Update: TheStarWarsGutTest

Disc Six: Return of the Jedi
October 31, 2011

INITIAL GUT REACTION: When I first saw this film many, many years ago I don't remember not liking it as much as I did this time. Very much like the "Godfather" series, this film is the weakest of the original three, but I still maintain the "The Godfather" series and the original "Star Wars" series are the best trilogy's ever made, even with the last film in each. To me this film is really a moment film. What I mean there are moments that are good, but as a whole film it falls flat for me.



STAR WARS MYTHOLOGY: This film is even more awkward than the first three films with mythology. I believe George Lucas thought this was going to be the end of the series so he had to try to tie up so much stuff and it was not believable in any way.



CHARACTERS: Han and Leia were stars in 4 and 5, but in this film I found myself not really caring that much about them or their relationship. Han's jealousy with Luke felt forced. Luke felt out of place in the film all throughout and the once mighty Darth Vader was reduced to really being just an errand boy which I hated then and hate today. Oh and Lando... why was he even invited to this party?



ACTORS: Harrison Ford over acted in this one and I don't know if it was what he was asked to do or not, but I through me off most of the film. Mark Hamill tried to play Luke as if he had the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders and it didn't feel right from the word go. The Ewoks were a miss as well.



THE LOOK OF THE FILM: This film was made in 1983... six years after the original and special effects were changing at a rapid pace and you can see that in this film. Lucas got his hands on some new toys and used them more than he needed too. Example, way too many ships involved in all of the battle scenes. And then as usual later he added more stuff that again bothered me from the word go. Need an example of that, the transition after the Death Star blew up back to the land of the Ewoks, the extra shots from around the galaxy of people celebrating... not needed at all!



THE DISC ITSELF: Nothing too fancy with this one, just the film and then audio commentary.



THINGS I LIKED: I have to be honest there were not a lot. If I had to pick one... maybe the cycle chase sequence in the forest.



ALL IN ALL: This was a clunker from the word go. Lucas shows how uncomfortable he is with relationships in this film with the whole Luke, Leia, Han thing. It was awkward to watch. I feel he also had a hard time trying to decide if this was going to be a dark film, a kid film or a fantasy film because he tried to mix them all together and it just didn't work. In the last film like Melissa Gorga John Williams score was, "On Display, on display," and in this film I felt it was MIA. Lucas was trying to put everything into a bow and tie all three films together, but missed. Part of why he clearly missed in my estimation is because he really didn't think out and evolve from earlier decisions that were made in episodes 4 and 5. It kind of hurt to watch the film this time.

OVERALL ALL GRADE: D+ or C-

Update: TheStarWarsGutTest

Disc Five: Empire Strikes Back

October 30, 2011

INITIAL GUT REACTION: Some have argued this is the best film of the series to which I reply, without "Star Wars" or "Episode Four" you would not even have "Empire." But I will say it's another great film, up there with "Star Wars" in my book. This film is darker than "Star Wars" but not in an over the top way as in "Episode Three" which I think was way too dark and in fact rated PG-13... the only film in the series to to have that rating. One of the things that stands out even more today than ever is the score which I will discuss later.

STAR WARS MYTHOLOGY: I still believe Lucas hadn't made up his mind regarding Luke, Leia and Han. There are also some flaws in the relationship aspect of Luke and Vader which left holes that I don't think were ever really set up in 1-2- or 3. I think they tried to make all connect, but there are too many flaws and I suspect in "Return of the Jedi" we'll see more "Cover-Your-Ass" to try to make it all seem like George had a great big plan for everything.

CHARACTERS: Han and Leia are really the stars in this one as you start to see the development of their relationship. It's playful, fun and a nice counterpoint to some of the darker elements in this film. For me I like this version of Yoda the best and I could have lived with this Yoda for the first three films as well. Lucas did introduce a black character in this film, "Lando Calrission," but he wasn't as complex or as strong as he could be.

ACTORS: Harrison Ford once again almost stole the film. The two of them on screen have such great chemistry it's hard to look away! Frank Oz who created and played "Yoda" does a fantastic job and delivers some of the best lines in film history as the little green one. As for Billy Dee Williams... He was good with what he had... I maintained then and now he was too old to really play a contemporary of Han Solo and I think they could have found someone who could appeal to a younger audience. Billy Dee was my mother's crush growing up and in the early 70s so I don't think he was right fit.

