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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: swimmingbird on Thu, 17 December 2015, 07:41:21

Title: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Thu, 17 December 2015, 07:41:21
Just got back from seeing the new Star Wars film

Was pretty awesome - please use spoiler format when discussing plot points (I'm sure pretty much everyone on here will anyway)

What did you guys think?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 17 December 2015, 08:14:55
Just got back from seeing the new Star Wars film

Was pretty awesome - I'm not going to post any spoilers yet just in case people are using Spy or Unread but I'd highly recommend people go see it (I'm sure pretty much everyone on here will anyway)

I won't, not even sure it's out here in China yet..


I'm actually looking to get into a more realistic "futuristic" universe..

Like Startrek but "New"


Startrek made sense, and people and beings given their ability behaved much more appropirately vs the current crop of scifi universes.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: lolpes on Thu, 17 December 2015, 08:30:11
Saw it, loved it :D shame about 5 second Luke tough...
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 17 December 2015, 08:31:13
Saw it, loved it :D shame about 5 second Luke tough...

Is it Soooo good,  like Iron Man 1,   that you can watch a cam-ed version,, and still be like, holy ****,  let's see that again..
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Thu, 17 December 2015, 08:32:13
Saw it, loved it :D shame about 5 second Luke tough...

SPOILERS yah I thought that was weird considering how he was listed as the number two credit SPOILERS
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: lolpes on Thu, 17 December 2015, 08:48:29
The spoiler warning is already on the Tittle :P so free game from here on? xD

Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 17 December 2015, 08:51:47
The spoiler warning is already on the Tittle :P so free game from here on? xD



You shoudl prolly still put the spoilers in the FRONT of the title, because sometimes on smaller screens the title gets cut off at the end.. with.....
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Findecanor on Thu, 17 December 2015, 13:12:47
I liked aspects of it. I saw it on Tuesday night European time (pre-screening Gala premiere in costume. Special invite from Disney. Woohoo!) and had a ticket for Wednesday night also, but the bad aspects of the movie curbed my enthusiasm for seeing it a second time, so I didn't. Maybe I'll go again some time after Christmas.

The two main characters are great. Han Solo was great. Leia delivered. Dialogue was great. No stupid alien or droid-humour, I heard only a burp once. The new droid is awesome: very cute and likeable. It is fast and action-paced while having slow moments also. There is maybe a little bit too much fan-service.
The worst thing is that the framework for the story is ... unoriginal. You know how J.J. Abrams made a reboot of Star Trek and a reboot-remake of the movie Star Trek - Wrath of Kahn? Well.. now he has done the same thing with Star Wars!
If you have seen the poster then you have already seen that there is a friggin Death Star! Literally, it is a cold place.
People already ridiculed Return of the Jedi back in 1983 for having a new Death Star, and now there is a third! What were they thinking?
But they don't call it a Death Star . They even use charts and graphs to try to convince the audience that it isn't one ... *facepalm*.
But what happens with the Death Star? Well... the rest of the framework is just the same as in ANH, with a tiny bit of the ROTJ Death Star story thrown in for good measure.
And do let's make it super-easy for someone who has never flown a starship before to start flying one, and let's make it super-easy for someone who isn't a trained jedi and not even force-sensitive to use a lightsaber and almost hold his own again the baddest mofo in the galaxy, and forget about he navigation computer taking time to calculate how to fly through hyperspace (it is not like dusting crops, boy!) - we can now enter hyperspace directly out from a hangar even though it now has unknown modifications, and we can leave hyperspace in atmosphere and pull up just right before we would otherwise hit ground ... *whew* *exhale*.

The movie leaves with even higher expectations on the next movie. Cliffhanger. Well.. they are on a cliff anyway. :P
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Thu, 17 December 2015, 18:34:44
I liked aspects of it. I saw it on Tuesday night European time (pre-screening Gala premiere in costume. Special invite from Disney. Woohoo!) and had a ticket for Wednesday night also, but the bad aspects of the movie curbed my enthusiasm for seeing it a second time, so I didn't. Maybe I'll go again some time after Christmas.

The two main characters are great. Han Solo was great. Leia delivered. Dialogue was great. No stupid alien or droid-humour, I heard only a burp once. The new droid is awesome: very cute and likeable. It is fast and action-paced while having slow moments also. There is maybe a little bit too much fan-service.
The worst thing is that the framework for the story is ... unoriginal. You know how J.J. Abrams made a reboot of Star Trek and a reboot-remake of the movie Star Trek - Wrath of Kahn? Well.. now he has done the same thing with Star Wars!
If you have seen the poster then you have already seen that there is a friggin Death Star! Literally, it is a cold place.
People already ridiculed Return of the Jedi back in 1983 for having a new Death Star, and now there is a third! What were they thinking?
But they don't call it a Death Star . They even use charts and graphs to try to convince the audience that it isn't one ... *facepalm*.
But what happens with the Death Star? Well... the rest of the framework is just the same as in ANH, with a tiny bit of the ROTJ Death Star story thrown in for good measure.
And do let's make it super-easy for someone who has never flown a starship before to start flying one, and let's make it super-easy for someone who isn't a trained jedi and not even force-sensitive to use a lightsaber and almost hold his own again the baddest mofo in the galaxy, and forget about he navigation computer taking time to calculate how to fly through hyperspace (it is not like dusting crops, boy!) - we can now enter hyperspace directly out from a hangar even though it now has unknown modifications, and we can leave hyperspace in atmosphere and pull up just right before we would otherwise hit ground ... *whew* *exhale*.

The movie leaves with even higher expectations on the next movie. Cliffhanger. Well.. they are on a cliff anyway. :P

I thought the ending was really muddled

Han Solo should have died halfway through the film so that you would have had a clear emotion at the ending

I also thought it was weird how they chose to put Luke Skywalker in at the end - unless they start the next film at that exact moment we are going to miss their first real dialogue....

Funnily enough I thought that the nostalgia crap was the worst part of the film - if it didn't have that it would have been perfect
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: hwood34 on Thu, 17 December 2015, 22:38:36
I liked aspects of it. I saw it on Tuesday night European time (pre-screening Gala premiere in costume. Special invite from Disney. Woohoo!) and had a ticket for Wednesday night also, but the bad aspects of the movie curbed my enthusiasm for seeing it a second time, so I didn't. Maybe I'll go again some time after Christmas.

The two main characters are great. Han Solo was great. Leia delivered. Dialogue was great. No stupid alien or droid-humour, I heard only a burp once. The new droid is awesome: very cute and likeable. It is fast and action-paced while having slow moments also. There is maybe a little bit too much fan-service.
The worst thing is that the framework for the story is ... unoriginal. You know how J.J. Abrams made a reboot of Star Trek and a reboot-remake of the movie Star Trek - Wrath of Kahn? Well.. now he has done the same thing with Star Wars!
If you have seen the poster then you have already seen that there is a friggin Death Star! Literally, it is a cold place.
People already ridiculed Return of the Jedi back in 1983 for having a new Death Star, and now there is a third! What were they thinking?
But they don't call it a Death Star . They even use charts and graphs to try to convince the audience that it isn't one ... *facepalm*.
But what happens with the Death Star? Well... the rest of the framework is just the same as in ANH, with a tiny bit of the ROTJ Death Star story thrown in for good measure.
And do let's make it super-easy for someone who has never flown a starship before to start flying one, and let's make it super-easy for someone who isn't a trained jedi and not even force-sensitive to use a lightsaber and almost hold his own again the baddest mofo in the galaxy, and forget about he navigation computer taking time to calculate how to fly through hyperspace (it is not like dusting crops, boy!) - we can now enter hyperspace directly out from a hangar even though it now has unknown modifications, and we can leave hyperspace in atmosphere and pull up just right before we would otherwise hit ground ... *whew* *exhale*.

The movie leaves with even higher expectations on the next movie. Cliffhanger. Well.. they are on a cliff anyway. :P
THEY EVEN BEAT THE DEATH STAR THINGY IN THE SAME DAMN WAY. **** UP THE SHIELD, SHOOT THIS LITTLE THING THAT ****S THE WHOLE THING UP
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: romevi on Thu, 17 December 2015, 23:17:47
It was great, but I hope it was repetitive just to bring in the old fans and that they do new stuff for the next films.

The ending REALLY bugged me, though.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jbondeson on Fri, 18 December 2015, 08:46:11
The biggest thing that bugged me was how bloody telegraphed the Kylo Ren - Han Solo interaction was.

[...]and let's make it super-easy for someone who isn't a trained jedi and not even force-sensitive to use a lightsaber and almost hold his own again the baddest mofo in the galaxy,

You got a much different feel from Kylo Ren than I did. He seemed much more "confused kid with daddy issues and an anger problem" than "baddest mofo in the galazy" to me. Easily the worst new character. His characterization seems more at home with a 16 year old than the twenty-something they're trying to make him.

and forget about he navigation computer taking time to calculate how to fly through hyperspace (it is not like dusting crops, boy!) - we can now enter hyperspace directly out from a hangar even though it now has unknown modifications, and we can leave hyperspace in atmosphere and pull up just right before we would otherwise hit ground ... *whew* *exhale*.

Technology in Star War has always been flat out dumb. I, II and III had much more technology than IV, V, and VI. And if you didn't have characters for reference you'd think VII was shot within 5 years, not the 20-30 years they're going for. And the extended universe of the books just makes the technology issue worse.

It was great, but I hope it was repetitive just to bring in the old fans and that they do new stuff for the next films.

The ending REALLY bugged me, though.

I very much got the feeling that this was a "lets bring back the old fans" intro movie.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 December 2015, 08:49:10
I very much got the feeling that this was a "lets bring back the old fans" intro movie.

Yes, in the same way that Abrams' Star Trek reboot film was.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jbondeson on Fri, 18 December 2015, 08:56:07
Yes, in the same way that Abrams' Star Trek reboot film was.

See I had the opposite reaction to the Star Trek reboot. I hated that reboot. Still haven't even bothered to see the Wrath of Khan retread.

If we have to suffer through a V and VI retread I'm going to be really, really disappointed. Frankly I think they would have been better off simply pulling inspiration from the extended universe rather than this "RECYCLE ALL THE THINGS" kick they're on.

And now I realize I'm sounding really critical. I rather like the feel of the movie, just with they were more original on the script.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: keshley on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:15:46
My take on Kylo Ren: Knows some pretty bad-ass dark side powers, but is incomplete when it comes to other Jedi skills. Unlike Luke, and the Jedi in the prequels, he never once reflected a blaster shot back at the attacker. I think this is why Rey was able to hold her own in the lightsaber battle. Hell, even Finn was able to hurt him, and as far as we know, he's not a Jedi (although I feel that is kinda left open at this point - he could be a 'lesser' Jedi in comparison to Rey, or he could simply be a fast learner).

