Lucas calls new 'Star Wars' titanic tearjerker

[Donger]

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Director George Lucas had a message for fans as he previewed a glimpse of the final tale in the billion-dollar "Star Wars" film franchise: leave the lightsabers at home, but don't forget the tissues.

"It's not like the first one. It's more emotional," said the director of the upcoming space adventure "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith," which arrives in theaters May 19.

"I describe it as a 'Titanic' in space. It's a real tearjerker, and it will be received in a way that none of us can expect," he told theater owners at the ShoWest convention.

ShoWest is a major gathering of movie theater owners in the United States and a launch pad for Hollywood's summer movies.

Film studio 20th Century Fox teased a packed house here with the first six minutes of "Revenge of the Sith," marking the first time the scenes had been shown to audiences.

Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) wage a furious fight against their adversaries in a battle of deadly spaceships. In this episode, Skywalker becomes the notorious Darth Vader.

Lucas and the promotional clip did not divulge much about the "tearjerker" love story. But Senator Amidala (Natalie Portman), who married Skywalker in a secret ceremony witnessed in the last movie, plays a key role.

If Lucas's comparison to "Titanic" is to be believed, there must be heartbreak in "Revenge of the Sith" because 1997's tale of the doomed ocean liner stirred audiences with its tale of an ill-fated affair between characters played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Love can work wonders with movie audiences. "Titanic" is the highest-grossing movie of all time with more than $1.8 billion in worldwide ticket sales. In the No. 2 spot is "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" with $1.1 billion.

The "Star Wars" films are no box office losers, either, but there hasn't been much romance in them -- not yet, anyway.

The adventures began with 1977's "Star Wars" and have sold nearly $3.4 billion worth of tickets at global box offices.

[Saulbadguy]

So it ends on a down note? Psh. Thats what life is, just a series of down notes.

[CosmicPal]

Well, I guess I won't be seeing this one in the theater then. I sure the phuck don't want be surrounded by a bunch of weeping Trekkies.

[htismaqe]

So it ends on a down note? Psh. Thats what life is, just a series of down notes.

No, it ends on a Harlequin romance note.

:Lin:

[KingPriest2]

Well, I guess I won't be seeing this one in the theater then. I sure the phuck don't want be surrounded by a bunch of weeping Trekkies.


Trekkies? I am sorry you are talking about the wrong movie.

[milkman]

Does this mean that this Star Wars series is finally, mercifully coming to an end?

And the only thing about Titanic that made me cry is that I wasted time and money to see it.

[Hammock Parties]

Does this mean that this Star Wars series is finally, mercifully coming to an end?

Nope, a TV show is planned.

[milkman]

Nope, a TV show is planned.

Well, there's more TV I won't be watching.

[NewChief]

Nope, a TV show is planned.

I'm sure you already knew this, but I was surprised by a statement Lucas made in a recent interview I saw.

He said, "There is no Episode 7. After this one, it's over. I'm out."

[the Talking Can]

translation:"This will be the biggest piece of shit yet."

You need a good director and good actors for "emotion." This sounds like a Waterworld style train wreck.

[kc rush]

:Lin:

:cuss:

Titanic was one of the most gawdawful, overated pieces of crap ever put on film.

Lucas really has killed this. I know that at one point he had talked about Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. Now I hope he never does.

[Hammock Parties]

I'm sure you already knew this, but I was surprised by a statement Lucas made in a recent interview I saw.

He said, "There is no Episode 7. After this one, it's over. I'm out."

Indeed. The TV series is supposed to be set between Episode III and IV.

[NewChief]

Indeed. The TV series is supposed to be set between Episode III and IV.

What happened to the whole Episodes 7-9, that were to be set after RotJ?

[the Talking Can]

Whatever fond memories I had of Star Wars have killed by Lucas' insistence on making on more shitty movie after another.

Thanks for killing the dream, you hack.

[Eleazar]

"I describe it as a 'Titanic' in space."

Good lord, he's going for the hat trick of crap on the last 3 movies. :shake:

By the way titanic is a HORRIBLE movie. STFU WOMEN!

[Gravedigger]

Well of course it's the sad one it's when anakin turns to the dark side and helps the emporer kill the jedi. The only two taht survive out of this one are obi wan and yoda. Mace windu gets killed but it's supposedly a long fight scene and it's with the emporer. THen yoda fights with the emporer in the galactic senate room and the emporer throws those big floating desks at yoda with the force and yoda keeps hoppin from one to the other. Padme dies after she gives birth to the twins and in the trailer she is shown crying while she is pregnant. Obi wan and anakin fight in a volcano and obi wan beats him and gets away and anakin is turned into darth vader and stands with the emporer at the end of the movie. Now this is all my assumption cause number one all the characters that die aren't in the fourth one so its kind of obvious and the rest of the assumptions in this post are what I've seen from the theatrical trailer.

[Hammock Parties]

What happened to the whole Episodes 7-9, that were to be set after RotJ?

Lucas decided not to do them, I guess. I bet he has some story outlines but they all involve the original cast members. Maybe they can be done in 15 or 20 years when CGI is really poppin.'

[Saulbadguy]

They should movie-tize the Thrawn series.

[beavis]

I bet it'll be so bad you'll want to cry.

[Brock]

Sounds extremely faggy.

[MeaTy The Pimp]

God, please let Jar-Jar die a horrible death in this one. Please...

[Megbert]

Well so the 'last' star wars movie is gonna be dark and emotional. I can't wait. (sarcasm).

Now read this and :shake: Star Wars movies in… (http://chud.com/news/1962)

LUKE SKYWALKER IN YOUR LAP?
03.18.05
By Devin Faraci
Contributing sources: Hollywood Reporter

George Lucas may need help. I don't really understand what's happening with him anymore, to be honest. He's seemingly gone over the edge with his latest announcement.

See, we all knew that Lucas wouldn't leave the Star Wars films alone. We all knew he would tinker with them. We all knew there were more editions coming.

But could any of us have guessed he was going to go back and make them all... 3D?

Seriously.

