Star Wars: The Last Jedi (For those who have seen it - SPOILERS abound!)

[Nearfest2]

It's a MOVIE people. Take off your Jedi costume, pack up your tent, put away the plastic lightsaber and get a life.

Well said!

My general thought is that parts of it were just over-thought, especially all the added humor (too Marvel-esque) and the extraneous CGI (Ahch-To caretakers, sea cows, Porgs, Leia's Force float). Speaking of which, that sure felt like the Gamora-in-space scene from Guardians of the Galaxy.

[Facelift]

Well said!

My general thought is that parts of it were just over-thought, especially all the added humor (too Marvel-esque) and the extraneous CGI (Ahch-To caretakers, sea cows, Porgs, Leia's Force float). Speaking of which, that sure felt like the Gamora-in-space scene from Guardians of the Galaxy.

IMO, part of what makes stuff like Guardians of the Galaxy work is the extent to which it contrasts with space adventure films that take themselves more seriously - like Star Wars. If Star Wars movies are made that are more Marvel Comics than Lucasfilms, it diminishes the value of both, IMO.

[Nearfest2]

I agree.

[rcarlberg]

IMO, part of what makes stuff like Guardians of the Galaxy work is the extent to which it contrasts with space adventure films that take themselves more seriously - like Star Wars.

It's too bad -- in my opinion -- that there aren't more films like "The Martian," "Apollo 13" or "Gravity" which are scientifically accurate (even if the plots sometimes float out of the bounds of reason...) No sound in space, no air on other planets, no instantaneous communication when you're eight light minutes away.

Instead, a whole generation of Americans believe there are blue women on every planet, just waiting to bag a starship commander. NASA sells every space mission as a "search for life on other planets" -- even though it's readily apparent, now, that this search is utterly futile. Elon Musk and Richard Branson sell the public on weekend tourist excursions to Mars, even though it'll take MONTHS to get there and cost billions and be incredibly dangerous. The scientific illiteracy of the press and general public is truly staggering.

[Gruno]

It's too bad -- in my opinion -- that there aren't more films like "The Martian," "Apollo 13" or "Gravity" which are scientifically accurate (even if the plots sometimes float out of the bounds of reason...) No sound in space, no air on other planets, no instantaneous communication when you're eight light minutes away.

Instead, a whole generation of Americans believe there are blue women on every planet, just waiting to bag a starship commander. NASA sells every space mission as a "search for life on other planets" -- even though it's readily apparent, now, that this search is utterly futile. Elon Musk and Richard Branson sell the public on weekend tourist excursions to Mars, even though it'll take MONTHS to get there and cost billions and be incredibly dangerous. The scientific illiteracy of the press and general public is truly staggering.

It's Star Wars -- it's a fucken movie.

[Facelift]

It's too bad -- in my opinion -- that there aren't more films like "The Martian," "Apollo 13" or "Gravity" which are scientifically accurate (even if the plots sometimes float out of the bounds of reason...) No sound in space, no air on other planets, no instantaneous communication when you're eight light minutes away.

What you are talking about is "science fiction." I was careful to word what I said above to not be "science fiction." I'm calling Star Wars a space adventure. It's fundamentally the same as a western or samurai flick or Tolkien. And there are a ton of space adventure films (granted, most of them indebted to Star Wars).

2001, Martian, Interstellar, Arrival - that's sci-fi. If something is legitimately sci-fi, I want the science to be good. But a space adventure? I don't care nearly as much. Let those fighters ships screech through space and bank when they turn!

[rcarlberg]

But you are intelligent, and know the difference.

Sally and Joe Sixpack might not. And Hollywood does them a disservice by selling them magic and snakeoil. Look at the outrage when Hollywood downplays the holocaust, or portrays homosexuals or transgender persons as less than equal. Why is science allowed to be trashed and slandered without outrage? The result is a palpable (and dangerous!) distrust of science these days.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Saw it. It's awful - awful on the level of the prequels.

I agree with the people who are petitioning to have it removed from the canon.

Thank God you're in the minority.

We saw it today and the theater was about 3/4 full. Capacity is maybe 160 to 200. Got a nice round of applause when the movie ended.

[Facelift]

But you are intelligent, and know the difference.

Sally and Joe Sixpack might not. And Hollywood does them a disservice by selling them magic and snakeoil. Look at the outrage when Hollywood downplays the holocaust, or portrays homosexuals or transgender persons as less than equal. Why is science allowed to be trashed and slandered without outrage? The result is a palpable (and dangerous!) distrust of science these days.

A good article you might be interested in reading:

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features...sound-science/

[rcarlberg]

Yes, thank you. Good article.

Although the article does not explicitly mention it, the correlation is not an accident.

[davis]

Hello from the minority of Not Interested.

[rcarlberg]

Hello. Now go back to blissful sleep. We'll call you if anything important comes up.

[Zeuhlmate]

Its just a funny fairytale.
Mostly rubbish that could never happen, but so what.
Nicely made, entertaining.

[Facelift]

Yes, thank you. Good article.

Although the article does not explicitly mention it, the correlation is not an accident.

I was unaware of that, but certainly it's not surprising. Both industries are thoroughly corrupt - basically organized crime with a license to do business.

[Nearfest2]

This is awesome...

[Poisoned Youth]

This is awesome...

Nice. I'm happy to know some of my sentiments were shared, and using sarcasm no less.

I was going to mention the J.J./Lost thing (as someone who watched the whole series). "He didn't have answers for them anyway" haha.

[rcarlberg]

This is awesome...