So, in my estimation, what we saw was a partially trained Jedi (Kylo Ren) fighting an untrained Jedi who's a natural with martial skills (Rey).
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:25:33
any other cool tech ?

I no gets to see the movie..
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:29:39
any other cool tech ?

I no gets to see the movie..

A planet-sized death star weapon, which sucks up the energy from its star and fires it at other planets. This was typical J.J. Abrams plot device, to me. Like the planet core drill on Vulcan...

BB-8 is a cool little droid. But I suppose the 'BB' series of droids only ever had 10 units manufactured. :))
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Jokrik on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:38:06
Just watched the movie,
It's good, but my favorite is still Ep.V

Han Solo, is the best part of the film and have always been in my opinion of all the star wars saga

but my head just confused right now with what Disney has done to the expanded universe, I was expecting that there will be links or even hint for Ben Skywalker

hnnnggggg
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:41:21
but my head just confused right now with what Disney has done to the expanded universe, I was expecting that there will be links or even hint for Ben Skywalker

I don't read expanded universe; I've only watched canon. But I can hazard a guess that there may be another moment like: "That girl is our last hope. No, there is another."
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jbondeson on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:43:36
any other cool tech ?

I no gets to see the movie..

The rebels fly the same X-Wing fighters, but apparently the First Order has thrown some new badass paint jobs on their TIE-fighters. The rebels seriously need to step up their fund raising game. The Empire/First Order can build planet sized weapons that destroy worlds, but they can't even get new damn fighter planes.

Just watched the movie,
It's good, but my favorite is still Ep.V

Han Solo, is the best part of the film and have always been in my opinion of all the star wars saga

but my head just confused right now with what Disney has done to the expanded universe, I was expecting that there will be links or even hint for Ben Skywalker

hnnnggggg

This movie essentially ****-canned the entire extended universe that was built post-Ep VI.  Everything went to "non-canon". Vector Prime and Chewbacca's death are out the window along with everything else.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: romevi on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:45:44
Just watched the movie,
It's good, but my favorite is still Ep.V

Han Solo, is the best part of the film and have always been in my opinion of all the star wars saga

but my head just confused right now with what Disney has done to the expanded universe, I was expecting that there will be links or even hint for Ben Skywalker

hnnnggggg

Yeah, I thought the film overall was great. I get why did what they did to Han Solo. I guess I just would've liked him to have more...something...about it. The final scene really, really bugged. I would've just liked if they ended it at Rey and Chewie leaving to find Luke.

Also, the EU is completely erased. Like, it never happened. Could they get inspiration from it? Sure, but just pretend that up to 2012 nothing happened since 1983.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Jokrik on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:48:34
but my head just confused right now with what Disney has done to the expanded universe, I was expecting that there will be links or even hint for Ben Skywalker

I don't read expanded universe; I've only watched canon. But I can hazard a guess that there may be another moment like: "That girl is our last hope. No, there is another."

I will be looking forward what Rogue One has to offer
There are more stories other than Jedis in Star Wars, really hoping to find more of them in the big screen

but man, I know that he's gonna die way before today but why I'm still emotionally impacted T_T
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: BUDA on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:53:41

So, in my estimation, what we saw was a partially trained Jedi (Kylo Ren) fighting an untrained Jedi who's a natural with martial skills (Rey).



For me Rey was already trained (may be by Luke) when she was a little child (best age to be trained). A trauma in its childhood trouble is memory and she was hidden on Jakku because Knights of Ren tracked and killed all new Luke's Padawans (Knights of Ren killing people pictures during the flashback/flashforward scene of Rey with the Luke's lightsaber).
Its Mind Control skill and fight skill is to high to be natural. Rey's martial art skills are aftermath not causes. The Master Jedi training is too important into the saga. The history/background of Rey seems to be fat.

Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: romevi on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:55:50

So, in my estimation, what we saw was a partially trained Jedi (Kylo Ren) fighting an untrained Jedi who's a natural with martial skills (Rey).



For me Rey was already trained (may be by Luke) when she was a little child (best age to be trained). A trauma in its childhood trouble is memory and she was hidden on Jakku because Knights of Ren tracked and killed all new Luke's Padawans (Knights of Ren killing people pictures during the flashback/flashforward scene of Rey with the Luke's lightsaber).
Its Mind Control skill and fight skill is to high to be natural. Rey's martial art skills are aftermath not causes. The Master Jedi training is too important into the saga. The history/background of Rey seems to be fat.


I was wondering who left Rey there. This actually makes sense. And could help explain Luke's dumbfounded look when he sees her, which is the scene that bugged me most in the film. Right after Han's, but I guess it had to happen sooner or later.

Also, I thought Boyega was great. Isaac was excellent too, but we didn't much screen time with him.

I watched it last night!
I held my pee for a good hour throughout the movie T_T

Me too! Even though I went twice before the movie started.  >:D

Anyways, being my first star wars movie (i know)

how
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: pichu23 on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:57:06
I watched it last night!
I held my pee for a good hour throughout the movie T_T
Anyways, being my first star wars movie (i know), I wasn't sure who was who, and what was what lol.
I'd probably go on a marathon to watch the previous ones later on.
:D BB-8 was super cute though.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 December 2015, 10:05:43
When you saw Greg Grunberg as an X-Wing pilot, did you think of him as this generation's Porkins? :))
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Jokrik on Fri, 18 December 2015, 10:08:24
When you saw Greg Grunberg as an X-Wing pilot, did you think of him as this generation's Porkins? :))

Hahahaha! Exactly!
But seriously, first time I saw him I think more of him as Matt from Heroes
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 December 2015, 10:09:49
When you saw Greg Grunberg as an X-Wing pilot, did you think of him as this generation's Porkins? :))

Hahahaha! Exactly!
But seriously, first time I saw him I think more of him as Matt from Heroes

LOL. What is Matt Parkman doing flying an X-Wing?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: romevi on Fri, 18 December 2015, 10:11:31
When you saw Greg Grunberg as an X-Wing pilot, did you think of him as this generation's Porkins? :))

Yup. Thought he was going to be the first to die, too.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 December 2015, 10:11:49
Also, I didn't realize how small BB-8 was until I saw him standing next to R2.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Jokrik on Fri, 18 December 2015, 10:15:08
Also, I didn't realize how small BB-8 was until I saw him standing next to R2.

Remember that scene when Finn shouts to Poe when they hit the Order at Maz
I never thought that the best pilot of the rebel is as good as that, my eyes just couldn't get off from the X-Wing and how good he maneuvered it

one of the best moment in the movie
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: pichu23 on Fri, 18 December 2015, 10:17:42
Also, I didn't realize how small BB-8 was until I saw him standing next to R2.

Makes want to get this lil bugger too.
(https://humanoides.fr/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/sphero-new-droid-1.jpg)
The price though on the other hand..  :confused:
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Jokrik on Fri, 18 December 2015, 10:20:37
Also, I didn't realize how small BB-8 was until I saw him standing next to R2.

Makes want to get this lil bugger too.
Show Image
(https://humanoides.fr/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/sphero-new-droid-1.jpg)

The price though on the other hand..  :confused:

I'd rather get this
https://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/star-wars-rey-and-bb-8-hot-toys-902612/

or until they release the bb-8 alone
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 December 2015, 10:20:57
Oh yeah, I also loved the cantina scene at Maz'

Pure flashback to Mos Eisley.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Findecanor on Fri, 18 December 2015, 11:52:56
One detail that I loved about the movie is that we really see that Leia is Force-sensitive, when she senses Han's death..

Also, Rey and Finn are the best. One thing that is often overlooked with the old trilogy is how genuine the characters were. Boyega and Ridley brought that back.

You got a much different feel from Kylo Ren than I did. He seemed much more "confused kid with daddy issues and an anger problem" than "baddest mofo in the galazy" to me.
That is not what I meant. What I meant was that he was the most dangerous opponent he could ever face.
I think that the character was well made - both in concept and acting. He is definitely not one-dimensional.

I very much got the feeling that this was a "lets bring back the old fans" intro movie.

Yes, in the same way that Abrams' Star Trek reboot film was.
Yep. Old Star Trek fans hated the reboot. The new Star Wars movie appeals more to the casual movie-goer who does remember only something of the old films from way back more than hardcore fans.

Many hardcore fans have read lots of Star Wars novels set in the time after Return of the Jedi. Lucasfilm has chosen to "undo" all of them... instead inventing a new continuity.
I have counted to seventyfive novels after Return of the Jedi, but there might be more. That is not an insignificant number. Sure, some of them are really bad and some of them contradict each other on minor details...some of them are really good and have interesting characters that fans love. Invalidating the Star Wars libraries of thousands of fans is giving the the fans a raised middle-finger. And that's just novels. There are also comic books and video games whose continuity has been deemed invalid.

A common theme in some of the worst novels are that they introduce new superweapons. Those books are the ones that are the most ridiculed by fans.
Then why did someone at Lucasfilm think that introducing a new Death Star in the new movie was a good idea?
Surely this time it is not George Lucas that is out of touch ...
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: drewba on Fri, 18 December 2015, 13:10:07
Also, Rey and Finn are the best. One thing that is often overlooked with the old trilogy is how genuine the characters were. Boyega and Ridley brought that back.

Those two made it for me. Their first interaction on Jakku was hysterical & when Finn finally admits to Rey that he came from the First Order, NOT the resistance, I pretty much fell in love with them.

Sidequest, I only heard one Wilhelm Scream near the beginning. Did anyone else catch others?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jbondeson on Fri, 18 December 2015, 13:28:34
You got a much different feel from Kylo Ren than I did. He seemed much more "confused kid with daddy issues and an anger problem" than "baddest mofo in the galazy" to me.
That is not what I meant. What I meant was that he was the most dangerous opponent he could ever face.
I think that the character was well made - both in concept and acting. He is definitely not one-dimensional.

I wasn't feeling Kylo Ren's character at all. It all seemed really forced. There are so many blanks between RotJ and FA that you have zero insight into him other than the multiple violent outbursts and his monologues. Overall I think he just reminds me more of Hayden Christensen's whiny Anakin than any of the intimidating Empire figures.

Of all the new character's he's the one that needs the most back story -- Finn and Rey are pretty easy to understand since they are blank slates. But there wasn't any real time left to develop Kylo Ren's history, and yet he's the one who's at the center of what is supposed to be the most emotional part of the film. That whole sequence would have been more powerful after developing his character (say in VIII or IX), and instead it just left me saying "yep, saw that coming."
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: lishi on Fri, 18 December 2015, 14:16:21
Wow, that was a great movie. I'm not the world's biggest Star Wars fan at all. In fact, I seem to have actually forgotten whole chunks of the original trilogy since it's been over a decade since I last watched them. But overall, the film felt very "JJ" at times but also INCREDIBLY Star Wars-y in a way the prequels never really achieved.

