RUSH ( movie review )

     First time I heard about Rush, I though it is going to be some sort of Formula 1 version of the Fast and The Furious. Later I got to know more about the subject of the movie so I got more and more interested in it. Therefore I went to see it the first day it arrived at the theatres in here.
Now don’t get me wrong – I do enjoy watching Fast & the Furious type of movies from time to time, but I didn’t go to see Rush because I wanted to see fast cars – I went to see it because I became interested in the characters it portraits. 

I must say that I had only seen the first trailer and I had avoided watching any more clips from it and I also did not go to read about what really happened to James Hunt and Niki Lauda , because I didn’t want to know too much about the plot . And I am so glad that I did that . The story was more powerful for me that way.



So here is the actual review that I am writing to you mostly because I want to recommend you to watch Rush .  Please go see it on the big screen – the experience is so much better!
I like the movie because of few things , that I will list you in random order :

1.     The cast

I must confess that I like a lot both Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl , so  I might be kind of biased in my opinions . In any case I think they both did a very good job .  After all I like them because they are very talented actors and they proved it that once more .
Chris seems to always be very natural in his roles and the image of James Hunt suits him pretty well.  He is absolutely believable as the charming, reckless playboy and I can’t blame the ladies for falling in his arms just so easy. Still, there are moments when you can see that James has his fears and his "troubled emotions".
As for Daniel , he is just great in this role. He steels the show a couple of times. His character is a pretty interesting and so very different from James Hunt. He might seems less likeable but I was kind of impressed by Lauda more that once in this film .

Unfortunately the movie here is dubbed in Italian so I couldn’t appreciate well enough the accents that both main leads had to master in order to sound like their characters but I will make sure to watch the movie again in original language when is released on DVD or on digital format .  

The supporting cast is also pretty good.  I need to mention  that there are some very beautiful and talented actresses there.  It’s was a pleasure to watch them.

2.     Visuals, sound and music

The combination between all those components is very well done. There are some really great shots and lets not forget some very beautiful locations. The music and sound is also just so right . Works great on building up the tension . Especially during a race all blends together very well ( I really loved to hear the roar of the engines on high volume in the cinema.)
 Ron Howard really choose the right people to work with.

3.     The Story -  it’s balanced enough between the entertaining fun bits ,  those with more serious note  and the really trilling moments when you just can't get your eyes of the screen . You get to see a little bit of the life of both characters – their ups and downs . You won’t be drugged around their whole carrier – all is concentrated basically on a particular time period . It all builts up pretty well to the "grand finale " .  I wasn’t bored  and I enjoyed it all . 
 I just wanted there to be more interaction between Lauda and Hunt but I guess this is because I enjoyed watching them so much. But I can’t speak more without revealing too much so here is a warning : 

Whatever follows contains  spoilers!  Please do not read further if you haven’t seen the movie yet . Just come back to read and comment afterwards ;) 

There are many interesting aspects in this film – the lifestyle of those people who risk their lives for a living, the time period , this crazy but fascination sport ,  the rivalry between the characters and the ways it  defines them both  and influences their actions. Their different points of view and approach towards not only racing but towards life in general.
Also there is something in particular that I was impressed with and that I want to mention . I was impressed with Lauda’s actions . He almost burned to death but he came back to race just few weeks after the accident! And the best part is that later he managed to withdraw when he saw it was too risky. These are some difficult decisions and I admire him for both. 

The most impressive thing about this movie , however , for me is that this story is actually  real . James Hunt really won by just one point showing extreme determination at the end . Lauda really almost died and come back to race immediately after that.

I am often more impressed by people’s actions rather than by people’s words – in that sense , I think Rush “tell us “ more things that it might appear at first . 

I like movies who can entertain me but also tell me stories that I keep thinking about days afterwards . These movies are not only the once you enjoy but also the ones you remember.

Review by Viki

images from http://www.rushmovie.com/

THE WALKING DEAD ( review )

Name : The Walking Dead
Status : currently airing Season 3
Number of seasons/episodes : three (so far)
Year : 2010 - present
Genre : horror, drama, action
Director: Frank Darabont
Main Cast : Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Norman Reedus
Based on : comic book
Warnings : flesh-chewing zombies, blood and guts, might give you nightmares!!!