While appearing at ShoWest, Lucas said that he would go and 3D up all 6 Star Wars films, starting with the original A New Hope in 2007 to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary. He would then release one new 3D Star Wars film per year. And who knows what other monkeying will be done while he's in there.

So much for small movies. So much for art films. It's all about the gadgets for George - he doesn't even want to go and make NEW films in 3D. He's going to just keep playing in this same sandbox forever.

[Hammock Parties]

Star Wars in 3D? AWESOME!

[Deberg_1990]

:Lin:

:cuss:

Titanic was one of the most gawdawful, overated pieces of crap ever put on film.



I wouldnt go that far and call it complete crap, but it made a pussy out of one of my favorite directors James (Terminator,Aliens,Abyss,True Lies) Cameron. He hasnt directed a movie since either....James..where are you????

[Delano]

I wouldnt go that far and call it complete crap, but it made a pussy out of one of my favorite directors James (Terminator,Aliens,Abyss,True Lies) Cameron. He hasnt directed a movie since either....James..where are you????

Isn't James Cameron the genius that introduced us to Jessica Alba in that crapfest T.V. show, Dark Angel?

[Gravedigger]

Supposedly the 7-9 are when the original cast members are older anyways like luke has started the jedi academy again and leia and han have a kid and he turns to the dark side. Supposedly!

[Deberg_1990]

Isn't James Cameron the genius that introduced us to Jessica Alba in that crapfest T.V. show, Dark Angel?

haha...yes

[Gravedigger]

Have you seen Jessica alba in the previews for sin city? Yowzer....

[Delano]

Have you seen Jessica alba in the previews for sin city? Yowzer....

Have you seen her in the latest issue of GQ? Ohhhhh God! I never thought I'd get that excited about a picture but holy shit..

Yeah, I think I'll have to go see Sin City. I hope it doesn't suck.

[dtebbe]

You have to see this coming... his bride is going to be killed.

DT

[Calcountry]

Well, I guess I won't be seeing this one in the theater then. I sure the phuck don't want be surrounded by a bunch of weeping Trekkies.ROFL

[Calcountry]

Does this mean that this Star Wars series is finally, mercifully coming to an end?

And the only thing about Titanic that made me cry is that I wasted time and money to see it.Yeah, they should have just made it x rated where they fogged up that old car, let us see all the action.

[Calcountry]

Nope, a TV show is planned.You hope?

Man, how are you going to go on with no new movies to look forward to? :p

[Calcountry]

What happened to the whole Episodes 7-9, that were to be set after RotJ?Yes, it was reported in Time magazine that Lucas had rough drafts for a post-quel.

[Rausch]

"I describe it as a 'Titanic' in space

**** it. I'm out...

[Deberg_1990]

When did it become so fashionable to dump on George Lucas?? He used to be a God now everyone hates him.

[Rausch]

Yes, it was reported in Time magazine that Lucas had rough drafts for a post-quel.

I'd be much more interested in that.

These new flicks have teabagged the SW audience...

[Calcountry]

I'd be much more interested in that.

These new flicks have teabagged the SW audience...This was reported way back in the day, arround the time of the first release of ESB.

[the Talking Can]

When did it become so fashionable to dump on George Lucas?? He used to be a God now everyone hates him.

Probably about the time he decided to take a Jar-Jar Binks sized dump on the franchise and make some of the worst movies ever. He should be put down.

[Calcountry]

Lucas has become worse than Disneyland in his shameless marketing for the big bucks.

If he sits there and gives us a talk about how he made the movie, he can re release it as a special edition and make full movie royalties without hardly having to do a damn thing.

Hey, Disney is about to yank Bambi off the shelf for a new generation, why not him??

[Baby Lee]

Disney is about to yank Bambi off
Porn of the Wild??? :eek:

[Hammock Parties]

You hope?

Man, how are you going to go on with no new movies to look forward to? :p

There's no hoping involved. A TV series IS planned.

[Calcountry]

Porn of the Wild??? :eek:ROFLYeah, thats the one.

[Calcountry]

There's no hoping involved. A TV series IS planned.Do you know if Lucas will relinquish the creative direction of the shows? Like Rodenberry did for Star Trek?

[Brock]

When did it become so fashionable to dump on George Lucas?? He used to be a God now everyone hates him.

Ewoks.

[Calcountry]

Ewoks.Were the Ewoks in Episode IV, but with hoods on?

[Brock]

Were the Ewoks in Episode IV, but with hoods on?

Maybe, but definitely with much less of a third grade vibe.

[Gravedigger]

I didn't mind attack of the clones aside from the attempted love script and the title sounding like a bad fifties sci fi flick but other then that you gotta give it up those fight scenes in the end of it with all the jedi were pretty flippin sweet. The first one wasn't great at all for something that was supposed to be the beginning to it all. The only cool part was the fight sequence in the end with obi wan qui gon and darth maul. But yeah jar jar better die a terrible death in this one.

[Hammock Parties]

Do you know if Lucas will relinquish the creative direction of the shows? Like Rodenberry did for Star Trek?

Creative, no way. Technical, god I hope so.

[grandllama]

Probably about the time he decided to take a Jar-Jar Binks sized dump on the franchise and make some of the worst movies ever. He should be put down.

If you think Ep1 & 2 are the worst movies ever, you've obviously never seen Howard the Duck.... now who directed that steaming pile...er, um,

[Rain Man]

A tearjerker? Yeah, probably. I know that I was bored to tears with the last one.

[Taco John]

There's no hoping involved. A TV series IS planned.


Are we talking about a Star Wars version of Star Trek?

Link?

[Hammock Parties]

Are we talking about a Star Wars version of Star Trek?

Link?


In the latest issue of Gameinformer magazine there is an interview with Jim Ward, president of LucasArts and vice president of marketing and distribution of Lucasfilm Ltd. When asked about future Star Wars game projects he says,
"We are taking the Star Wars brand into the television realm, both in animation and live action."

Is that proof enough?

[Brock]

It will probably be a cartoon, so it will appeal to Lucas' target audience.

