any Star Wars fans out there? [poll]

[Chris]

I like Spock in the new movie. I think that he is brilliant, which it seemed they focused heavily on Spock's character. Perhaps a little to much you think?

No, I don't think there was too much focus on Spock. He is one of the most important characters.

Chris, I think that you and I differ when it comes to the new things, . I think that you hold more of a purist belief? Am I right?

No, I just don't think the recent movies of established franchises that have been made have done justice to the originals or have been great movies on their own. I think this is partially due to a trend in movies these days that isn't very good.

I love CGI, and what can be done with it. I mean some the shots in the movie were great, because of the virtual world they created, they can almost make anything possible. I know that it is not perfect, yet, but it is very interesting what you can do with it. I do not feel that it is a "jarring" difference, when done well, just a different view.

CGI is a new toy, and like most new toys, it isn't perfect and it's very over-used. It's so over-used that we are now at the point where special effects are no longer special. Yes, it removes many limitations. But I'm not sure that's a good thing. When you are under restraints it forces you to be more creative and work harder to acheive what you want. It may not be exactly what you had first imagined, but frankly, I think it's usually better for having gone through that process.

For an example of CGI put to good use, see Terminator 2. This is one of the first major examples of CGI, and even though it was made almost 20 years ago, it still holds up perfectly well today. The CGI never overshadowed the characters, stunts, or story, but they were used to enhace all of them.

Why do you feel it is stupid? The one major thing I didn't like about it is that it seemed to have a focus on the popular culture, but I don't think that has a diminishing effect for Star Trek fans, perhaps I am wrong?

If you have never seen the original Star Trek, you would not understand my specific complaints with this new movie. But it is a significant departure from the theme of the original, which is what made it special in the first place. This new movie was basically a generic action flick, which is fine, but it's not good Star Trek. I can't say I really noticed a focus on popular culture in the movie.

[Preston]

No, I don't think there was too much focus on Spock. He is one of the most important characters.

I think the most important thing is that I have never really watched Star Trek. So, when I went to see it I was blown away! You are right that it was action based, the person I went with was saying that it was better then Star Wars! I told them that this is because for them I think the action and suspense took them. I told them that Star Wars is more of a study of the future, which I believe it is, and that they like action.

No, I just don't think the recent movies of established franchises that have been made have done justice to the originals or have been great movies on their own. I think this is partially due to a trend in movies these days that isn't very good.

I don't really know to many movies, so many movies nowadays are crap. I do respect Star Wars, and I do like the prequels though.

CGI is a new toy, and like most new toys, it isn't perfect and it's very over-used. It's so over-used that we are now at the point where special effects are no longer special. Yes, it removes many limitations. But I'm not sure that's a good thing. When you are under restraints it forces you to be more creative and work harder to acheive what you want. It may not be exactly what you had first imagined, but frankly, I think it's usually better for having gone through that process.

I too, do feel that it is a toy for many, but it is also taken very seriously by many. They devote their lives to it, and do some amazing things, I think. Yes, I kind of see your point about restraints. I would have to have a better understanding of the processes of making a movie to understand it more though. I don't really know what makes people creative. I guess for some it does help to have restraints, while others may be so naturally creative to a point that they do not need restraints, only their minds?

If you have never seen the original Star Trek, you would not understand my specific complaints with this new movie. But it is a significant departure from the theme of the original, which is what made it special in the first place. This new movie was basically a generic action flick, which is fine, but it's not good Star Trek. I can't say I really noticed a focus on popular culture in the movie.

I will have to watch the original Star Trek, for sure. Yes, the action was a little extreme, I agree. I really feel that there was a focus on mainstream culture. I thought that this would be a big departure from Star Trek. I mean, even when I went a lot of people I would have never expected to take such interest in Star Trek were there, but the point is that this seems to be happening everywhere. I guess that it is a good thing, that people that generally watch The Real World or what not, got into something a little different.

[Chris]

I guess for some it does help to have restraints, while others may be so naturally creative to a point that they do not need restraints, only their minds?

I don't think so. I think restraints are an important way of channeling creativity into something. Consider Beethoven. He was limited by the instruments of his time - their ranges, their timbres, their volume. He constantly pushed instruments to their limits and was all for advancements, but he also used their limits and characteristics to great effect. Imagine he had a synthesizer and could combine any frequencies to make any sounds he wanted. What would he have done? How could he decide which of the infinite combinations he should use? Could he have made any better music?

[Preston]

Chris, you bring up an interesting question, I think. I will post in the Beethoven Forum.

[Preston]

to any who care, and who do not

Really wanted to mention this.

