This weekend, the first of the Star Wars spinoff films, Rogue One was released. Being a big Star Wars fan myself, I figured I'd share my thoughts on it like I did with Episode 7 a while back. So, let's jump on it. Oh and by the way, SPOILERS FOLLOW.
Did I mention that there are spoilers below?
A Long Time Ago...:
So let's talk about the opening of the film. Oh no, not the scene where Krennic comes for Galen. I'm talking about the first few seconds there. When I saw The Force Awakens, I was surprised at how OK I was with there being no 20th Century Fox fanfare and how I enjoyed the silence that accompanied the Lucasfilm logo. The same goes for here. However that's old news. Yes, the crawl is gone and I'm glad it is. This being the first Star Wars spinoff film, I'm glad to see that there was a conscious effort here to distinguish the spinoffs from the main series. While I love the crawl, I'm happy to keep it exclusive to the main series. What I am happy to see back is "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away..." I wasn't necessarily expecting to see it at the start of the film, but it was a welcome surprise. While the spinoffs are definitely different from the main films, this is a nice way to tie everything together and remind us that these films, while different, all take place in the same world.
K-2SO:
Probably my favorite new character of the film (my favorite Star Wars character is in there but we'll get to that later), K-2SO was a treat. He had a lot of the more humorous lines of the film and was always a treat when he was on screen. Even though he was totally CG, it didn't really distract or detract from him at all. He was a lot of fun.
The Death Star:
Boy does the Death Star look great in this film. It has a wonderful massive looming presence and looks fantastic. That shot of the Super Laser being installed is wonderful and such a cool moment. The interior is recreated so faithfully and looks great as well. Seeing the Death Star fire was such a fascinating experience. Obviously no planets were destroyed but I'm glad we got to see it in action again. Seeing it fire with 2016 special effects was kind of bizarre. The shot of the laser going down the tunnel in particular really stuck out to me. Obviously it was pulled right from A New Hope but it's wild to see it redone like this.
Grand Moff Tarkin:
Perhaps no part of Rogue One is as talked about as Grand Moff Tarkin, brought to life once again by Peter Cushing through the magic of CGI. When I first saw Tarkin in one of the TV spots I was pretty sure they'd keep his involvement in the film light. In the TV spot, we only see the back of his head. I wasn't expecting much more then that in the film itself. Then when we see his reflection in the film, I was pretty sure that would be the most we saw of him. And then he turned around. This was somewhat of a shocking moment to me. It's sort of like the film makers were breaking the rules. It felt like we had been seeing as much of Tarkin as we were going to see and then suddenly, BOOM there he is. It was a really surprising and really neat moment.
Now as for the CGI itself, I'd say it ranges from pretty darn good to ehhhhhh... In some shots, Tarkin looks perfect. In others I could definitely tell that something was up. Is it a perfect effect? No I don't think so. Despite that though, for what it is, it's amazing. To think that they were able to recreate an actor to this level of detail is pretty spectacular. There's a lot of hard work and attention that went into this and you can tell.
While I am pretty impressed with the effect I feel like perhaps Tarkin should have been used a little less in the film. Like I said, I don't think the effect is completely perfect and using him a little less would have helped to mask this a bit. Either way, I am glad that he's in the film. A story about the Death Star (especially one this close to A New Hope) without Tarkin would feel wrong and I'm impressed that the film makers went to such extreme lengths to make sure he was a part of it.
Rebels References:
I can't say I really caught any of these in the film but seeing all of the Star Wars Rebels references in the film really does my heart good. While I can't say I really caught any during the film itself, I'm defiantly looking forward to seeing them upon my next viewing. Seeing such a close connection between the show and the film makes me really happy as I feel that it makes the whole world of Star Wars feel that much more connected. It's easy to forget sometimes that the events of the animated show exist in the same world as the films and Rogue One does a great job of connecting the dots. It's the kind of connection that I've been wanting from Marvel for years and I was so happy to see it done so well here.
R2-D2 and C-3PO:
Oh man. I was not expecting these two to show up here. Sure it takes place so close to A New Hope but I still didn't think they'd pop up. Boy was I happy they did. Sure it was just a quick cameo, but it was one of my favorite surprises of the film. I love R2-D2 is my favorite Star Wars character and C-3PO is defiantly up there as well, so getting a chance to see them on the big screen again was a treat.
Scarif Battle:
In my opinion this was easily the best part of the film. It was exciting, action packed, full of great easter eggs, and just a whole lot of fun. Every moment of this battle was absolutely thrilling and I loved every minute of it. It was so great, I'm gonna break it down into a few subtopics.
Red and Gold Leader:
That little bit at the beginning of the battle checking in with the ships was such an awesome, classic Star Wars moment made even better by the surprise appearances of Red and Gold leaders. The fact that they used original archival footage is really cool especially because they were able to make the effect so seamless.
Hammerhead:
I mentioned earlier how much I loved the Rebels references but really didn't catch them in the film. Well I definitely caught this one. Seeing the ships from the show on the big screen and knowing their backstory was defiantly cool, but the whole ramming the Star Destroyer bit was fantastic. I've always thought that those ships had a nice design and I was super happy to see it getting put to perfect use here. Simply wonderful.
