lockedoutlogic
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2007
As a child of the 70s/80s and also being disappointed with Episode 1 (and the prequels) I slowly see the "vision" that George Lucas had /Lucasfilm has. I understand why there were Ewoks and not Wookies in Episode VI, I understand why there are so many vehicles/characters in these movies that are just "fluff" (because they sell toys).
We liked these movies AS CHILDREN. The prequels came out to get the next generation "hooked" on Star Wars and despite 3 mediocre movies the Star Wars "hype" continued on afterwards with merchandising and the Clone Wars TV show until Disney bought Lucasfilm. A company that knows about making entertainment geared towards children and children at-heart.
Now it begins again .. as an older father we a 5 year old son he is all about Star Wars (due to me introducing him to some figures I bought for Episode VII (and some of my old ones). He loves the figures, he loves the Legos especially and all the Lego shows that poke fun at a "serious" storyline (Watch them if you haven't . .they are hilarious, especially to those who know the stories).
It is all about the "flash" to him .. the cool looking people and vehicles, lightsabers and blasters. And he hasn't even seen it in full form (he just watched Episode IV last week for the first time (almost a disaster after being freaked out by Obi-Wan cutting off someone's arm).
But because he already "knows" the stories and characters from Lego shows and books and toys without ever seeing a single movie, I could have easily just started him off with Episode VII and he would have been happy as a clam (NOTE: I feel Episode VII and Rogue One way to dark/bloody for a 5 year old, so I started with the way more kid friendly IV (and soon V and VI).
So .. that is probably what Lucasfilm/Disney want to continue .. the kids being immersed in everything Star Wars .. just like we were .. and just like the kids of 2000s were with the Prequels (because as bad as they were as a movie for adults .. they had a ton of cool vehicles, characters --- a lot of flash) - Clone Troopers, tons of Jedis, a cyborg robot general, my son loves all the toys/figures from that era moreso than the original Trilogy.
And the Disney Parks direction for it is perfect in the wake of the immersiveness of Harry Potter World. This will satisfy old and new fans alike .. no matter how good or bad the movies are ... And the hotel concept? Pure genius if they pull it off at the quality. Look at how many people our age spend money on costumes, collectibles and such. We'll be lining up for a two night stay at an immersive stay in the "world" of Star Wars .. and bring us nostalgically back to the time we were kids in the 80s.
So I am okay with Lucasfilm keeping a tight control over stuff and ditching directors that don't fit their vision.
I'm okay with their vision as long as they continue to make some fun movies .. with lots of flash .. that my son can grow up with and enjoy before he gets bogged down with seriousness of being and adult.
What made Star Wars unique was that while it certainly was a huge hit for kids...it was shot where you didn't have to be a kid.
Lucas said it wasn't so...but that was 100% about selling toys to pad his empire...
Disney acknowledges that they know...but they are vacillating and can't fully embrace it.
They want both...not surprising...but can't dumb down the movies and retain the fans with a credit score...and ultimately that matters.