Review :  WARNING! MIGHT CONTAIN MINOR SPOILERS! What would you do if a deadly virus turned everyone around you into flesh-eating zombies: your family, your friends, your whole nation and even the residents of the other continents on Earth? Where would you go when only death and devastation await you everywhere you run? How would you defend yourself when the dead want to eat you the moment they lay their unseeing eyes on you? Who would you trust if someone out there turns out to be alive and scared just like you? And, finally, what kind of person would you be ready to become in order to survive? These are the questions that the TV series The Walking Dead tries to place before each viewer! And, in my opinion, it does not fail to deliver!


The series follows the fight for survival of police officer Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), his wife Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) and little son Carl (Chandlerr Riggs), along with a group of people with various backgrounds, each with his or her personal drama and own believes. Chased by zombies on every turn, the group headed by Rick tries to find a safe place where to start a new life after the apocalypse, hoping that the human society will somehow recover from the virus and restore things back to normal. Little by little, however, their hope dies as they face the horrible death of their loved onces and friends and as they realize that zombies are not the only danger in a world without laws and control....

What do I like about this series? Most of all, I like the character development! For the first time we have a zombie TV series, not a two-hour zombie movie, which gives the director the possibility to develop the main characters, to show how each of them deals with the crazy apocalyptic situation and how the latter changes them to the better or the worse. We see how Rick, as the leader of a small group of survivors, has to change his believes in order to keep these people alive: at the start of the series we see him struggle even when it comes to killing a zombie, by the third season we see him pointing a gun at his best friend, whose behaviour threatens the group's safety. Each character changes into a different person as the story progresses and we get to see how that happens and what the consequences of it are. That is, if the character does not get eaten by a zombie in the process ;)

I also fell in love with the atmosphere in the series: although the production got a significant budget cut after the first season, it still manages to transport its viewers into a devastated land, where all hope for a normal life is gone and it all comes down to finding food and not becoming food yourself! It's creepy, it's scary and it's very realistic! When those half-rotten zombies head your way, you can only pray they won't catch you in your sofa with just a cushion as a weapon!

Add good acting, unexpected twists of the plot and cool camera work to the mixture and you get a great TV series that will not disappoint the fans of zombie movies and people who appreciate a smart, scary drama!


I recommend it to : zombie lovers, horror fans, those who like an apocalypse-type drama
I do NOT recommend it to : faint-hearted people, people who like watching TV series while eating ;)

Favorite Scenes : the opening of Season 2's last episode, where we see hundreds of zombies gathering in a mass group and moving together in their zombie manner towards the countryside in search of a fresh dinner. The way they move and the camera shots are just cool!
Favorite Characters : Rick, Glenn, Daryl
Favorite Quote : "Fight the dead. Fear the living."
What I liked the most : The character development and the very realistic apocalyptic atmosphere
What I liked the least : Some scenes with zombies tearing up living people's flesh or with people chopping zombies into bits :)

photos from adweek.com  , walkingdeadlocations.com , eventingnation.com

review by DeeDee

Oz , the Great and Powerful ( review )

Name : Oz ,  the Great and Powerful

Year : 2013
Genre : Fantasy , Adventure
Director: Sam Raimi
Main Cast :  James Franco, Michelle Williams,
Rachel Weisz , Mila Kunis






(I am going to write a very quick review because I have no time ! )

Review :

I saw Oz , the Great and Powerful  in 3D on its opening day and I can say that I liked it in general! It has some flaws bit still it was fun, colorful movie with nice visuals and if you are looking for something to watch in order to be entertained that might be the film for you. The story was not a big deal, but that wasn’t a problem for me. 

I think James Franco suited well the character – more a trickster rather than “magician”. He is not the typical good guy and he is not even trying to be. With his slimy smile and music box , he made a lot of the people around me ( and me ) to laugh a lot .

