Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Official Thread)

ELESDEE616

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The Last Jedi and the New Aesthetic of Star Wars
JANUARY 4, 2018SMATHOSLEAVE A COMMENT
Upon leaving the theater from The Last Jedi, I was immediately struck by two questions – 1.) Did Star Wars change or did I change? And 2.) Did people feel the same way about The Empire Strikes Back in 1980?

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I’ll admit, my expectations for this movie were enormous, especially after 2016’s masterful Rogue One. The epic title, the crimson-hewn poster art, the badass trailers– all implied a sense of hugeness and gravity. Given the events of Episode IX have yet to occur, my opinion of this movie could completely change; and I wholeheartedly commend Rian Johnson for attempting to sate our desire for a “unique” movie. However The Last Jedi underwhelms because it fails to capture the tonally mature, carefully-paced elegance of the originals – which I contend is the subconscious reason people, including children, fell in love with Star Wars in the first place. Don’t get me wrong, there were a lot of things I liked about the movie; however The Last Jedi is ultimately a double letdown of both story and storytelling. The film is marred by too many awkward moments of humor and goofy plot beats, while severely lacking in exposition, character development and artful dialogue – the latter two being the hallmarks of a great second act. It was alike and different from the classics in all the wrong ways. The fundamental reason why so many sequels fail (which is a whole new discussion) is because the new creators fail to understand what made the originals so great. Disney appears to be no different.

The Story
Before touching on aesthetics, let’s first discuss some structural problems with the plot. First, the story feels fundamentally hollow due to a lack of exposition for the good guys (The Force Awakens is partially to blame). We’ve seen Return of the Jedi, and are owed some explanation. Without it, the good guys just feel like carbon copies from the original trilogy (and no, the originals owed us nothing because no prior canon existed to Star Wars in 1977). We can’t empathize with the Rebellion “Resistance” because we still have no (literally zero) explanation of their origin or motive. Why was a resistance even necessary after, just 30 years prior, pulling off the most kick-ass guerilla military operation in the galaxy? What was the New Republic government even like and why is it worth fighting for? Where the hell were the mighty fleets of the New Republic and why were they concentrated so finely that they could be wholly destroyed by a few superlasers from The Deathstar Starkiller Base? The easy answer is that the New Republic was a pacifist government that dismantled its weapons and only kept a token fleet for defense (and apparently a worthless intelligence agency). Such naïve rationale would make even the peace-loving Captain Picard facepalm himself in dismay. Disney could have at least honored the legacy of Return of the Jedi by giving us a 5-minute flashback (Lord of the Rings style) on the post-war events following Episode VI. Doing so would have provided some critical weight in helping us believe in that “spark” to ignite this new rebellion (or is it resistance?).

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Problem Number Two – There is basically zero relationship between Luke and Rey. She shows up, Mark Hamill plays a cynical version of himself (which is sort of entertaining for a while but awkward for the movie), she swings a lightsaber at a rock, force-skypes with Kylo and leaves. This feels more like reality TV than epic storytelling. Most criminal of all, the movie completely omits any semblance of the “hero’s journey” for young Rey. After ditching Luke, she cordially meets bad-guy Kylo with whom she teams up to defeat a Sith master with little more than a scratch (although the lightsaber battle is really cool and the movie’s highlight). This narrative would have been far, far more satisfying had they been brother and sister, but I digress. She then heroically flies the Millennium Falcon into battle and rescues the surviving Resistance fighters by force-lifting a ton of rocks (a feat even Luke would have struggled with as a trained apprentice).

Wow. Disney, I get you’re trying to be “different”, but there is nothing epic about telling a story of a kid who, unchallenged, “figures it out on their own”. It is neither inspiring nor relatable, and does a disservice to young viewers. And while I vehemently maintain that “relatability” is not a prerequisite for good art, it is a very powerful storytelling element whose omission is painfully absent in Rey’s development. Aside from an apparently painful mind-meld with Snoke and receiving some bad parental news (which she already knew), Rey achieves success without any suffering or catharsis (could this be Disney’s cruel play to the “entitled millennial” stereotype?). She better be the second-coming of Yoda or Jesus Christ to be this adept in The Force without a teacher. In fact, doesn’t Yoda even say that “failure is the greatest teacher” in the movie?! While Rey’s competence with a lightsaber is conceivable given her skill with a staff, her self-mastery of the Force is uninspired, unrelatable and ultimately detracts from the beauty of the story. Daisy Ridley is a dynamite actress and her portrayal of Rey is fantastic. Her character deserves far more complexity from the script.