[Calcountry]

I didn't mind attack of the clones aside from the attempted love script and the title sounding like a bad fifties sci fi flick but other then that you gotta give it up those fight scenes in the end of it with all the jedi were pretty flippin sweet. The first one wasn't great at all for something that was supposed to be the beginning to it all. The only cool part was the fight sequence in the end with obi wan qui gon and darth maul. But yeah jar jar better die a terrible death in this one.I think that is the essence of what makes all of the Star Wars movies, the rest is just pap, fill in. It all boils down to those fight scenes.

I absolutely loved the fight scene between maul and Quigon and Obi. It was worth the whole movie.

The fight scene between Yoda and count Duku was a letdown, but still entertaining.

The fight scene between Dearth Vadar and Old Kenobi was what it was, and old man trying to inspire Luke by dying the same way his mentor of long ago died and inspired him.

The fight scene between immature Luke and his father was a man toying with a boy and could have wiped him away but couldn't because it was his son.

The fight scene between Luke and Dearth in the end was laying all on the line, let the force be damned.

Needless to say, I can't wait for the fight scene in this movie.

The rest of the story is so phucking confusing it would take a 4 year degree in Gochief University just to figure it out. :p

[Hammock Parties]

Dearth Vadar

What? ROFL

[Calcountry]

What? ROFLOMG phuck, is it Darth?

[Rain Man]

I always thought it was Garth.

[Hammock Parties]

OMG phuck, is it Darth?

Yeah. Darth is a title. Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Darth Sidious, Darth Tyranus, etc.

[morphius]

Are we talking about a Star Wars version of Star Trek?

Link?
http://www.iesb.net/tv/tvt92804.htm

[Rain Man]

"Party on, Luke."


"Party on, Garth. Your mother's a babe."

[Hammock Parties]

The rumor is it might be about Boba Fett. :D

[Calcountry]

Yeah. Darth is a title. Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Darth Sidious, Darth Tyranus, etc.Hell, I always thought it was DEARTH because there was a dearth of goodness in them. Oh well, thats what I get for thinking.

:p

[Calcountry]

"Party on, Luke."


"Party on, Garth. Your mother's a babe."I thought it was DARTH dammit, IM SO CONFUSED>

[keg in kc]

What a bunch of dorks.

[Calcountry]

What a bunch of dorks.Yeah, thats me.

[morphius]

The rumor is it might be about Boba Fett. :D
slashdot reported that Lucas well be rereleasing all the movies again, but using some new 3D technology...

[Hammock Parties]

slashdot reported that Lucas well be rereleasing all the movies again, but using some new 3D technology...

Yeah, he's just going to convert them to 3D. That will be a blast.

[DaWolf]

I read a Lucas quote on IGN or something that his plan was to "hand over the reighns" to someone else for the TV show...

[Over-Head]

Well of course it's the sad one it's when anakin turns to the dark side and helps the emporer kill the jedi. The only two taht survive out of this one are obi wan and yoda. Mace windu gets killed but it's supposedly a long fight scene and it's with the emporer. THen yoda fights with the emporer in the galactic senate room and the emporer throws those big floating desks at yoda with the force and yoda keeps hoppin from one to the other. Padme dies after she gives birth to the twins and in the trailer she is shown crying while she is pregnant. Obi wan and anakin fight in a volcano and obi wan beats him and gets away and anakin is turned into darth vader and stands with the emporer at the end of the movie. Now this is all my assumption cause number one all the characters that die aren't in the fourth one so its kind of obvious and the rest of the assumptions in this post are what I've seen from the theatrical trailer.
Rep for the boy, reading this post was probably goat boy’s proudest moment.
Some one who actually understands him when he posts.
:thumb:

[KCWolfman]

In the latest issue of Gameinformer magazine there is an interview with Jim Ward, president of LucasArts and vice president of marketing and distribution of Lucasfilm Ltd. When asked about future Star Wars game projects he says,
"We are taking the Star Wars brand into the television realm, both in animation and live action."

Is that proof enough?
Well, that Star Trek cartoon and Planet of the Apes series both did so well. I guess it will be around for ages.

http://www.startrekanimated.com/cast_lineup.jpg

http://www.heartofthetiger.homestead.com/files/POTATV02.JPG

[Rain Man]

Well, that Star Trek cartoon and Planet of the Apes series both did so well. I guess it will be around for ages.

http://www.startrekanimated.com/cast_lineup.jpg




Boy, they must have let the cast have control over the final images. Those are some pretty flattering portrayals.

[KCWolfman]

Boy, they must have let the cast have control over the final images. Those are some pretty flattering portrayals.
The one most off target is Rodenberry's wife, Nurse Chapel. Majel Barret has never looked that good in her entire life.

http://www.swisr.org/majel12.jpg

She was most attractive when she was green

http://www.happyfunpundit.com/hfp/images/orion_slave_girl_150_200.jpg

[Taco John]

So who is this "Fan Boy" that Lucasfilm would like to recruit? Before I drop any names I am sure that plenty of you guys and gals will think that I am absolutely crazy and out of my mind. The first name that I was given was no other than Kevin Smith. "Kevin Smith would be the ideal person to handle a Star Wars TV series", the IESB was told. "He is well recognized with the fandom and he was worked on some capacity with Lucasfilm during a Hasbro commercial a few years back, he is also a very good writer," said the source.





Whoah! That might actually be awesome...

[Taco John]

I wonder whatever happened to Smith's plan's of redoing the Fletch series...

[Fire Me Boy!]

As much as I was disappointed in Eps. 1 & 2, they were still enjoyable, geez. I had fun, I loved seeing Yoda with a lightsaber (although I don't think he ever should have needed one)... I loved watching Qui Gon and Obi Wan battle it out with Darth Maul... it's been a fun ride, and at least I'm not fooling myself by saying I won't go, because I know I will... on opening night, probably after having seen it at a press screening. For all of you saying you're done with trusting George Lucas... you know you'll go. Just like the rest of us know we'll go.

And for the record, I hate, HATE, what Lucas has done to the original trilogy... I own the originals on laserdisk and that's all I'll watch now.

