Before you read this, I need to warn you that hate mail will immediately be deleted and that we are all entitled to our opinions. And – no – this is not a political post. That said, I’m not a Star Wars fan. I don’t get the hype. There. I’ve said it.
Now, that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen the movies, I just don’t get all the hype. Of course, I’m not a science fiction fan either so maybe that’s why. But people of all ages flock to these movie premieres and dress up and buy the souvenir popcorn buckets and all the other stuff. And there’s an entire new land at the Disney parks devoted to this Star Wars craze.
I watched the first 3 movies when they came out, starting with the first one back in the ‘70’s. Turns out those were actually Episodes 4, 5 and 6. At that time I didn’t understand why they started where they did, but it all makes sense now. Sort of. George Lucas either wrote all the back story first, then realized he couldn’t start his story with backstory so he did what every writer knows to do, start with the action, thus Episode 4, or, he very strategically released the episodes having this entire saga mapped out for 30 years. I’m not sure how that’s even possible, but I don’t live in George Lucas’ mind so I’ll have to believe that’s what he did. Otherwise, why deliberately start with Episode 4? Why not just create every episode and release them in their proper numerical order? I mean, nobody starts reading a book at chapter 4 then, after reading 3 chapters, goes back to the beginning and reads the first 3 chapters. Do they?
Because my husband and I are Disney fans and we’ve got a trip planned pretty soon, we obviously will be visiting this new “land,” when we’re there. So, we decided, since we now have Disney+, we’d start watching these movies in chronological order so that we won’t be so lost when we get to the Disney parks. As I said, I’d seen the original 3 movies, my husband, on the other hand, had not seen any. Ever.
To date, we’ve watched the first 5 episodes (as they were released) – the original 3 movies (Episodes 4, 5 and 6), and the forth and fifth movies, Episodes 1 and 2, which were released like 20 years later. Neither of us really understands why these movies reached the super fandom levels they have. The movies are okay, except Episode 2, which we both thought was downright boring, but I wouldn’t rave on about any of them. At least so far. The plots are pretty basic really, if you break them down and put the plot into a nutshell. The entire fifth movie, Episode 2 in the saga, could have been completed in about 20 minutes. The rest was just – well – theatrics. The entire opening chase scene lasted 30 minutes. 30 entire minutes of 3 dudes chasing each other and playing chicken in some kind of deep space urban abyss. Really? The same “thrill” could have been accomplished in about 10 minutes. I almost turned the movie off.
I also think the characters are pretty commonplace. At least the human ones. Again, just my opinion. Oh sure, the “alien” beings, droids, half-humans and animal creatures are genuinely creative, but they lack true substance as far as the story goes. They’re really just window dressing. None of these characters are deep thinkers. They add a tad bit of humor on occasion. They’re heroic, but not really – well – interesting. Again, in my opinion.
It should be noted; however, that a much younger version of myself had a massive crush on Han Solo. Not because he was interesting, although he is a little bit interesting, but purely because he’s cute. What young girl doesn’t like a charming, bad boy, rebel, smuggler, with his own spaceship and a devoted wookie companion?
The world-building is pretty incredible but I’d rather get more involved with the characters and their journey than with the fantastical worlds they live in. Some of the scenes are cute and they add an element of humor, but seriously, is this story-telling at it’s best? There are no real plot twists and we all know how every movie is going to end.
They’re definitely action-packed with all the light-saber duels, spacecraft chase scenes, bounding blindly down wormholes and not knowing where you’ll end up and such, but the stories themselves are not really all that in-depth. Unless I’m completely missing something. And, quite frankly, that’s entirely possible.
Anyway, we’re going to get through the entire series of these movies – at least what’s available on Disney+ – before we leave on our vacation, but I’m not sure it’ll change our perception of the whole Star Wars phenomenon. I’m hoping at least the new rides will be cool, if we can even manage to get aboard. I hear the wait times are insane and the process to get a boarding pass is somewhat complex, but we shall see. Try we will. No wait, there is no try, right? Only do or do not. I guess only time will tell whether we do or do not. I hope The Force is with us.