After watching people come out of The Phantom Menace premiere completely blown away and calling it the best movie ever I was really trying to stay level headed about it. While there are definitely parts of the movie that were really convenient and the ticking time bomb giant laser beam in the sky mechanic had been seen in a lot of action movies before, as well as previous JJ movies, that's not really a bad thing.

I did get the Kylo Ren being Han's son and Han dying to Kylo spoiled to me and overall the delivery was ok but could have been a lot better.

BB-8 was probably my favorite new character from the movie, followed closely by Rey especially when she wields Luke's lightsaber against Kylo  :eek:, and then Poe and Finn's bromance

Also, I can't believe Captain Phasma's character was so underutilized. I was expecting her to be like the next Boba Fett, instead she just noped the f out of starkiller base after Finn and Han capture her? Isn't she supposed to be some kind of bad ass? Her whole character just seemed kind of useless

So great to have so many returning actors too, felt like a natural progression from ROTJ and passing of the torch to the new cast.

So, who are Rey's actual parents? I have a hard time believing the people that she thinks are her parents are actually her parents. With her being so force sensitive and the whole finishing Han's lines, getting the falcon, and some leaks that came out before filming that the new film was about two force sensitive siblings with one of them turning to the dark side (Kylo, obviously) and another female one, in my mind she's the daughter of Han and Leia who possibly? was trained by Luke and then force wiped the memories from her on Jakku (which would address her fighting prowess against Kylo Ren

One detail that I loved about the movie is that we really see that Leia is Force-sensitive, when she senses Han's death..

Was it ever not obvious that Leia was also force sensitive? Considering the fact that she's Luke's sister and daughter of Anakin?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 18 December 2015, 14:19:16

Old Star Trek fans hated the reboot.


Haven't seen the new Star Wars yet but I was never passionate about Star Wars like I was about Star Trek. It always seemed to be too focused on selling dolls, although The Force and the Jedis were interesting.

Against the tide, I liked "Star Trek - The Motion Picture" moderately well, and disliked the others (except the whale one was great camp).

When I first saw the Star Trek reboot I hated it, but (with teenage kids) after seeing it multiple times it has grown on me considerably.

The second one just plain sucks ass. Sherlock as Khan? I don't think so. Even when I was a teenager, I thought that the original Khan episode was weak and could not imagine why they would waste their time writing a movie out of it.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 December 2015, 14:33:28
The second one just plain sucks ass. Sherlock as Khan? I don't think so. Even when I was a teenager, I thought that the original Khan episode was weak and could not imagine why they would waste their time writing a movie out of it.

Haha, yeah I agree you about with the casting choice. The whole reason they made the reboot Khan movie is because STII:TWoK is every trekkie's fave. But because RICARDO MONTALBAN! He made you want to buy a Chrysler just to sit in that Corinthian leather.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: lishi on Fri, 18 December 2015, 14:34:12
The second one just plain sucks ass. Sherlock as Khan? I don't think so. Even when I was a teenager, I thought that the original Khan episode was weak and could not imagine why they would waste their time writing a movie out of it.

Yeah... while I didn't hate Into Darkness, the whole "he's actually Khan" bit was just so stupid. JJ's proclivity to keeping the mystery of his movies contained can back fire terribly. Luckily, I'd say there isn't really a Khan situation in The Force Awakens, however
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: romevi on Fri, 18 December 2015, 14:40:29
Luckily, I'd say there isn't really a Khan situation in The Force Awakens, however

Darth Vader is Luke's father.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 December 2015, 14:44:44
Luckily, I'd say there isn't really a Khan situation in The Force Awakens, however

Darth Vader is Luke's father.

/me gasp
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 18 December 2015, 14:46:56
Wow, that was a great movie. I'm not the world's biggest Star Wars fan at all. In fact, I seem to have actually forgotten whole chunks of the original trilogy since it's been over a decade since I last watched them. But overall, the film felt very "JJ" at times but also INCREDIBLY Star Wars-y in a way the prequels never really achieved.

After watching people come out of The Phantom Menace premiere completely blown away and calling it the best movie ever I was really trying to stay level headed about it. While there are definitely parts of the movie that were really convenient and the ticking time bomb giant laser beam in the sky mechanic had been seen in a lot of action movies before, as well as previous JJ movies, that's not really a bad thing.

I did get the Kylo Ren being Han's son and Han dying to Kylo spoiled to me and overall the delivery was ok but could have been a lot better.

BB-8 was probably my favorite new character from the movie, followed closely by Rey especially when she wields Luke's lightsaber against Kylo  :eek:, and then Poe and Finn's bromance

Also, I can't believe Captain Phasma's character was so underutilized. I was expecting her to be like the next Boba Fett, instead she just noped the f out of starkiller base after Finn and Han capture her? Isn't she supposed to be some kind of bad ass? Her whole character just seemed kind of useless

So great to have so many returning actors too, felt like a natural progression from ROTJ and passing of the torch to the new cast.

So, who are Rey's actual parents? I have a hard time believing the people that she thinks are her parents are actually her parents. With her being so force sensitive and the whole finishing Han's lines, getting the falcon, and some leaks that came out before filming that the new film was about two force sensitive siblings with one of them turning to the dark side (Kylo, obviously) and another female one, in my mind she's the daughter of Han and Leia who possibly? was trained by Luke and then force wiped the memories from her on Jakku (which would address her fighting prowess against Kylo Ren

One detail that I loved about the movie is that we really see that Leia is Force-sensitive, when she senses Han's death..

Was it ever not obvious that Leia was also force sensitive? Considering the fact that she's Luke's sister and daughter of Anakin?

You pretty much summed up my feelings about TFA there.


I do think Rey is Luke's daughter, though. With whom, I have no clue.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: njbair on Sat, 19 December 2015, 23:02:58
There is no way this movie ever could have lived up to the hype. That said, I liked it. It didn't always feel like a Star Wars movie, but I think it set a great tone for future movies to come. And I think in ten years it will hold up much better than episodes 1-3 have.

I do think the whole "totally not just another death star" thing was a bit disappointing, there are probably better ways to establish the First Order as ruthless and evil.

I do have one question, though:

Did they succeed in destroying the Senate, or was that group of planets just an innocent victim of a weapons test?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jdcarpe on Sat, 19 December 2015, 23:10:38
With the inverse square law, doesn't anyone else think that by the time those beams of energy reached those distant planets, the beams would be wide cones with such low energy, that any atmosphere at all would have absorbed or deflected the remaining radiation?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: njbair on Sat, 19 December 2015, 23:15:05
With the inverse square law, doesn't anyone else think that by the time those beams of energy reached those distant planets, the beams would be wide cones with such low energy, that any atmosphere at all would have absorbed or deflected the remaining radiation?
If hyperspace involves the folding of spacetime, then the distance traveled would be reduced.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Sun, 20 December 2015, 03:43:00
Alright, I just saw the movie tonight.  I went into it having literally zero exposure to anything related to the film, save a glimpse at the new lightsaber.  To me, the movie had absolutely no hype to live up to, and it ended up being basically everything I was hoping for.  I loved the characters and I loved that it wasn't cheesy.

Some are complaining that the story was exactly IV again, but I really didn't mind.  To be fair, the goal is always "destroy the big planet-sized weapon", and we shouldn't exactly be surprised by that.  :P  But moreso, I think it serves as a decent re-boot to the series and kind of re-sets everything to launch off of, just like IV did.  I wouldn't anticipate VIII and IX being rehashes of V and VI and would be disappointed if they are.

The only moment that I thought to myself "huh, I wouldn't have done that" was when Ren took off his helmet, but thinking about it it kind of makes sense.  I was initially bothered for two reasons.  1, he simply doesn't look terribly intimidating; 2, it takes away from the mystery and makes him even less intimidating still.  But that might have been intentional, since a big part of his character is how immature and young he is - so those features/behaviors would make sense for his character.  Hmm.

As for Finn using a lightsaber, I agree that it's possible/likely that he can use the force to some extent.  Also agree that since Ren is a relatively inexperienced/angst-y fighter, he's prone to make quite a few more mistakes than someone like Vader. 

I do wish we saw a bit more backstory though.  I want to know what became of the "old" system classifications; does the First Order control more or less territory than the Empire did?  To what capacity is the Republic still functioning?  I want to know a bit more about how we got to now.

But like I said, overall a very enjoyable movie for me.  :)
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: heedpantsnow on Sun, 20 December 2015, 08:26:27
The main thing I didn't like was the "supreme leader" and how he looked like an old Gollum. C'mon, could've done better than that!
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: rainb1ood on Sun, 20 December 2015, 08:30:35
The main thing I didn't like was the "supreme leader" and how he looked like an old Gollum. C'mon, could've done better than that!
I agree, they should've used make up to a human actor instead. I mean look at the TV Walking Dead zombies.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Signature on Sun, 20 December 2015, 08:53:23
I liked

However things like "this was the old death star (small af), and this is the new mega death star 2.0 xXx dragonslayer (huge)", is quite annoying.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: JaccoW on Sun, 20 December 2015, 10:54:39
I watched it yesterday together with my girlfriend. We both enjoyed it.
Though I did notice we did not end up discussing it afterwards.

Curious to see what happens in the next one. :)
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Glod on Sun, 20 December 2015, 19:09:56
It had it's issues and cheese but overall the cinematic experience was great and that's what matters with movies over other mediums, at least with movies like this. I left the theater with a big smile on my face.

Poe (Oscar Isaac) was under utilized I think, but with so many characters I guess he had to be put in the background.

If I start tearing apart the movie and its problems I'm afraid it will mess up the enjoyment I had, so I'm just going to ignore super mega death star cheese and keep smiling
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: njbair on Sun, 20 December 2015, 22:35:21
Spoiler alert: basically this whole post.

They say art imitates reality, which I think is why we all have such a hard time with the idea of a single, monolithic enemy that can be easily targeted. Because we live in a world of small terror cells and faceless enemies. I kept trying to think of alternatives to the Starkiller base, but the trouble is you need something that can be destroyed by the end of the film. Only a single, giant weapon will do.

The weapon destroyed the Senate, and there's really no telling what the aftermath will be from that. But it's just kind of disappointing that after only about 20 years since events of the original trilogy they are basically still just a group of scrappy rebels, back under the thumb of yet another oppressive regime.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: raymogi on Sun, 20 December 2015, 22:41:24
I love the whole movie. And even though I don't understand the story as a whole to the dot, I enjoyed everything the SW universe has to offer. Only started watching on Monday and ended with the new movie on Friday. Watched it in this order: 4, 5, 2, 3, 6. Skipped 1 cause I kinda remember what happen in that movie and Jar Jar is super annoying.

With all that said, I LOVE Rey. I watched her in the Graham Norton show and she is such a lovely person. I think she said that this is her first ever movie and I can only hope that she will do even better for the sequels.