The three witches were cool . Well ,  I wanted more Rachel Weisz because I love this actress very much !
This is the first time I actually watch Mila Kunis is a movie but I am not very impressed . Yes , she is beautiful but besides that her witch character was kind of weak ( in sense that she had a weak presence ) . I have the feeling she was there just for eye candy and nothing more . When she became “bad” she was so … fake. Screaming around how bad she is doesn’t really make her believable. Anyway …
I liked Michelle Williams even if her character was a little … how can I say it – too white. She was much better at looking unnaturally nice than Mila at the beginning of the movie.
Anyway – just don’t take this movie too seriously , because the movie is not made for that . True – it has a message and some subthemes but it is mainly for fun! ( I see it that way at least ) .

I really liked that ( spoiler follows !!! ) at the end Franco’s Oz did not become some knight in shining armor but used his real abilities to beat the witches. I am so tired of those “heroes” who in just a day time turn from some sort of I-have-never-touched-a-weapon type to mass murders.

I also liked the other characters , such as the doll ( China town was so cool ! ) and the Flying monkey and also the references between the “real “ life of Oz and what happen to him in the land of Oz.

I also should mention the happy citizens of Oz . Yes , the common villagers ,  who are always smiling -  I wonder what kind of mushroom they eat … To smile that much all the time seems exhausting ! Grumpy Cat would get a heart attack if he ever visits Oz !

In conclusion let’s say one more thing :  if  you are going to see this movie – go see it in 3D ! Because the beginning is really cool to be seen in 3D !!! ( i think it was my favorite part of the whole thing ! )

Let me know your opinion in the comments as well ! :)

photo from .filmofilia.com/

http://en.wikinoticia.com

http://collider.com

review by  Viki

Once Upon a Time ( TV Series ) Review

Name : Once Upon a Time
Status : Currently Airing Season 2
Number of seasons/episodes : Two seasons (for now)
Year : 2011-2013
Genre : Adventure, Romance, Fantasy
Director: Adam Horowitz, Edward Kirtis
Main Cast : Josh Dallas, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Lana Parrilla
Based on : fairytales and children's books

Warnings : things tend to get quite cheesy from time to time; too many beautiful princes to choose from :P

Review : 
( it might contain a few small spoilers for those who haven't seen season one yet ) 

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, there was a girl with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as the night. Her name was Snow White. She was forced to run away from her home because her stepmother, the Evil Queen, wanted her dead. In the forest where she had to live, she made many friends, including seven dwarfs working in the mines for magical fairy dust. One day Swon White crossed paths with Prince Charming and the two fell in love against all odds. They had to overcome many obstacles to be together, but in the end they succeeded - the Evil Queen was banished, her reign of terror was put to an end, and Snow White and Prince Charming got married, became parents of a beautiful baby girl, and lived happily ever after....Or maybe not! Because this is where the fairytale ends and real life begins, kids!

Or, better said, this is where the TV series Once Upon a Time puts an end to fairytale cliches and starts afresh with a mixture of real-life drama, some pinches of  magic and, of course, loads of adventure!

The series follows the story of Emma Swam (Jennifer Morrison), an independent woman living an ordinary life in the big city until Henry, her 10-year-old son she has abandoned as a baby and never seen since then, appears on her doorstep and forces her to go with him to his hometown, Storybrooke. Emma plans to just take him back to his stepmother, Regina (Lana Parrilla), and leave the small, strange town as soon as possible, but ends up staying and even becomes the new sheriff who has to deal with a lot of strange events taking place in Storybrooke. And little by little Emma starts to realize that the crazy stories Henry keeps telling her just might happen to be true: the people of Storybrooke are actually fairytale characters, snatched from their fairytale land and trown into this real world without any memories of their past life by a powerful spell cast by the Evil Queen. And Emma just happens to be the only person who can brake the spell and thus give back Storybrooke's people their memories and loved onces. All she has to do first is believe that her son's stepmom Regina is the Evil Queen, the only person in town who remembers the past before the spell, that her new best friend Mary Margaret (Ginnifer Goodwin) is actually Snow White, that the John Doe lying in a coma in the hospital is Prince Charming (John Dallas), that the local antique shop owner Mr. Gold is the famous magical creature Rumpelstilskin.....and that Emma herself is the daugther of Snow White and Prince Charming, and the only person saved from the effect of the evil spell as a baby with the help of a magical wardrope! Piece of cake, right?