THE LOOK OF THE FILM: Gorgeous as usual thanks to Blu-Ray. One of the things you notice the most about the film is the visual overall look. The "Hoth" sequences are really good and the last fight sequences with Darth Vader and Luke are spectacular and created such a moody moment for the film and the series.

THE DISC ITSELF: Nothing too fancy with this one, just the film and then audio commentary.

THINGS I LIKED: The major thing I loved about this episode is the John Williams score. To me this may be the best of the 6 films. People don't understand that THIS was the first film we heard "The Imperial March" aka Darth Vader's theme and it is pure genius! Take a look and listen to this film and you hear all of the original themes coming into the score, but when you factor in, "The Imperial March," "The Battle in the Snow," and "The Asteroid Field" you'll see why I love this score.

ALL IN ALL: Without a doubt this is another great film! Irvin Kershner directed it and it is the right tempo, tone and darkness. I do love the film and remember the only thing I didn't like when I was a kid was the fact that Vader said Luke was his son. I remember arguing that for years until the next film and I have to be honest I still don't know that I like that twist and will ever warm up to it. I liked the idea of Vader playing with his mind, but I wanted Darth to be Darth and strong.

OVERALL ALL GRADE: A

Update: TheStarWarsGutTest

Disc Four: Star Wars

October 16, 2011

INITIAL GUT REACTION: You're either an "Original" kind of a person... Episodes 4-5-6 or a "Newbie"... episodes 1-2-3, but I would venture a guess very few are an overall fan.
When this film came out back in 1977 it changed everything! To me it was the perfect blend of special effects and human acting. The film is still amazing to me, despite Lucas making alterations that WILL annoy you in this version.

STAR WARS MYTHOLOGY: There are a lot of flaws in this film, IF you look at it from 1-4... but folks have to remember 4 was actually the first film and so everything else should be based on it. I still don't believe the George knew what he was doing with Luke and Leia, love wise. And there are too many things that really don't connect with the first three films, but as we move forward I expect they will connect with the last two films.

CHARACTERS: These were the best for me. They had a great sense of balance between humor and seriousness and I loved watching them up on the screen. I didn't however enjoy the added scenes or the characters that were not in the original print of this film.

ACTORS: Amazing! Harrison Ford almost stole the film. Carrie Fisher was gorgeous, strong and oh so sexy! I remember as a kid just wanting to spend hours kissing her, her lips looked amazing then and now. And even though he was a villain, Darth Vader... thanks to James Earl Jones is spectacular.

THE LOOK OF THE FILM: Blu-ray DVD... Pure genius! It looks so much cleaner than my old DVD version. Unfortunately George put more CGI and altered some of the sound and I have mixed feelings about looking at this version because there are scenes that don't belong and should not have been shoved into the film later.

THE DISC ITSELF: Nothing too fancy with this one, just the film and then audio commentary.

THINGS I LIKED: Too many to really get into here, but let me point out the score by John Williams it set the tone from the opening credits and brought it home in the "Throne Room" sequence at the end... one of my favorite musical themes in the series. This sage would not be the same without his gifted score throughout.

ALL IN ALL: I can't give it an A+ because of all of the added stuff by GL, but it is still a great film. It's smaller in scope with special effects and it works that way. The pacing is so different than the first three and I like it. And originally it was suppose to pay homage to those Saturday Matinee Serials that were popular when my Dad was growing up and it did. I loved the film then and still love it now!

OVERALL ALL GRADE: A

Update: TheStarWarsGutTest

Disc Three: Revenge of the Sith

October 16th

INITIAL GUT REACTION: Dark... maybe too dark considering how many kids went to see this and still see this, thinking it's a film for them. It's really not! I remember going into the theater and seeing how many kids were there and when I watched the film I was alarmed to see how violent and dark it was... and rated PG-13... this was not and still is not a film for little kids. But it's also kind of an interesting film.

STAR WARS MYTHOLOGY: They had to wrap up a lot of odds and ends in order to tie into the original films and they did it for the most part. I'm not completely sure I understand the full change of Anakin to Darth Vader... I mean I see it up on the screen but I don't know that I completely buy it. Oh and I hated the whole Luke and Leia.

STORY: Dark, dark, dark... and if you take it out of the series, it might be a more interesting. The last part of the film goes to a place I don't think most expected and I think it will confuse people as it ties into the next film.

