had too many characters for me to bother to keep track of, so I just enjoyed the cool scenes and gave up on the character names.
Maybe another Ewok TV movie to complete that trilogy? ;)
Quote from: BijouBob8mm on May 22, 2019, 09:49:26 AM
Maybe another Ewok TV movie to complete that trilogy? ;)
Whoa!
Am I the only one hankering for a Jar Jar origin movie?
Quote from: Mord on May 23, 2019, 02:19:54 PM
Am I the only one hankering for a Jar Jar origin movie?
Yikes!!! No!!!! ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p2gB7-eCEk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p2gB7-eCEk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0dhPm3vbyE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0dhPm3vbyE)
QuoteAm I the only one hankering for a Jar Jar origin movie?
"The Jedi crave not these things" -- Yoda, 1980.
They can make all the sequels and Star Wars movies they want, and that's fine, because I honestly don't have any interest in seeing them. I loved Episode 4. A simple story, bad guys to root for the heroes defeating. Then with episode 5, we get the beginnings of a soap opera, and a weakening of the characters. Suddenly that kiss on the lips for good luck becomes a bit creepy, when you realize Luke and Leia are brother and sister. How does someone as in tune with the force, not recognize his own daughter when they meet face to face, unless Vader considers killing his child as a disciplinary action? Man, that's strict! Episode six, the Ewoks! Thank goodness they all died, when the explosion of the second Death Star subjected their planet to a nuclear winter. The prequels cause me to loose increasing interest in the series, and then to Episode 7, where we learn that Solo and Leia are as awful a married couple, as they are parents to a single whinny brat who has grandaddy issues. Episode 8 shows us that Luke is as big a loser as his sister and Han Solo were. So, what am I supposed to be rooting for here? A failed republic, that couldn't stop the Empire from reforming? Enjoy Starwars folks, it is no longer for me.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on May 28, 2019, 10:31:23 PM
Enjoy Starwars folks, it is no longer for me.
You sure hung in there for a long time, after being disappointed by the
second movie! ;D
Quote from: Mike Scott on May 28, 2019, 10:37:01 PM
You sure hung in there for a long time, after being disappointed by the second movie! ;D
Sometimes when you witness a train wreck, you develop a morbid curiosity about seeing how bad it can get.
QuoteSometimes when you witness a train wreck, you develop a morbid curiosity about seeing how bad it can get.
Sadly, that sums up more than a few relationships I've been in....
Solo isn't great, and it did what I thought it was going to do, which was to pull a Last Crusade and have all of the characters defining characteristics mollify in the span of a week.
BUT, it set up a sequel that pointed it toward unknown territory. I want to see the movie where Han and Chewie be straight up criminals. I want to see him get himself in over his head and be forced to work for Jabba. Things like that.
Baby Yoda has seemed to breathe new life into Starwars. Let's see how long Disney takes to screw that up.
I know. Everyone went from hating Star Wars to liking it again... over night.
Still hate it. Always have, always will.
Quote from: Mord on December 07, 2019, 05:53:56 PM
Still hate it. Always have, always will.
What do you mean, Mord? I never knew this about you! ;D ;)
Quote from: aura of foreboding on December 08, 2019, 02:12:45 AM
What do you mean, Mord? I never knew this about you! ;D ;)
I just had an epiphany a few hours ago. The whole thing is bland dog sh*t. How did I not see it sooner?
Quote from: Mord on December 08, 2019, 03:00:54 AM
I just had an epiphany a few hours ago. The whole thing is bland dog sh*t. How did I not see it sooner?
I don't know. This is really shocking to me. For years and years, you have been singing the praises of George Lucas right here on this very forum. I cannot fathom how you... how you could turn... to the dark side.
Quote from: aura of foreboding on December 08, 2019, 03:18:07 AM
I don't know. This is really shocking to me. For years and years, you have been singing the praises of George Lucas right here on this very forum. I cannot fathom how you... how you could turn... to the dark side.
True. I wish there was a way of changing all my praise for Lucas to disdain.
I don't see why it has to be one of the two extremes. Some of it is great, some of it isn't. Mostly the stuff where Lucas worked with other talented people is the best. The more control he gained, the worse it got. Having other people to keep you in check isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on May 28, 2019, 10:31:23 PM
They can make all the sequels and Star Wars movies they want, and that's fine, because I honestly don't have any interest in seeing them. I loved Episode 4. A simple story, bad guys to root for the heroes defeating. Then with episode 5, we get the beginnings of a soap opera, and a weakening of the characters. Suddenly that kiss on the lips for good luck becomes a bit creepy, when you realize Luke and Leia are brother and sister. How does someone as in tune with the force, not recognize his own daughter when they meet face to face, unless Vader considers killing his child as a disciplinary action? Man, that's strict! Episode six, the Ewoks! Thank goodness they all died, when the explosion of the second Death Star subjected their planet to a nuclear winter. The prequels cause me to loose increasing interest in the series, and then to Episode 7, where we learn that Solo and Leia are as awful a married couple, as they are parents to a single whinny brat who has grandaddy issues. Episode 8 shows us that Luke is as big a loser as his sister and Han Solo were. So, what am I supposed to be rooting for here? A failed republic, that couldn't stop the Empire from reforming? Enjoy Starwars folks, it is no longer for me.
Episode 9: We learn that Luke and Annakin accomplished nothing when they failed to kill the Emperor, so they really were a couple of losers. But at last the Luke's nephew redeems his family linage, by sacrificing his life, so wonder-Rey can save the galaxy from the patriarchy by killing her grandfather, with her cheerleader squad of force ghosts there to cheer her on! At last the galaxy can be a truly woke place where at last Porgs and Ewoks can get married and have their little Pogoks to bring joy to the galaxy.
QuoteI don't see why it has to be one of the two extremes. Some of it is great, some of it isn't. Mostly the stuff where Lucas worked with other talented people is the best
I think the original 1977 theatrical release is fantastic. I think it, and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, would make for a great double feature. Given all the retro double bills we saw during the pandemic summer, I'm amazed someone didn't think of doing that particular pair.