Via Antiqua wrote:
- I cannot see how anyone can rate this film above any of the past seven films. While it's "good'. The
crafting of the film is out of line with the other film's style and rhythm (and I don't mean the shaky cam
cinematography or gritty look). I-VII are operatic and so musically oriented that you can watch them
over and over like listening to a good album.
MannyOrtez wrote:
What does the film's style being different than the other seven mean about its quality? Should similarity to the other seven films be a criteria for judging this film? I don't think so - it's a standalone.
I think this movie is absolutely in the second tier of Star Wars films. (Tier 1: 4 & 5 belong by themselves; Tier 2: 3, 6, 7 are all good; Tier 3: 1 & 2 have some serious flaws, though both still enjoyable).
I went in with very low expectations and knew almost nothing about it, and I came out thrilled. The characters were well written, the acting was mostly quite good, it was tense, the story and purpose was clear at every point, and moved along briskly. It was a nice heist film set against the backdrop of war. It is not nearly as fun as Force Awakens, and not nearly as epic as ROTJ, but judging it as a standalone, it was probably executed better than both of those films (or at least on par). I think the dialogue fell flat in places, but other than that, I have very few complaints.
I also think the Tarkin CG was incredible. I did not know he was going to be in it going in advance, and I was confused AF when I first saw him because he looked photoreal to me. Leia I thought was not effective. Ironically a textured, wrinkled Tarkin is easier to make look believable than Carrie Fisher's pristine 19 year old face.
And the Vader massacre at the end was a very rewarding scene to watch. I know that sounds a little bit perverse considering he's slaughtering rebels. But, let's face it, this is the Vader we've always wanted to see.
Sorry, I would put this film as the third of tier 3, I think it's pacing and and action sequences are equal in quantity to I and II , but not cinematic quality.
It does not have to meet any similarities with I-VII, but I do not think it is as well a crafted film. As I stated, it's a story made into a SW film and not great cinema that serves a SW story.
On a more redeeming/hopeful note, this is the first stand alone film, so there is a learning curve for LF in regard to this series.