Admiral Raddus:
Seeing another Mon Calamari heading a ship was really neat and I enjoyed Raddus a lot. It was cool to see Admiral Ackbar again last year but I really enjoyed seeing another Mon Calamari at the head of a ship again. It reminded me of some of the best parts of Return of the Jedi. Shame he doesn't have any lines as memorable as "It's a trap!" though.
The Death Star Plans:
I really appreciate the little details here. Having the plans sent as multiple transitions ("Several transitions were beamed to this ship by rebel spies.") and having that wireframe animation of the Death Star with the super laser in the wrong spot were great little touches that perfectly tied this film to A New Hope.
Everyone Dies:
I'm really glad that our main cast is completely wiped out at the end of the film. Not to say that I didn't like them, but I thought that it needed to happen to emphasize how treacherous of a mission this was. (Plus they don't show up in A New Hope or any other films.) Special props to the upper management at Lucasfilm/Disney for letting them go through with this. Also I was really glad that Jyn and Cassian didn't kiss at the end. I would have been super easy for them to go that route (and it almost looked like they were going to) but they held off and I'm glad they did. A last minute romance like that would have been kind of stupid.
Darth Vader:
Oh man, how about Darth Vader? First of all, a castle on Mustafar? Awesome and great way to tie in the prequels. I know some people were a bit put off by the whole "choke on your aspirations" line but I liked it. When Vader started to choke Krennic I started to fanboy a bit. When he said the line I started to chuckle a bit, still in awe of seeing Vader choke someone again. Speaking of lines, it was wonderful to hear James Earl Jones as Vader again. It was great hearing him again on Star Wars Rebels last season and to hear him again on the big screen was simply fantastic. Of course the real Vader scene that everyone is talking about is that last one. Dang. The shot of the dark corridor with the lightsaber igniting was spectacular. I remember as that shot started, I was so giddy because I knew what was about to happen. Man, the music, the action. It was perfectly done. I could watch that scene all day.
Princess Leia:
Some people have given this effect flack but I think that it looks perfect. What a cool moment to have the Princess appear and what a great way to tie things in to A New Hope. The sight of the white corridors of the Tantive IV combined with the music from the first moments of episode IV was a wonderful throwback. And man, when Princess Leia turned around I could barely believe it. It was amazing to see such an accurate and detailed Princess Leia up on the big screen. They absolutely nailed it. Now I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the elephant in the room. When I first saw the film, Carrie Fisher was still alive and well. Even when I first started writing this blog post she had not died yet. (Yeah I know, I'm quite the procrastinator.) That being said, I'm glad that to hear that she got the opportunity to see the finished product before she died. Having Leia in the film really is a loving tribute to Carrie Fisher and her iconic performance.
Overall, I had a blast with Rogue One. It was a unique take on galaxy and provided us with something very new and unique as well as a touching tribute to the one that started it all. I eagerly await the next Star Wars Anthology film.
Saturday, May 20, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
Inauguration Reflection
Even though I've had quite a bit of time to think about what to say today, I still find myself at a loss for words. There's a part of me that thinks I should know exactly what to say after all this time but there's another part of me that realizes there's no way to ever truly know what to say.
All my life, I have been proud of my country. Not only is the United States my home but also a place whose ideals I really believe in. Even in our darkest hours I have been proud to be an American.
Today however, I find myself asking, "Am I truly proud to be an American?" It's a question I've really struggled with recently. For years the answer has always been yes but suddenly, things aren't so obvious.
After a lot of thinking and internal debating, I finally settled on an answer: "Yes."
Why?
Because America is better than this:
All my life, I have been proud of my country. Not only is the United States my home but also a place whose ideals I really believe in. Even in our darkest hours I have been proud to be an American.
Today however, I find myself asking, "Am I truly proud to be an American?" It's a question I've really struggled with recently. For years the answer has always been yes but suddenly, things aren't so obvious.
After a lot of thinking and internal debating, I finally settled on an answer: "Yes."
Why?
Because America is better than this:
Because America is better than this:
Because America is better than this:
WE are better than this.
He does not represent what America is. He represents the hate, fear, and anger that has ripped this country apart. He may be the President, but he is not what America is.
As we enter a dark time for the country, I'll keep fighting for the America I know and love. The America that is already great.
Now more than ever, God bless America.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
A Reflection on the Election
It's crazy to think that we're only a few days away from the 2016 election. All of this buildup and we're finally here. Months of campaigning and debating are finally about to come to an end. I know that many, including myself, are looking forward to having election day behind us as things can finally "get back to normal." A wonderful thought isn't it? The idea that once November 8th is behind us, things can go right back to the way they were before all the fuss of this crazy election started. (So early 2015 then I guess?) I know that I for one am looking forward to the time when I'll be able to check Facebook and not see anything political for a bit. However, as we've gotten closer and closer to the big day, I've gradually started to realize something: There is no going back.
