Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Much has been written already about Star Wars: The Last Jedi and this to be expected when something as loved as Star Wars takes on a new direction.

My thoughts on the film are mixed. Some elements I liked, whilst others made me angry. It’s a bold step in a new direction for a much-loved film franchise. My main worry, that maybe they are flogging Star Wars to death.

As a whole, I found the film to be engaging and enjoyable. But I wouldn’t watch it again. I’m a massive Star Wars fan & I’m not going to sign a petition like some to get this film reversed. But I really didn’t like what they did to Luke Skywalker’s character. After all this is THE Luke Skywalker who destroyed the sith by recognising there was still good left in Darth Vader. We are then supposed to believe that this same Luke Skywalker would dismiss R2-D2 playing him Princess Leia’s message from A New Hope. That’s just not true to his character or the Jedi. But I guess this is the point director, Rian Johnson wanted to make.

There were some comical moments in the film, which were great. They at least didn’t try to change Chewbacca’s character. R2 and C3P0 didn’t feature too much, which was a little disappointing, but I guess, that’s how you can move on from the originals and the prequels and take your own direction.

I think the hardest thing for me watching the film is that this is a brand-new story & not one created by George Lucas. It’s make-believe. I know this sounds absurd, as all of Star Wars is make-believe (even if I wish it was real!). But when the original came out in 1977, this was a solid stand-alone film. In 1980, what I think was the best Star Wars was released. This all flowed on well from the first film and lead into Return of the Jedi. When George Lucas started making the prequels in the late 90s, the story was set. All the prequel movies did was flesh-out the back story that we knew from the original trilogy. It really wasn’t make-believe; it was just showing us what we already knew. But The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi are new stories. Brand new. There’s no set-up of these in Episode VI. These are new and not created by George Lucas. So, they are going to be different. But what they did to Luke Skywalker, it’s just too different to what I imagined at the end of Return of the Jedi. Luke is a Jedi like his father before him. I don’t think it’s believable that he would turn his back on The Force and the Rebellion/Resistance.

I’ll still be watching the next one, because as I said I didn’t hate the film. But I hope that maybe they end Star Wars at the next film. They don’t have the magic of the originals and aren’t as good as the prequels. I feel now Star Wars is an example of the modern-day studio system. And what this system works on hasn’t changed from the Golden Age. It’s all about money.

Paul Newman’s Finest Performance

I’ve been wanting to watch The Color of Money (1986) for ages & it didn’t disappoint. It exceeded my expectations – what a great film. It was really enjoyable from the very first scene to the finale. The story, characters, writing & camera work were pitch-perfect. Definitely what you would expect from a Martin Scorsese film.

The stand-out in the film wasn’t Tom Cruise, although his performance was brilliant. It was the legendary Paul Newman, in his only Oscar winning role. I’ve watched quite a few Paul Newman films & he is a truly great actor. But there was just something about this performance that absolutely blew me away. You can really feel his performance through the screen. He really embodied his character, to a point that I you don’t even recognise this as Paul Newman. There’s not a doubt in my mind that he didn’t deserve the Oscar that year.

But what is it that sets this performance apart from so many other great performances? I love him as Butch Cassidy, Hud and as Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. But this performance was something different. Maybe because this is by a man who’s seen more of the world & this comes across on screen.

It was great to see Cruise and Newman act together. There was an energy between them that was great to watch. Cruise really is a powerhouse actor. He’s still making massive budget films today and yes, I am pumped for Top Gun 2! He also is true star & you can see his potential for the long-lasting career that he’s had in this film. I can see that in 20 + years time, Cruise will still be making great films, just like Newman did.

I haven’t to be honest watched too many Scorsese films. My favourite so far was The Age of Innocence (1993) for his work as a director. The Colour of Money probably has less of the auteur touch to it. But obviously Scorsese is a legend for bringing out the best in his actors. You can definitely see his mark on the film.

But for me, this film was Paul Newman’s. What a wonderful man he was. I’m sorry that he is no longer with us. But what great films he has left us with. The Colour of Money is one of the best.

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

From the opening shot of this movie, you know you are in for a great movie. Roger Deakins, the master cinematographer, is behind the technically brilliant and artistic visuals that we see in Blade Runner 2049. The opening shot of the movie not only pays homage to the original Blade Runner but sets us up visually for what is in store; can you believe what you see in your mind’s eye?

I really loved the story of the film and the characters were brilliant. I hadn’t seen any of director Denis Villeneuve’s work prior to this film, but am definitely excited to see what he does next. I cannot speak highly enough of Ryan Gosling in this film. He is a fantastic actor & his performance is under-stated & undoubtedly authentic. I was expecting Harrison Ford to carry the film, but it really was the other way around. He’s already been nominated for two Best Actor Oscars, hopefully he can make this one his third nomination.

I have heard talk that Harrison Ford could look at getting a nomination for his role in the film. Although I would love to see Ford nominated, I’m not sure this is the film that he would receive his second nomination in this role. Mainly perhaps due to screen time, he’s not actually in this film all that much, but when he is – he gives a performance that reminds us why he has been the top of his craft for all these years.

Blade Runner 2049 has disappointed at the box office for it’s opening week. Not much different to the original film after all. It’s refreshing to see a film that is marketed towards the mainstream that isn’t just a blockbuster. What I mean by this is that the storyline & characters of Blade Runner 2049 is almost like an indie film. It’s still got the special effects and the big budget, but at the heart of the picture is the desires of our characters. What drives them drives the film. The special effects are secondary. I would love to see Hollywood produce more thoughtful ‘blockbusters’ like this one. It’s a welcome change, but after all, Hollywood is all about the money. Blade Runner 2049 hasn’t performed to expectation right now, but I think it’s got the hall markings of a cult classic all over it.