CHARACTERS: They all did what they needed to do to get us to the next movie. I did think you could see some torture within for Darth Vader. I still didn't buy the love story and relationship between Anakin and Amidala.

ACTORS: Decent... hard to work with the material though. I felt at times they were thinking that what they were doing was more important than a good performance.

THE LOOK OF THE FILM: Blu-ray DVD... awesome. I won't harp on it as much, but still too much CGI and too many non-human characters that have major roles. You don't always have to so many different types of creatures... to me it takes it too far at points.

As for the last part of the film... it's dark in it's look, but the colors are gorgeous and it's a dark film but not visually. You can see the texture all throughout.

THE DISC ITSELF: Nothing too fancy with this one, just the film and then audio commentary.

THINGS I LIKED: The visual, dark, rich colors in the end... from the reds to the dark Darth Vader black in the end.

ALL IN ALL: I felt glad the last of the new films was over. It still ways heavy on my heart and I don't feel it's as bad as 1 and 2, but not up to what I believe the series should be all about. It still doesn't feel like there is any joy or fun with this film.

OVERALL ALL GRADE: An D+

Update: TheStarWarsGutTest

Disc Two: Attack of the Clones
October 15, 2011

INITIAL GUT REACTION: More of the same as in Episode one... although this film feels much darker and there is a total lack of "Fun" and "Joy with this one. George decided this time to get the Latino and Polynesian vote by creating new roles. And once again he had a horrible time dealing with emotions and people. The relationship building with Anakin and Amidala is so bad it's almost comical. Once again he broke the bank on CGI... too many and too video gamey yet again.And this time... I saw at least three homage's: Bladerunner, Sound of Music and Gladiator... and for a second straight film, bad attempts at all three.

STAR WARS MYTHOLOGY: This time it's a little more interesting because I've seen one followed by two in the same day and you can start to see the connection a little closer. However that being said, I still feel their doing so much to set up more down the line and I don't know that it fits in the story, but I feel Lucas felt he had to punch more in to start setting up the rest of the series.

STORY: This film is much more darker than episode one and it's muddled in the middle with a bad attempt at developing a love story. There is very little humor or fun in this film and I think it takes itself far too seriously... almost to the point where I really don't care about the characters or the development of the story at all.

CHARACTERS: Seeing them back to back in multiple movies, the villains are looking stagnate and I did not buy Anakin growing into a teen at all. By my math he would be about 16-18 and Amidala would be realistically closer to 28-30 even, which would make her a very futuristic cougar if you will.

ACTORS: They gave Samuel L. Jackson more to do and wasted another big name with Jimmy Smits. Hayden Christensen was better during his darker moments, but probably not the guy I would want as a lead. Natalie Portman DID look very hot in her "White outfit" she wears the last part of the film.

THE LOOK OF THE FILM: Blu-ray DVD... awesome. More over the top CGI and it's becoming harder to watch frankly.

THE DISC ITSELF: Nothing too fancy with this one, just the film and then audio commentary.

THINGS I LIKED: You can start hearing some themes in the John Williams score now that are huge in the last three films and are some of my favorite pieces he's written.

ALL IN ALL: I felt warn out by the end of this one and felt that the series is getting darker and darker and I'm not sure it had to.

OVERALL ALL GRADE: An F

Update: StarWarsTheGutTest

Disc One: The Phantom Menace

October 14, 2011

INITIAL GUT REACTION: I still dislike this film a lot. The sets felt more like it was a video game that reality. Lucas clearly wanted to appease all sins and load it up with a lot more people of color and women in stronger roles. It is also obvious that he is uncomfortable with humans and would rather have inanimate objects and CGI characters. Oh and I can go on the record and say, while I understand an homage and can appreciate them when done well... the Pod Racing scene... a futuristic version of Charlton Heston's Ben-Hur Chariot scene... it just didn't work for me at all.

STAR WARS MYTHOLOGY: This is a tough one because I'm watching it from disc one all of the way through, so I'm trying to view it with that in mind as opposed to having grown up starting with the fourth film first. I believe in this film, Lucas suffers from what I call, "The first episode intros." You might be familiar with this when it comes to television shows... they tend to do it the most. It's when a show has to introduce everyone to you to get you on board quickly so you can then just "relax" and follow the show. I feel there is a lot of this in this film.