Allow me to explain my point. Back before the election began (and even in its early stages) I really didn't care too much about the political opinions of those around me. Some were Republicans, some were Democrats, but either way I generally didn't take too much issue with who they supported. Aside from a few issues that I really felt strongly for, I wouldn't take much interest in the political postings of my peers. Then the 2016 election started to heat up. As it became more and more clear that this was a very different election, and as the discussion involved in it became more and more volatile, I started to take note who said what and who supported who.
And here we are now, just on the edge of the grand finale. It's clear now that no matter what side of the election you're on, now is when the desperate moves are made. Now is when the true colors are on display. (If they weren't already.) This goes for both the candidates and their supporters. Despite all the craziness now, in a few days, it'll all be over right? Well, you don't need me to tell you that this is not a normal election. While I believe that it's nearly impossible to have a perfect candidate and that sacrifices will almost always have to be made while voting, this election has kicked things up to the max. No matter who you're voting for, you're more than likely making a sacrifice of something you believe in. So when November 8th has passed, do we forget those sacrifices? Can we forget those sacrifices?
This election has drastically altered the way I view the two main candidates. I went from having very undeveloped thoughts about them to very strong opinions on them. However, at the end of the day, my opinions on them haven't really altered my life too drastically. One thing that has been altered however, is how I view the voters in this election. Not the populous in general, but the people I know. The friends and family. While I've made my choice in this election, I've seen others make theirs as well, often quite vocally. In several cases, these choices have changed how I view these people. Despite spending a significant amount of time with some, I feel as if I'm just getting to know them for the first time. Where they draw the line, what they see as most important, and what they're willing to sacrifice. I find myself appalled by people I once thought I knew. This happens almost every day. At first I told myself that this would all go away after the election. I thought that once this was past, these appalling situations wouldn't be an issue. However as time has gone by, I've come to realization that things can not simply go back to normal. I'll remember the choices these people made when November 9th rolls around. I'll remember those choices on January 20th. I'll remember those choices long into the future. I don't think I'll able to view these people the same way again.
I've known that I wanted to write a blog post before the election for quite a while now. Most of that time, I wanted to write a post urging people not to vote for one particular candidate. However as election day drew closer and closer, I started to realize that it would be a waste. At this point, pretty much everyone has made their decision and nothing, NOTHING is going to change it. It would be a waste of my time. From that realization came this post.
I voted via absentee ballot the other day. While I'm not necessarily completely happy with who I voted for, I am confident that I made the right choice, a choice that hopefully hasn't changed the way people view me. Whatever your choice, be sure to get out there and vote.
Allow me to explain my point. Back before the election began (and even in its early stages) I really didn't care too much about the political opinions of those around me. Some were Republicans, some were Democrats, but either way I generally didn't take too much issue with who they supported. Aside from a few issues that I really felt strongly for, I wouldn't take much interest in the political postings of my peers. Then the 2016 election started to heat up. As it became more and more clear that this was a very different election, and as the discussion involved in it became more and more volatile, I started to take note who said what and who supported who.
And here we are now, just on the edge of the grand finale. It's clear now that no matter what side of the election you're on, now is when the desperate moves are made. Now is when the true colors are on display. (If they weren't already.) This goes for both the candidates and their supporters. Despite all the craziness now, in a few days, it'll all be over right? Well, you don't need me to tell you that this is not a normal election. While I believe that it's nearly impossible to have a perfect candidate and that sacrifices will almost always have to be made while voting, this election has kicked things up to the max. No matter who you're voting for, you're more than likely making a sacrifice of something you believe in. So when November 8th has passed, do we forget those sacrifices? Can we forget those sacrifices?
This election has drastically altered the way I view the two main candidates. I went from having very undeveloped thoughts about them to very strong opinions on them. However, at the end of the day, my opinions on them haven't really altered my life too drastically. One thing that has been altered however, is how I view the voters in this election. Not the populous in general, but the people I know. The friends and family. While I've made my choice in this election, I've seen others make theirs as well, often quite vocally. In several cases, these choices have changed how I view these people. Despite spending a significant amount of time with some, I feel as if I'm just getting to know them for the first time. Where they draw the line, what they see as most important, and what they're willing to sacrifice. I find myself appalled by people I once thought I knew. This happens almost every day. At first I told myself that this would all go away after the election. I thought that once this was past, these appalling situations wouldn't be an issue. However as time has gone by, I've come to realization that things can not simply go back to normal. I'll remember the choices these people made when November 9th rolls around. I'll remember those choices on January 20th. I'll remember those choices long into the future. I don't think I'll able to view these people the same way again.
I've known that I wanted to write a blog post before the election for quite a while now. Most of that time, I wanted to write a post urging people not to vote for one particular candidate. However as election day drew closer and closer, I started to realize that it would be a waste. At this point, pretty much everyone has made their decision and nothing, NOTHING is going to change it. It would be a waste of my time. From that realization came this post.