[KCinNY]

So it ends on a down note? Psh. Thats what life is, just a series of down notes.


ROFL

Any contracter working on that Death Star knew the risk involved. If they got killed, it was their own fault.

[Deberg_1990]

As much as I was disappointed in Eps. 1 & 2, they were still enjoyable, geez. I had fun, I loved seeing Yoda with a lightsaber (although I don't think he ever should have needed one)... I loved watching Qui Gon and Obi Wan battle it out with Darth Maul... it's been a fun ride, and at least I'm not fooling myself by saying I won't go, because I know I will... on opening night, probably after having seen it at a press screening. For all of you saying you're done with trusting George Lucas... you know you'll go. Just like the rest of us know we'll go.

And for the record, I hate, HATE, what Lucas has done to the original trilogy... I own the originals on laserdisk and that's all I'll watch now.

IM with you. While they may not be perfect, Eps, 1 and 2 are still pretty damn good. Better than about 95% of most would be blockbusters. The fact is, is that these films would have never lived up to the billing of almost 20 years of fanboys imaginations no matter what Lucas would have dreamed up. We are a much more fickle society today than we were back in the late 70's and early 80s as well.

[Fire Me Boy!]

IM with you. While they may not be perfect, Eps, 1 and 2 are still pretty damn good. Better than about 95% of most would be blockbusters. The fact is, is that these films would have never lived up to the billing of almost 20 years of fanboys imaginations no matter what Lucas would have dreamed up. We are a much more fickle society today than we were back in the late 70's and early 80s as well.
Yeah, add the fact that the major fan base isn't 10-18 years old anymore and the films are still targeting that audience doesn't bode well... I watch stuff now that I loved as a kid and they're complete garbage now.

[Deberg_1990]

I wonder whatever happened to Smith's plan's of redoing the Fletch series...

Last i heard he said he wouldnt do it without Jason Lee in the title role, but the studio didnt think he was enough of a "name" actor. So I guess its not going to happen??

[Deberg_1990]

I watch stuff now that I loved as a kid and they're complete garbage now.

Agreed......most of the stuff i loved as a kid is pretty crappy these days. I did however watch a few eps of the "Greatest American Hero" Box set and was pretty surprised how well it held up. Apart from the crappy special effects, the writing and the chemistry of the leads was pretty damn good.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Agreed......most of the stuff i loved as a kid is pretty crappy these days. I did however watch a few eps of the "Greatest American Hero" Box set and was pretty surprised how well it held up. Apart from the crappy special effects, the writing and the chemistry of the leads was pretty damn good.
I love that set... my wife and I sat down a while ago and watched the pilot. We've got too many things to watch, mainly the 2nd season of Quantum Leap, then Greatest American Hero, then the last season of Friends. Not to mention the multitude of DVDs I've bought in the last month... just not enough time in the day.

I was in the hospital about a year ago and when I was in the room by myself I caught an episode of Thundercats on Cartoon Network... now, I used to LOVE Thundercats and never understood why my mom hated it. I understand now.

[Deberg_1990]

I love that set... my wife and I sat down a while ago and watched the pilot. We've got too many things to watch, mainly the 2nd season of Quantum Leap, then Greatest American Hero, then the last season of Friends. Not to mention the multitude of DVDs I've bought in the last month... just not enough time in the day.



Agreed, i wish i had more time to watch all these TV box sets. The next one i want to watch is the Miami Vice season 1 set to see how well it holds up these days.....

[Fire Me Boy!]

I never much cared for Miami Vice, so I skipped that one. Pretty soon, King of Queens Season 3 comes out and That 70s Show Season 2 should be out soon, as will Greatest American Hero Season 2.

[Deberg_1990]

I never much cared for Miami Vice, so I skipped that one. Pretty soon, King of Queens Season 3 comes out and That 70s Show Season 2 should be out soon, as will Greatest American Hero Season 2.

Yea, i loved Vice as a kid. Mann is making a big screen movie of it right now with Colin Ferrel as Crockett and Jamie Foxx as Tubbs. half the time i could never follow the plots in the TV show because it was usually too dark and murky and I guess i was too young at the time but it was still freakin cool. hahah......The one im really looking forward to is "Moonlighting" Box set. Maybe my all time favorite show. At least season 2 1/2 until Dave and Maddie slept with each other...

[Fire Me Boy!]

Oh man! I loved Moonlighting. I made my wife sit down at watch the pilot with me not too long ago... great show.

[keg in kc]

Speaking of Star Wars, the second season of Clone Wars begins Monday on Cartoon Network.

[Hammock Parties]

People don't realize most of the critics didn't like Lucas' first go-round of Star Wars films. But just like the first go-round moviegoers have flocked to the theatres in millions to see the prequels. And they'll flock BACK to the theatres for the 2007 release of all six films in 3D format.

Did they do that for Howard The Duck? :hmmm:

[KCWolfman]

People don't realize most of the critics didn't like Lucas' first go-round of Star Wars films. But just like the first go-round moviegoers have flocked to the theatres in millions to see the prequels. And they'll flock BACK to the theatres for the 2007 release of all six films in 3D format.

Did they do that for Howard The Duck? :hmmm:
Actually, the first film was received well, and played for almost two years in many first run theaters, to the joy of viewer and critic alike.

Will "The Sith Strikes Back" do that?

[Baby Lee]

Agreed......most of the stuff i loved as a kid is pretty crappy these days.
It boggles the mind sometimes. From when I was a little kid, what I remembered as THE funniest movies I'd seen in my life were, would you believe, Johnny Dangerously and Caveman.

Talk about rank disappointment when I revisited those as an adult.


Gaaahh!!!


Johnny Dangerously was mildly amusing, but CAVEMAN?? I remember me and my sister giggling for days afterwards at the 'gags' in that movie. Were we high?

[KCWolfman]

It boggles the mind sometimes. From when I was a little kid, what I remembered as THE funniest movies I'd seen in my life were, would you believe, Johnny Dangerously and Caveman.