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Supporters of the movie will likely celebrate its “punk” sensibility– how it seems to push the confines of epic storytelling (the three act structure, the hero’s journey, etc). However I would argue that these inspirational elements are hardly a “limitations” at all, but fundamental ingredients like sugar and salt, from which thousands of recipes can be made. It is still possible to craft a unique story without sacrificing these classic themes, and to think otherwise just seems intellectually lazy. Yes the story was different, but not in a satisfying way. Looks like Disney is saving the heavy-lifting for Episode IX!

Aesthetics
Even despite these annoying plot issues, I would argue The Last Jedi still could have been a great movie had Disney simply been more respectful of the tone of the classics. While lighthearted at times, the originals were fundamentally serious movies about suffering, faith, warfare and heroism. Perhaps a product of the post-Vietnam milieu, Lucas masterfully blended dark and adult themes with tasteful moments of humor (a skill he apparently lost for the prequels). The solemnity of The Last Jedi is beleaguered by far too many awkward, ill-timed moments of slapstick that rob the film of any sense of tonal majesty. For example, the scene on the cliff where Rey is practicing her hot lightsaber moves started swelling up as this gorgeous scene of badassery and focus…and then stalls when she accidentally cuts the stone in half, nearly hitting two of those goofy bipedal bird aliens. *facepalm*. Let’s not forget that classy montage where “Jeremiah Johnson” Luke awkwardly milks the teat of a dopey-looking sea cow with Rey watching in confusion. And of course the scene where Mark Hamill (playing himself) tickles Rey’s hand as she “reaches out to The Force” (which is actually really funny but robs the scene of the dignity it deserves). What should be a movie rich with meaty, elegant dialogue discussing the complexity of The Force, is reduced to a classless litany of hipster rants and lame jokes. Granted, as a young child watching The Empire Strikes Back I remember getting bored with all the Yoda training scenes on Dagobah. However as I grew up, those scenes quickly became my favorite part of the entire trilogy. Those philosophical exchanges between Hamill and Oz in the misty Dagobah jungle reign as some of the most artful and transcendent lines of dialogue I’ve ever witnessed from science fiction.

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And it wasn’t just the Luke and Rey scenes, but countless more off-color distractions such as the General Hux phone prank scene, gravity-falling bombs (in space), Finn dumbly walking around in a leaking suit, Rey scolding a shirtless Kylo, and the cringe-worthy horse-alien rescue on Canto Bight (a scene that felt more befitting the disastrous Episode I). And of course the watered-down battle of Hoth Krayt that seemed more concerned with promoting the weird narrative of Finn and Rose than depicting the realities of combat.




However I will grant that the final Luke Skywalker scenes were pretty cool and befitting the grandeur of his character. Also, the Snoke and Kylo scenes were fantastic, and I loved how Snoke (brilliantly voiced) immediately addresses the “elephant in the room” by rightfully eschewing Kylo for being defeated by an untrained girl, not to mention mocking his Vader-wannabe mask. The Leia resurrection scene was also masterfully done, and a heartbreaking ode to Carrie Fisher’s famous request to “die in the moonlight strangled by my own bra.” (I held back tears on all three viewings).

Chuck Klosterman, in his book of “Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs”, fascinatingly deconstructs the symbolic importance of The Empire Strikes Backas the cultural moment that marked the ascendance of Generation X. The rebellion is in retreat, the fate of the galaxy uncertain, and our hero forced to cope with a major identity crisis (sound familiar?). Emotionally heavy, cynical and bleak, Empire masterfully tells a coming-of-age tale that mirrors the Gen-X aesthetic with chilling accuracy. However there’s a frustrating irony in that the Gen X-ers helming the New Star Wars seem incapable of replicating the weightier tone of the classics they grew up with, Rogue One’s Gareth Edwards notwithstanding – but maybe they deliberately don’t want to? As a millennial myself (who identifies as Boomer), I can’t help but wonder if The Last Jedi is serving the same cultural purpose for my generation as Empire did for Gen-X? A movie coddled by cutesy jokes, emo entitlement (Kylo) and effortless success (Rey), could The Last Jedibe Disney’s cruel affirmation (or mockery) of the millennial stereotype? Its nihilistic motif of “letting the past die” also seems eerily reminiscent of our “post-truth” Trump moment and its crusade against old institutions of media, politics and government.