I voted via absentee ballot the other day. While I'm not necessarily completely happy with who I voted for, I am confident that I made the right choice, a choice that hopefully hasn't changed the way people view me. Whatever your choice, be sure to get out there and vote.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
"When You're a SLUH Boy"
Now that it's been a year and a day since good old Senior Follies, I thought that it would be fun to revisit the parody song I wrote for the show "When You're a SLUH Boy." Ever since I saw The Addams Family at The Muny in the summer of 2014, the idea of incorporating one of its songs in Follies was always in the back of my mind. It wasn't until seeing the show again in the spring at Notre Dame High School did I finally commit to it. "When You're an Addams" was my default pick to adapt as it was my favorite song from the show. (If I had to pick a second, it would be "Full Disclosure".)
When writing, my key focus was always the key line "When You're an Addams." I knew that if I could find a suitable SLUH replacement, I could write the rest easily. My early attempts focused around the English department. The story would be that a new teacher was joining the department and everyone was explaining what it meant to be a SLUH English teacher. Ultimately I could never find a satisfying hook. I did most of this brainstorming while bringing in carts at Dierbergs, typically at night when the lot was empty and I didn't have to focus on cars driving around as much.
Only after settling on "When You're a SLUH Boy" did I sit down and actually start writing. Most of the lyrics were cranked out in one afternoon. I submitted the song on the last possible day and found out that it was in the show for sure the next day.
Seeing the whole thing come together was an absolute blast. Choral and dance practices were a joy. I was especially happy that I was able to perform in the number myself. It was a thrill from beginning to end and I'm so thankful for everyone who helped bring it together!
Below is the extended version of the lyrics which features an additional section that was cut from the show due to time. I hope you enjoy!
When writing, my key focus was always the key line "When You're an Addams." I knew that if I could find a suitable SLUH replacement, I could write the rest easily. My early attempts focused around the English department. The story would be that a new teacher was joining the department and everyone was explaining what it meant to be a SLUH English teacher. Ultimately I could never find a satisfying hook. I did most of this brainstorming while bringing in carts at Dierbergs, typically at night when the lot was empty and I didn't have to focus on cars driving around as much.
Only after settling on "When You're a SLUH Boy" did I sit down and actually start writing. Most of the lyrics were cranked out in one afternoon. I submitted the song on the last possible day and found out that it was in the show for sure the next day.
Seeing the whole thing come together was an absolute blast. Choral and dance practices were a joy. I was especially happy that I was able to perform in the number myself. It was a thrill from beginning to end and I'm so thankful for everyone who helped bring it together!
Below is the extended version of the lyrics which features an additional section that was cut from the show due to time. I hope you enjoy!
Friday, March 11, 2016
Reflecting on Donald Trump in St. Louis
St. Louis is in my DNA. It is where I was born, where I was raised, and where I call home. While I have always loved St. Louis, in recent years I have grown to appreciate the city even more. My time at St. Louis University High School is largely responsible for this. Being a part of a more expansive group of classmates helping me to see St. Louis in different ways. Learning how to drive and commuting each morning gave me a greater appreciation for every building and street. Most importantly, the SLUH Staycation Club helped me to appreciate every aspect of my hometown on a level that I had never imagined before. Even though I find myself away from St. Louis more often these days due to school, the city remains on my mind and in my heart everyday.
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| A photo from the wall of my dorm room in Chicago of myself and the SLUH Staycation Club on one of our first outings in Downtown St. Louis |
Today Donald Trump spoke in the Peabody Opera House. The Peabody is a 3,100 seat theater that opened in 1934. It is a beautiful theater that has played host to a wide variety of events from concerts to musicals to my very own high school graduation. It is that graduation that makes Trump's rally more appalling than usual to me. I will forever associate the Peabody Opera House with SLUH and fond memories. I will remember taking picture with all my friends, greeting family members, not climbing on the bears with Connor, no one obnoxiously cheering when my name was called, the awkward expressions on everyone's faces when the Battle Hymn of the Republic was being played, laying eyes on my diploma for the first time, listening to speeches, reflecting on the past four years of my life, the huge Billiken on the ceiling, processing in, talking with my teachers, making side comments to Hap, looking really fancy, flipping through the program a bunch, waiting in the back, and wrapping up many years with Michael as a classmate.
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| Another photo from my dorm room wall. This one is from my graduation at the Peabody Opera House. |
And now Trump. Trump is there. The same place where all those memories took place. The same place where I felt so much joy now plays host to anger, hatred, conflict, and violence. It sickens me. All of those happy memories and an abomination. Trump has infiltrated what I hold dear. He brought the worst our country has to offer together in a place, a city that I associate with the best of memories. He promoted hatred and discrimination on the same stage where I proudly concluded four amazing years of my life. He brought the city's worst to the place I associate with the city's best.
St. Louis is bigger than Trump. St. Louis is better than Trump. St. Louis is beautiful.
St. Louis is bigger than Trump. St. Louis is better than Trump. St. Louis is beautiful.
Mr. Trump, get out of my city, get out of my home, get out of my country.