Yes. You have to imagine the script for a multi-billion dollar project like this goes through a lot of brainstorming meetings with input from a lot of smart people.

But you can only imagine it. There's no evidence.

[ThomasKDye]

Nice. I'm happy to know some of my sentiments were shared, and using sarcasm no less.

I was going to mention the J.J./Lost thing (as someone who watched the whole series). "He didn't have answers for them anyway" haha.

I think I'd add this bit.

So Luke's really badass in this, right?
Well, yeah, after Yoda talks him into it.
Wait -- Yoda? It's been 30 years, is he not over Yoda yet?
Well, you know, everybody likes a fanservice cameo, so I guess not.

[Yodelgoat]

Just saw the movie last night and it was like I was 17 again. Excellent! I have not been that entertained by a movie for decades. The only drawback was I had to sit next to a guy who smelled like ass. Full theater, no chance to move. Heobviously had not been out of his mom's basement for months. My wife was gagging. Even that didnt ruin the show.

Couple questions:
How much of Leah's parts were created after her death? I heard that there were some CGI parts, but I couldn't tell myself, which speaks well for the technology (IMO)

What are the plans for the future? - I thought Mark Hamill was signed for at least a couple more SW movies... Are they going to continue the SAGA?

It is a great franchise again. They did a great job with the characters, Nice job of keeping nostalgia and newness in balance.

Once again, my complaint about the new Vader Character is he doesn't seem so much of a badass. Go see the reality show Gold Rush, and the kid/miner Parker Schnabel will ruin the guys character. They could be twins! it made me and my wife laugh about how Parker Schnabel is the bad guy in Star Wars! Only made the film more fun for us. This movie was really two very entertaining movies linked together. Was there schmaltz? - Oh yeah! but the humor was spot on IMO. The future for the franchise is very high! I was sorry that they chose to lose Luke. He isnt that old and could have served the movies really well for quite some time. Now we will only see him in Cameo's like Yoda. It was good that he perished the same way Obewan did (are spoilers ok here?) Just moved on to other dimensions, although the last decades of his life were far too turbulent -
filled with regrets and self loathing to associate his moving on with some kind of Nirvana. But then Look at Darth Vaders demise - His life was one of rage and thirst for power but in the last moments of his life suddenly gained it. Luke's life was not far from that scenario.

Anyway I'm rambling. The Mrs and I are having fun speculating about what the future holds. The film really did a great job of developing many of the lesser characters, which is really good.

I am going to see it again soon! the last time I paid theater prices multiple times was with the Harry Potter movies. Disney has a winner and they have (IMO) preserved the original intent of the saga. Well done! looking forward to more great SW entertainment. The bar has been set much higher than it was before.

[rcarlberg]

How much of Leah's parts were created after her death? I heard that there were some CGI parts, but I couldn't tell myself, which speaks well for the technology

I could be wrong but I thought I heard Carrie Fisher had finished filming all her parts before her untimely demise. But since the series already has a record of reviving dead actors -- and Muppets -- it certainly would surprise no-one.

The film really did a great job of developing many of the lesser characters.

As someone mentioned upthread, SW8 is one of those movies that you leave the theater feeling pretty good about, but over the next few days as you remember bits and pieces and ponder the decisions made, you begin to question what it was you just watched. Wait, did they really do that? How in the world was THAT supposed to work? Bombs falling out of a bomb bay -- in space -- really?

Incidentally, just to continue my rant about the dire state of science today, check out this unintentionally hilarious report about trying to communicate with an asteroid.

[wideopenears]

Saw it last night; I loved it. It's a frakin' Space Opera, people...it's not "hard Sci-Fi" and was never meant to be. Lucas created this universe as a comic book, for pete's sake, so the Marvel references you guys are making are somewhat apt. It's a mythology. Yeah, the Leia Poppins thing was a bit over-the-top, even for "Space Opera," and there were a few other points where I strained to control my "willful suspension of disbelief," but I found it better than Rogue One, and better than the Anakin-related releases by far. Right now I hold it equal to the first two sequels-Empire and Return. I welcomed the humor, something sorely lacking in the Anakin-related storyline. I'm 51, and also reconnected with my inner 10 year old.....which is a good thing, and for many of us, the point of the whole franchise. And, really, c'mon with the "Could Rey-have-killed-him" bit.....Kylo only said that to cover himself in his impending seizure (but the throat) of control.......


9 out of 10 stowaway Porgs from this guy.

[Nearfest2]

Yes. You have to imagine the script for a multi-billion dollar project like this goes through a lot of brainstorming meetings with input from a lot of smart people.

But you can only imagine it. There's no evidence.

For sure. It just seems like sometimes there is no one the room moderating the conversation and being the voice of reason.

[Nearfest2]

Bombs falling out of a bomb bay -- in space -- really?

Magnets.

[paythesnuka]

Bombs falling out of a bomb bay -- in space -- really?

Yes, really. Why does ANYTHING in this movie have to be linked to anything that is real on Earth?

Yes, bombs falling out of a bomb bay in space. They are special bombs that only the Star Wars universe uses.

You have a casino full of alien creatures playing cards and slots, and you are pointing out the bombs?

It's a fantasy movie just like the Lord of the Rings had this big tower with an eye in the middle, or Star Trek, where a space captain can have sex with multi-colored women creatures.

[Zeuhlmate]

^^^

Since rockets can fly in space, you can also throw something in a direction, and push bombs in a direction.
But anyway, i a space-fairytale anything can of course happen. Including drinking milk from a 'dragons' bussom.