Star Wars is Everywhere This Week

**Nightmoss** · 12-14-2015, 09:41

Well, unless you've been living in a cave or under a rock most folks know that the new Star Wars movie releases in several days. The marketing blitz has been unreal and it's even shown up at the local branch public library here in Madison. That's me with Darth in the second photo. I was told he was trying to check out the Death Star plans, but they were on hold for someone else.

Some amazing costumes as these folks are all part of the 501st Legion. I was surprised to see someone already in a First Order Stormtrooper outfit. Cheers!

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**David Manley** · 12-14-2015, 10:20

Meanwhile, on the River Severn.....

Celebrating the fact that a chunk of the movie was filmed on the other side of the river from where I live

**Nightmoss** · 12-14-2015, 11:22

Thanks David. That's very cool!

**7eat51** · 12-14-2015, 21:48

Nice pictures, Gents.

I am surprised, albeit pleasantly, that they allowed the fake guns in the library.

We're going Friday afternoon with George and Colleen. I remember sitting in the theatre watching the opening scene of the first film with my jaw to the ground. That was an experience.

**Nightmoss** · 12-15-2015, 09:20

Originally Posted by 7eat51

Nice pictures, Gents.

I am surprised, albeit pleasantly, that they allowed the fake guns in the library.

We're going Friday afternoon with George and Colleen. I remember sitting in the theatre watching the opening scene of the first film with my jaw to the ground. That was an experience.

Based on the ruling for attending local movies I'm also surprised they allowed the blasters and light sabers at the library. No masks, helmets, guns or light sabers are being allowed for folks dressing up as their favorite Star Wars characters.

**7eat51** · 12-15-2015, 10:03

I never thought about folks dressing up for the movies. I imagine that is quite sensitive at this time here given recent events and the prior theatre shooting.

**Nightmoss** · 12-15-2015, 13:10

Originally Posted by 7eat51

I never thought about folks dressing up for the movies. I imagine that is quite sensitive at this time here given recent events and the prior theatre shooting.

For movies or conventions it's called cosplay, but back in the 70s when I first saw it occurring there wasn't a label for it beyond, "look, those weird geeks dressing up again". I think Rocky Horror Picture Show gave the movie dress up and participation phenomena a big boost as well and that's even older than Star Wars (40 years old in 2015!!!?)?

There's a guy in town who's been suiting up as Darth Vader ever since the first movie come out. I expect he'll be at one of the premiers later this week. Of course he won't need a blaster or light saber, he relies on the 'Force'.

**David Manley** · 12-15-2015, 14:30

This is always worth a watch when thinking about Star Wars.....

**Nightmoss** · 12-15-2015, 14:57

Originally Posted by David Manley

This is always worth a watch when thinking about Star Wars.....

Quite enjoyable, thanks! Jeff Vader? lol.

**Torrence** · 12-15-2015, 15:57

Star Wars? Stop-motion? Here you are:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7CRatBZBaY

**Gunner** · 12-15-2015, 16:49

Originally Posted by David Manley

Meanwhile, on the River Severn.....

Celebrating the fact that a chunk of the movie was filmed on the other side of the river from where I live

That is the Golden Gate bridge in the background, right?

**7eat51** · 12-15-2015, 16:58

Very funny, David.

At what event was that recorded?

**Bligh** · 12-16-2015, 06:58

I loved the Death Star Canteen Dave,
Rob.

**Bligh** · 12-16-2015, 07:10

Originally Posted by Gunner

That is the Golden Gate bridge in the background, right?

The clue to the bridge is on the Boat Ed.
Rob.

**Nightmoss** · 12-16-2015, 09:45

Originally Posted by Bligh

The clue to the bridge is on the Boat Ed.
Rob.

More importantly, it looks like they're all wearing life vests.

**Naharaht** · 12-16-2015, 11:11

Tsk, the new floatation armour does not arrive until next Tuesday. :)

**Gunner** · 12-16-2015, 11:45

Originally Posted by Bligh

The clue to the bridge is on the Boat Ed.
Rob.

Duh! My bad. You mean this site isn't just for the pictures, you have to read too.

**Bligh** · 12-16-2015, 12:14

Originally Posted by Gunner

Duh! My bad. You mean this site isn't just for the pictures, you have to read too.

