Having grown-up with Star Wars as a young kid in the 1970's, I find it a little surprising that the series has remained so popular, for so many years. Yes, there's much to enjoy about the films, as they've entertained for so long, & for so many people, now entering in a few years, the 5th decade of entertainment, & a IX-th film.
I must admit, that I thought it daring for George Lucas to introduce us to a "pre-history" of his first 3-films, & then titling them accordingly as episodes IV-V-VI. But I found that these new films ( I-II-III ) held their own unique & special appeal, & there's no protest from me, that they are just as excellent, if not "better" than the films of the 1970's-80's. Great work & story telling made even more complete some ( like myself ) would say.
But these modern day "Walt Disney" creations, "The Force Awakens", & "Rogue One", what are your thoughts here ?...I'm quite curious to know LOL ! I personally have found them to be extraordinarily good. Very, very surprised to say the least. In fact, I'd say "Rogue One" has proven itself to me to be the most entertaining & real film out of all of them, on many different levels.
What say you ?!!!
Rastus
-- Edited by Rastus on Thursday 6th of April 2017 04:47:52 AM
__________________
"Only an alert & knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial & military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods & goals, so that security & liberty may prosper together". Dwight D.Eisenhower.
I can't really say... I haven't seen a single one of the newer episodes (even the newer ones by Lucas)... Although I have paid for my son and his friend to go see all the really new Disney productions at the movies. One year I got free tickets from Kohl's while waiting in line for a pre-black Friday event. They tell me that they are pretty good, but honestly my son was pretty young when we watched all the originals in a marathon - binge watching weekend.
Regardless, it's Lucas' problem for selling out... If he does not care for the newer Disney releases, he has no-one to blame but himself.
All I know is nothing will compare to the originals. I had no desire to even watch Lucas' newer productions past the Return of the Jedi. What I can give Disney credit for is giving closure to the originals, as the kids tell me that the original cast was used by Disney in their last two releases, and while I haven't seen them, it sure as hell makes me want to see the Disney productions a lot more than Lucas' most recent productions.
__________________
What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
I liked Rogue One a lot. At the end you saw Vader go on the rampage you always knew he was capable of but hadn't yet actually seen. Rogue One isn't episode 8 as I understand though, it's more like episode 3.9. Episode 8 is still in the works.
I did take a chance on the numbering here lol, & it looks as though PowerStroker has hit closer to the mark, with episode 3.9....Just our luck too, that the "better" film of them all is the one to mess-up the numbering sequence...
I'm glad you agree here to PowerStroker, in that "Rogue One" a most excellent film.
Regarding "The Force Awakens", I thought that they did a pretty good job here too, linking & blending the older cast with the new, & with real purpose. I thought that they nearly dropped the bundle with the similarity of Han Solo's demise, & Luke with Darth Vader in the City in the clouds ( The Empire Strikes Back ), but they must have considered that the new generation of viewers would not watch the other "old" films, & so maybe that's why they nearly re-wrote the same script, but for different characters. This aside, the film is totally full of great action, some good laughs, & believable new characters to enjoy. Even the story is varied enough to believe it's all new...( But still essentially the same ).
Interesting that in the 2-new-films, females have had the lead roles...It seems our "Ripley" started something here with zapping all those xenomorphs ?...
I guess that there will be a quite a few films in the future to look forward to. And with the standard of "Rogue One" so high, I look forward to them.
SELLC, you really need to catch-up here, as you are missing out. Episodes I-II-III are really quite good, that simply follow the life of Aniken Skywalker, & explain how the evil all along twisted events to suit itself. Powerful indeed is the dark side lol.
Thanks for posting folks,
Rastus
-- Edited by Rastus on Thursday 6th of April 2017 07:22:13 PM
-- Edited by Rastus on Thursday 6th of April 2017 07:24:01 PM
__________________
"Only an alert & knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial & military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods & goals, so that security & liberty may prosper together". Dwight D.Eisenhower.