Both seasons of Once Upon a Time follow a very successful formula: each episode introduces new characters (or further develops old ones) and the viewer gets a glimse of their past life in the fairytale land and of their present life in Storybrooke (which noone can leave because if they try, "bad things will happen"!). We are introduced to the personal stories of well-known fictional characters such as the Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio, Mulan, Captain Hook and even Dr Frankenstein, but fear not - nothing is like we know it: the Little Red Riding Hood turns into a huge wolf on every full moon, the Beauty is in love not with an actual beast but with the evil Rumpelstilskin who might not be that evil after all, and so on and so on. Surprises lurk behind every corner both in the fairytale land that was and in the real world of Storybrooke, which always keeps viewers on the edge of their sofas and makes the waiting for the next episode sooo much harder!

Ok, since this is supposed to be a review, let me finally say why I think this series is good: the story is very entertaining and engaging, the plot is full of twists and always leaves some questions unanswered until the right moment comes, the characters have depth in them and the actors chosen to play them are relatively well selected. Also, Once Upon a Time has a little bit of everything in it: there is love, friendship, heroism, sacrifice, mother issues, true evil, not-so-true evil....As long as you have an open mind and are willing to escape for 40 minutes once a week into a fairytale world, where things tend to get cheesy for realists' taste, I dare say you will love this series!

I recommend it to : families with little children, grown-ups who don't have children but feel like children themselves, romantic souls like myself  ( blushing )
I do NOT recommend it to : fans of serious drama and action series, non-believers in true love at first sight that lasts forever and beyond


Favorite Scenes : all scenes with the Evil Queen in the past
Favorite Characters : the Evil Queen, Rumpel, Captain Hook
Favorite Quote : "Magic Always Comes at a Price!"
What I liked the most : the combination between scenes in the real world in the present and scenes in the fairytale land in the past. I thing that it is this combination that made the series so successful in the first place!
What I liked the least : There are definitely some episodes that are just fillers, i.e. they're aim is only to prolong the season until viewers' impatience to see the grand finale reaches a boiling point! At least this kind of episodes are not too many, especially in Season 2, and they are still interesting to watch, so they're not a significant drawback of the series.

from DiDi

photos taken from : fanpop.com  ; bittersweetromantic.xanga.com

Movies to watch at the cinema in 2013 !

I decided to make a list of the movies I am most eager to watch on the big screen in 2013 !

Note : As you will see , most of them are fantasy or sci-fi . The reason is simple - I  like to watch that kind of movies on the big screen in order to get  the " full experience" and appreciate better the sound and the visuals
There are other movies I want to see in 2013 , but for some of them I might wait for the DVD .( and that is because  1. I am on a student budget ....2. I have been living in Italy for a few years now but I am not still used to watch some of my favorite actors dubbed in Italian ... )

so here is -

 Which movies might make me go to the cinema in 2013 !

(ordered by release date ) 

Jack the Giant Slayer

Release dates : USA : 1 March ;  Italy 28 March ;  UK 22 March 

Why I want to see it : 

it might turn out to be the next ruined fairytale ... but it seems rather colorful and fun so I want to give it a try . Besides ,  there is Ewan McGregor in it ! 

