Far East Cynic

Star Wars-No spoilers yet allowed

On Christmas Eve, following some last minute shopping as is my tradition, I went to see Star Wars VII-The Force Awakens. All in all, I thought Disney did a good job with the movie. I do have some criticisms, but those will have to wait until the “No Spoilers” embargo which one sees all over Facebook and Twitter is lifted.

It is hard for me to believe that there is yet another Star Wars movie in the series. After all, I was all of 20 years old when I saw the first Star Wars movie ( which in the convoluted counting system that George Lucas came up with is actually episode IV) during my 2nd class cruise in San Diego. It was at the theater on the main street in Coronado. Is that theater even there anymore? ( Its been over 4 years since I was last back in San Diego). I was young and the franchise was young.

Now of course, we are both a lot older.

I am both a Star Wars fan and a Star Trek fan, although given a choice I have to give the nod to Star Trek. Which is why I was concerned when I heard JJ Abrams was going to direct this latest Star Wars movie. I have never fully forgiven him for the shredding of the Star Trek canon he did in the Star Trek re-boot,  and I have to admit, I was afraid he was going to do the same thing here.

I am happy to report that he did not do that. Thus if you have not been to see the movie, then by all means get out to see it and help Disney make another billion dollars by the 15th of January. As a Disney stockholder, I strongly want you to. As I science fiction fan, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

But if you have watched all the previous movies, don’t be surprised if you end up playing “connect the Jedi” during this movie.

I’ve liked all the Star Wars movies and I have never understood why George Lucas was so savagely criticized for the prequels. Yes, Yes, he does have the sin of creating Jar Jar Binks to atone for, but the prequels filled in some necessary history and background on everything in the Star Wars universe. Episodes IV-VI did not do that so well IMHO. Your mileage may vary, but I think you will find the new movie carries on the traditions of the galaxy far, far away pretty well.

How did you enjoy the movie?