But maybe the haters just don’t understand The Last Jedi? Maybe it’s just too artsy, too intellectual? Or maybe our adult-centric view of Star Wars is wrong and that it really is meant to be nothing more than lightweight children’s fare? Who are we to demand more substance from the new stories? Maybe it will be us millennials who will triumphantly bring Star Wars back to its roots? But seeing as we’ve nearly killed rock ‘n roll, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
 
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Lordgodking Nyc

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Kathleen Kennedy needs to either use the story group or not . They chose to disregard legends and say they are making new cannon stuff . That's all good BUT then don't be suprised when you get TLJ reactions . I read the comics and books and they do good jobs expanding the time in between movies but the movies stories should make some sense with all that stuff . The story room should be able to say to RJ that umm well in the book or comic coming up have this key element is in it .
I think KK got fired
 

CourtesyFlush

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This is the kind of backlash I was expecting TFA to get. I'm perplexed how star wars fans let slide that carbon copy with no soul. TLJ sucked but it had nothing to work with, of course it was gonna suck! TFA introduced no new ideas or interesting characters. At least this shytty movie tried something new.
 

Eddy Gordo

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This is the kind of backlash I was expecting TFA to get. I'm perplexed how star wars fans let slide that carbon copy with no soul. TLJ sucked but it had nothing to work with, of course it was gonna suck! TFA introduced no new ideas or interesting characters. At least this shytty movie tried something new.
I gave TFA a pass for a few reasons.
1. The new characters had potential to do brand new things. Former stormtrooper. Really strong Jedi girl who has never been trained. These are really good EU story setups that I was expecting some payoff in. Sure they weren't really fleshed out but we had time to get to that point. There is enough new to keep me engaged.
2. Nostalgia.
3. If you get over the fact it's a remix it's still a fun movie to me.

I been asking people for awhile now but what does TLJ do that's new?
 

ORDER_66

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This is the kind of backlash I was expecting TFA to get. I'm perplexed how star wars fans let slide that carbon copy with no soul. TLJ sucked but it had nothing to work with, of course it was gonna suck! TFA introduced no new ideas or interesting characters. At least this shytty movie tried something new.

TLJ got a ton of backlash because the movie was essentially a layup all he have to do is build upon the movie, use the lore, make it visually stunning, dont put in stupid dialogues and story arcs that doesnt fit.
JJ is a fan who wrote a new story with a new villan, new conflicts new era... all RJ had to do was make it a slam dunk and HE FAILED...:mindblown:

Focus on training between Luke and Rey, Delve deeper into what Luke has been doing since the end of ROTJ, delve deeper into conflicts on why Snoke Chose Ben Solo, Answer the greater questions on who Rey's parents really was. SHOW how strong luke has become in the last battle. Flesh out Finn and Rose's characters more, Show Poe stepping up into being the leader of the resistance, Answer the question on where Snoke, came from, what does he want, why is he so strong, BUILD UPON THE LORE with the FORCE...DON'T KILL OFF LUKE SKYWALKER SO DAMNED SOON MAKE HIS DEATH MEAN SOMETHING... SHOW REY GETTING GOOD AT USING THE FORCE, SHOW WHY SHE ISN'T CORRUPTED BY THE DARKSIDE, SHOW HER GETTING NEW FORCE ABILITIES...

This movie wasnt hard to write at all... AND RIAN JOHNSON FAILED THIS shyt!!! HE HAS FAILED THIS CITY!!! :pacspit:
 

23Barrettcity

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This is the kind of backlash I was expecting TFA to get. I'm perplexed how star wars fans let slide that carbon copy with no soul. TLJ sucked but it had nothing to work with, of course it was gonna suck! TFA introduced no new ideas or interesting characters. At least this shytty movie tried something new.
How did it have no soul? If you think the story is similar to a new hope fine but the characters jj knocked out the park . He gave us 3 ( somehow Poe was compelling in his short time ) great characters who were all different than the original big 3 and had great chemistry as well and he managed to make a few interesting villains . Finn + Rey had great chemistry and Finn +Poe as well . His casting was spot on . No one really watched the movie and was like that cast sucked and I don't care about them . Everyone was like who's Rey's parents , who's snoke , what's up with Kylo , what's up wit. Luke , is Finn force sensitive , is Finn and Rey going to hook up , how did Rey use the force in that way . where did the first order come from , knight of ten etc I can go on and on . He set the story up in a way for the future while establishing a new group of leads to mix with the OGs.
What JJ did was actually much harder than what RJ did in that he didn't just go everyone is someone's son/family member no they all stood on their own and was nobodies except maybe Rey and Kylo . RJ tried to show anyone can be a hero but just talked about it , JJ actually did it in a subtle way .
No one was saying after TFA that they wanted everything JJ did pretty much eradicated . It's a difference between wanting a new story and What he did . By thr way he seemed to put things BACK to how they were in the og movies with a rag tag band .
 