Chances to actually go and see it  : 80%

Oz the Great and Powerful
Release dates :  Italy 7 March ; UK\USA 8 March ;

Why I want to see it : the visuals seems not to be exactly my type , the story seems predictable BUT there some good actors in the cast and since this is one of the few more "colorful" movies of this "covered with darkness" 2013 , I want to see it !
Chances to actually go and see it : 80%

Oblivion

Release dates :  11-12 April
Why I want to see it : Its simple : I like futuristic , sci-fi movies on a big screen ! ( and I haven't seen much of them lately ) I hope the story to be a little bit more original than the usual . We will see ...
Chances to actually go and see it : 60 %

 IronMan 3 

Release dates :  Italy 24 April ; UK 26 April ; USA 3 May

Why I want to see it : well , it's IronMan ! ( + the Mandarin and his rings ) . I haven't seen any of the other Iron Man movies at the cinema (only DVD )  so I want to see this one for sure ! Robert Downey Jr seems to be born to be Tony Stark . I am very interested to see how his character will develop ! and 3D IronMan flying around - this must be fun ! :)

Chances to actually go and see it : 100 %

The Great Gatsby

Release dates :  16-17 May

Why I want to see it : I have seen an older version of the Great Gatsby  and I am interested to see this one too .  I kind of like that time period  :)
Chances to actually go and see it : 60%

Star Trek Into Darkness

Release dates : UK\USA\ 17 May ;  Italy 6 June 

 Why I want to see it : For my surprise I did like the previous StarTrek so I am very eager to see this one ! There is Benedict Cumberbatch to make things even more intriguing so I can't wait to see this movie ! I am not such a big fan of StarTrek as I am of StarWars but I was following some of the TV episodes when I was younger and liked them a lot!  I will certainly enjoy to explore more of this universe . 

Chances to actually go and see it : 100%

Man of Steel 

Release dates : UK\USA\ 14 June May ;  Italy 19 June
 Why I want to see it : I spent a lot of time watching Superman on TV as a kid . I didn't find his colorful suit for ridiculous back then . I was very fond of him . I even saw some of the old Superman movies but the one from 2006 kind of disappointed me . Therefore I really hope this new approach to the story to be a good one !
Chances to actually go and see it : 100 %

The World's End

Release dates : UK 14 August ;  Italy  26 September ; USA 25 October

 Why I want to see it : because of the cast and because of Edgar Wright . Another important reason is that I went to such a pub, called "The World's End " in Edinburgh last spring . Lovely Place ! ;)
Chances to actually go and see it : 60 % ( but I will see it on DVD for 100% ! ) 

Thor: The Dark World

Release dates :  UK 30 October  ; Italy 7 November ; USA 8 November

Why I want to see it :
I liked the first movie and I want to see what Alan Taylor's vision will bring to the second one .I just love Thor and Loki , their conflicted relationship and disturbed family ! I really want to know how things will go for them after the Avengers ) .
Chances to actually go and see it : 100% ( + addition 100% cause there is Loki in it :P )



The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Release dates :  Italy 21 November ; UK\USA 22 November

Why I want to see it : Even though the first movie made me roll my eyes a few times  , I kind of enjoyed it . I like Jennifer Lawrence and she makes the movie for me . So If I have time I might as well see this second part as well .
Chances to actually go and see it : 50%

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Release dates :  13 December

Why I want to see it : I am a HUGE Tolkien fan so this movie is a Must for me . I can't express how excited I am to see Smaug !!! I think technology had reached the point to give us the dragon we all have been waiting for ...
Chances to actually go and see it : 1000 % ( and more than once for sure ! )

What about you ? What are the movies that will make you go to the cinema in 2013 ? Is there any movie you can suggest me ? 

Note : the release dates are based on information from IMDb . 

from Viki

Blood Ties ( Review )

Name : Blood Ties
Status : Completed
Number of seasons/episodes : Two seasons
Year : 2006-2007
Genre : Supernatural, Mystery, Crime, Romance, Action
Director: Peter Mohan
Main Cast : Christina Cox, Dylan Neal, Kyle Schmid, Gina Holden

Based on : Blood Books by Tanya Huff
Warnings : hot vampire, butt-kicking chick, charming policeman, evil lurking around every corner

Review :  Yes, yes, I know - this is an old TV series that's been over years ago and has probably been forgotten by those who've watched it, not to mention that many people have probably never heard of it. But being so disappointed in almost all the shows I'm watching at present, I suddenly felt a strong need to see something decent and ended up rewatching this old favourite of mine, Blood Ties. Then I could not but share my excitement over the TV series with you!