I guess eventually I'll check out some of them other newer Lucas productions... Truth is I watched a few minutes of one of them, whichever one was when they were racing them hover crafts... I found it to be somewhat boring...
I noticed that Rogue One was released recently... I may check that out, and I mean that literally as I'd probably rent it from the Library as I can't see myself spending money to buy or rent it...
I was recently disappointed by this entire season of the Walking Dead (save for the first episode of this season) the rest of the episodes were very boring... Had I known then what I know now I only would have purchased the first season and it honestly felt like I been chasing the action every since... It got so bad that I didn't even bother buying the last two episodes because I already know they like to leave people with some big cliff hanger episode at the end of each season. I don't think I will be watching the Walking Dead any further... They really pissed me off this season.
24 Legacy on the other hand, that has been great!
__________________
What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
It's a shame how some things flop, I must admit. It's also one of the reasons I haven't bothered with a TV in 20-years. ( I still see some of course, as everyone has one on when you go visiting etc.).
The film you watched ( partially ) sounds like the first one "Episode I". And I agree with you that it is boring, & even unrealistic at times ( wait until you see the ending lol ), but when placed in context with the successive two films that followed, it actually becomes quite a dramatic & important film. I liked it after a few viewings, & the following films IMO just get better & better. In truth, the first series of films is actually a pretty well portrayed & believable love story, that will likely yank at your heart-strings if you take the time to view them one-day.
I bought "Rogue One" for $20:00 whilst shopping at the supermarket last week on DVD. Its about the best $20:00 I've spent in a long while !!! Great film. I can't recommend it enough. I'm not easily pleased with films, especially modern ones, as there's more emphasis on CGI than acting quality or skills. But Rogue One is IMO the best Star Wars flick they've made, & it's a one of, as there can't be any follow up film. I don't want to spoil it, but everyone dies.
Ciao,
Rastus
__________________
"Only an alert & knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial & military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods & goals, so that security & liberty may prosper together". Dwight D.Eisenhower.
Good question ! Somewhere in here, a while ago I'm sure I mentioned that the quality of TV in general, from the adds ( & the growing amount ), to TV shows, & especially sports broadcasting was driving me insane ! Throw in poor quality news that makes one depressed, & I basically stopped watching the TV, somewhere around 1997.
Folks thought this was weird lol, so I met them 1/2 way, & bought myself a TV, & DVD-player, specifically to watch DVD's with, as these were relatively new then, & had lots of extras where you learned about how the film was made etc etc. Who doesn't like a good movie ?... This was around the year 2002-3-4, when I had myself my own apartment in Melbourne, & doing the mobile-automotive-refrigeration-repair.
People also thought I was weird, as I didn't do any drugs too lol. I used to smoke a little bit of weed, from my teens to my 30's, +or-, & really enjoyed it. I wasn't a big smoker at all really, but a few bongs or joints & a couple of bourbons saw you well & truly "off-your-face", but still able to breathe-easy if pulled over by the Police & breathalized for alcohol content in the blood. But some of my friends kids were asking me about it, & of course, you tell them to steer clear of it. Not so much because of the possible addictiveness, but the fact that it's illegal, & that means the under-world, & a whole new set of laws, secrets, & nasty people leading your life, collecting your money, & knowing what's going on with you & your movements.
I also dislike hypocrisy to such a point, that I gave up the weed simply because I told these kids "Better off not to do it", & couldn't stand myself then lighting one up once they'd gone, so I gave it all away, to stay true to my own words. No regrets really, as any drugs found in my blood mean my careers flushed down the can. I usually get drug tested before joining a vessel, & apparently weed stays in your system for up to 28-days, much longer apparently than opiates or even methamphetamines.
So as you can no doubt start to see, Oz is likely very similar to the US-of-A, as far as growing up in your home-town or city goes...
Anyhow, I gave up bad quality TV, for music, good books, & DVD's when needed. But I have to also say that movies too, have been of a poor standard IMO for a long time too, with only a very small hand-full in the last 20-years being both original, & good.