First let me say that the castle- The Biltmore House, is huge, unimaginably huge. In total it is 175,000 sq. ft.

Now, for the big news. George Lucas is building a work complex, based around ancient architecture, that is 262,000 sq. ft.!!!

What do you all think about this? I think that since he has the money, and I consider him brilliant- let him do it, great. Although, I still have questions about the whole thing.

[Preston]

Chris, I have come to see and understand your point of view regarding Star Wars and George Lucas. You are right the man has lost everything about him that made him a great director. He has taken advantage of capitalism in every way possible, it seems. As for the prequels- they are childish and lack depth, thought, etc., and, are just not good, in my opinion.

One of the scenes that, to my mind, is really horrible is the battle for Naboo when the Gungans battle the Separatists. The man manages to make a war into a comedy!

[Michael]

But he did give us the truly wonderful Jar Jar Binks.

[Chris]

Chris, I have come to see and understand your point of view regarding Star Wars and George Lucas. You are right the man has lost everything about him that made him a great director. He has taken advantage of capitalism in every way possible, it seems. As for the prequels- they are childish and lack depth, thought, etc., and, are just not good, in my opinion.

One of the scenes that, to my mind, is really horrible is the battle for Naboo when the Gungans battle the Separatists. The man manages to make a war into a comedy!

Well, it's Star Wars, so nobody expects or wants Saving Private Ryan, but the antics did get rather ridiculous there, yes. For what it's worth, I thought Episode I was the best of the prequels.

[Joy]

Did you see his 'new' idea coming soon? Here's part of the article. "LucasArts and TT Games today announced the development of LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. The next chapter in the award-winning LEGO Star Wars video game franchise, LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars will combine the best elements of all previous LEGO games while adding brand new gameplay to make it the most action-packed LEGO videogame to date."

One thing for sure Lucas sure knows how to milk an idea like forever.

[Chris]

Ha ha, the first two Lego Star Wars games were actually a lot of fun. I don't play many games anymore, but I did play those, and they were very enjoyable. Reminded me of being a kid and playing with Star Wars toys and LEGO.

[Preston]

One thing for sure Lucas sure knows how to milk an idea like forever.

Yes. I would go further and say that he knows how to bleed it to death.

I, am convinced, that GL is an idiot, except in the business since- which he quite excels at. When it comes to most other types of smarts than business, I question his understandings.

It seems he has lost the most, if not all- of the thought, creativity, intellect, direction, directing, etc.- that he once had. Yes, I think that there are things about SW that are somewhat brilliant- though, the things that I feel are brilliant did not come from him, he understood them and used them- which shows his former creativity, imo.

Either way, I must admit- I am no longer a Star Wars fan- for the most (very much so) part. The first trilogy showed creativity, etc.- considering the year they were made in.

Though, I got caught up in some kind of strange popular cultured hype- I see this now. The fault was mine.

Personally, I think- maybe, perhaps- he was money hungry from the start- the beginning, sadly- and went as far as using ancient philosophy and mythology- to fill his pocket and make him the all great “genius George Lucas”. A sneaky man you are George.

Though despite all my disgust and foolish-raving- I do look forward to the television series that is coming out, because, something makes me feel it may be decent. The 1st season will be directed by Richard Marquand's son. Hopefully, George's writing skills will do him well, again- he is writing the 1st season, to my understanding.

[Preston]

I am writing this because I believe I was completely wrong about some of the things I wrote about Star Wars and felt I should clarify my current beliefs about the saga.

In short, I believe, I was very mistaken to say anything derogatory about the prequels. Imo, they are phenomenal. Also imo, I believe George Lucas may be the greatest director to have ever directed.

I just wanted to clarify.

[Preston]

There is no point Bonn, I was just clarifying. Perhaps, I am wrong to clarify? Though, Star Wars means very much to me.

[Chris]

Though, Star Wars means very much to me.

Me too. I love Star Wars. Nothing captured my imagination like Star Wars when I was a kid. Nevertheless, I am forced to admit that the prequels were not good films, and Lucas himself, while a very creative man and great at coming up with ideas and general stories, is not at his best in the specific execution of them. He is not, or perhaps was and is no longer, a great director. Or perhaps the problem is not his ability to direct, but the fact that film-making is a collaborative effort, and he has simply gotten rid of anyone who will challenge him on anything. He needs to have someone to tell him when an idea is not good, and that is something he doesn't seem to have anymore. In any case, I am grateful for all the good things that have come from his imagination over the years.

[Preston]

Me too. I love Star Wars.

I know, .

Though, concerning the prequels, I think it comes down to how an individual perceives them. Personally, I believe the prequels are profound movies.