Talk about rank disappointment when I revisited those as an adult.


Gaaahh!!!


Johnny Dangerously was mildly amusing, but CAVEMAN?? I remember me and my sister giggling for days afterwards at the 'gags' in that movie. Were we high?
I still love JD. When she pulls the vibrator out of her purse, I crack up.

[andoman]

Yeah. Darth is a title. Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Darth Sidious, Darth Tyranus, etc.

Don't leave us hanging. What does the title mean?

[Bowser]

Actually, the first film was received well, and played for almost two years in many first run theaters, to the joy of viewer and critic alike.

Will "The Sith Strikes Back" do that?

To be fair in my most Captain Obvious impersonation, times were alot different back then. When Episode IV cam out, it was like nothing we had ever seen back then. I remember some shrink on TV talking about how movies were full of dark themed Vietnam type storylines, and Star Wars was an entirely new line of escapism.

To continue with the Captain Obvious theme, there were alot less theaters, and no multiplexes. I first saw Star Wars at the Antioch Theater which had two screens, and was one of the nicer places to see a flick. It's now a Berbiglias. And, attention spans were much longer back in 1977 than they are now. I remember Lethal Weapon playing for almost a full year at the Gladstone Cinemas, but I'm digressing.

To answer the question, if Episode 3 plays for 3-4 months, it will probablly be considered to be a huge success.

[Baby Lee]

To be fair in my most Captain Obvious impersonation, times were alot different back then. When Episode IV cam out, it was like nothing we had ever seen back then. I remember some shrink on TV talking about how movies were full of dark themed Vietnam type storylines, and Star Wars was an entirely new line of escapism.
Some say that Stars Wars, and the emotions it engendered, got Reagan elected.

[Hammock Parties]

Actually, the first film was received well, and played for almost two years in many first run theaters, to the joy of viewer and critic alike.

Will "The Sith Strikes Back" do that?

The first film was NOT received well. Critics hated it. They've hated everyone of the SW films right when they first came out.

It played in theatres for a long run because it was making money hand over fist.

George Lucas's homage to Flash Gordon embraces, too, some of the beloved clichés of cowboy, swashbuckler, and aviator movies. The story is set in a remote galaxy in the remote past, so that it can't be mistaken as a reflection of anything in modern-day society except Hollywood hokum, and it can be recommended warmly to anyone with a mental age of under twelve. The miniatures and special effects are the best that money can buy; the wholesome heroes, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, look as though they've been recruited from a volleyball court on the California coast; the anthropomorphized robots, especially the crotchety one who talks in the voice of a prissy British valet ("I've got such a bad case of dust contamination I can barely move"), are as adorable as your household pets; and the narrative, despite a bewildering prologue three paragraphs in length, is not so complicated or imaginative as an average Captain America comic. Should Lucas be thought primarily benevolent for giving the audience such blissful, innocent, simple-minded thrills, or primarily cynical for deciding the audience requires nothing more? With Alec Guinness, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing. 1977.

[Deberg_1990]

It played in theatres for a long run because it was making money hand over fist.

Well yes, but in those days, films only opened on like 200 screens accross the county. Thes days the norm is over 4000. I remember when i was a kid Star Wars only played in KC at the old Glenwood theater which was torn down a few years back. It would take a year or so before everyone got to see it. With the proliferation of the Muti/Giga plex these days it only takes a few months for everyone to see a film. Plus of course thre was no Home theater/VHS/DVD market either...

[Baby Lee]

I wonder whatever happened to Smith's plan's of redoing the Fletch series...
Dr. Dorian to the rescue!!!
02/28/05 - The officially sponsered Kevin Smith news site, newsaskew.com, is reporting that in a message board post made at ViewAskew.com, Smith announced that Scrubs and Garden State star Zach Braff is the front-runner to star in his next movie after Clerks 2, Fletch Won.

Fletch Won is to be a strict adaptation of the prequel novel of the same name by Gregory McDonald, and will have no connection to the film version of McDonald's first book starring Chevy Chase.

[KCWolfman]

The first film was NOT received well. Critics hated it. They've hated everyone of the SW films right when they first came out.

It played in theatres for a long run because it was making money hand over fist.
You have found one article supporting your statement.

Every review I read as a kid stated otherwise. The reviews were more than positive. In fact, I remember one from the New York Times that stated something to the effect of "this motely crew blends together well and gives sci-fi a breathe of fresh air".

My friends father owned a first run theater at the time and we saw the movie over and over again. We also re-read every review time and time again. The "it was not received well" is an urban legend.

[KCWolfman]

The first film was NOT received well. Critics hated it. They've hated everyone of the SW films right when they first came out.

It played in theatres for a long run because it was making money hand over fist.
More proof:

James Berardelli
When Star Wars was first released on the Wednesday before Memorial Day in 1977, it arrived in theaters with good reviews and excellent advance word.

The myth that it was not received well is to give the uber-geeks a "I told you so" argument that really doesn't exist.

[Deberg_1990]

You have found one article supporting your statement.

Every review I read as a kid stated otherwise. The reviews were more than positive. In fact, I remember one from the New York Times that stated something to the effect of "this motely crew blends together well and gives sci-fi a breathe of fresh air".

My friends father owned a first run theater at the time and we saw the movie over and over again. We also re-read every review time and time again. The "it was not received well" is an urban legend.

Exactly, and Empire Strikes Back is generally regarded as the BEST Star Wars film and one of the Best Sequels ever.

[Hammock Parties]

More proof:

James Berardelli


The myth that it was not received well is to give the uber-geeks a "I told you so" argument that really doesn't exist.

Lucas himself said the critics did not like it.

[KCWolfman]

Lucas himself said the critics did not like it.
Lucas also said that Episodes 1 and 2 would recapture the original flavor of the first 3.

Lucas has more of a reason to support the myth than you do.