I have not had my own TV however since going to the Maritime College in 2007. Everything entertainment-wise is done on the lap-top, including movies.
Ciao,
Rastus
-- Edited by Rastus on Monday 10th of April 2017 05:08:40 AM
__________________
"Only an alert & knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial & military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods & goals, so that security & liberty may prosper together". Dwight D.Eisenhower.
It was late and when reading the response it was like.... wait a minute, how the heck did he watch the DVD!? LOL
For what it's worth, these newer 4k TV's are pretty nice, almost too nice! Recently got one on sale at Target this year on a pre-black Friday deal - 50 inch 4K for $250! At that price it was a no brainer considering we were in need of a TV upgrade. Upon getting it home and watching it I was taken back because it's so clear that it was hard for me to watch at first! Everything seemed like a stage prop because the detail was so high! Really amazing! I am told they already have 8k TV's out now, but no one had the programing or even the bandwidth yet to support it. Just another way of selling newer copies of the same movies like crack dealers sell dope, as in they want you to keep coming back.
I too agree with you about the commercials, which is why I am exclusively Netflix and iTunes to avoid all of that. Recently I have been using the Apple TV and have found networks are getting on board with the streaming so I have had to endure a few commercials with some of the newer shows like 24 legacy and History channel shows.. When I have to watch them I just tell myself it beats paying $2.99 per episode LOL and then grab my phone and do a little browsing. Sometimes there is an interesting commercial here and there that will make me laugh.
Back in my younger days I was pretty crazy and honestly did whatever it took to get the girl, besides the hard stuff of course. Still smoking to this day, but I would like to quit. Smoked a little reefer awhile but gave that up, not for any other reason than what you have said, dealing with the people that supply it... They could never be consistent and often times the dealers of said things will try and subsidize their coke habit by selling off low dollar stuff at quality prices and that is ultimately what made me quit. Nothing makes me more angry than someone trying to pull a fast one. I'd say it's best just to stay away too as to grow your own quality stuff would be expensive and very illegal, and to rely on a supplier to be consistent is not a reality. I don't think you'll find someone willing to take the risk selling grass unless they have a bigger drug problem with more of the harder stuff.
__________________
What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
Yes, it's much easier to give-up the weed than cigarettes !!! I remember being surprised at this, as I thought I might crave for some weed, but no, it's the cigarettes that are harder.
I'm not too bad now-days, as I don't smoke at all, except over Christmas where I might grab a packet or two to enjoy over a couple of bourbons etc ( Or when visiting family, sometimes going out for a smoke avoids a fight / argument, & you get to leave for a 1/2-hour or so lol ).
I realized too, that what people think are cravings for a smoke, are actually your lungs re-adjusting to regular temperature & tox-free-air. They don't actually want another cigarette, as they're trying to tell you how happy they are now !
I have no doubt that smoking a shit-load is not good for you ( say more than 10-per day ). But all that nuclear shit is 1,000,000-times worse. This is why people who have never ever smoked a cigarette in their lives, still die of the same shit "smoking related illnesses"...And the governments use smoking as the excuse for illnesses to prevent prosecution from their own messed up negligence.
If you can get over the 3-day-hurdle when you stop, its easy sailing from there. That's why I'm contented whether I smoke or not, as I have no trouble at all stopping. You do feel healthier, there's no doubt there IMO.
Cheers,
Rastus
__________________
"Only an alert & knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial & military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods & goals, so that security & liberty may prosper together". Dwight D.Eisenhower.
Yeah, I am seriously mulling quitting smoking cigarettes too now.. The coughing and the wheezing is just not even worth it, plus I roll my own out of pipe tobacco which is probably even worse than regular smokes even though they say it's the same tobacco just not shredded as fine.