So, there you have it, my totally unsolicited take on Star Wars. Don’t hate me. It’s just MY opinion. I’m just trying to figure out why people are so fanatical about Star Wars. Really about superheroes in general. But, then again, if they weren’t, there’d be no reason to have ComicCons, or DragonCons or whatever other Cons. It’s a crazy world we live in and we all have different tastes.
How about you guys, are you Star Wars fans? Do you like superhero movies? Do you enjoy going to the “Con” festivals? Am I missing something important with the Star Wars movies?
Word of the Day: Taradiddle
Fun fact about me: I can pick up small objects from the floor with my toes. Yup, that’s my weird talent. Maybe I’m related to one of those funky-toed alien-beings in the Star Wars movies.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, January 2020. Images by Google Images.
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I’m glad to hear I’m not the only non-Star Wars fan. When I was a child, I loved Flash Gordon, but I grew up. Well, some might question that, but anyhow, I never understood why adults are attracted to Star Wars or Star Trek or sci fi in general. It’s just too far out for me.
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Whew – I’m glad I’m not alone here. I felt like I should watch the movies, just to see if there was something I might be missing. But – nope. Still don’t get it. Good for George Lucas though.
I saw the Flash Gordon movie. It was “cute,” for lack of a better word, but I wasn’t necessarily a fan.
Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful week.
Patricia
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Although I do like the Star Wars stuff, you are probably right. The originals were great for their day and now many years later come across as a bit hammy. The three episodes that came twenty years later did come across A bit dark but I do admire how George Lucas tied it all into what we all grew up with. I am sure he only made the follow ups trading on the cult and popularity of the past and of course to make more money. I also think a lot Of advertising has also made it the multi money making thing it is. I have to say that after the first initial six episodes , all the new ones don’t do anything for me anymore. The characters don’t rock my boat anymore at all. I still watch them because once you follow a trend you are kind of blackmailed into continuing, but whereas I know the first three originals off by heart I can’t be asked to rewatch the new ones. I think to understand the hype maybe in a Disney way, is like watching something like original Dumbo, or bambi, Snow White, incredible for its day, animation will never be made like this again and
Compare it with a modern Disney, or even the re touched old disneys .The modern Disney is still awesome but those of us who grew up with the originals will always have a very special,place in our hearts for them. The magic is added because we watched them as a child . Through a child’s eyes and mind. We all love nostalgia, it has a warm glowing effect inside and feels like a place of familiarity and safety. It is the nostalgia factor. Many adults going to the modern star wars go because they went when they were kids and it is an attempt to recapture the magic of those days . I may be wrong . In my case I usually watch a modern film maybe once or twice but the old movies , over and over, it’s the inner child trying to get out. Of course if sci-fi isn’t your thing it won’t grab you in the first place. I can understand completely that if you didn’t do the Star Wars thing back in the day you wouldn’t see the magic now. When it first came out I wanted to see it as soon as it was released. I am quite content to wait till it comes out cheap on dvd before I watch it. I might be wrong about all of the above but it is how I see it.
My favourite all time movie is it’s a wonderful life. I will watch it anytime. There have been many better movies made With maybe better acting but it is part of my childhood and the feeling it gave me back then has stood the duration of time . Star Wars was a pioneer movie in the 70s nothing of its like had been made, had characters that we grew to know and care about .Good against evil and something unique we hadn’t seen before. It is dated now but as I said we have the nostaligia factor. I don’t think the new characters have that same magic. Please don’t shoot me for having an opinion. 😂🤣😂
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I know what you mean about returning to our childhood when we watch certain movies. I do remember as a young person thinking how excited I was to finally get to see the original Star Wars movie and how much anticipation surrounded the release of the second one. I was never a true fan, but I had a certain sense of wonderment about the next episode. I guess that’s what keeps people tuning in each week to TV shows as well. Maybe the show isn’t that well-done but we have just enough interest to tune in next week anyway. You know – just in case.
I’m with you on the “old” movies. Actors back in the day truly had to do it all: sing, dance, act. True talent was needed to make movies, not theatrics and camera tricks.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love to hear how other people think. (Well, some of the time any way.)
Patricia
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I hate you, I hate you, I HATE you!