Only if you want to know that the bridge is not the Golden Gate Ed.

Rob.

**Coog** · 12-16-2015, 13:25

Besides San Francisco is reserved for that other "Star" movie series.

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**Gunner** · 12-16-2015, 14:00

Originally Posted by Coog

Besides San Francisco is reserved for that other "Star" movie series.

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Ah, Star Trek IV. Still my favorite of all ST movies.

I see Shatner is in the TV series Haven.
Spock, R.I.P.

**7eat51** · 12-16-2015, 21:41

There are neighborhoods back home where such dress fits in well; they're all on the northside, however.

**Nightmoss** · 12-18-2015, 15:08

Saw the new Star Wars film at 6:20am this morning.

**KDz** · 12-18-2015, 15:19

Just saw this movie, and it was great

**Coog** · 12-18-2015, 20:56

Originally Posted by 7eat51

There are neighborhoods back home where such dress fits in well; they're all on the northside, however.

Hmmm....Cub fans.

**Gunner** · 12-18-2015, 21:03

Originally Posted by Coog

Hmmm....Cub fans.

Maybe, but I heard they were transplants (or trans-something) from the Dallas area.

I take that back Bob. That was just a reflex shot from the hip.

**7eat51** · 12-19-2015, 21:48

I won't comment on Cub fans, but as for the movie, I was unimpressed; I gave it a 5/10. I won't say why due to spoilers, but in a few weeks, when more members have had the chance to see it, we can kibitz more openly.

**Gunner** · 12-20-2015, 01:39

Originally Posted by 7eat51

I won't say why due to spoilers, but in a few weeks, when more members have had the chance to see it, we can kibitz more openly.

Thanks for spilling the beans Eric, as I won't get around to seeing it for a week or two.

**Torrence** · 12-20-2015, 07:28

I saw the movie yesterday and was quite disappointed.

To me, it felt in many ways like a mediocre parody of the original "Star Wars" film... But you should see for yourselves: A close friend of mine stated it's still better than the prequels and worth watching; A good standalone film but no outstanding Star Wars film.

**Nightmoss** · 12-20-2015, 08:24

Originally Posted by 7eat51

I won't comment on Cub fans, but as for the movie, I was unimpressed; I gave it a 5/10. I won't say why due to spoilers, but in a few weeks, when more members have had the chance to see it, we can kibitz more openly.

Originally Posted by Torrence

I saw the movie yesterday and was quite disappointed.

To me, it felt in many ways like a mediocre parody of the original "Star Wars" film... But you should see for yourselves: A close friend of mine stated it's still better than the prequels and worth watching; A good standalone film but no outstanding Star Wars film.

Well, I completely disagree with you both. If you brought unreasonable expectations to the movie of course you're not going to like it. You might want to watch Jeremy Jahns 'spoiler free' review as he probably addresses why you and others have issues with the film.

Skip to 5:20 where he addresses the "flaws" of TFA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNfqzpCgu9k

**7eat51** · 12-20-2015, 08:47

Originally Posted by Nightmoss

Well, I completely disagree with you both. If you brought unreasonable expectations to the movie of course you're not going to like it. You might want to watch Jeremy Jahns 'spoiler free' review as he probably addresses why you and others have issues with the film.

Skip to 5:20 where he addresses the "flaws" of TFA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNfqzpCgu9k

Hi Jim,

I don't think I brought unreasonable expectations in that I didn't bring any. I am not a Star Wars fan per se, so there wasn't anything in particular I was looking for. I do not want to share detailed comments until some time has passed, but in conversations with my Buddy who is the Star Wars fan, and with whom I watched the film, he thought pretty much the same.

**Torrence** · 12-20-2015, 09:12

In fact I had absolutely no expectations.
I tried to get no other information than what I saw in the official trailers (which was disturbing enough... Parts of the trailer really looked like a trolling fake). My only hope was that it would be better than Episode 1.

**David Manley** · 12-20-2015, 09:38

Some of it had me thinking "really?", there were a few cringey bits, some JJ speciality stoopido bits but overall I really enjoyed it

**7eat51** · 12-20-2015, 09:46

I just PMed Jim and Richard, so as not to spoil the film with more detailed comments. David, I will resend to invite you into the conversation.