Ray <3 Rey
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: zombimuncha on Sat, 02 January 2016, 11:20:07
I didn't catch / don't get how Poe Dameron and Kylo Ren both found out at the same time that some old dude on Jakku has information about Lukes whereabouts.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: katushkin on Sat, 02 January 2016, 11:25:32
WHAT IF RAE IS A KENOBI
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: zombimuncha on Sat, 02 January 2016, 11:30:43
WHAT IF RAE IS A KENOBI

WHAT IF RAY IS REALLY REI AYANAMI?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: katushkin on Sat, 02 January 2016, 11:31:17
WHAT IF RAE IS A KENOBI

WHAT IF RAY IS REALLY REI AYANAMI?

Who dat.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: zombimuncha on Sat, 02 January 2016, 11:36:04
WHAT IF RAE IS A KENOBI

WHAT IF RAY IS REALLY REI AYANAMI?

Who dat.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rei_Ayanami
A clone, from 30 years ago
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: katushkin on Sat, 02 January 2016, 11:39:24
Oh.

I don't think so mayn, I think that would be a stretch.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: baldgye on Sat, 02 January 2016, 11:44:26
6/10

watched it a few weeks ago
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: katushkin on Sat, 02 January 2016, 12:16:18
6/10

watched it a few weeks ago

Who are you and why am I friends with you?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Fire Brand on Sat, 02 January 2016, 12:23:54
6/10

watched it a few weeks ago

Who are you and why am I friends with you?
I'm thinking the same
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: ghostjuggernaut on Sat, 02 January 2016, 12:26:05
I finally saw the movie yesterday, and share similar opinions to most here.  I enjoyed the movie a lot and think it will have good replay value.  I think Disney went a bit overboard on the fan service though.  I understand they need to bring back the older audience, while establishing a new one, but it was a bit overkill.

I was mostly unimpressed by Kylo Ren's appearance.  I have always been under the impression once the dark side powers were used, the jedi's appearance changed.  I have only ever watched the movies, but they did this with Anakin and Palpatine.  I understand that Kylo still seems to be new to the dark side and still has more training, but he had some pretty strong abilities that I would assume would change him.

Overall I loved the film and will be watching it again in the future.  I just hope the next two are better and have more of a unique plot.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: katushkin on Sat, 02 January 2016, 12:30:09
Palpatine was bad all along and his appearance didn't change much. Also how do you know what he looked like before? I thought he was pretty kickass, I think he was chosen for the role soley on his voice alone :P
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: ghostjuggernaut on Sat, 02 January 2016, 12:37:38
Palpatine was bad all along and his appearance didn't change much. Also how do you know what he looked like before? I thought he was pretty kickass, I think he was chosen for the role soley on his voice alone :P

Palpatine's appearance did change though, after he electrocuted someone... I think Anakin maybe?

I like Kylo Ren, and I think he has the potential to be better than Vader as a villain.  I just expected him to have less of a baby face.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: baldgye on Sat, 02 January 2016, 12:39:13
6/10

watched it a few weeks ago

Who are you and why am I friends with you?
I'm thinking the same

**** you guys

deathstar 3 was retarded and dumb
dull kids jokes
shallow plot

But I did like how Deep Vadar was totes bad ass and the new nose was still a ***** compared
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: abjr on Sat, 02 January 2016, 12:45:32
Saw it a few days ago with the wife. It was a lot better than I expected, but was definitely a rehashing of ANH. I thought some of the acting was pretty stiff, but I did like Rey and Finn. Rey kind of reminded me of Keira Knightley by the way she talked/her accent. Hopefully the next 2 will be a bit more original. And please, no more "I am your Father" or "The Force is strong in my family"  moments. I have a bad feeling about this. Please.

but my head just confused right now with what Disney has done to the expanded universe, I was expecting that there will be links or even hint for Ben Skywalker

I was confused by this as well having read some of the EU novels. Disney basically axed it. This should clear things up:

http://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/01/op-ed-disney-takes-a-chainsaw-to-the-star-wars-expanded-universe/
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: katushkin on Sat, 02 January 2016, 12:49:03
Yes, d3athstar was stupid. Other than that it was good. The ginger General was a bit of a tit though.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: baldgye on Sat, 02 January 2016, 13:17:34
Yes, d3athstar was stupid. Other than that it was good. The ginger General was a bit of a tit though.

what else do you expect from a ginger ninja ?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: demik on Sat, 02 January 2016, 13:17:51
Kylo's mask voice was Gucci tho
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Sinanju on Sat, 02 January 2016, 13:30:55
Kylo's mask voice was Gucci tho

He really needed that during his fight with Rey.  Sounded like he was going through puberty when he asked Rey if he could teach her. 
Him catching the blaster bolt in mid air was badass.

I didn't mind the Ginger General beside him being so young for what I imagine a general to be.

Really was glad to see stormtroopers being a lot more efficient than the previous movies. TR-8R was a pretty cool example.

Saw it twice so far. Might have to go a third time to see it in Imax on Sunday and get one of those posters.  Guy I know has watched it 6 times already.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: azhdar on Sat, 02 January 2016, 13:33:28
Watched it the other day, it was my first time watching a star wars movie so I had high expectation.

I was really disappointed honestly, the "dark vilain" looked nice up until he removed the mask, then he looked ridiculous. The face of the actor really doesn't suit the job, they should have put scars or other alterations on his face or tell him to hit the gym a bit.
The story was really easy and not interesting imo, 2 "newbies" who save the face of the world easily versus trained persons ?? The black guy was somehow trained but how is the girl supposed to win Kylos in the first time she has the blade in here hands??
Also the same boring that you see in almost all movies nowadays:
- the couple,
- scenes were characters wait for ??? (like the scene where kylo and Han are on the bridge), the hairy partner of Han should have used his gun way earlier, so should have the storm troopers,
- explosions, I mean when a planet explode, you can go full explosions, but cmon, don't overdo it in every scenes.


Aside from the universe , I fail to see how this is superior to a Transformer movie.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Sinanju on Sat, 02 January 2016, 13:42:02
I was really disappointed honestly, the "dark vilain" looked nice up until he removed the mask, then he looked ridiculous. The face of the actor really doesn't suit the job, they should have put scars or other alterations on his face or tell him to hit the gym a bit.
The story was really easy and not interesting imo, 2 "newbies" who save the face of the world easily versus trained persons ?? The black guy was somehow trained but how is the girl supposed to win Kylos in the first time she has the blade in here hands??
Also the same boring that you see in almost all movies nowadays:

He probably didn't have scars or anything due to not really having any adversaries up until the movies time frame.  All the Jedi were wiped out according to the movie besides Luke.  He should have plenty of scars in the next movie.  Maybe even become more sith appearance like yellow eyes and all that since he is committed enough to kill Han.

Finn had training as a stormtrooper, and apparently the prequel book shows him and the other stormtroopers undergoing melee weapons training.
Rey seemed pretty capable fighting with her staff that could help out a little.

Also, there seemed to be a pretty big emphasis on the bowcaster (Chewie's weapon).  Hit hit hard enough for Han to like it, and would blast opposition away.  That thing scored a direct hit on Kylo, and probably weakened him a lot. You see him hitting himself trying to get some adrenaline, and even blood coming off the wound.  I don't think its too much of a stretch that he was defeated by those two.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: baldgye on Sat, 02 January 2016, 13:45:07
Watched it the other day, it was my first time watching a star wars movie so I had high expectation.

I was really disappointed honestly, the "dark vilain" looked nice up until he removed the mask, then he looked ridiculous. The face of the actor really doesn't suit the job, they should have put scars or other alterations on his face or tell him to hit the gym a bit.
The story was really easy and not interesting imo, 2 "newbies" who save the face of the world easily versus trained persons ?? The black guy was somehow trained but how is the girl supposed to win Kylos in the first time she has the blade in here hands??
Also the same boring that you see in almost all movies nowadays:
- the couple,
- scenes were characters wait for ??? (like the scene where kylo and Han are on the bridge), the hairy partner of Han should have used his gun way earlier, so should have the storm troopers,
- explosions, I mean when a planet explode, you can go full explosions, but cmon, don't overdo it in every scenes.


Aside from the universe , I fail to see how this is superior to a Transformer movie.

idk it was nice that his face wasn't ****ed up and that just having scars makes you edgy as ****. He was just a bloke who wasn't very nice, not like all cereal killers have scars or facial burns and ****.

It's better than the Transformers movies because Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf weren't in it, also it had good action scenes.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sat, 02 January 2016, 14:07:57
Him catching the blaster bolt in mid air was badass.

It was.  And I was thinking "damn, if this is the approach they're taking for the rest of the movie, excellent".  But nope, he never did it again.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 03 January 2016, 20:49:05
Finally went and saw the movie and I have to say I was disappointed.  I wasn't expecting anything great, but it felt like a rehash of old tired plot lines and just nothing special.  With Star Trek it was at least doable because they explicitly stated that it's an alternate timeline, so the JJ Abrams flash can work for it.  Episode VII just felt like a more polished Lucas.  Who needs novel ideas, well developed characters, or anything else when you have awesome special effects?  Don't get me wrong, the visuals were awesome, but the story was lacking.

Rehash #1: Droid has secret plans needed to save the galaxy.  Like R2-D2, BB-8 is given information that good people died to get (Poe Dameron was supposed to die and many Bothans died for the Death Star plans) and ends up in the hands of a random person who is trying to get the information to people who need it.  They defend themselves and run away from the Empire/First Order in the Millennium Falcon to the rebel base.

Rehash #2: Let's have another Death Star.  Who needs something cool like the Galaxy Gun (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Galaxy_Gun) or World Devastator (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/World_Devastator) when you can have another Death Star?  And, you know what, let's even go so far as to have it destroyed the same way.  A small force goes down to the planet and shuts off the shield generator (DS2) while we sit and watch a countdown until our eventual destruction on this jungle planet (DS1).  Once the shield generator is down, let's fly a ship down the trench run we used for the original Death Star, fly it inside like the second Death Star, blow some stuff up, and fly out while it explodes behind you.

Rehash #3: Let's abandon important force strong children on a planet with no knowledge of who they are and then seek training from a hermit, one who feels responsible for much of the bad that happened in the universe (Obi-Wan/Luke).

There were others, but I think I'll stop with those.  It was still a fun movie and I know I'll end up buying it on DVD, but it was disappointing coming as a continuation of the series instead of a rehash.  Hopefully Episode VIII is better.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Leslieann on Mon, 04 January 2016, 00:19:57
To all the disappointed Star Wars fans... Go see it again.

The first time you watch it, you are too full of expectations, and over analyze it far too much, no movie would stand up to the hype this has in front of it. Most fans have found seeing it a second time actually made it better because they had ditched the preconceived notions and just watched it as a Star Wars movie. Seriously, it's better the second time. Also, there is a lot of easter eggs, clues and such that you totally missed first time around.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Mon, 04 January 2016, 00:20:52
To all the disappointed Star Wars fans... Go see it again.