[Over-Head]

Exactly, and Empire Strikes Back is generally regarded as the BEST Star Wars film and one of the Best Sequels ever.
:thumb:

[KingPriest2]

"Quite uninteresting in its stale moments, the "Menace" soars from time to time."
-- Ross Anthony, HOLLYWOOD REPORT CARD

"Perfecto ejemplo de cómo la imaginación puede traspasar fronteras y edades"
-- Jorge Avila Andrade, MOVIOLA

"Still, you have to see it, don't you? I know I did, and I'm glad I did. But I can honestly say I was never really entertained."
-- Rob Blackwelder, SPLICEDWIRE

"Lucas has packed it with a carnival of amusing new characters and new versions of old ones."
-- Jay Boyar, ORLANDO SENTINEL

"I warn you, I'm gonna continue whining about the movie. Just keep in mind that I liked it."
-- Greg Burk, L.A. WEEKLY

"Overwhelmed by digital effects and watered down for children... the narrative structure is just awful"
-- Carlo Cavagna, ABOUTFILM.COM

"Exceptionally well-made, highly imaginative!"
-- Michael Dequina, MR. BROWN'S MOVIES

"The perfect movie for families!"
-- Duane Dudek, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

"Just as Roy Lichtenstein transferred his imagery from painting to sculpture, George Lucas has transferred his imagery from film moviemaking to digital moviemaking."
-- Curtis Edmonds, TXREVIEWS.COM

"An entertaining piece of science fiction fluff."
-- Michael Elliott, MOVIE PARABLES

"A slightly-above-average entertainment quotient and a bonanza of computer-generated effects keeps this Star Wars from disappointing entirely."
-- Jeff Farance, DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL (FL.)

"Worth the wait, worth the trouble, worth all the noise!"
-- Glenn Gaslin, NEW TIMES

"It's well-made and entertaining!"
-- William Arnold, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

"More shrewd showman than a great filmmaker, Lucas employs these effects to create a total fantasy universe."
-- Joe Baltake, SACRAMENTO BEE

"The force is gone and George Lucas apparently has no idea where he left it!"
-- Steven Boone, CITYSEARCH

"Lucas has fashioned a fascinating pluriverse of outer space works filled with strange and amazing creatures and special effects."
-- Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH

"This isn't so much a movie as a two-hour special-effects demonstration reel."
-- Robert W. Butler, KANSAS CITY STAR

"as a film it's a warmed over, albeit technically superior, rehash of sights and concepts we've seen before."
-- Laura Clifford, REELING REVIEWS

"A great work from a greater director, and a blockbuster of quite the most swashbuckling kind."
-- Mark Dinning, EMPIRE MAGAZINE [UK]

"It's an extremely enjoyable movie, blending imagination with technology and creating visual eye candy, wrapped up in a lightweight but enjoyable story."
-- Matt Easterbrook, MATT'S MOVIE REVIEWS

"Eye candy isn't a reward in and of itself--it has to be backed by substance."
-- Annlee Ellingson, BOXOFFICE MAGAZINE

"The biggest letdown since the Clinton presidency!"
-- Andrew Essex, CITYSEARCH

"Spectacular fun!"
-- Jack Garner, ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

"Like a giant anchor in a sea of scattered Hollywood myths, Phantom Menace --the mere making of it -- promises viewers a point of reference of biblical proportions."
-- Yazmin Ghonaim, CINEPHILES

[KingPriest2]

"It is an understatement to say that the movie is a disappointment; it is the disappointment of the millennium."
-- Chris Gore, FILM THREAT

"Features Lucas at his visionary best and at his maddening worst."
-- Steven D. Greydanus, DECENT FILMS GUIDE

"The lack of emotion is glaring!"
-- Karen Hershenson, CONTRA COSTA TIMES

"The Phantom Menace proves that Lucas still knows how to capture the imagination of young and old."
-- Louis B. Hobson, JAM! MOVIES

"Very rewarding for devoted fans, chock full of delightful references and allusions and parallels to the first trilogy that pay off handsomely the multiple viewings of the originals we've enjoyed over the years."
-- MaryAnn Johanson, FLICK FILOSOPHER

"It's a scam."
-- Brandon Judell, JEDNET

"This Star Wars engages by its sheer variety of characters!"
-- Harvey S. Karten, COMPUSERVE

"Lucas' films might not be very deep, but they're very complex and involving in a comic book kind of way."
-- Kevin N. Laforest, MONTREAL FILM JOURNAL

"Far from a shattering blow to my faith in Star Wars, I believe that in time these new films will only make it stronger."
-- Paul Malcolm, L.A. WEEKLY

"Episodio I tuvo la virtud de juntar a dos generaciones en un mismo fenómeno"
-- Luis Martinez, CINENGANOS

"A pretty good movie -- great in some ways, good in others, only so-so in yet others."
-- Mervius, FANTASTICA DAILY

"Finally someone has crossed the line where reality and fantasy are indistinguishable!"
-- Christopher Null, FILMCRITIC.COM

"An often deliriously exciting adventure, hitting the target audience of 10-year olds and satisfying long-time fans."
-- Danny Graydon, BBC

"Story. Character. They used to mean something to George Lucas."
-- John Hartl, SEATTLE TIMES

"Phantom Menace is unlikely to convince folks who waited in ticket lines for weeks that they made the right choice."
-- Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS

"This movie is a perfect example of why the word 'eye-candy' was invented."
-- JoBlo, JOBLO'S MOVIE EMPORIUM

"A feast for the eyes and ears!"
-- Edward Johnson-Ott, NUVO NEWSWEEKLY

"The end result looks like a great video game, but is as cold and emotionless as the computers that spit it out."
-- Jim Judy, SCREEN IT!