Sorry, just wanted to see if you immediately deleted my comment before you read the rest. I loved the first Star Wars. Liked the one with Jabba the Hutt. Didn’t even finish the third one and haven’t watched one since. Just like most Hollywood productions today, they manage to avoid any creativity and just churn out sequels that are warmed over originals. Changing the order of episodes doesn’t fool anyone.
Have a fun trip to Disney!
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You can hate me all you want Al, just don’t call me names. That’s where I draw the line.
You and Jabba the Hutt huh? Hmmm. I would have pegged you for an C3PO kind of guy, all shiny and full of knowledge. You have me fooled I guess.
Thanks for stopping by and adding to the conversation. I’m glad I’m not alone in my opinion about this craze.
Patricia
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What a bunch of taradiddle! LOL, j/k. I like Star Wars, but not obsessively. I have to agree with your assessment of the characters and all, and it’s definitely overhyped and I don’t get that either. Han Solo was also my favorite as a kid! I like Trek a lot better, and actually went to a con once many, many years ago. It was fun, but once was enough for me.
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It is overhyped. Waaaayyy overhyped. The world building is epic, but the plot is pretty thin. I guess that’s what’s carrying this thing to the extreme zone for fans.
My husband was also a Star Trek fan. Not a fanatic, but he enjoyed the shows. He’ll still watch an episode or two when they’re on. They seem hokey to me, but again – I don’t get science fiction.
As always, thanks for visiting. Have a wonderful week.
Patricia
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I know what you mean. I don’t think they are terrible movies, but they are not particularly epic either. Still, I bet they’ll make fantastic rides! Hopefully you will have a blast in star wars land anyway!
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I don’t think the movies are terrible. They are definitely creative as far as the costumes and space vehicles and weapons and such. That part is actually pretty incredible. But the storyline itself is weak.
That said, I’m super excited about the new rides. I hope to be able to actually get aboard so that I can report back. Stay tuned.
Thanks for visiting today. Have a great rest of the week.
Patricia
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I smiled the whole time I read this post. You are definitely entitled to your opinion and I’m glad it was about Star Wars and not politics! I liked the first Star Wars movies, but haven’t been a huge fan. I haven’t seen all the episodes, but eventually I’ll catch up. Fun post. Have a great week, Patricia!
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I’m trying to catch up as well. It seems to me the movies get worse as they go along. I’m kind of afraid to keep watching, but time will tell I guess.
Thanks for stopping by today and joining the conversation. I love to hear how other people think on this issue. I’m glad I’m not the only one.
Have a wonderful week.
Patricia
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I remember the first Star Wars movie as a teenager in the theater – I have very fond memories of the Palms Theater in Sugar Land. It is long gone as are many of the places of my youth. I didn’t get Star Wars then and I don’t get it now. I don’t think my kids get it either, so maybe it is inherited and passed on. Whatever it is, we find amusement and wonder in other things – sunsets, birds, snowfall, thunder and lightning and each other…. sometimes. It’s what makes our world so much richer and interesting – diversity of thought and opinion. Peace and love in the New Year!
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Clay, it’s nice to know I’m not alone on this. It seems everywhere you go there’s something Star Wars related and I’m just trying to understand why.
It is so refreshing to know that your kids – and yourself for that matter – take pleasure in the simple, not to mention free, things in life. God is indeed good and we are blessed with such amazing wonderful things around us every day. Keep looking for them my friend.
Have a wonderful week.
Patricia
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I have a funny Star Wars story – I’ve always been a fan, but one of my besties shares your opinion. Back in the day, I tricked her into coming over and we watched Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi one right after the other. Since my grandparents were there, she felt obligated to be nice about it. Also, we were both in the marching band together and our teacher selected the Ewok theme song to memorize…along with some of the Ewok language. Which we had to chant while marching in parades. It was a wee bit too nerdy, even for me.
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You see – that’s the kind of stuff I’m talking about. Why? I mean the Ewoks are cute and all, but still, I’m not getting it.
But, I guess the same can be said for anything really. Not everyone gets my super weird attraction to all things Disney. But at least there’s some substance to Disney, what with the parks and food and festivals and such. So hey, to each his own right?
Thanks for sharing your story. (Note to self: Coleen is a trickster.)
Have a great rest of the week!
Patricia
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