The one thing I can say about quitting the weed is this, it's not really any easier... It's just harder to come by and they don't have packs of joints in every corner store to entice you as much. Often times the hassle of getting something quality is the main reason a person quits, that or the cost, maybe both. With weed you can pretty much count on sleeping or being very tired once the THC that is stored in your fat cells leaves your body. It's more of a delayed reaction than quitting smoking tobacco as the first few days of quitting weed aren't as bad as with tobacco, HOWEVER, the following few days can be quite rough once it's no longer lingering in your system. Weed seems to linger longer in the body, because as I understand it, the stuff attaches to your fat cells too. Also when quitting weed you don't get as edgy and fly off the handle quite like when you quit smoking cigarettes, but your body does feel it more, meaning you will be dragging a$$ for a bit longer than when you quit smoking tobacco. So I would not go as far as to say quitting weed is easier, it's just different and made a little easier by the fact you can't just walk around with a joint hanging from your mouth like you can with a cigarette. Weed also stinks really bad, not that it smells unpleasant, quite to the contrary it smells good! But it's more pungent in my opinion. Now days I can smell weed from a mile away, and it doesn't bother me... But I know. Cigarettes stink too, but it's just not the same.
Then there is the other problem, which is far worse. I thank my lucky stars I never had a problem with it... Alcohol! I have some close family that is struggling with it and it's very odd how some people can become seriously hooked. I'd have to agree with many who say Alcohol can be worse than cocaine and heroin addiction, but again, just like tobacco to weed, Alcohol is more readily available and socially accepted than coke and heroin. In either case tobacco, weed, coke, heroin or whatever the drug - it's a lifestyle. It's just a question of where and how you fit into it... You're either the one doing it, or the one living with the people who do it. Often times people who don't even do these drugs can become addicted to being around the kinds of people who do and as odd as that sounds only the people who have been exposed to ALL of it will understand what I am saying. It's rare to have two people that abuse the same drugs together for very long, it's like the downward spiral is amplified and to be honest, you just don't see it... And even when you do, it's not like they are really together, rather both cohabiting to the point of the crash.
Still, I hate Alcohol the most... People who drink become oblivious to how they act and there is no real way to get help for someone who wants to drink unless they start driving drunk, and even then that just means they are either paying thru the nose for DUI's or sitting in jail... But when they pay that fine or get released from jail they will go back to drinking and most will find ways to avoid driving so they can continue to be drunk without having to worry about that issue. That usually means that the people around them from 5 o'clock on are the ones who are going to pay. I used to think the old saying that you don't start drinking until 5 o'clock meant that, well, you don't start drinking until 5 o'clock. Being close to a few people who are serious drinkers I have learned that 5 o'clock is just the hour in which you can expect them to start showing the signs of being drunk enough to get under your skin. I have a situation where a certain individual will drink from 5 o'clock until 10 o'clock and they swear they are not drunk... But most certainly are! The worst part is they never really remember the next morning how much grief they put you thru and come 5 o'clock the next day it starts all over. Sometimes I wish they would ban alcohol too, but that just isn't fair. People have a right to self destruct as it's not my right to judge what anyone is going thru, or what void this alcohol is filling. All I know is it can be very difficult for the person who looks after an alcoholic, and not so much the alcoholic themselves. Sure, you hear them pay the price for awhile in the morning when they are in the bathroom, and they play if off like maybe they ate something or are feeling sick, but you know damn well you ate the same thing they ate and you're not feeling that way. I'm not judging but at times it can bring you to your wits ends.