Friday, February 26, 2016
A Letter to the Switch Bar
My dearest Switch Bar,
How I long to be with you again. Although only a year has passed since our last adventure, it feels as if we have been apart for a lifetime. I long for the for the days when we spent our afternoons together, dishing out drinks and keeping watch over the quiet halls. You were the center of attention during Activity Period, drawing students from all corners of the school for a bottle of ice cold Fitz's or Ski. Few could resist your allure. You kept me working hard, but I never minded. Another second with you was another second of pure joy. Every mixed drink brought a smile to my face. Drinks weren't your only specialty though. From blueberry pancakes to back massages to shaved ice to live music, your charm knew no bounds. You were unlike anything SLUH had ever seen.
As much as you did for me, you did more for others. You may have started out as just a Gadfly sketch, but you evolved into something greater. A bar for others. You drew our community together and helped raise money for the less fortunate. Your tip trophy wasn't just a literal trophy, but a beacon of hope. From Homeboy Industries to Honduras, you helped to unite students for great causes. You've become more than I ever dreamed you would be. I am proud to have been a part of all you've done.
I hope that this letter finds you doing well old friend. As another Mission Week wraps up, I have no clue what you've been up to, if anything. Whether you find yourself at Dooley Week or not, know that your legacy lives on dear Switch Bar. No matter what happens to you, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Until we meet again...
Sincerely yours,
David
How I long to be with you again. Although only a year has passed since our last adventure, it feels as if we have been apart for a lifetime. I long for the for the days when we spent our afternoons together, dishing out drinks and keeping watch over the quiet halls. You were the center of attention during Activity Period, drawing students from all corners of the school for a bottle of ice cold Fitz's or Ski. Few could resist your allure. You kept me working hard, but I never minded. Another second with you was another second of pure joy. Every mixed drink brought a smile to my face. Drinks weren't your only specialty though. From blueberry pancakes to back massages to shaved ice to live music, your charm knew no bounds. You were unlike anything SLUH had ever seen.
As much as you did for me, you did more for others. You may have started out as just a Gadfly sketch, but you evolved into something greater. A bar for others. You drew our community together and helped raise money for the less fortunate. Your tip trophy wasn't just a literal trophy, but a beacon of hope. From Homeboy Industries to Honduras, you helped to unite students for great causes. You've become more than I ever dreamed you would be. I am proud to have been a part of all you've done.
I hope that this letter finds you doing well old friend. As another Mission Week wraps up, I have no clue what you've been up to, if anything. Whether you find yourself at Dooley Week or not, know that your legacy lives on dear Switch Bar. No matter what happens to you, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Until we meet again...
Sincerely yours,
David
Monday, February 22, 2016
What It Was Like Watching Episode 7 for the First Time
It's been two months, if you haven't seen it, you probably don't care about spoilers.
Even though December 2015 is in the rear view mirror, I still thought it would be fun to recount what it was like to experience Star Wars: The Force Awakens for the first time. This isn't so much a review as it is a recap of emotion. Without further ado, let's go!
The Opening:
First, let me say that I really really enjoyed how the logos were handled for this film. The 20th Century Theme is a piece that I have always associated with Star Wars. Even though Fox's role in the films was largely just distribution, their logo has always been an essential part to the opening of every Star Wars film. I was expecting quite a void when the film started without Fox's logo. I was surprised with just how much I enjoyed the replacement. As the saying goes "Silence is golden." Without any fanfare to open the picture, I thought that the Star Wars theme itself was much stronger. The silence only built my anticipation for the beginning of the film. It flowed beautifully and I loved it. There will always be a place in my heart for the 20th Century Fox theme, but I really do love the new logo opening.
Seeing "EPISODE VII" on the big screen was also a special moment. A seventh Star Wars film has literally been a lifelong dream of mine. My friends and I created our own little fan films when we were younger to fill in after episode six. They were a defining part of my childhood and helped to shape my love for video editing. As a result, seeing the real episode seven was the fulfillment of a childhood dream for me.
"Luke Skywalker has vanished." These were the most powerful words in the crawl for me. It was in this moment that I realized that I was truly seeing the next Star Wars film. A burst of new info on a classic character. The first piece of a new trilogy. The an introduction to new world. No more secrets. Just Star Wars.
As the the crawl faded into space, I began to realize what was happening. I was being reintroduced to the world of Star Wars. After 30 years, what was a galaxy far far away like? It was the same world, but a completely new one at the same time. I was absolutely hooked.
Meeting the New World:
Seeing the Star Destroyer cross the screen at the beginning of the film was a powerful world moment. Not only was it a very cool shot to watch, but it also gave the First Order such a sinister presence. This was enhanced by the troop transports leaving the ship. The whole thing gave was reminiscent of the openings of both episodes four and five. Watching the transports arrive on Jakku was genuinely terrifying. It was like something out of a nightmare.
Meeting the New Characters:
I thought that the introduction of all of the film's new characters was handed extremly well. Kylo Ren's in particular really stood out to me. Watching him stop the blaster fire mid shot was incredible. You immediately got an idea of just how strong he was. I was worried going in that Kylo Ren wouldn't be able to compete with the already impressive line of Star Wars villains, but this moment eased my concern. I also enjoyed seeing Rey go about her day. It gave a good sense of who she was and what her life was like while demonstrating what the galaxy was like following the Empire. (Side note: Seeing the ruined Star Destroyer in the second teaser was an incredible reveal leading up to the film.)