STORY: Unfortunately this is where growing up with the original "Star Wars" cannot be separated from watching this film. "Menace" follows the same pattern as the the fourth film. Complete with the same kinds of battles, death and ending. It also was very clumsy in setting up everything to me. It feels like a film that knows down the line it has to tie into the fourth film, therefore it's not as much it's own film.
CHARACTERS: Everyone knows by now the Jar Jar Binks was pretty much a waste of a character and it proved that once again. The vice lord and senators were not that interesting at all and even Padme/Queen Amidala felt really stiff.

ACTORS: I felt, with the exception of Natalie Portman they all did a decent job. Although again I will say that Lucas clearly wanted more diversity in this film because there were more black folks in this film then maybe all of his films, Star Wars or not put together. I do feel they wasted Samuel L. Jackson. He could have done so much more and been so stronger.

THE LOOK OF THE FILM: As I mentioned the Blu-ray DVD is awesome. However I just felt like I was in a video game over and over and over again. There were too many CGI shots and too many elements in most of the shots. It's great you can replicate things with a computer, but it doesn't mean you have to litter the scream with multiple images EVERY single shot. Oh and why is it in the future traffic still have to be so congested?

THE DISC ITSELF: Nothing too fancy with this one, just the film and then audio commentary.

THINGS I LIKED: The Blu-ray print is amazing. The colors rich and bold. The audio, dynamic.

ALL IN ALL: I cannot tell a lie... to me this was not a good film. I hated the notion when I found out it was being made... I didn't like it in the theater and again, unfortunately I didn't like it again.

OVERALL ALL GRADE: A solid F+

Let the Journey Begin!

In a galaxy a long, long time ago I saw, "Star Wars" in the theaters when it was originaly released! Yes I was one of the many who saw it during it's first weekend and back then and to this day take pride in saying, "I saw it 13 times in the theater!"

I love the film! I loathe to call it, "Star Wars... Episode 4... A New Hope" because to me that's now what that movie was back in the summer of 1977. Back then and to me always it will BE "Star Wars."

Now I know the franchise is just that... a franchise an for a younger generation all of the films are linked together, but I maintain that the first three films: "Star Wars," "Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi" are arguably one of, if not these best trilogy's ever made... with the exception of the "Godfather" movies. Both suffer from a weak third film in the series, but together... as a whole... because of the strength of the first two movies in both series, they are for me the tops of the tops!

That being said, I did see the first three movies chronologically in the "Star Wars" saga. And if you've ever met me, talked to me, casually read anything here or on my other blog, "The Inside Skinny" you know in two seconds what I think of those films... I hate, hate, hate them! I wrote an open letter to George Lucas after seeing the first episode and I vowed never to buy the DVD's and had no real interest in seeing the first three films ever again.

But then... oh then came Blu-ray and the inevitable, 9 disc 6 film set. My inner geek salivated at the thought of seeing my beloved films... before I knew, but had hoped he wouldn't... George Lucas "Luca-sise" them, altering things now over how they were originally shot and shown. I am a filmmaker and will go to my grave believing, you make a film with the tools you have in a time and place and that's that. You should NEVER be allowed to go back and alter them, including those filmmakers who are now re-releasing films they made in 3-D!(Don't get me started on that) So that being the case I didn't want anything done to the old films, but simply a new, cleaner version for Blu-ray.

So while I got excited and was tempted to buy the new set, I didn't... but for my birthday my dear friend CP... she doesn't like attention so I'll just call her that... gave me the 9 disc set and I was as giddy as Veruca Salt wanting an Umpa-Lumpa... an Umpa-Lumpa Now!

And now because I own the set, I am going to watch every disc in order and write about my experiences. Today starts that challenge! In mere minutes, I will crack open the seal and begin my quest. I don't know how long it will take or how I will feel about the whole project, but I am looking forward to it! I'm going to call this, "Star Wars, The Gut Test" I'm going to try to wipe away any preconceived feelings or notions about all of the films. I'm going to watch this epic in epic form, disc after disc after disc.

I am excited for this journey and hope you will follow along with me! Now I did debate whether or not to write about this trip here at Ketch-Fraze or at "The InsideSkinny" but the latter is really for Triple Sticks Productions... my company and what I'm doing there so I won't write about this there, but will supply a link on that page to what I write here.

I won't deny... I am a card carrying Star Wars geek and proud of it. I just hope more than anything that when it's all said and done, I don't have to turn in my card and become one of the millions who have lost all hope in what is good and evil in life!