The first time you watch it, you are too full of expectations, and over analyze it far too much, no movie would stand up to the hype this has in front of it. Most fans have found seeing it a second time actually made it better because they had ditched the preconceived notions and just watched it as a Star Wars movie. Seriously, it's better the second time. Also, there is a lot of easter eggs, clues and such that you totally missed first time around.

I liked it the second time around more too

First time I was in plinkett mode and just analysing the **** out of everything. Second time round it was fun space adventures
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: baldgye on Mon, 04 January 2016, 01:03:48
Why in a thread marked 'spoilers' are people using spoiler tags???
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: demik on Mon, 04 January 2016, 01:05:24
Why in a thread marked 'spoilers' are people using spoiler tags???

because
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Mon, 04 January 2016, 01:07:32
Why in a thread marked 'spoilers' are people using spoiler tags???

I was doing it in case people use spy
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: mesteris on Mon, 04 January 2016, 03:12:21
Not a HUGE Star Wars fan, but I've read some of the EU and played some of the games. KOTOR etc.

Whole series has been Disney'd in my opinion. Entire movie felt like an overproduced pilot episode for a tv-series. It felt entirely like setup for the next movie. I realized after the movie that I didn't want to watch a movie in an essentially force-dead time period. I'm a huge fan of the fights in Star Wars. Although there are a number of problems with the prequels, they had the most impressive lightsaber duels along with the animated Clone Wars. I mean with the prequels we got neat stuff like obi/anakin vs maul, palpatine vs yoda, yoda vs dooku, grievous vs obi. Maybe it was too much to expect something like that from this movie. I had a ton of problems with the movie, but at the end of the day I suppose it was an alright watch.

Like many have already said, Abrams totally reinserted so many aspects of the old movies and I really think it hurt the expectations of many people. I'm glad people are also upset with the stale dynamic between the Rebels and the Empire. With three movies dealing with the toppling of the Empire, why does the new villain look like the exact same thing?



Ren stops a blaster bolt completely early in the movie. He then goes on to do nothing impressive ever again.  >:D Having received some training from both his current master AND Luke, he's completely disappointing as a villain. Also the earth splits open to stop the fight? That's weak. Angsty and weak, then he gets the good old fashioned injury from hero to make him more villainy...for the next movie.

Rey's origins left intentionally vague? This is some real tease-y writing with the brief flashbacks. She's obviously not some random nobody. The entire movie, no one goes "Hey, so tell me a bit about who you're waiting for." I found this really obnoxious and I feel this was a large part of why it felt like a pilot episode or setup movie. Also, I assume this might make sense later, but how in the **** does Rey just feel like using Force persuasion? She just kind of uses it to escape with no prior knowledge of it? I really hope something explains that. ALSO, what was that whole "Stop grabbing my hand" nonsense for the SJWs? She's already proven she's a strong independent woman that don't need no man by beating the snot out of Finn immediately. Seemed unnecessary, kind of like the movie was nudging me in the side going LOOK LOOK HOW STRONG OUR FEMALE LEAD IS.

Captain Phasma? What? Somehow I felt I'd see a character archetype similar to that of Jango/Boba Fett. I mean ... special armor means you're badass, right? Did they waste Gwedoline Christie or is she actually doing something next movie?

No clones? Fine with me. Finn seems entirely too normal to be kidnapped from his family as a baby and subjected to a lifetime soldier training program though. Why isn't he like...Wow this is normal society and freedom? How neat!... or something? Maybe he's too busy being comic relief.

...That pilot totally should have been killed by Ren. Just sayin'. Beau? Bo?

Map to Luke? Seemed like they insinuated earlier in the movie that the other parts of the map would need to be located, but BAM R2D2 has all the other parts, don't worry.

Also I found Snoke to be irritatingly shrouded in mystery like everything else in this movie.


All in all, I think it's worth watching, but I don't think this Star Wars is written for me. I think Disney wants the younger kids. I feel like kids don't really care about Death Star v3 or lazy writing to resolve conflict.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: mesteris on Mon, 04 January 2016, 03:23:35
That felt much shorter when I was typing it, I apologize for the wall of text of nerd complaints.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: E TwentyNine on Mon, 04 January 2016, 09:11:25
That felt much shorter when I was typing it, I apologize for the wall of text of nerd complaints.

I could have written a longer version.

I enjoyed the movie a lot.   The old faces, the new ones doing things better than them.  It was fun.

But the number of repackaged elements from the originals was overwhelming.

The standard excuse I'm hearing is "The force is trying to correct itself, and making the same events happen repeatedly" (ala the 'Battlestar Galactica' all this has happened before and will again).

But did DeathStarIII have to be blown up?  Via the same basic mechanism, AGAIN?  Wouldn't disabling it served the plot just as well?

Some of the retro stuff like the tech in the craft was a nice touch for "accuracy", but so much is rehashed original items.

Remined me of how Star Trek Nemesis took all the elements of The Wrath of Khan and repacked it in a sleeker but clearly repeated and less interesting story.

I know I'm not the target audience for these, having seen the originals in theatres.  But ANY story would have been new to the youngsters, why retell one that's already been told?

Now that they're out of it, and laid the groundwork (it did feel like its purpose was purely groundwork for sequels), I expect the next one to be better, and darker.  We'll see.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Leslieann on Mon, 04 January 2016, 13:28:00
Ren stops a blaster bolt completely early in the movie. He then goes on to do nothing impressive ever again.  >:D Having received some training from both his current master AND Luke, he's completely disappointing as a villain.
Did you forget about Han? That pretty much made him pretty evil. I thought he was a bit underwhelming, but younger kids today don't see Vader as all that threatening... different strokes...

but how in the **** does Rey just feel like using Force persuasion? She just kind of uses it to escape with no prior knowledge of it? I really hope something explains that.
They did explain it, but you probably didn't notice it. Star Wars likes to leave a lot unsaid, either purposely or accidentally, but it always has left some things unsaid while leaving hints as to what or why.

Anyhow, as to Rey learning, the force was teaching her, just as Vader learned how to use it somewhat when he was child, this was how he was able to pod race. Also, remember how Yoda explained that Qui Gon had learned how to communicate after death? The dream sequence contained Yoda and Obiwans voices. Basically, she was being trained by the force itself, as well as Yoda and Obiwan.


Captain Phasma? What? Somehow I felt I'd see a character archetype similar to that of Jango/Boba Fett. I mean ... special armor means you're badass, right? Did they waste Gwedoline Christie or is she actually doing something next movie?
She's being setup for a major role in the next ones. Also, some speculate that she is the spy Leia refers to when she says they have someone on the inside.

No clones? Fine with me. Finn seems entirely too normal to be kidnapped from his family as a baby and subjected to a lifetime soldier training program though. Why isn't he like...Wow this is normal society and freedom? How neat!... or something? Maybe he's too busy being comic relief.
He wasn't kidnapped, that was a lie to maintain his cover. He is a clone, that's why he didn't have a name.

Map to Luke? Seemed like they insinuated earlier in the movie that the other parts of the map would need to be located, but BAM R2D2 has all the other parts, don't worry.
R2-d2 and Luke timing was done so as not to overpower the story. Bad writing maybe, but it's suspected that Luke programmed R2 to remain dormant until he wanted or needed to be found.

All in all, I think it's worth watching, but I don't think this Star Wars is written for me. I think Disney wants the younger kids. I feel like kids don't really care about Death Star v3 or lazy writing to resolve conflict.
There was so much fan service for old fans it was silly.

You're exactly the type of person who needs to go see it again because you had far too many preconceived notions. It was never going to live up to the hype for you. Now that you're over it, go see it and enjoy it.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 04 January 2016, 13:54:05
I was confused by this as well having read some of the EU novels. Disney basically axed it.
Many long-term fans are in up-roar: "We gave up the EU for this piece of crap?!" ...

To all the disappointed Star Wars fans... Go see it again.
Hey, I really liked it after I had seen it in the theatre. I was on such a high afterwards. The disappointment has come gradually, as I have thought more and more about it.

One such aspect of the movie that I did not immediately think myself but I have heard others point out is that the original characters are not treated right.
Han and Chewie are back as smugglers, Leia is a reistance fighter and Luke is isolated - back where they were at the start of the old trilogy. Han, Leia and Luke are friggin family - yet in the movie they have failed each other.
The characters deserve better than that.

Map to Luke? Seemed like they insinuated earlier in the movie that the other parts of the map would need to be located, but BAM R2D2 has all the other parts, don't worry.
A synopsis of the script leaked in April last year. It was exactly like the finished film except for one detail: BB-8 carried not a map to Luke Skywalker, but his lightsaber.
That leaked synopsis did not however tell the reason why Rey was kidnapped by Kylo Ren.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: baldgye on Mon, 04 January 2016, 13:57:35
One such aspect of the movie that I did not immediately think myself but I have heard others point out is that the original characters are not treated right.
Han and Chewie are back as smugglers, Leia is a reistance fighter and Luke is isolated - back where they were at the start of the old trilogy. Han, Leia and Luke are friggin family - yet in the movie they have failed each other.
The characters deserve better than that.

I think of all the flaws the movie and plot had, the fact that a family has drifted apart over some 40 years was one of the most realistic and believable aspects of the movie.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: FLFisherman on Mon, 04 January 2016, 14:03:06
One such aspect of the movie that I did not immediately think myself but I have heard others point out is that the original characters are not treated right.
Han and Chewie are back as smugglers, Leia is a reistance fighter and Luke is isolated - back where they were at the start of the old trilogy. Han, Leia and Luke are friggin family - yet in the movie they have failed each other.
The characters deserve better than that.

I don't know, I kind of liked that. Episode VI concluded with a happy ending and now VII rolls around and pretty much says, "**** happens to everyone, even the more-than-human jedi and war heroes." Life isn't perfect and TFA captures it beautifully. Han was never meant for family life. It's not unexpected that he'd leave (for one reason or another). I mean come on, his reply to Leia's "I love you" was the iconic "I know." And we're supposed to expect this guy to settle down?

As for Luke being isolated, I think that also makes sense. Guilt drives people to do some strange things, often out of character for them. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't feel too great after mentoring my sibling and best friend's child and having them just turn around and kill a bunch of people.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: E TwentyNine on Mon, 04 January 2016, 14:22:33
I think of all the flaws the movie and plot had, the fact that a family has drifted apart over some 40 years was one of the most realistic and believable aspects of the movie.

Yes, but Luke f'ed up training Jedis and his solution is to run off to a corner of the galaxy and hide while the bad guys tear up galaxy?

There had better be a DAMNED good explanation next episode.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: FLFisherman on Mon, 04 January 2016, 14:29:48
I think of all the flaws the movie and plot had, the fact that a family has drifted apart over some 40 years was one of the most realistic and believable aspects of the movie.

Yes, but Luke f'ed up training Jedis and his solution is to run off to a corner of the galaxy and hide while the bad guys tear up galaxy?

There had better be a DAMNED good explanation next episode.