It's also worth noting that I love BB-8. You get the same sense of personality that R2-D2 offers. Also I am really happy that BB-8 performed as a practical effect on set. There is never any doubt in my mind that he is really there, an it allows his personality to really shine.
Meeting the Old Characters:
I was lucky enough to see this film with a really great audience. They were incredibly invested in the film and had real respect for the material. Whenever an old character would return they would applaud, but did not get obnoxious. (Luke's return at the end was met with no applause, keeping the moment intact.) The Millennium Falcon had the best reveal, with the perfect combination of humor and nostalgia. Seeing Han and Chewie together again was powerful. It's worth noting that the line "Chewie, we're home" had the potential to be used rather poorly, but made sense the way it was executed in the film.
The Falcon's Escape from Jakku:
This scene was filled to the brim with wonderful Star Wars action and effects. It was an absolute joy to watch. Seeing the Millennium Falcon in action again was breathtaking especially as this was my first time seeing it on the big screen. Speaking of big screen, I experienced the film in IMAX for my first screening. This scene was special as it was filmed with IMAX cameras. The results were a breathtaking, giving the film a massive scale that felt perfect of the action on screen. It was phenomenal.
Han and Chewie:
What a partnership. It was wonderful seeing these two back at it. Even after all these years, their friendship felt just as strong as it always had. Moments like Han firing Chewie's bowcaster and "Oh really? You're cold?" brought a smile to my face. It was classic and brand new all at once. (A bit of a theme with this film.) It will be interesting going forward to see how Chewie deals with the loss of Han. Although we saw a solo Chewbacca in episode three, we have yet to see a post-Han solo Chewbacca. (See what I did there?) I'm going to miss seeing them work together.
Han and Leia:
I thought that this relationship was handled perfectly. With who these character are and how we've seen them act, it makes sense that they had a far from perfect relationship. Their first moment of interaction in the film in particular was a truly perfect moment for me. Every line was perfectly true to character. There was a sense of both tragedy and affection. Leia reaction to Han's death was also well done. It was a moment that reminded us of her strength wit the force as well as her love of Han (even if he is a scoundrel).
New Characters:
I found Poe interesting and likable and I'm really excited to learn more about him in the upcoming films. Poe seems like the kind of guys you want to be friends with, talented and witty, but also kind and friendly. He and Finn fit together perfectly.
Speaking of Finn, I really enjoyed how awkward he was at the beginning. That's not something I usually say about characters. His background as a Stormtrooper adds a unique layer of depth to him that we've never really seen before in Star Wars.
Out of the new characters, Rey is my favorite. (OK, probably a tie with BB-8 in reality.) She's smart, strong, and spectacular. I was extremly excited when it was revealed that she was strong with the Force. She's a wonderful character before the reveal and having the Force only makes her better. I am thrilled to watch her become a Jedi as the series progresses.
Han Solo and Kylo Ren:
This relationship really added a lot of depth to both of these characters for me. First of all, it solidified Kylo Ren as a great Star Wars character. Second, it really showed the evolution of Han Solo. The Han Solo we see here is not the Han Solo we meet on Tatooine, yet everything felt right.
Watching Han's death scene, a million things were running through my head. I always knew what was going to happen. As soon as Han and Chewie went to place the bombs. "This is their last time together," I thought. I kept expecting something to go horribly wrong: a faulty bomb, a misfire, a bad step. The moment Han sees Kylo Ren walking across the bridge and makes an expression, I knew it was coming. Despite this, I spent the rest of the scene in denial. "No. They wouldn't. Would they? Will they kill Han? Could they kill Han? How could he escape? Maybe Kylo Ren will show mercy." Seeing Han die is both sad and yet fulfilling. On one hand, Han has come so far. He's more than just the smuggler we met in a cantina, he's a hero, he's a father. Responsibility is not something that is typically associated with Han, yet he takes responsibility as Ben's father. One the other hand, Han Solo is dead.
At the end of the day, I'm sad to see Han die, but I'm looking forward to how this will shape Kylo Ren. RIP.
The Final Battle:
What a fight! First, I adore the atmosphere for this battle. The snowy woods of Starkiller base were breathtaking and make me really want to go camping. My favorite part here is Rey. Seeing her pull the lightsaber out of the snow was a huge moment, one of my favorites in the film and makes me even happier that she is strong with the force. What a battle it was. I don't know if we've ever really seen two novices dueling it out in Star Wars, but it was a blast none the less. I'm sure we'll see a rematch in the future, but I don't know it we'll ever get such a thrilling backdrop again.
R2-D2:
R2 is my favorite Star Wars character. It was good to see him again but we need more R2. I'm glad he was important to the plot and came to save the day in the end (that's sort of his thing) but I want more R2 because I love R2. That being said, I loved seeing him, BB-8, and C-3PO together. I hope that we see more of this trio in the future.