"This pumped-up prequel is an essential history lesson fueled by a numbing sense of magic and myth."
-- Jason Kaufman, CITYSEARCH

"You keep looking for the emotional center of the movie and never find it."
-- Kevin Lally, FILM JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL

"This entry into the Star Wars saga does the originals justice in terms of heart, action, and fun."
-- Marty Mapes, MOVIE HABIT

"There's plenty to look at!"
-- Maitland McDonagh, TV GUIDE'S MOVIE GUIDE

"It exactly has the same strengths and weaknesses as the original three, plus breathtakingly spectacular visual design and special effects."
-- Nell Minow, MOVIE MOM AT YAHOO! MOVIES

"A murky, talky prequel that emphasises all the series' weakest elements rather than its strongest ones."
-- Andrew O'Hehir, SIGHT AND SOUND

[KingPriest2]

"Creating a so-called modern legend, droning on about The Force and all the rest of it, is no substitute for the full engagement of our senses."
-- Peter Rainer, NEW YORK MAGAZINE

"Thoroughly entertaining!"
-- Steve Rhodes, STEVE RHODES' INTERNET REVIEWS

"Deeply flawed and occasionally inept, The Phantom Menace strikes me as no better--but not necessarily lessor--than any of the previous Star Wars movies."
-- Chuck Rudolph, MATINEE MAGAZINE

"Is it fun? For the most part, yes. Is it a life-changing experience? Only if you reach puberty, give birth or die while watching it."
-- James Sanford, KALAMAZOO GAZETTE

"The Star Wars series is back with all of its virtues intact."
-- Steve Schneider, ORLANDO WEEKLY

"Let the movie speak to the child inside you -- the child that is still optimistic and that still believes in magic."
-- Eric D. Snider, ERICDSNIDER.COM

"Packed with creative characters and breath-taking action sequences!"
-- Jay Stone, OTTAWA CITIZEN

"It actually undoes some of the myth and magic that the first three movies forged in the hearts and minds of millions of movie lovers."
-- Tor Thorsen, REEL.COM

"The Phantom Menace opened to the exact same complaints as its now canonical predecessor. Only this time, its very real assets have been almost completely dismissed."
-- Rob Vaux, FLIPSIDE MOVIE EMPORIUM

"At times this science-fiction adventure is thrilling, and it is also touching and even has its share of silly moments."
-- Jeff Vice, DESERET NEWS, SALT LAKE CITY

"I would spoil the plot for you, but you'd probably fall asleep during my description of it."
-- Jeff Vorndam, ABOUTFILM.COM

"The special effects are as awesome as you would expect, and this is an extremely slick production."
-- Brian Webster, APOLLO GUIDE

"The John Williams score is dynamite, the sound is brilliant, the pictures are richly detailed and ferociously eye-popping!"
-- Mark Ramsey, MOVIEJUICE!

"It isn't the best in the series, but it delivers about what you would expect."
-- Robert Roten, LARAMIE MOVIE SCOPE

"Star Wars of the next generation!"
-- Alex Sandell, JUICY CEREBELLUM

"[Lucas] ought to spend more time on story and less time crunching binaries."
-- Marc Savlov, AUSTIN CHRONICLE

"A very pleasing technical accomplishment."
-- Dennis Schwartz, OZUS' WORLD MOVIE REVIEWS

"Geared more to video-game fans than to grown-up moviegoers who remember when the best fantasy films had grander ambitions."
-- David Sterritt, CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR

"Outstanding!"
-- Bob Strauss, LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS

"The technology is state-of-the-art, but the people around it are far from state-of-the-heart."
-- Lawrence Toppman, CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

"It's slow. Its characters are anorexic. The dialogue is mostly forgettable. Jake Lloyd delivers something short of an exciting performance."
-- James Verniere, BOSTON HERALD

"Se este fosse o primeiro episódio da série a chegar aos cinemas, ela não teria alcançado o status e a longevidade que conseguiu nos últimos 20 anos."
-- Pablo Villaca, CINEMA EM CENA

"A film that not only couldn't stand up to the hype monster, but also couldn't stand up to multiple viewings."
-- Widgett Walls, NEEDCOFFEE.COM

"Decide for yourself."
-- Scott Weinberg, EFILMCRITIC.COM

[KingPriest2]

"Being amazed has never been this boring."
-- E! ONLINE

[Brock]

"Being amazed has never been this boring."
-- E! ONLINE

Did you know your posts are a complete waste of time?

[KingPriest2]

"What's missing from George Lucas' heralded return to the screen is . . . sex."
-- Thelma Adams, NEW YORK POST

"Many of the scenes feel shapeless and flat—they're not ended, but abandoned."
-- David Ansen, NEWSWEEK

"A testimony to how far special effects have come."
-- James Berardinelli, REELVIEWS

"After waiting 16 years for the overture to this epic saga, this is what we get? An in-progress trade war?"
-- Mark Caro, CHICAGO TRIBUNE

"There are no romance, no humor, ultimately nobody to care about in this oddly sterile movie."
-- Paul Clinton (CNN), CNN

"The line readings of Portman and Lloyd are often flat, or flat-out wrong!"
-- Richard Corliss, TIME MAGAZINE

"Everything about this film is so mechanical you wonder if it was written, directed and acted by 'droids.'"
-- Rod Dreher, NEW YORK POST

"There is a sense of discovery in scene after scene of The Phantom Menace."
-- Roger Ebert, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

"A vigorous, romping, hugely entertaining movie!"
-- F.X. Feeney, MR. SHOWBIZ

"Delivers exactly what every kid of any age wants: wows. And plenty of them!"
-- Bob Fenster, ARIZONA REPUBLIC

"Lucas' directorial attention is clearly not focused on the cast, most of whom seem slightly adrift."
-- Jonathan Foreman, NEW YORK POST

"A terrific piece of visual entertainment!"
-- Ted Fry, FILM.COM

"Spectacular yet remote."
-- Owen Gleiberman, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

"In special effects, Lucas has moved a galaxy beyond. In energy, not yet."
-- Bob Graham, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

"It does the job just fine. That job, as director George Lucas freely admits, is quite simply to thrill the beating hearts and the inquiring minds of 12-year-old boys."
-- Rick Groen, GLOBE AND MAIL

"Story. Character. They used to mean something to George Lucas."
-- John Hartl, FILM.COM

"This isn't a film that will change history the way the first Star Wars did 22 years ago."
-- Julie Hinds, SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS

"There is nothing in this noisy, overdesigned bore to equal the excitement generated by the mere idea of the trailer."
-- J. Hoberman, VILLAGE VOICE