The show tells the story of Vicki Nelson (Christina Cox), former police officer turned private investigator after being diagnosed with failing eyesight. A police investigation headed by her former partner and love interest Mike Celluci (Dylan Neal) leads her into the world of the supernatural and into the life of Henry Fitzroy (Kyle Schmid), a graphic novelist who, by the way, happens to be the First Duke of Richmond and illegitimate son of Henry VIII. In other words, a 500-something-year-old vampire. Little by little, Vicki gets involved into the investigation of supernatural mysteries with the help of Henry, and Mike cannot but stay close to watch over his partner while refusing to believe that things like vampires, demons and zombies exist.

All right, I admit the story is not super original, especially from today's point of view, after so many TV series and movies have exploited the topic about vampires and all that is supernatural. It is the essence of the show that makes it so appealing, at least to me. First, there are the characters, each one with his unique personality: Vicki is tough both physically and emotionally, yet vulnerable when it comes to matters of the heart;  Mike is calm and trust-worthy, someone you can always count on when there's a monster wanting you for dinner; Henry is charming and seductive, but when it comes to action his punches don't miss their target and he can be very, very mature and serious when he has to (especially when he's got a deadline for his graphic novels!). And since the actors chosen to play these characters are spot-on (says I who haven't read the books), they really make the above-mentioned personalities look realistic and "come to life", so to say.


Secondly, there is the interaction between the characters. Big applause to the team that has selected these talanted actors for the roles of Vicki, Henry and Mike! They play great both on their own and together on screen. The chemistry between the trio is electrifying and makes it even more difficult for us to decide whether Vicki should be with Henry or with Mike. A proof how good the actors play their roles and interact with each other is that despite the age difference between Cox and Schmid, them being together does not look unnatural (or, as Vicki Nelson puts it in one of the episodes, "If you and I start hanging out together, people might say I'm robbing the craddle").


Then there is the dialogue. It's simply fantastic. No sign of the wooden and forced dialogues so typical of today's shows (take Beauty and the Beast, for instance). Here there are jokes, witty remarks, self-turned sarcasm, word play...It's just such  fun to listen to what the characters are saying that you don't long for any action to take place!


Finally, let' not forget what makes this show what it is: the mysteries! Each episode covers a different crime that Vicki has to solve and which throws her deeper and deeper into the supernatural world. I have to admit that the mysteries are not always very complicated and that every now and then you can guess what the evil creature is or who is behind a given murder. Yet, the show does in no way fail to deliver suspense. Not being a big fan of crime series, this one managed to get me hooked so that's certainly something!

In conclusion, I definitely urge you to give Blood Ties a try if you haven't seen the show before. If the first episode does not get you addicted, wait at least until episode 3 before unliking my review ;)

I recommend it to : people fond of supernatural crime mysteries, mature fans of vampire romance
I do NOT recommend it to : Twilight fans


Favorite Scenes : Vicki dreams of a man being with her in bed and once she wakes up, realizing how real the dream felt, she runs to Henry's flat in the middle of the night to ask him: "Were you just over at my place, you know, somehow, like, in bed with me, running your hands all over my body, that kind of thing?" And when he says no she's like "Are you sure?Oh, ok, ok, good, now that's a load off." "Disappointed?", Henry asks. "No, no, releaved." "You don't look releaved!" "Oh, no, this is my releaf face!", she says not very confidenlty. Henry goes on: "Because finding me in your bed, running my hands all over your body, would be....horrible?" She smiles lightly before saying: "Well, unless you're invited..." "I'm all ears," Henry smiles back. "Now here's the catch," Vicki explains," you're a vampire, I'm a half-blind private investigator. These stories always end up tragic!"

Favorite Characters : Vicki, Henry, Mike

Favorite Quote :
Vicki: I'm trained to notice details.
Henry: So am I...Like your heart beating faster...
Vicki: Too much coffeine.
Henry: If you need to relax I can quote you some poetry...
Vicki: You could try...
Henry: Apparently it works! [leans closer]
Vicki: If you wanna know what works... [He leans even closer, bare inches from her lips]...You can get the garbage on your way out!

