Tomorrow, a monumentous event in the history of human culture will take place: the unveiling of CBS's Fall Schedule. The Backstreet Boyz will once again be trying to pawn off recorded material in the hopes of sending teenage girls into swoons of frenzy. And, oh yes, some small art-house flick is opening up by a guy who hasn't directed a movie in 22 years. Maybe you've heard of it... The Menacing Phantom, or something like that.
If you're like me, (and if you are: Please seek professional help), you remember trudging down to the local cineplex 20 some odd summers ago to see a revoloutionary movie. A film that would change what we expect from our movies, as well as how we want them sold to us. George Lucas's Star Wars brought about the feel-good popcorn movie. Before, movies tended to be light-hearted comedies or serious dramatic fare that made big, far-reaching statements. Then, in 1977, Star Wars gave us a movie that had a dramtic tone, yet didn't take itself too seriously. Unfortunately, it would spawn many imitators trying to recapture the original magic.
Yes, Empire was the best of the series. But Return of the Jedi brought a change in Lucas's, and all of Hollywood's, method of moviemaking. Much more emphasis was placed on the look, feel, and merchandisability of the movie as opposed to such small factors as script and characterization. Armageddon, Godzilla, and The Avengers were all examples of movies last year that followed the style over substance theory of moviemaking. And viewers couldn't be more disenfranchised.
I haven't seen the new movie yet, though I do have tickets (Friday at 10 PM if anyone cares.) And the amazing thing is, I didn't have to stand in line to get them. I bet all the freaks who camped out for a month feel a little silly now. Not only did they lose a month of a life and get disentary, it was all for naught. Way to go freaks!!
And from the reviews I've read, I already know what to expect. After all, I saw the first 3 films. Anakin becomes Darth Vader. All the Jedis, save Obi-Wan, get killed off. And Yoda gets really old. So there's little suspense here. This type of non-linear movie making gets raves within a single, self-contained stories (Pulp Fiction, Out of Sight). But if you make movie series like that, it only smacks of laziness.
Besides, as Return of the Jedi proved, it's no longer about the story. Effects and graphics? I'm sure they will be "light years" ahead of their time. (Take a look at Jedi today. The space battle still holds up against today's effects.) And that's most likely by design, since gawking at the visuals will distract you from the stilted dialogue and emotionless performances.
The one thing I am looking forward to is that new Darth Maul guy. (You know, that red dude with the horns.) When I first got a glimpse at the new villian, I was intrigued. This guy looks like he could kick some butt and have some serious fun doing it: kind of an intergalactic devil. He carries on the tradition of Star Wars Bad-Ass Bad Guys. Bobba Fett, eat your heart out.
Of course, my opinion probably won't amount to a hill of beans in this mountain of hype. Will it break the opening weekend record? I'd be suprised if it hasn't already. Will it beat Titanic? Possibly, but only because the aforementioned freaks refuse to lose and take it upon themselves to unload dumptrucks of cash on George Lucas's front lawn. And really, isn't that what Star Wars is all about?