A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Tag: Star Wars Episode VII

Theories From A Fanboy

It’s to be expected that a new trailer will produce more questions and even more theories. Some of them are fairly conceivable, others are wild, baseless speculation. I’m going to explain my theory as to the plot (and subplots) of the next movie based on evidence shown in the newest trailer. (If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, then you’re a nub and you should go watch it now – I’ll wait.) All right, now let’s proceed.

The Plot

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A very Obi-Wan-esque image of Luke

The Empire is shattered. The Sith and Jedi have vanished and are now mere legends. Granted its only 30 years after the second Death Star was destroyed, but since there were technically only three Force users (Vader, Palpatine and Luke), its conceivable that most people weren’t even aware that Luke was Jedi and Vader and Palpatine were Sith. Be that as it may, Kylo Ren and his followers (the Knights of Ren) set out to rebuild the Empire that, Kylo Ren believes, Vader wanted. Ren is obsessed with Vader, we don’t really know why. The First Order, in juxtaposition with Ren’s efforts, is the new Imperial army led by General Hux.

Finn is a stormtrooper (remember, after the clone wars stormtroopers were no longer clones but volunteers) who, perhaps, begins to question the motives behind the First Order and decides he has had enough. He is shot down escaping and crashes on the same planet as Rey. This planet also has the crashed Star Destroyer we’ve seen in images and trailers. It’s also where, I believe, we see Rey spelunking in the opening of the newest trailer. Perhaps she find something there. A device or some data that the First Order needs to continue to rise to power.

This is also where the lives of Rey and Finn become entwined. Perhaps they are both experiencing strange, latent abilities. The Force. They have only heard stories of Jedi and the Force. Perhaps they are the first of, what will be, a new Jedi Order. If that’s the case then Kylo Ren would want to prevent and/or destroy them. He talks of finding the last Jedi. Luke? Luke is likely in hiding, thus perpetuating the legend. Perhaps Luke will emerge from hiding to train Rey and Finn and rebuild the Jedi. He could become the new Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Ruminations of a Die Hard Fanboy

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Cast of 2009 film Fanboys

When I was ten years old I saw Star Wars for the first time and from that moment on there was no turning back. I remember when I was in my teens and my grandma once remarked “remember this because eventually I will grow out of it”. Sorry grandma, its 20 years later and I’m a bigger Star Wars nerd now than I was yesterday and the day before that … and the day before that. I love all the movies; and I mean ALL the movies. 1-6.

Why do I like the prequels, you ask? The reason is simple – because its Star Wars.

I had a conversation with a friend of mine about the movies and prequels recently. When I gave him the reason I enjoyed the prequels his response was “That’s awful”. I laughed. He isn’t a fan of the prequels, and I know there are hundreds and thousands of TOT (that’s my acronym for The Original Trilogy) that do not like the prequels. It occurred to me then that I believe there are two kinds of fans out there. Fans of the Star Wars movies and fans of the Star Wars Universe. I am the latter.

You see I liked the prequels because of the music, the characters, the history of the characters, the planets, the lore, the ships, and how all those things are part of this massive, albeit imaginary, universe.Ā I do recognize that all three prequels were deeply flawed (i.e. Jake Lloyd, Hayden Christensen, Jar Jar Binks) but that hasn’t changed the fact that I still enjoy watching all six movies equally when I need to get my Star Wars nerd-fix. If I can’t get my fix from watching one of the movies, then I will get it from one of many other sources (by the way the books for the prequels are actually quite good).

I’ve noticed that most people that fall under the Star Wars movie fans are likely making comparisons between the prequels and TOT and, obviously, siding with the originals. I can respect their opinion, despite the 35 years of changes in technology and film-making. It’s interesting to ponder if TOT would be different if they had been made within the past 10 years and would they still have the same cult following. Be that as it may, I imagine the interest in Star Wars ends at the movies for those that are fans of the movies. I’m probably being a little presumptuous when I say those that are simply fans of the movies probably haven’t read any of the books, Essential Guides, Steve Sansweet‘s Encyclopedia, or played many of the games; all of which expand on the lore and add depth to the universe.

So the question on everyone’s mind now is will J.J. Abrams redeem Lucas from the prequels (especially among the haters)? I do not think there is a better person to direct 7, 8 & 9 (with the possible exception of Irvin Kershner but he’s kind of dead). I base that opinion on the fact that I enjoyed both Star Trek movies he has recently completed. I can tell you now, I already love The Force Awakens šŸ™‚

P.S. Why is it that none of the Trekkies whine so much about any of their movies and TV series? Are they not as passionate? Or are they justĀ better fans? šŸ˜‰

/MTFBWY

Biggs On: Episode VII Cast

master-lukeIf you are a Star Wars fan, some very exciting news was announced this week; the cast for Episode VII. It seems I’m in the minority when I say that I think the cast looks pretty good. Ā All the so called “fans” that just want to dis on Lucas and piss off the rest of us that are theĀ true fans of the franchise are just trying to troll (and believe me, I know a troll when I see one).

Be that as it may, the bulk of the cast are relative no names, which I think is a great move by Disney and J.J. Abrams (after all, who even heard of Mark Hamill prior to A New Hope). The most exciting bullet point of the announcement was the return of Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Kenny Baker, Anthony Daniels and Peter Mayhew to reprise their iconic roles. My personal feeling is that while I think its great that they are going to be in the next story, but I doubt they will be in leading roles. I mean, Luke as the new Obi-Wan Kenobi would be awesome!

The new cast members areĀ John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow. I’m sure most (if not all of those people) are unfamiliar to you. Andy Serkis and Max Von Sydow stand out to me though. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan (of the films) then you should also recognize Andy Serkis. He was the beloved schizophrenic Gollum.Ā 

Max Von Sydow is a much older actor, he doesn’t really have a lot of notable roles, but he’s one of those guys you would recognize him when you saw his face. JJA and Disney have not unveiled any specific character names but MVS must play the role of a Sith Lord, I cannot envision him in any other role.

For those Harry Potter fans out there, Domhnall Gleeson was Bill Weasley in the last two Harry Potter movies. The remaining actors seem predominately unknown.

I am becomingĀ more and more excited for this film; I love the work JJ Abrams did with the two recent Star Trek films so I have high hopes that he will due justice to Star Wars as well. I know many are concerned about the lack of Extended Universe content but Lucas has had the story for these films thought out for many years, and since he is consulting on the films production, I think he has the veto power. Don’t get me wrong, I really, really wanted to see Grand Admiral Thrawn (portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch) but it’s not my story to tell.

On a final note, to all those out there complaining about the lack of female roles … so what?!?!? It’s a freaking movie!! If you’re really bunching the panties over more female roles in Star Wars then dig into the Extended Universe and read about Ahsoka, Aura Sing, Mara Jade. There are plenty of incredible female Star Wars characters.

/cheers!

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