Yoda did the same thing. As did Obi-Wan.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Sinanju on Mon, 04 January 2016, 14:37:55
I think of all the flaws the movie and plot had, the fact that a family has drifted apart over some 40 years was one of the most realistic and believable aspects of the movie.

Yes, but Luke f'ed up training Jedis and his solution is to run off to a corner of the galaxy and hide while the bad guys tear up galaxy?

There had better be a DAMNED good explanation next episode.

Pretty sure I figured out the reason.  Prior to becoming Kylo Ren, Ben Solo challenged Luke to a galactic game of hide and seek.  He must have given him a decent amount of time in order to join the Knights of Ren and change his name.  This allowed him to slaughter the rest of the Jedi in training without Luke's intervention. Prior to Rey's appearance, Luke must have been thinking he was winning.

In all seriousness, I am hoping the similar and simple plot we were given was to mainly introduce the new characters and give us a background into this upcoming trilogy without being overly too new.  I'm really hoping the next movie answers a lot of our questions and is more original.

I think the StarKiller base destroying the Republic might have been a necessity for the upcoming movies and how the Resistance lost a large amount of their supporters. Also, with the capabilities of the First Order, will it cause more people to join the Resistance or to help the First Order out of fear?  Looking forward to the next movies regardless.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: E TwentyNine on Mon, 04 January 2016, 14:48:28
I think of all the flaws the movie and plot had, the fact that a family has drifted apart over some 40 years was one of the most realistic and believable aspects of the movie.

Yes, but Luke f'ed up training Jedis and his solution is to run off to a corner of the galaxy and hide while the bad guys tear up galaxy?

There had better be a DAMNED good explanation next episode.

Yoda did the same thing. As did Obi-Wan.

Yoda retreated after the slaughter, knowing that Obi-Wan was also retreating, but not to isolation, to watch over Luke until the time was right to fight the Empire.  They were coordinated amongst themselves and the rebels.

The Empire was already in power, having taken down the senate and killed the vast majority of the Jedi.

Hell broke loose on Luke and he retreated and let the First Order rise.   Would they have been easier to dismantle before they got so powerful?

You can say the same thing, that he's been waiting for the time is right, but was he overseeing the "savior" for this turn of the crank?   Was he really isolated?

I'm hoping not, and that he's been sneaking around in the shadows undiscovered.  We will see.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: baldgye on Mon, 04 January 2016, 14:50:14
I think of all the flaws the movie and plot had, the fact that a family has drifted apart over some 40 years was one of the most realistic and believable aspects of the movie.

Yes, but Luke f'ed up training Jedis and his solution is to run off to a corner of the galaxy and hide while the bad guys tear up galaxy?

There had better be a DAMNED good explanation next episode.

Yoda did the same thing. As did Obi-Wan.

Yoda retreated after the slaughter, knowing that Obi-Wan was also retreating, but not to isolation, to watch over Luke until the time was right to fight the Empire.  They were coordinated amongst themselves and the rebels.

The Empire was already in power, having taken down the senate and killed the vast majority of the Jedi.

Hell broke loose on Luke and he retreated and let the First Order rise.   Would they have been easier to dismantle before they got so powerful?

You can say the same thing, that he's been waiting for the time is right, but was he overseeing the "savior" for this turn of the crank?   Was he really isolated?

I'm hoping not, and that he's been sneaking around in the shadows undiscovered.  We will see.

Luke was always an emo loner
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Leslieann on Mon, 04 January 2016, 17:00:39
Many long-term fans are in up-roar: "We gave up the EU for this piece of crap?!" ...
I've heard a lot of the opposite, very few complaints.
I will admit, especially first time through, it bore way too much resemblance to ANH. They could have done something other than another death star, on the other hand, I think that was meant to be both humorous and tie it to ANH. It's not the same as the DeathStar, see, it's BIGGER.

I don't think people really expected humor in Star wars, but there was some really good lines in it. Like the trash compactor, or that's not how the force works, or  one of the best lines, when Chewie was cold.

Han and Chewie are back as smugglers, Leia is a reistance fighter and Luke is isolated - back where they were at the start of the old trilogy. Han, Leia and Luke are friggin family - yet in the movie they have failed each other.
The characters deserve better than that.
One thing I have heard, and this rings true on a lot of things... history is cyclical, especially in the Star Wars universe (as FLFisherman pointed out, it happened before).

And like Baldgye said, it's been decades, people drift apart, give yourself 20 or 40 years years and see how far you end up.

I've been all over, started businesses, changed careers. My friends and family have done similar. Married, divorced, kids, moved across the country, many moved back and/or settled in the middle. I've had friends and family die, some killed, some in jail. Many have drifted apart, people you never expect to drift end up being the ones who do. That goes for a lot of things. Seriously, you have no idea what 20 years will bring you, especially between your 20's and 40's, it's probably the most chaotic time in your life.

In Star Wars, you have to throw in the fact that they were in a war, and in Hans case, he was always cowboy on the outskirts of society, so it was very easy to see him taking off, especially when faced with a problem like his son becoming the enemy. It's quite common for a child dying (or becoming your worst enemy) causing a marriage to break up and for someone like him, of course he went back to his old habits, what else would he do, become a senator?


Map to Luke? Seemed like they insinuated earlier in the movie that the other parts of the map would need to be located, but BAM R2D2 has all the other parts, don't worry.
A synopsis of the script leaked in April last year. It was exactly like the finished film except for one detail: BB-8 carried not a map to Luke Skywalker, but his lightsaber.
That leaked synopsis did not however tell the reason why Rey was kidnapped by Kylo Ren.
[/quote]I didn't know about the lightsaber, interesting.
Rey was kidnapped by Kylo Ren because Snoke told him too, he can see her power is even greater than Kylo's and wants to convert her to the dark side. This is another of those things that people easily missed or forgot just while watching.

They are planning several movies to deal with things that happened in between, movies centered around specific characters, so we may get a movie detailing what happened to Luke, another regarding Han and Chewy... Rumor is that these will be rolled out between the main movies.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: mesteris on Mon, 04 January 2016, 19:35:13
but how in the **** does Rey just feel like using Force persuasion? She just kind of uses it to escape with no prior knowledge of it? I really hope something explains that.
They did explain it, but you probably didn't notice it. Star Wars likes to leave a lot unsaid, either purposely or accidentally, but it always has left some things unsaid while leaving hints as to what or why.

Anyhow, as to Rey learning, the force was teaching her, just as Vader learned how to use it somewhat when he was child, this was how he was able to pod race. Also, remember how Yoda explained that Qui Gon had learned how to communicate after death? The dream sequence contained Yoda and Obiwans voices. Basically, she was being trained by the force itself, as well as Yoda and Obiwan.

No clones? Fine with me. Finn seems entirely too normal to be kidnapped from his family as a baby and subjected to a lifetime soldier training program though. Why isn't he like...Wow this is normal society and freedom? How neat!... or something? Maybe he's too busy being comic relief.
He wasn't kidnapped, that was a lie to maintain his cover. He is a clone, that's why he didn't have a name.



Did I totally miss the clues that pointed to Finn being a clone? I thought a First Order officer told Kylo how his men were trained and obtained.

I guess the dream sequence could make sense for Rey's sudden use of the force. Guess I'll have to check again at some point as I didn't quite get to digest the whole scene since it was brief.

Apparently I missed a bit so I'll definitely give it another watch at some point, but like I said, I'm more into the lightsaber duels and force lore. So I think the next one has some great potential here with the first Jedi temple etc.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: slip84 on Mon, 04 January 2016, 19:42:47
So BB-8 is a sith lord, right?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Vittra on Mon, 04 January 2016, 19:47:13
Keep in mind that by Episode IV, the Stormtroopers are a mix of DNA templates rather than just from Jango Fett, as well as recruited and "acquired" (aka kidnapped) people. This is a result of the Kamonian rebellion. Being provided a number rather than a name is a way to strip personal identity and build unity between the troops, rather than an indication of him being a clone.. but that's still a fairly possible prediction.

Kylo kidnapped Rey because he believed he could extract the information from her that he needed, rather than continue to chase BB-8. It was only after she resisted him that he saw her potential and wanted to convert her. Snoke showed no interest in Rey in the film.

Regarding the fights - Kylo goes into the Finn/Rey fight physically crippled by a Bowcaster shot, emotionally crippled due to various events (the sith/jedi struggle, killing his father), and most importantly beingundisciplined and unfocused as a force user, regardless of how powerful he may be. The whole movie is setup to show his potential, but how brash, foolish, and undisciplined he currently is. There's suggestion that Rey is even more powerful than he is, and she has already proven herself to be capable of melee combat. Finn, as all stormtroopers, are trained in melee combat. If you re-watch, pay attention to how he uses the Saber. It's handled more like a generic vibrosword, and less with any saber technique a force user would be trained in.

Initially I was pretty disappointed in the portrayal of the Kylo Ren, but after some reflection I can see there's some definite potential for growth in the character - possibly even becoming more interesting than Rey - if things are handled well.

Some of my expectations were my own fault, as Kylo's helmet looks suspiciously similar to Revans, a character that happens to be my favourite of any era.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: baldgye on Tue, 05 January 2016, 02:09:49
I don't think people really expected humor in Star wars, but there was some really good lines in it. Like the trash compactor, or that's not how the force works, or  one of the best lines, when Chewie was cold.

Because the original movies were so serious
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Leslieann on Tue, 05 January 2016, 02:18:20
Kylo kidnapped Rey because he believed he could extract the information from her that he needed, rather than continue to chase BB-8. It was only after she resisted him that he saw her potential and wanted to convert her. Snoke showed no interest in Rey in the film.
You're correct, I had the time line mixed up. For some reason i was thinking that part of the conversation was earlier on.


Was it mentioned in the film that some Stormtroopers were taken from the war? Did I miss that or was that from books or something. So much is inferred and taken from various other story lines, it's hard to tell sometimes.

edited for question.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: baldgye on Tue, 05 January 2016, 02:26:06
have to say, the most disappointing moments of the movie was the part where Jack? The friendly storm trooper gets ketchup on his helmet, that could have been so powerful and awesome to see the otherside, but it was just rushed and looked a mess.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: nubbinator on Tue, 05 January 2016, 13:40:05
Was it mentioned in the film that some Stormtroopers were taken from the war? Did I miss that or was that from books or something. So much is inferred and taken from various other story lines, it's hard to tell sometimes.

It was explicitly stated that his men (Stormtroopers) were not clones and that they had been taken while children and trained/programmed from childhood to be loyal.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 05 January 2016, 18:08:50
Just got back from viewing the film.  I think Disney made it to appeal to 10 year olds and acquire a new generation of Star Wars consumers. I feel like all I watched a variation of Episode IV with more action and less character depth and a "let's get the band back together" vibe. 

I honestly think that the droids gave the best performances.  Also, when you think about it, C-3PO, and R2-D2 are the most enduring characters of the films.