What I liked the most : Hmm, it is hard to pick only one out of the many things I like so much in this show. Maybe it's best to say that the combination between characters' interaction, witty dialogues, and supernatural mysteries is what got me into this series. In other words, all those things that are so difficult to find in today's tv series!

 What I liked the least : The creators left the TV series unfinished! Maybe they were expecting Blood Ties to be renewed but it never was. I'm not familiar with the reasons for the show getting canceled but whatever these were, the result is still the same: the last episode of Season 2 left us, the fans, unsatisfied. Of course, it could have been worse - to finish the episode with an even bigger clifhanger, such as somebody dying or being in mortal danger. Either way, it is sad that we didn't get a proper ending. This being said, I'm not going to give any more spoilers about the series' finale :)

RATING 

Review by : DeeDee 

 photos from :  vampirecafe.livejournal.com , zap2it.com

Disney and Lucasfilm - a StarWars fan's comment

I had avoided to write about this subject for some time but I decided to  finally say something about it. Trust me I am trying to force myself to be as brief as possible.

I am a fan of Star Wars since I was 10 years old. I discovered the movies thanks to the 20th  STARWARS Anniversary when a special edition of the movies was released.
It was a good moment to become a fan because soon after that , the new episodes came along so the world was filling up with “galactic” excitement.

Being a kid and a  fan of Star Wars means that I have watched the movies too many times , have collected figures , magazines , bought all the DVDs and so on – but above all it means growing up with those characters and getting very attached to them.

Lucasfilm seemed to be something special for me . It was Lucas’s creation. I have always though that after he retires he will leave the company to some of his colleagues from the company to run it .
I consider him to be very good business above all else .  I have though that he would like his company to remain independent as long as it is possible. But maybe being a good businessmen for him meant to do this final deal with Disney .

Lucas said that he wants to give STARWARS a future . But I wonder : Can’t StarWars have a future of its own ? Can't Lucasfilm produce and make their own movies even without Lucas?
Apparently not . Hollywood becomes more and more monopolistic …. but the monopole of the filming industry  (and not only )  is another topic that I wont talk about now.

Ok , so Disney buys Lucasfilm . With StarWars in one pocket and Marvel in the other , Disney now gets the loyalty of millions of fans from some of the biggest fandoms in the world . By loyalty I mean that those people WILL watch their movies , no matter if they like them or not . Add to this all those curious movie-goers and you get a very big number of audience .
As long as this loyalty exist and as long as it brings profit more movies will be done from the same merchandise . It is as simple. It seems only fair that Disney will want to earn from its StarWars investment  by making the most of it – new movies .

Now let me be honest - I was disappointed and surprised with Lucas selling the company but  at the end of the day I am ok with it . Nothings is to be done. Nevertheless,  I am still not sure  how I feel about any future StarWars movies being done .

To have more StarWars movies could be really great idea but of course only if the movies are really good or at least good enough .
It is useless to say , that  NO new movie will EVER bring the same feeling and atmosphere as of the old StarWars because of many many  reasons .( I'm doing  you a favor for not listing them all … it will take me pages - but if you want me to - I will  ) .  Even though it will "never be the same" for the old fans the new StarWars  might however win new followers - those who are not emotionally attached to the old series . But I am an old fan so I have my doubts .

Let me share a few of them :

1. the characters – I really deeply and sincerely hope that they wont re-cast Luke , Leia and Han . They are emblematic characters and I feel it is too soon for them to be re-casted .
For sure many people who are new to the saga won’t have a problem with that but I would definitely feel bad about it ! Even if the new actors are great or whatever I just don’t want the image I have of them to be destroyed … or changed. As far as those original  characters go ,  I am a nostalgic and stubborn fan . I am very open-minded for anything else .

It is because of the nature and origin of the characters .  If we talk about Batman or even Dracula – those characters who have been created by book or a comics,  no matter how one adaptation of them could become emblematic , still  they are free to be reinterpreted .