Luke:
What an ending. I thought that this part really shined. First of all, the landscape was gorgeous. I really want to visit this island, mostly just to reenact this scene, but also because it looks brilliant. Even though I knew that Luke was waiting at the top of the island, it didn't make the reveal any less thrilling. Luke is a legend now, and it was cool to see him come alive again. I thought the scoring here was perfect. So much nostalgia and yet such a set piece for the future. I can not wait for episode eight.
Music:
John Williams. Need I say more? Excellent as always. Watching the film itself, the track that stuck out the most was "The Jedi Steps" but since then I've also taken a liking to "March of the Resistance" and "Rey's Theme". The new music is strong and the revisiting of old themes was always perfect. Excellent. Though all the Star Wars films, nothing has been as consistently good as John Williams.
Leaving the Theater:
Ask anyone who was with me, I was a giddy little boy. I haven't gotten this excited in a long time (ago in a galaxy far far away). I was off the hook and unleashed. I had just seen Star Wars episode seven. EPISODE SEVEN. Unreal. As a testament to the excitement, my friends and I spent the next few hours discussing what we had just seen at Steak 'n Shake.
Watching The Force Awakens was an experience, which isn't something I can say for most films. It was an absolute blast and easily the best time I have ever hand in a theater. December 2017 can not come soon enough.
Even though December 2015 is in the rear view mirror, I still thought it would be fun to recount what it was like to experience Star Wars: The Force Awakens for the first time. This isn't so much a review as it is a recap of emotion. Without further ado, let's go!
The Opening:
First, let me say that I really really enjoyed how the logos were handled for this film. The 20th Century Theme is a piece that I have always associated with Star Wars. Even though Fox's role in the films was largely just distribution, their logo has always been an essential part to the opening of every Star Wars film. I was expecting quite a void when the film started without Fox's logo. I was surprised with just how much I enjoyed the replacement. As the saying goes "Silence is golden." Without any fanfare to open the picture, I thought that the Star Wars theme itself was much stronger. The silence only built my anticipation for the beginning of the film. It flowed beautifully and I loved it. There will always be a place in my heart for the 20th Century Fox theme, but I really do love the new logo opening.
Seeing "EPISODE VII" on the big screen was also a special moment. A seventh Star Wars film has literally been a lifelong dream of mine. My friends and I created our own little fan films when we were younger to fill in after episode six. They were a defining part of my childhood and helped to shape my love for video editing. As a result, seeing the real episode seven was the fulfillment of a childhood dream for me.
"Luke Skywalker has vanished." These were the most powerful words in the crawl for me. It was in this moment that I realized that I was truly seeing the next Star Wars film. A burst of new info on a classic character. The first piece of a new trilogy. The an introduction to new world. No more secrets. Just Star Wars.
As the the crawl faded into space, I began to realize what was happening. I was being reintroduced to the world of Star Wars. After 30 years, what was a galaxy far far away like? It was the same world, but a completely new one at the same time. I was absolutely hooked.
Meeting the New World:
Seeing the Star Destroyer cross the screen at the beginning of the film was a powerful world moment. Not only was it a very cool shot to watch, but it also gave the First Order such a sinister presence. This was enhanced by the troop transports leaving the ship. The whole thing gave was reminiscent of the openings of both episodes four and five. Watching the transports arrive on Jakku was genuinely terrifying. It was like something out of a nightmare.
Meeting the New Characters:
I thought that the introduction of all of the film's new characters was handed extremly well. Kylo Ren's in particular really stood out to me. Watching him stop the blaster fire mid shot was incredible. You immediately got an idea of just how strong he was. I was worried going in that Kylo Ren wouldn't be able to compete with the already impressive line of Star Wars villains, but this moment eased my concern. I also enjoyed seeing Rey go about her day. It gave a good sense of who she was and what her life was like while demonstrating what the galaxy was like following the Empire. (Side note: Seeing the ruined Star Destroyer in the second teaser was an incredible reveal leading up to the film.)
It's also worth noting that I love BB-8. You get the same sense of personality that R2-D2 offers. Also I am really happy that BB-8 performed as a practical effect on set. There is never any doubt in my mind that he is really there, an it allows his personality to really shine.
Meeting the Old Characters:
I was lucky enough to see this film with a really great audience. They were incredibly invested in the film and had real respect for the material. Whenever an old character would return they would applaud, but did not get obnoxious. (Luke's return at the end was met with no applause, keeping the moment intact.) The Millennium Falcon had the best reveal, with the perfect combination of humor and nostalgia. Seeing Han and Chewie together again was powerful. It's worth noting that the line "Chewie, we're home" had the potential to be used rather poorly, but made sense the way it was executed in the film.
The Falcon's Escape from Jakku:
This scene was filled to the brim with wonderful Star Wars action and effects. It was an absolute joy to watch. Seeing the Millennium Falcon in action again was breathtaking especially as this was my first time seeing it on the big screen. Speaking of big screen, I experienced the film in IMAX for my first screening. This scene was special as it was filmed with IMAX cameras. The results were a breathtaking, giving the film a massive scale that felt perfect of the action on screen. It was phenomenal.
