How 'Star Wars' ruined sci-fi (updated)

CNN ^ | November 29, 2014 | Lewis Beale

[EveningStar]

Now that the trailer for the seventh "Star Wars" movie is out, you can imagine the anticipation among the millions of fans of the film franchise. And why not? The six "Star Wars" films have been enormous successes: they have grossed over $2 billion domestically at the box office, spawned scores of books, comic books and merchandise (how many kids have their own light saber?) and made household names of characters like Darth Vader, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.

They've also been the worst thing ever for the science fiction genre.

[Blue Ink]

I’m not offering an opinion on the movie — I’m simply observing that “Star Wars” is not a fantasy. Nor is it a Western. It’s science fiction.

[Blue Ink]

They call him “Laddy.” (Laddie?)

Here’s a fun fact: the original script cover title says THE Star Wars. Genius decision to drop the definite article.

[skinkinthegrass]

Dune, was bad, very bad. (movie/TV mmovie)
Niven's Ringwood, could be pretty good, w/the orbital ring in the distance.

[MoochPooch]

Maybe my expectations were too high but I thought “E.T.” was flat out awful.

I didn't think it was awful, just overrated. Also a little schmaltzy, as per Spielberg's style. I think he's stunted.

[P.O.E.]

I blame Lucas and Spielberg. Every movie now has to be a roller-coaster with explosions, hammy acting, and clichéd characters.

[TalonDJ]

It is ‘space opera’. Which is more closely related to fantasy than most ‘SF’.

[Borges]

Star Wars is Cowboys and Ninjas fighting Nazis in space.

[Borges]

E.T. was intended as a small film for children.

[longtermmemmory]

seems like they are pissed Disney Company bought star wars.

They also put the squash on Hasbro buying dreamworks.

[cuban leaf]

I loved the sound track. :-P

[cuban leaf]

Honestly I think that is what most art is: Inspired by other artists that preceded it.

I did a “work of art” piece of pottery in 8th grade that got an A+ and they displayed it in the school trophy case. I told the teacher that I felt guilty because I based it on some other piece of art. He said, that is where ALL art comes from.

I think Star Wars did a really good job of realizing its inspiration from other artists. At least the first one did. And The Empire Strikes Back was the only one for grown ups.

[Celtic Conservative]

The directors cut with the restored scenes of “Dune” make it at least bearable.

CC

[Nepeta]

Dune, was bad, very bad. (movie/TV mmovie)

I liked both.

[VietVet]

I remember when the same criticisms were made about the original “Star Trek” series and fans.

[Kackikat]

Were Ewoks democrats?

[thecodont]

What raised it was first the music — utterly inspiring

Or manipulative. Pretty people, great music--My Glitter-Over-Substance meters start going off when a movie is trying to tell me I should like characters without giving me some good reasons.

I hate to say this, but the guy who wrote the score to Star Wars also wrote the score to BO's "inauguration." I've never looked at/listened to his music in the same way since. Manipulative? Yes, yes.

[Concerned About?]

I agree with Beale wholeheartedly...but he is absolutely WRONG! He is looking at the Star Wars franchise as though it’s science fiction, which it is not. It is fantasy. Where in the Star Wars universe is anything “scientific” shown? If he wants to compare Lucas’ universe to something he would be better off comparing it to Tolkien’s universe of wizards and hobbits, not Fahrenheit 451 (or many other Bradbury masterpieces), or even Asimov’s Foundation series.
I am very respectful of opinion, but when it is presented as fact, it must be founded in truth.