While it's no doubt that these harder drugs will make quick work of the human body, and often times show themselves in more profound ways such as stealing and personality changes, for the most part smoking tobacco, weed or even drinking isn't going to destroy you as quickly as the harder drugs like cocaine, heroin, meth, acid and stuff like that. But the ONE THING they all share is the addition.. I been working on figuring out what that means and as best as I can define it would be the cycles of use for any of these... The 1st being the ultra euphoric high which can sometimes persuade people from becoming addicted as it's just too much for them, but for the ones who continue it goes on to the 2nd stage where the high mellows and you really "get into the groove" for lack of a better term. This second stage can linger on for quite awhile but it's the point where you cross that gate and you are addicted because the use of the drug is pleasing and you're not really out of control... Unfortunately if you make it to the 2nd stage, barring a shortage of the drug or the means to acquire it, you're going to move right on to the 3rd and final stage which is abuse... This stage still has the pleasing effect of the 2nd stage but includes binging and abuse which even the user knows is bad and that they have a problem, but they can't do anything about it unless they quit. Sometimes they do, or they slow down and the cycle will repeat when they go back to it, I think the pro's call this a relapse and the laymen call it "falling off the wagon". Either way it's destroying you at this point and there is no way to hide it. With the harder drugs it will either kill you, or take you to lows you have never imagined. It's also hell for anyone that loves you.
So there it is... In a nutshell for all to see. Been there, done it and I am not above it. Hope it helps.
-- Edited by SELLC on Wednesday 12th of April 2017 11:14:36 PM
__________________
What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
RASTA AND REX BOTH SELF CONFESSED DRUGGIES AND POT HEADS............................ WAIT TILL ATTY GEN SESSIONS THROWS THE BOOK AT YOU REX AND DEPORTS YOUR ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
__________________
LIKE A PHOENIX RISING FROM THE ASHES.................... HERE TO SHIT ON REX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weed is good for you ! It's only because our "elite leaders" who profit in oil, & the products manufactured from it, that they made weed illegal...Weed is still the worlds strongest fibre believe it or not...And the stuff you can make from it lasts a long time. Even your Levi's fall short of life when compared to jeans made out-of pot.
The fact that you can get a buzz from it, is just a bonus LOL !
Sadly though, even Rastus decided he had to conform, get a good job with more pay, & now his veins have been flowing clean blood for 15-odd years...
Ciao,
Rastus
__________________
"Only an alert & knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial & military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods & goals, so that security & liberty may prosper together". Dwight D.Eisenhower.
RASTA AND REX BOTH SELF CONFESSED DRUGGIES AND POT HEADS............................ WAIT TILL ATTY GEN SESSIONS THROWS THE BOOK AT YOU REX AND DEPORTS YOUR ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't smoke Pot, or do any Drugs outside of smoke tobacco Stoma! After writing this thread I did quit smoke tobacco for 48 hours but decided that I still enjoyed smoking and as such, my test run was concluded.
Regardless Stoma, I'm a natural born citizen at no risk of being deported regardless what I do. I know that REALLY bothers you but knowing that it bothers you makes me happy!
__________________
What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
Regardless Stoma, I'm a natural born citizen at no risk of being deported regardless what I do. I know that REALLY bothers you but knowing that it bothers you makes me happy!
Oh really? Could you please post links to where President Trump said he would allow Syria to gas it's own people? Or where he thought North Korea's nuclear ambitions were acceptable? For extra credit could you also post a link to where he felt Iran getting billions in cash was a good idea?
Thanks in advance!
__________________
What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
RASTA AND REX BOTH SELF CONFESSED DRUGGIES AND POT HEADS............................ WAIT TILL ATTY GEN SESSIONS THROWS THE BOOK AT YOU REX AND DEPORTS YOUR ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't smoke Pot, or do any Drugs outside of smoke tobacco Stoma! After writing this thread I did quit smoke tobacco for 48 hours but decided that I still enjoyed smoking and as such, my test run was concluded.
Regardless Stoma, I'm a natural born citizen at no risk of being deported regardless what I do. I know that REALLY bothers you but knowing that it bothers you makes me happy!
WHO DAFUQ ARE YOU KIDDING BIAAAAAAAATCH??????? NATURAL BORN MY ASS........ LOOK AT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU BITCHES HAVE THE STRAIGHT OFF THE BOAT LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE DON'T NEED NO MORE OF YOUR KIND HERE................. FUCKIN WITH OUT WELFARE SYSTEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET A JOB YA LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
__________________
LIKE A PHOENIX RISING FROM THE ASHES.................... HERE TO SHIT ON REX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