"This film has a strange air of nada about it."
-- Robert Horton, FILM.COM

"Too busy and talky by half, overpopulated by a baffling array of aliens and robot 'droids,' The Phantom Menace fails to engage the audience in its mythic quest `to restore balance to the Force.'"
-- Peter Howell, TORONTO STAR

"I can't convey the essence of the plot because I wasn't clear about it even as it was happening."
-- Stanley Kauffmann, NEW REPUBLIC

"Joyless, overly reverential and impenetrably plotted!"
-- Rita Kempley, WASHINGTON POST

"An absolute disaster!"
-- Tom Keogh, FILM.COM

"It sustains the gee-whiz spirit of the series and offers a swashbuckling extragalactic getaway, creating illusions that are even more plausible than the kitchen-raiding raptors of Jurassic Park."
-- Janet Maslin, NEW YORK TIMES

"With Phantom, Lucas has brought the series to the brink of total artificiality, the future as a video game."
-- Jack Mathews, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

"A solar bore!"
-- Kevin Maynard, MR. SHOWBIZ

"It is neither captivating nor transporting, for it lacks any emotional pull, as well as the sense of wonder and awe that marks the best works of sci-fi/fantasy."
-- Todd McCarthy, VARIETY

"Incomplete, but still fun."
-- Sean Means, FILM.COM

"Too bad writer-director Lucas left out the gee-whiz enthusiasm of the original movies. He also left out memorable characters. He left out the fun."
-- Steve Murray, ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

"The Phantom Menace takes twists and turns you don't expect."
-- John Podhoretz, NEW YORK POST

"Phantom had me from the moment it touched down on Naboo."
-- Carrie Rickey, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

"Perhaps Lucas has become too lost in his mastery of computer-generated effects and digital sound to remember that creativity in the movies is not just a technical thing."
-- Steven Rosen, DENVER POST

"Though I've been bored senseless by the Star Wars phenomenon for over two decades, I found The Phantom Menace something of a pleasant surprise."
-- Jonathan Rosenbaum, CHICAGO READER

"Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace seems designed more as a promotion for Lucasfilm's billion-dollar merchandising concerns than a meaningful chapter in the Star Wars canon."
-- Frank Scheck, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

"Even without aliens, though, the humanity in Phantom Menace would still be hard to find."
-- Gene Seymour, NEWSDAY

"Visually dazzling, inventive beyond imagining and full of resonant detail that recalls stories told or hints at those to come!"
-- Susan Stark, DETROIT NEWS

"Who would have guessed that The Phantom Menace would be so incoherent, so completely bereft of a grand adventure's surging thrills?"
-- Charles Taylor, SALON.COM

"The actors are wallpaper, the jokes are juvenile, there's no romance, and the dialogue lands with the thud of a computer-instruction manual."
-- Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE

"Even without the pre-release hoopla, The Phantom Menace would be a considerable letdown!"
-- Kenneth Turan, LOS ANGELES TIMES

"This is a franchise in deep spiritual trouble!"
-- Jeffrey Wells, MR. SHOWBIZ

"The wow-factor action is irresistible, and Lloyd is no less appealing than '60s Disney star Kevin Corcoran!"
-- Bruce Westbrook, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

"A highly entertaining and visually breathtaking movie, capable at times of rocking and delighting you."
-- Michael Wilmington, CHICAGO TRIBUNE

"Lucas has proved he has the Naboos to pull it off again."
-- Susan Wloszczyna, USA TODAY

"Pure adventure!"
-- Philip Wuntch, DALLAS MORNING NEWS

[KingPriest2]

Did you know your posts are a complete waste of time?


I am sorry to offend you but someone wanted proof that critics did not like the first movie. He was wanting to see it. Did you not see that?

if not here is part of it

Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally Posted by KCWolfman
You have found one article supporting your statement.

Every review I read as a kid stated otherwise. The reviews were more than positive. In fact, I remember one from the New York Times that stated something to the effect of "this motely crew blends together well and gives sci-fi a breathe of fresh air".

My friends father owned a first run theater at the time and we saw the movie over and over again. We also re-read every review time and time again. The "it was not received well" is an urban legend

[Hammock Parties]

You've completely missed the point. We weren't talking about Phantom Menace, we were talking about Episode IV.

[KingPriest2]

You've completely missed the point. We weren't talking about Phantom Menace, we were talking about Episode IV.


Well in that case most people did like the movie as KC Wolfman has said. Sorry I thought you were talking about TPM

[Baby Lee]

Well in that case most people did like the movie as KC Wolfman has said. Sorry I thought you were talking about TPM
Thank you Emily Latela.

[KingPriest2]

Thank you Emily Latela.


And thank you John Bobbit And if you are going to spell someones name spell it right. it is Latella.

[Chiefs Pantalones]

I saw the promos to this movie on TV the other day...

COMING TO A THEATRE NEAR YOU....

May 19, 2005....

STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH




Even gayer than the others.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Don't leave us hanging. What does the title mean?
If I'm not mistaken, it's refers to a dark lord of the Sith.

[Hammock Parties]

If I'm not mistaken, it's refers to a dark lord of the Sith.

You must be a genious.

[Fire Me Boy!]

You must be a genious.
You must be a dick.

No one had answered, and I didn't know if the question was serious.

[KCWolfman]

You must be a dick.

No one had answered, and I didn't know if the question was serious.
He is and it probably wasn't

[Hammock Parties]

You must be a dick.


:(

[Fire Me Boy!]

He is and it probably wasn't
You're probably right, but that's no excuse for being a jackass.

[Hammock Parties]

You're probably right, but that's no excuse for being a jackass.

Come on man, this is Chiefsplanet. There are thousands of excuses for jackassery here. :D

[KCWolfman]

Come on man, this is Chiefsplanet. There are thousands of excuses for jackassery here. :D
Amen to that.

[Hammock Parties]

Amen to that.

KCWolfman agrees with GoChiefs!

[Bowser]

KCWolfman agrees with GoChiefs!

I'll go buy my Powerball ticket, then brace for the apocalypse.