I can understand why George Lucas is going around complaining, but if he didn't want to see his baby so sickly, he shouldn't have sold the darn thing.  However, Disney did accomplish the goal of making a pile of money and getting people excited for a sequel.

My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: zombimuncha on Wed, 06 January 2016, 07:39:55
My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: vivalarevolución on Wed, 06 January 2016, 10:03:35
My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.

Yea, I did notice that, but not until the credits.  Good year for those guys. Oscar Isaac has a good future ahead of him, seems capable of many different types of roles.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Wed, 06 January 2016, 19:14:20
My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.

If you haven't seen it already I would really recommend watching "A Most Violent Year" - Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain are both really good in it
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: nubbinator on Wed, 06 January 2016, 19:36:51
My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.

No clue what that movie is.  I did know that Daniel Craig made a cameo as the mind influenced Stormtrooper.

I was not impressed with the acting by John Boyega (despite loving Attack the Block).  Daisy Ridley was fantastic, but made me wonder if the casting director or casting people between Episodes 1-3 and 7 were the same.  It really felt like they were going for someone who looked like Kiera Knightley (not that I'm complaining, not with that wonderful smile).

More
(http://i.imgur.com/rSc3ZBd.png)

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7e/6d/db/7e6ddb9dd22f0a5658e9f6c01a8b7ded.jpg)
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: romevi on Wed, 06 January 2016, 22:07:21
I was not impressed with the acting by John Boyega (despite loving Attack the Block).

I thought he was fantastic. There was a lot of buzz going about him before the movie dropped about how lifeless and wood-like he appeared in the trailers, but he did a great job and easily became one of my favorite characters in the film, the other being BB-8.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Wed, 06 January 2016, 22:38:40
My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.

No clue what that movie is.  I did know that Daniel Craig made a cameo as the mind influenced Stormtrooper.

I was not impressed with the acting by John Boyega (despite loving Attack the Block).  Daisy Ridley was fantastic, but made me wonder if the casting director or casting people between Episodes 1-3 and 7 were the same.  It really felt like they were going for someone who looked like Kiera Knightley (not that I'm complaining, not with that wonderful smile).

More
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/rSc3ZBd.png)


Show Image
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7e/6d/db/7e6ddb9dd22f0a5658e9f6c01a8b7ded.jpg)

Yeah she looks kind of Natalie Portman
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: noisyturtle on Thu, 07 January 2016, 02:49:29
I just watched itand thought it was good up until the part Ray just magically unlocked her force powers and started commanding Storm troopers. That was. dumb. That was real ****ing dumb.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 09 January 2016, 11:18:38
I just watched itand thought it was good up until the part Ray just magically unlocked her force powers and started commanding Storm troopers. That was. dumb. That was real ****ing dumb.

Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sat, 09 January 2016, 11:44:33
I just watched itand thought it was good up until the part Ray just magically unlocked her force powers and started commanding Storm troopers. That was. dumb. That was real ****ing dumb.

Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.

I don't have a huge problem with that.  She was a fanboy to the myth.  She believed it when I'm guessing most didn't, and Solo came along and told her it was all true.  The typical overconfident young person, only this time she really does have the skills.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: rainb1ood on Sat, 09 January 2016, 13:08:19
I don't have a problem with that either. The title of the film is The Force Awakens not Force Learned :P

Theory: Maybe she already knows how to do it when she was still Luke's young student in his Jedi Academy.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Vittra on Sat, 09 January 2016, 13:17:00
There are plenty of force sensitives that begin learning how to do things without training. Re-investigating Rey's dream may shed some light beyond that simple comment, though.

Luke didn't have sufficient training either, and he started far later than the typical padawan would in terms of age.. yet he was able to do remarkably well against Vader, who was battle hardened from years of the clone wars and training under Obi Wan. As a child, before being Vader, Anakin was able to pod race at the level he did due to this innate connection to the force.

..and of course, Vader threw the supposedly most powerful Sith to ever exist (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Force_storm_%28wormhole%29) over a railing without too much effort, so there's that.

If you attempt to scrutinize every little thing about Star Wars, I can assure you there are serious plot holes to be found in every movie.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: hashbaz on Sat, 09 January 2016, 14:11:03
Overall I think the movie was a success. I like the new characters and I'm interested to see where their stories go. I especially loved Rey and Kylo Ren. Finn and Poe were just ok. A+ for almost no mention of story elements from the prequels. :thumb:

There were a few too many callbacks for my taste, but that's minor. I do think the decision to do another Death Star was boring. I'm honestly not sure what they were going for with that. Rey figuring out how to do the Jedi mind trick on her own bugged me, but I'm withholding judgment on the assumption that it'll be justified in future movies. The final shot of Luke looking all somber and grizzled and Obi-Wan like gave me shivers [of nerd awesomeness]. Leader Snoke seems terrible to me but I'm withholding judgment on him as well.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Sat, 09 January 2016, 17:34:15
I just watched itand thought it was good up until the part Ray just magically unlocked her force powers and started commanding Storm troopers. That was. dumb. That was real ****ing dumb.

Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.

Perfect analogy - Rey is basically space matilda

If only Danny DeVito was in the movie - he's like real life watto
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: nubbinator on Sat, 09 January 2016, 20:05:04
JJ Abrams excuse for the rehash of the old:  "you have to go back to go forward".

Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 10 January 2016, 03:55:14
Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.
There is a long list of problems with the story, but for me the mind-reading scene is not one. I thought it was quite cool, turning the tables like that. It was also the first time that we got really convinced that she had Force powers.

Her being able to fight Kylo Ren with a lightsaber was kind of plausible also. Kylo Ren was seriously injured and Rey had had lots of fighting experience with a staff from her time on Jakku. Not sure about how she pulled the lightsaber out of the snow, though.

The mind-trick scene does not work, however. Even if she is strong with the Force, how did she learn to do that?
Also, it should not be possible to first fail, alerting the victim to what she is trying to do and then be able to trick the same person right afterwards. Or had the Stormtrooper been drinking?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 10 January 2016, 06:51:41
Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.
There is a long list of problems with the story, but the mind-reading scene is not one. I thought it was quite cool, turning the tables like that. It was also the first time that we got really convinced that she had Force powers.

Her being able to fight Kylo Ren with a lightsaber was kind of plausible also. Kylo Ren was seriously injured and Rey had had lots of fighting experience with a staff from her time on Jakku. Not sure about how she pulled the lightsaber out of the snow, though.

The mind-trick scene does not work, however. Even if she is strong with the Force, how did she learn to do that?
Also, it should not be possible to first fail, alerting the victim to what she is trying to do and then be able to trick the same person right afterwards. Or had the Stormtrooper been drinking?

If I was a storm trooper..   I would be drinking all the time..  who would know.. I get to wear a helmet.. and it blacks out the eyes part.. and they wouldn't be able to smell it on my breath either, because i got the air filter..

(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/f529a952.gif)
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 10 January 2016, 10:33:25
If I was a storm trooper..   I would be drinking all the time..  who would know.. I get to wear a helmet.. and it blacks out the eyes part.. and they wouldn't be able to smell it on my breath either, because i got the air filter..
You would think, but trust me on this: You would be able to notice it on how they walk and talk. I have not seen any drunk Stormtrooper, but I have trooped with some that were really hungover.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: berserkfan on Sun, 10 January 2016, 10:36:55
Didn't like the movie.

Visually it was good, but the storyline, plot, etc just didn't agree with me.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sun, 10 January 2016, 11:00:00
JJ Abrams excuse for the rehash of the old:  "you have to go back to go forward".

Everything he gets his hands on gets polluted.    I'm partly amazed Star Wars was as good as it was considering what a crapfest NewTrek was turned into.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: heedpantsnow on Mon, 11 January 2016, 21:33:08
So what books go with the TFA universe/plotline?  I have a long trip coming up and need some reading material...
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Sinanju on Mon, 11 January 2016, 21:53:32
So what books go with the TFA universe/plotline?  I have a long trip coming up and need some reading material...

I read that this book gives some backstory to some of the characters. Don't own it though. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/148472822X/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=1W6W7500T4KC19RCVET0&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: romevi on Mon, 11 January 2016, 22:00:31
So what books go with the TFA universe/plotline?  I have a long trip coming up and need some reading material...

Not reading material, but since you're going on a trip and if you have some downtime during the ride, I strongly insist you give a go at Brian Daley's Star Wars radio drama. It's one of the best modern radio dramas I've heard, and even surpasses the films at some of the time in terms of enjoyment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_(radio)
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 11 January 2016, 22:11:57
Yeah, upon a second viewing after watching the original trilogy JJ borrowed (just stole??) many scenes almost shot for shot from the original three films.
And also agreeing on the whole concept of how Ray could go toe to toe with someone much more advanced than her in skill, literally spent his entire life training in the Force and here comes some girl who's never even wielded a sword (that we saw) on the same level. Hell, even Finn was able to give 'ol Kylo a run for his money.
And lastly there were a lot of plot points that were far too convenient and by the end I had trouble accepting all these timely advantageous situations. Unless it is being set up that some greater force (Force?) is guiding Ray and setting up all these much too acceptable plot devices, but I think that's giving JJ's style too much credit since he doesn't like getting deep.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: baldgye on Tue, 12 January 2016, 02:03:26
I was not impressed with the acting by John Boyega (despite loving Attack the Block).

I thought he was fantastic. There was a lot of buzz going about him before the movie dropped about how lifeless and wood-like he appeared in the trailers..

Really? Don't think I heard anything like that... only alot of american press making a deal out of the colour of his skin.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: RickyJ on Wed, 13 January 2016, 21:36:05
I really enjoyed the movie, but when Ren removed his mask I couldn't take him seriously anymore.  He looks more Jar-Jar than Darth Whatever.  Maybe I'm just face-ist.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: romevi on Wed, 13 January 2016, 21:50:59
I really enjoyed the movie, but when Ren removed his mask I couldn't take him seriously anymore.  He looks more Jar-Jar than Darth Whatever.  Maybe I'm just face-ist.

A lot of people have mentioned this loss of respect, but for me it didn't matter one bit as I already knew who was behind the mask, from seeing pics of him and even press shots of him on set without the mask.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: hashbaz on Wed, 13 January 2016, 21:54:48
I liked how goofy he looks for some reason. It just seemed to work. Ż\_(ツ)_/Ż

Kinda fits in with the theme that the First Order is operating in the shadow of what the Empire once was.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: cryptokey on Fri, 15 January 2016, 13:51:33
I feel that this is relevant.

Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 15 January 2016, 16:01:54
Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.
There is a long list of problems with the story, but the mind-reading scene is not one. I thought it was quite cool, turning the tables like that. It was also the first time that we got really convinced that she had Force powers.

Her being able to fight Kylo Ren with a lightsaber was kind of plausible also. Kylo Ren was seriously injured and Rey had had lots of fighting experience with a staff from her time on Jakku. Not sure about how she pulled the lightsaber out of the snow, though.