In the case of StarWars the movie characters are the original ones – it would look like a fake to copy them and it would lack continuity to reinterpreted them . It could be such a tremendous risk for Disney to try to revive those characters now.

I hope the story will deal with their children or even distant relatives , decades after what happened in the previous movies. Reference can be created between the episodes but I prefer that Disney would choose to start something of their own , something new and exciting that can make people love those new characters . No one will compare any new characters to the old ones in the same way as inevitable will happen if there is a new Luke Skywalker. I am sure that 80% of the StarWars fans will already hate any potential new Luke before even know who will play him – this is how many fans react . You cannot create something almost "sacred" for someone and then easily alter it as you want– it just won’t be “sacred “ anymore …. But what do I know ? Maybe re-casting Luke , Leia and Han will be Disney winning card … ( hope not )

2 – My other preoccupation is the possible “infinity” of the Star Wars project .
The problem is that if those 3 movies are successful they will keep making more until … someone is watching them .  Over-stretched stories are never too good. I hope they make this new trilogy complete in itself.  But lets not look too much into the future now

3 - How about one thing that really annoys me – labels . Something like  “Star Wars fits Disney because it is perfect family entertainment movie “ ….. how about some more dark and twisted and “advanced”  StarWars ? Noooo ,  it has to be watchable by everyone , it has to be just entertaining , it must fit the formula …This is the keyword I am afraid of . To stay true to a story is one thing , putting a story into " a frame" is another .
This is how StarWars might lose most of its initial charm – if they try to make it fit to any kind of standards and expectations. Maybe this same reason made the recent StarWars Episodes to suffer a little in quality . Any future StarWars movies are already creatively limited by such labels. Limited by the fact they will be turned into a product that is to be released every few years on an exact schedule ... Some may thing this is a good thing ..It works with other movie franchises. In any case , it  lowers my personal expectations to be really amazed by Episode 7 , so I just can hope to be entertained by it at least . I don't blame Disney -  it is only understandable that any company that invest a lot in anything has to be sure it will sell .

When StarWars was made it was revolutionary movie for its time , it was different , made with  enthusiasm by young  people who wanted to explore new possibilities … now it will be just the next in line blockbuster . I am afraid of it becoming too closed and confined in its own shadow ….

Said all this , I can assure you that I will go to watch Episode 7 and  I might even like it  but this would never be that StarWars of before , the one I loved . I can watch something with the  mind of 10 years old kid just ones . That StarWars that I saw back then is forever part of my and my childhood and nothing can ever ruined it for me - because it is a memory . I hope the new StarWars can become such kind of a memory for the nowadays 10-years-olds ...but something makes me doubt that it will . Please , Disney , prove me wrong  !

In the end of the day , the StarWars "re-birth" makes me thing of a kind of sad pattern I notice about Hollywood – they don’t want to take risks , they prefer to invest in projects that will bring a secure profit .
I believe they are a lot of people full of ideas about new worlds , new characters and new stories – many of which maybe more relevant to our own time and society but those often remain unnoticed .

It is true that most great stories are universal and they are going to be retold many, many times for generation to come . But which are  the great film stories that our own generation has to tell and to leave into history ? I refer to those special stories that last in time – those with characters you remember, created with visual imagination that amaze you , stories that relate to everyone.
Even “new stories” as Twilight or Harry Potter had a chance to be produced as movies only because they had attracted people’s attentions as books.
Can filmmakers be given a chance to make something big out of an original idea ? I don’t say original movies don’t exist but they seems to be too few . And please do not talk to me about Avatar ! It had the most unoriginal story ever ! It was about special effects and even those couldn’t make me think of this movie as something revolutionary or at least special ( note:  I am not  anti-avatar ... the movie  had its moments but too much expectations leads to no good in my case ) . I went out track as usual and started a topic that  is very long so I stop here .

Just if I could I would suggest to the producers in Hollywood to give a chance to new stories to come to live  because I do not really want to spend my life as a movie fan only in waiting  episode after episode to come out ….

written by Viki 

photo source : www.cinefish.bg