Han and Chewie:
What a partnership. It was wonderful seeing these two back at it. Even after all these years, their friendship felt just as strong as it always had. Moments like Han firing Chewie's bowcaster and "Oh really? You're cold?" brought a smile to my face. It was classic and brand new all at once. (A bit of a theme with this film.) It will be interesting going forward to see how Chewie deals with the loss of Han. Although we saw a solo Chewbacca in episode three, we have yet to see a post-Han solo Chewbacca. (See what I did there?) I'm going to miss seeing them work together.
Han and Leia:
I thought that this relationship was handled perfectly. With who these character are and how we've seen them act, it makes sense that they had a far from perfect relationship. Their first moment of interaction in the film in particular was a truly perfect moment for me. Every line was perfectly true to character. There was a sense of both tragedy and affection. Leia reaction to Han's death was also well done. It was a moment that reminded us of her strength wit the force as well as her love of Han (even if he is a scoundrel).
New Characters:
I found Poe interesting and likable and I'm really excited to learn more about him in the upcoming films. Poe seems like the kind of guys you want to be friends with, talented and witty, but also kind and friendly. He and Finn fit together perfectly.
Speaking of Finn, I really enjoyed how awkward he was at the beginning. That's not something I usually say about characters. His background as a Stormtrooper adds a unique layer of depth to him that we've never really seen before in Star Wars.
Out of the new characters, Rey is my favorite. (OK, probably a tie with BB-8 in reality.) She's smart, strong, and spectacular. I was extremly excited when it was revealed that she was strong with the Force. She's a wonderful character before the reveal and having the Force only makes her better. I am thrilled to watch her become a Jedi as the series progresses.
Han Solo and Kylo Ren:
This relationship really added a lot of depth to both of these characters for me. First of all, it solidified Kylo Ren as a great Star Wars character. Second, it really showed the evolution of Han Solo. The Han Solo we see here is not the Han Solo we meet on Tatooine, yet everything felt right.
Watching Han's death scene, a million things were running through my head. I always knew what was going to happen. As soon as Han and Chewie went to place the bombs. "This is their last time together," I thought. I kept expecting something to go horribly wrong: a faulty bomb, a misfire, a bad step. The moment Han sees Kylo Ren walking across the bridge and makes an expression, I knew it was coming. Despite this, I spent the rest of the scene in denial. "No. They wouldn't. Would they? Will they kill Han? Could they kill Han? How could he escape? Maybe Kylo Ren will show mercy." Seeing Han die is both sad and yet fulfilling. On one hand, Han has come so far. He's more than just the smuggler we met in a cantina, he's a hero, he's a father. Responsibility is not something that is typically associated with Han, yet he takes responsibility as Ben's father. One the other hand, Han Solo is dead.
At the end of the day, I'm sad to see Han die, but I'm looking forward to how this will shape Kylo Ren. RIP.
The Final Battle:
What a fight! First, I adore the atmosphere for this battle. The snowy woods of Starkiller base were breathtaking and make me really want to go camping. My favorite part here is Rey. Seeing her pull the lightsaber out of the snow was a huge moment, one of my favorites in the film and makes me even happier that she is strong with the force. What a battle it was. I don't know if we've ever really seen two novices dueling it out in Star Wars, but it was a blast none the less. I'm sure we'll see a rematch in the future, but I don't know it we'll ever get such a thrilling backdrop again.
R2-D2:
R2 is my favorite Star Wars character. It was good to see him again but we need more R2. I'm glad he was important to the plot and came to save the day in the end (that's sort of his thing) but I want more R2 because I love R2. That being said, I loved seeing him, BB-8, and C-3PO together. I hope that we see more of this trio in the future.
Luke:
What an ending. I thought that this part really shined. First of all, the landscape was gorgeous. I really want to visit this island, mostly just to reenact this scene, but also because it looks brilliant. Even though I knew that Luke was waiting at the top of the island, it didn't make the reveal any less thrilling. Luke is a legend now, and it was cool to see him come alive again. I thought the scoring here was perfect. So much nostalgia and yet such a set piece for the future. I can not wait for episode eight.
Music:
John Williams. Need I say more? Excellent as always. Watching the film itself, the track that stuck out the most was "The Jedi Steps" but since then I've also taken a liking to "March of the Resistance" and "Rey's Theme". The new music is strong and the revisiting of old themes was always perfect. Excellent. Though all the Star Wars films, nothing has been as consistently good as John Williams.
Leaving the Theater:
Ask anyone who was with me, I was a giddy little boy. I haven't gotten this excited in a long time (ago in a galaxy far far away). I was off the hook and unleashed. I had just seen Star Wars episode seven. EPISODE SEVEN. Unreal. As a testament to the excitement, my friends and I spent the next few hours discussing what we had just seen at Steak 'n Shake.
Watching The Force Awakens was an experience, which isn't something I can say for most films. It was an absolute blast and easily the best time I have ever hand in a theater. December 2017 can not come soon enough.
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