23Barrettcity

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TLJ got a ton of backlash because the movie was essentially a layup all he have to do is build upon the movie, use the lore, make it visually stunning, dont put in stupid dialogues and story arcs that doesnt fit.
JJ is a fan who wrote a new story with a new villan, new conflicts new era... all RJ had to do was make it a slam dunk and HE FAILED...:mindblown:

Focus on training between Luke and Rey, Delve deeper into what Luke has been doing since the end of ROTJ, delve deeper into conflicts on why Snoke Chose Ben Solo, Answer the greater questions on who Rey's parents really was. SHOW how strong luke has become in the last battle. Flesh out Finn and Rose's characters more, Show Poe stepping up into being the leader of the resistance, Answer the question on where Snoke, came from, what does he want, why is he so strong, BUILD UPON THE LORE with the FORCE...DON'T KILL OFF LUKE SKYWALKER SO DAMNED SOON MAKE HIS DEATH MEAN SOMETHING... SHOW REY GETTING GOOD AT USING THE FORCE, SHOW WHY SHE ISN'T CORRUPTED BY THE DARKSIDE, SHOW HER GETTING NEW FORCE ABILITIES...

This movie wasnt hard to write at all... AND RIAN JOHNSON FAILED THIS shyt!!! HE HAS FAILED THIS CITY!!! :pacspit:
RJ failed to realize he's doing the middle film in a trilogy ! You can't just go and do whatever you want ignoring basic things from the first movie , if that's the case then don't do the middle film just pitch the new stand alone trilogy and be done . I can see why Trerrow Had trouble writing a good script for episode 9 as 8 left them in a terrible place . It's like if he saw 7 and was like cool I can't wait to play with this new stuff and established characters he'd be like :francis::picard::mjcry: seeing what's going on in 8. Like sooo all of the OG ARE DEAD ( Carrie rip ) and the resistance is wiped out and for some reason a random broom boy is force sensitive and snokes dead Wtf :scust: umm where do I begin .

I'm starting to think that KK loved this movie cause it was super feminist like ohh all the guys are dumb ( luke , Poe, Finn , Kylo ) and the women ( Rey , leia, holdo , rose, Rose sister ) lead the way plus rose is a person of color and holdo is lgbt . :blessed: Thank god the force is female . I had zero complaints wit Rey ( outside of her blandness in TFA ) but jj was able to do the same message in a subtle way as was rouge one . KK was like no no no we need a stronger female presence :feedme:
 

loyola llothta

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Thanos places the last infinity stone into the gauntlet, he glazes over it as he comes to the realization that he finally has unlimited power. He then takes the gauntlet off and throws it over his shoulder implying that the gems he had been searching for twelve years are useless. He realizes that power was within him the whole time

- Rian Johnson's Avengers: Infinity War

:mjlol:
 

nieman

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RJ failed to realize he's doing the middle film in a trilogy ! You can't just go and do whatever you want ignoring basic things from the first movie , if that's the case then don't do the middle film just pitch the new stand alone trilogy and be done . I can see why Trerrow Had trouble writing a good script for episode 9 as 8 left them in a terrible place . It's like if he saw 7 and was like cool I can't wait to play with this new stuff and established characters he'd be like :francis::picard::mjcry: seeing what's going on in 8. Like sooo all of the OG ARE DEAD ( Carrie rip ) and the resistance is wiped out and for some reason a random broom boy is force sensitive and snokes dead Wtf :scust: umm where do I begin .

I'm starting to think that KK loved this movie cause it was super feminist like ohh all the guys are dumb ( luke , Poe, Finn , Kylo ) and the women ( Rey , leia, holdo , rose, Rose sister ) lead the way plus rose is a person of color and holdo is lgbt . :blessed: Thank god the force is female . I had zero complaints wit Rey ( outside of her blandness in TFA ) but jj was able to do the same message in a subtle way as was rouge one . KK was like no no no we need a stronger female presence :feedme:

And it's crazy because when has SW ever had weak female characters? Leia, Padme, Corde and the rest of them, Ahsoka, Jaina, Sabine & Hera, Aayla Secura, Shaak Ti...even Shmi. These aren't weak characters and they aren't made stronger by making the men weaker.
 

Rice N Beans

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I wasn't as disappointed as some of you guys. Really, I saw the movie and thought it's a good precursor. You can tell the movie was created with a trilogy in mind and that's off-putting yes, but overall I thought it did a good job.

With that being said my biggest gripe is how small it felt in terms of story scope. I usually feel a larger story arc in the movies but this time it really felt small. I'd say it's the worst movie for Star Wars, but I still enjoyed it on its own.
 
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