Adventure Time?
Star Wars: The Last Jedi made me mad, and split me in two, all at once. I saw it again. There is a realization. The movie is a good, fun time. It is not exactly my Star Wars, but it is the perfect thing for some. That is okay. In my opinion, there should be more than this for a movie series with this breadth of experiences. It is in the same vain as Star Trek. For example, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, from 1979, was not my style. I respect it because it is the first Star Trek film. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan calls to me. The films after it call to me. Specifically, the dynamic of the William Shatner, Leonard Nemoy, and DeForest Kelley led movies offer a variety of experiences. They enjoy adventures in their primes. These same characters move into greater adventures at a more mature age later in the film series. The point is, on the screen, they get their full share, and beyond, of the cinematic experience. In 2009, J.J. Abrams addition to Star Trek, while different, is welcome. However, this is after the originals. Star Wars is not Star Trek? Right. However, it would be nice if Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher could have enjoyed one last trilogy where they are the focus. It could be on their time. Star Wars: The Last Jedi concludes these original characters experiences in a new set of characters’ adventures. This upsets me. Yes, time is a factor. The Lucasfilm’s deal is still fresh. Star Wars merchandise must also sell. Nevertheless, respect is due. Below are three things to change for future reboots, sequels, and films that call to the past for their future material, in 2018.
1. Original Conclusion
It does not matter what deal exist. Time is not a factor with the right production company, script, and director. The point is to give original characters their due, if it is possible. Do not simply move into new, but familiar territory in certain circumstances, without a fair chance for the first stars to finish their screen time. According to Den of Geek’s Simon Brew, reboots like Ace Ventura, Big Trouble in Little China, or Blade may exist with some, little, or no involvement of their predecessors. The problem is the first of these films have a well-known tenor. Reboots automatically offer the same name, but different intentions. King Kong, from 1933, versus Kong: Skull Island, from 2017, offers different movies with the same character. King Kong, 1933, offers the first of the massive monster films at that time. Kong: Skull Island is the second movie, as part of a series of complementary films, to re-introduce the King Kong character. This King Kong will collide with Godzilla in the near future. The Mummy, of 1932, is not the 2017 version of the same film. It serves a different purpose. Reboots just need to pull from their source material more and conclude their original characters properly, if it is possible.
2. New Elements In The Mix
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is not great. It does establish Mutt Williams, Indiana Jones’ son, and Indiana Jones as different individuals. Mutt is not an interpretation of Indiana Jones. Jones is a treasure seeker, and adventurer. Mutt was a youth coming into his own. Guy Williams’ Zorro, from 1957, is its own entity. In a film like 1998’s The Mask of Zorro, Anthony Hopkins’ rendition of the character, and Antonio Bandera’s interpretation exist as two distinct accounts of the character, in the best way, in one film. Each takes a little from William’s interpretation. Anthony Hopkins character stays closer to this archetype. Bandera’s Zorro is fun, close to William’s representation, and Hopkins’ Zorro, but seems more dangerous, and serious. The original comes first. However, a good successor should be just as strong. A new unique character to work alongside established heroic characters is important. They may not take over a franchise, but they can add unique elements to any good film. 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises presents a realistic interpretation of Batman, played by Christian Bale. At the end of the film, Joseph Gordon-Levitt hints at being a capable continuation of Batman. Look at the facts. The character knew Batman’s identity. He stands up to crime with his unique police skills. He understands justice. The character understands and takes up the mantle of Gotham’s vigilante, without hesitation. He may not be the next Batman. He could be just a sidekick, Robin.
3. New Tales In Old Threads
The new Star Wars trilogy, in development, feels like a repeat. It is not the same story. However, it has all the elements to repeat the story in the same way as Star Wars IV, V, and VI. It is easy to pair elements of the past with the current movies’ parts. The concern is the interpretation of the material. In a sense, I side with this presentation. Some children can sit down, watch Star Wars IV, V, and VI, and understand how it is the best of all of the films made. The other way to see this is a repeat of the past for present day fans. This takes work and effort in order to present similar material without it being an exact copy. The concern is, subconsciously, people will feel these copy elements. Reboots, in 2018, should not be a constant in any form. Past films can inspire material current material. Why mimic what happened in the past? That past success was a risk, especially for George Lucas. This is the same risks Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, or, Spike Lee take to bring their vision to the public. This is a risk outside of familiar material. These kinds of films, in my opinion, should make more of an appearance in theaters with similar marketing. Without a doubt, many of these will fail. However, strong ideas with the right push will rise.
Conclusion
There is a lot of money that goes into these big movie decisions. Reboots have a purpose. They recall past material in new ways and make money. Honestly, I hoped this trilogy would end with the classic characters, but prepare the audience for a new Star Wars’ legacy. A new trilogy could belong to Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, and John Boyega. This trilogy could allow these wonderful actors to standout further. This piece, and the previous one, eliminates the past characters’ purpose. Star Wars episode IX will be the new characters presentation of an all-new Star Wars universe, with familiar elements. In a way, this is fine. The new fans, especially children, get a similar feeling of their own. It makes the popcorn better, the soda pop a little sweeter, and that movie theater a little more personable. You want to have fun.