**Nightmoss** · 12-20-2015, 11:52

Originally Posted by 7eat51

I just PMed Jim and Richard, so as not to spoil the film with more detailed comments. David, I will resend to invite you into the conversation.

I've responded to said PM's. Thanks.

**Torrence** · 12-20-2015, 12:04

Me too, thanks.
Some very interesting points of view!

**7eat51** · 12-20-2015, 12:09

Originally Posted by Torrence

Me too, thanks.
Some very interesting points of view!

Richard, did you send a PM? If you did, did you reply to all because I do not see anything from you?

**Torrence** · 12-20-2015, 13:52

Actually, it should have been sent to all of you.
I'll check what went wrong...

**csadn** · 12-20-2015, 15:10

All I can say is: Called it -- every last detail.

Honestly, how can anything so formulaic ever be "spoiled"?

**7eat51** · 12-20-2015, 16:09

Originally Posted by csadn

Honestly, how can anything so formulaic ever be "spoiled"?

You've never been to a faculty meeting. Oh, wait, different definition of spoiled.

**Andy Blozinski** · 12-20-2015, 20:05

Originally Posted by Torrence

I saw the movie yesterday and was quite disappointed.

To me, it felt in many ways like a mediocre parody of the original "Star Wars" film... But you should see for yourselves: A close friend of mine stated it's still better than the prequels and worth watching; A good standalone film but no outstanding Star Wars film.

ANYTHING is better than the prequels. That's a pretty low bar to jump.

**7eat51** · 12-21-2015, 09:45

Not being a SW follower, why the lack of love toward the prequels? It seems to be a universal feeling when these films are mentioned.

**Herkybird** · 12-21-2015, 12:07

Originally Posted by 7eat51

Not being a SW follower, why the lack of love toward the prequels? It seems to be a universal feeling when these films are mentioned.

I like the prequels! I too have no understanding of the hate so many espouse too!

I think Star Wars the original (episode IV) was stand alone, the best SW movie, but Empire Strikes Back has the best combat - on Hoth. Phantom menace - to me -was a different sort of film, and totally FUN!

I could go on.....

**Nightmoss** · 12-21-2015, 17:46

Originally Posted by 7eat51

Not being a SW follower, why the lack of love toward the prequels? It seems to be a universal feeling when these films are mentioned.

Originally Posted by Herkybird

I like the prequels! I too have no understanding of the hate so many espouse too!

I think Star Wars the original (episode IV) was stand alone, the best SW movie, but Empire Strikes Back has the best combat - on Hoth. Phantom menace - to me -was a different sort of film, and totally FUN!

I could go on.....

I've never hated the films as much as some, but many of the Old Guard disgust relates to the casting of Anakin Skywalker (both the child and adult), the introduction of Jar Jar Binks and the whole 'immaculate conception' idea tied to the midichlorians? Most of the 'purists' rate Empire Strikes Back as the best of any of the films, even with the new movie release ESB is still rated as number 1.

If you don't dislike animation I can strongly recommend the The Clone Wars series available on dvd/blu ray. That series has concluded and is now been followed up by Star Wars Rebels. Both are good (imho), but only if you enjoy well done animation.

**7eat51** · 12-21-2015, 20:23

I asked George this evening about the lack of prequel love, Jim, and he mentioned the casting/acting of Anakin Skywalker and the midichlorian storyline.

I will check the public library if it has The Clone Wars. We enjoy well done animation, claymation, etc.

**Union Jack** · 12-22-2015, 08:52

Hoping for a Christmas Eve showing as we normally try to hit a film on that night somewhere.

**Nightmoss** · 12-22-2015, 09:17

Originally Posted by 7eat51

I asked George this evening about the lack of prequel love, Jim, and he mentioned the casting/acting of Anakin Skywalker and the midichlorian storyline.

I will check the public library if it has The Clone Wars. We enjoy well done animation, claymation, etc.

I was reluctant to check out the series initially because I'm not a fan of TV episodic runs with the proverbial cliff hanger season closing. But the series ended and I was surprised at how well they did in filling in some back story as well as introducing some new interesting characters. Unfortunately, there's still some appearances by Jar Jar, but Lucas was the producer and he clearly like that character. Try to get the disks with 'behind the scenes' content. I often find those interviews and information as entertaining as the shows themselves. Btw, the animation and 'acting' noticeably improves as the seasons progress.