The mind-trick scene does not work, however. Even if she is strong with the Force, how did she learn to do that?
Also, it should not be possible to first fail, alerting the victim to what she is trying to do and then be able to trick the same person right afterwards. Or had the Stormtrooper been drinking?

I was fine with most of Rey's force abilities, including resisting Kylo Ren's mind reading, her lightsaber skills because of her skills with the stick thing (although I wonder how Finn was so skilled with the lightsaber, perhaps he had some training as a stormtrooper).

The mind control of the stormtrooper and Rey's ability to overpower Kylo Ren to attract the lightsaber were a little too much for me.  Perhaps she utilizes her experience with resisting Kylo Ren and reading his mind to control the storm trooper?

But I am not familiar with the expanded universe and the concept and abilities of the force sensitives, so I could be out of line with my gripes.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Blueblue on Fri, 15 January 2016, 16:25:20
When they mention two padawan disciples for luke I was thinking Rey was a force sensitive bloodline other than Skywalker (Kylo Ren / Ben Skywalker)

Also what was interesting is that Chewie could be the thread linking them together. Take note when Kylo killed Han, Chewie shot him in the chest in a nonlethal area.
Taking this in with what the official stance on Wookies being extremely hard to get their loyalty and fierce devotion. Chewie should have killed Kylo. Also it was too easy of Rey to get along with Chewie in the first place.

Leads me to believe Chewie and Rey have something deeper than just taking the Solo ship that easily.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: heedpantsnow on Fri, 15 January 2016, 16:36:02
When they mention two padawan disciples for luke I was thinking Rey was a force sensitive bloodline other than Skywalker (Kylo Ren / Ben Skywalker)

Also what was interesting is that Chewie could be the thread linking them together. Take note when Kylo killed Han, Chewie shot him in the chest in a nonlethal area.
Taking this in with what the official stance on Wookies being extremely hard to get their loyalty and fierce devotion. Chewie should have killed Kylo. Also it was too easy of Rey to get along with Chewie in the first place.

Leads me to believe Chewie and Rey have something deeper than just taking the Solo ship that easily.


So Rey is the daughter of Chewie and 3PO?
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Blueblue on Fri, 15 January 2016, 17:11:31
When they mention two padawan disciples for luke I was thinking Rey was a force sensitive bloodline other than Skywalker (Kylo Ren / Ben Skywalker)

Also what was interesting is that Chewie could be the thread linking them together. Take note when Kylo killed Han, Chewie shot him in the chest in a nonlethal area.
Taking this in with what the official stance on Wookies being extremely hard to get their loyalty and fierce devotion. Chewie should have killed Kylo. Also it was too easy of Rey to get along with Chewie in the first place.

Leads me to believe Chewie and Rey have something deeper than just taking the Solo ship that easily.


So Rey is the daughter of Chewie and 3PO?

Yes. /endthread.
More like Rey may have met Chewie before when she was younger / caretaker maybe? Seems too convenient plotwise right now.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Fri, 15 January 2016, 17:39:03
More like Rey may have met Chewie before when she was younger / caretaker maybe? Seems too convenient plotwise right now.

But what would she have done to earn his trust at such a young age?  I feel like following along with that theory, it would make more sense that merely her association with others that Chewie trusts is what instilled that trust, yknow?  Maybe Chewie knows who she is and what family she belongs to?  Dunno, just spitballing.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: hashbaz on Fri, 15 January 2016, 17:42:37
I think Chewie liking her just demonstrates that she is a good person who we are supposed to like. I think she's connected to Luke somehow, either his daughter or former trainee or both, but Chewie and Han don't need to have known her to make that work.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: jwaz on Fri, 15 January 2016, 17:47:50
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren. For real? I laughed my ass off when he took his helmet off.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Fri, 15 January 2016, 17:50:14
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren. For real? I laughed my ass off when he took his helmet off.

As I alluded to before, I actually think it works.  Maybe he was bullied, built up rage, donned a helmet and ****ed **** up.  Isn't unreasonable.  :P

But yeah definitely agree with you to some extent, just playing devil's advocate and trying not to rip apart a movie that I enjoyed.  ;)
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: hashbaz on Fri, 15 January 2016, 17:51:43
I haven't seen him in anything else so I don't have associations. But I liked how dopey he looks. It works for me for some reason.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Fri, 15 January 2016, 17:52:41
I haven't seen him in anything else so I don't have associations. But I liked how dopey he looks. It works for me for some reason.

He's in Girls.

Definitely not a role that helps instill fear and leadership qualities, so it was a little weird for me.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 15 January 2016, 21:23:01
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren. For real? I laughed my ass off when he took his helmet off.

He was in Inside Llewyn Davis as the country western dude, if you are a Coen Brothers fan.

On another note, I think Rey was at the very least a former young Jedi trainee.  At most, Luke's kid.  Considering the way that they predictably scripted Episode VII, I'm going with Luke's kid.

On another another note, I really enjoyed the way they played with the lighting on Kylo Ren's face throughout the movie.  They flashed between the dark and the light, and the reds and the blues when he was conflicted.

Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: RickyJ on Sat, 16 January 2016, 03:41:33
A lot of people have mentioned this loss of respect, but for me it didn't matter one bit as I already knew who was behind the mask, from seeing pics of him and even press shots of him on set without the mask.

I avoided all Star Wars talk until I saw the movie, other than watching the trailer once when it first came out.  I didn't want to build up any hype and be in a prequel situation again.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: noisyturtle on Sat, 16 January 2016, 05:42:56
Kylo was well cast to me. He seemed like a (albeit stereotypical) emo rejected-feeling  sort of character who is struggling with his identity but does not know how to handle his emotions maturely. He reminds me of the sort of teenager who would shoot up a school, which makes him that much more creepy to me.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Sat, 16 January 2016, 08:02:20
I haven't seen him in anything else so I don't have associations. But I liked how dopey he looks. It works for me for some reason.

He's in Girls.

Definitely not a role that helps instill fear and leadership qualities, so it was a little weird for me.

In a rather embarrassing confession I watched all four seasons of Girls after seeing TFA

Actually a pretty enjoyable show
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Sat, 16 January 2016, 08:05:08
I haven't seen him in anything else so I don't have associations. But I liked how dopey he looks. It works for me for some reason.

He's in Girls.

Definitely not a role that helps instill fear and leadership qualities, so it was a little weird for me.

In a rather embarrassing confession I watched all four seasons of Girls after seeing TFA

Actually a pretty enjoyable show

Haha, I've seen a good chunk of it too.  :P  I had to take a break from those characters though so stopped for awhile.  :))
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Sat, 16 January 2016, 08:06:32
I haven't seen him in anything else so I don't have associations. But I liked how dopey he looks. It works for me for some reason.

He's in Girls.

Definitely not a role that helps instill fear and leadership qualities, so it was a little weird for me.

In a rather embarrassing confession I watched all four seasons of Girls after seeing TFA

Actually a pretty enjoyable show

Haha, I've seen a good chunk of it too.  :P  I had to take a break from those characters though so stopped for awhile.  :))

Yeah they're hardly the most inspirational people

If anyone hasn't seen this yet it's pretty funny

https://twitter.com/Kylor3n (https://twitter.com/Kylor3n)
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 16 January 2016, 08:18:37
Yeah, upon a second viewing after watching the original trilogy JJ borrowed (just stole??) many scenes almost shot for shot from the original three films.
Hehe.. Take a look at this (I have set the timestamp for you :) ): Honest Trailers - Star Trek (2009): @ 2:20 (https://youtu.be/OTfBH-XFdSc?t=2m20s)
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 16 January 2016, 08:24:05
So Rey is the daughter of Chewie and 3PO?
And C-3PO is the son of Anakin Skywalker. That would make Rey and Kylo Ren cousins !!!  :eek: :eek: :))
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 17 January 2016, 19:04:10
Finally saw this today with the family.

I could suspend credibility for a fair amount of it, but Rey just climbs into the long-neglected Millennium Falcon in the junkyard and just starts it up? Then flies it? Give me a ****ing break!

And "The Bad Guy" Ren is just a pathetic whining ****.

Otherwise, for a dead-on rehash of the original, it was pretty good.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: user 18 on Sun, 17 January 2016, 19:17:43
And "The Bad Guy" Ren is just a pathetic whining ****.

I actually really enjoyed this part of it. I saw Ren as someone who wants so incredibly badly to be evil, but at the end of the day, he's absolutely abysmal at it. Probably my favourite part of the film was how terrible a villain he was, and how well it worked within the film.
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: swimmingbird on Mon, 18 January 2016, 02:06:37
And "The Bad Guy" Ren is just a pathetic whining ****.

I actually really enjoyed this part of it. I saw Ren as someone who wants so incredibly badly to be evil, but at the end of the day, he's absolutely abysmal at it. Probably my favourite part of the film was how terrible a villain he was, and how well it worked within the film.

Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 18 January 2016, 02:33:19
And "The Bad Guy" Ren is just a pathetic whining ****.

I actually really enjoyed this part of it. I saw Ren as someone who wants so incredibly badly to be evil, but at the end of the day, he's absolutely abysmal at it. Probably my favourite part of the film was how terrible a villain he was, and how well it worked within the film.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7iGGQqwq2U/Tb7henK-pgI/AAAAAAAABIA/N8xjQ0llGJ8/s1600/jorge+wants+to+be+hardcore+but+his+mom+wont+let+him.jpg)
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: E TwentyNine on Mon, 18 January 2016, 09:41:19
Finally saw this today with the family.

I could suspend credibility for a fair amount of it, but Rey just climbs into the long-neglected Millennium Falcon in the junkyard and just starts it up? Then flies it? Give me a ****ing break!

Well, she did have piloting skills prior to that, but I felt short-changed that it wasn't Han and Chewie having a blast one more (and last) time.   The trailers gave me that feeling.   The story could have worked where Han and Chewie had found the ship and had been covertly repairing it for weeks, when she hits trouble, needs a ship, runs aboard the falcon, finds them working and says something along the lines of get this thing off the ground or we'll all dead.  They do the acrobatics then later fly it to Han's cargo ship.


And "The Bad Guy" Ren is just a pathetic whining ****.

So was Luke.  So was Anakin. 
Title: Re: Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)
Post by: vivalarevolución on Mon, 18 January 2016, 10:48:47
My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.

Yea, I did notice that, but not until the credits.  Good year for those guys. Oscar Isaac has a good future ahead of him, seems capable of many different types of roles.

And just want the Revenant without realizing that Domhnall Gleeson plays a key in that film.  He does a great job of playing the "I look like the typical actor that Hollywood trots out when they need a blondish redheaded actor of Irish descent but I'm actually playing a wide variety of roles in every film you have watched from 2015 and you don't even know it."

Also didn't know he was a Weasley in the Harry Potter films.  I never watched those, just read the books.