theOlster.net

“Star Wars”. Two words, everyone has heard them.

When George Lucas released the first three original Star Wars, a cult was born. Popularity for these films fell into two camps, those that loved them and those that really couldn’t care less. When I first saw Episode IV (one Christmas on TV), I was six and I knew I loved them. From then on I watched these films quite frequently (although not obsessively) with my childhood friends.

I am proud to say that when we went to see Episode I about six years ago, it was with the same bunch of friends that I was with years before. The only difference this time was that my old buddies did not enjoy the experience. In fact, one of them wanted to walk out half-way through. From the media and other friends I got similar reports. I was confused.

With the release of Episode II, I received the same experience! This time I was sure that the mistake was not mine. The main complaint seemed to be with the script and the story line. Of course I argued with them on this.
Firstly, the script… I challenged them to go back, look at Episodes IV-VI, look at other Lucas stuff like the Indiana Jones films. Really, are these scripts fantastic? Remove Harrison Ford’s humour and they are really crap. But that is George Lucas. That is what we should expect.
Secondly, the story… With Episode IV - he started in the middle. There were very good reasons for doing so (see here). This led to a very immediate association with the characters. These characters we got to know and love. Episode I had to start at the beginning. New characters, i.e. not the Han-Solo, Luke, Chewie…etc. we know and love. It’s a totally different film. I don’t blame people for not loving it in the same way, but I do blame them for feeling let down.

Last night I saw Episode III. Wow! Everyone loves it, so I’m told?! But I challenge them, why do they love it. Blah, blah, better story, blah, blah, blah. Yeah right, NO! It’s just that this time the story makes more sense. Episodes I & II actually means something. Then end of a very long bridge has been very skilfully built, that puts everything in perspective. The characters in Episodes I & II make sense. Maybe he should have released Episodes I-III in reverse order? Who Knows? Anyway, I’m glad this bitching has been put to bed. I can’t wait for Episodes I-III to be released as a box set, and then I shall do as Lucas suggests. Sit and watch one episode a week for six weeks. I can’t wait.

What A long post! I nearly feel out-of-breath!