The critics are reviewing a film, not the mythology. That's why you see a disparity between reviews and fan reactions.
I think TLJ is a solid and effective film. I also think that if you hate it's contributions to the mythology, that's a reasonable position.
Luke's role was written in service to the new characters and their trilogy. In this sense, it was effective, and very well performed. It seems to be widely agreed that Rey and especially Kylo were greatly improved I'm this film. That's because Luke's story was designed to build them up.
Unfortunately, Luke's story can also be seen as a disservice to Luke. Whether that disservice is justified by the boon it granted to characters like Rey and Kylo is a calculation each of us, as fans, must make for ourselves.
He does duel him, as in draws his blue saber (which is broken at this point in the film), but he never touches him. He just dodges all of Kylo's attacks so Kylo won't know it's a trick.
Neither. He wears his TFA under robes with black clothing over it. It's kind of like his TFA robes + his ROTJ outfit. Also, his hair is dark brown, not grey. So it should be obvious to the audience that this Luke isn't real. Also, his footprints don't cause the salt to move (like Kylo, which causes the red to show), so that's a clue too.
The critics are reviewing a film, not the mythology. That's why you see a disparity between reviews and fan reactions.
Luke's role was written in service to the new characters and their trilogy. In this sense, it was effective, and very well performed. It seems to be widely agreed that Rey and especially Kylo were greatly improved I'm this film. That's because Luke's story was designed to build them up.
Unfortunately, Luke's story can also be seen as a disservice to Luke. Whether that disservice is justified by the boon it granted to characters like Rey and Kylo is a calculation each of us, as fans, must make for ourselves.
He does duel him, as in draws his blue saber (which is broken at this point in the film), but he never touches him. He just dodges all of Kylo's attacks so Kylo won't know it's a trick.
Neither. He wears his TFA under robes with black clothing over it. It's kind of like his TFA robes + his ROTJ outfit. Also, his hair is dark brown, not grey. So it should be obvious to the audience that this Luke isn't real. Also, his footprints don't cause the salt to move (like Kylo, which causes the red to show), so that's a clue too.
Luke does not make physical contact with Kylo, but does ignite his (blue) lightsaber. The projection has a different haircut and wears a unique outfit not seen elsewhere in the film. It's his coolest look in the movie.
Does anyone know if Hamill gets a royalty from sales of figures with his license or to what extent his contract includes merchandising royalties?
I’m considering a soft boycott of all future Star Wars merchandising except for pieces that pay tribute to characters and vehicles I still care about. I’ll buy this figure and reinvent his past in my mind knowing that Hamill benefits from the purchase even though Kennedy I’m sure gets more.
I was leaning against getting any of the older versions of OT characters as they appear in the ST, but this Luke figure just got a lot more tempting after seeing TLJ. I know most around here are upset at how Luke was portrayed, but I don't think it was defecating on the character the way everyone seems to think. This older version of Luke reminds me more of old Kenobi and older Yoda.
All three of them were disappointed in themselves for "failing" in one way or another and fled to a life as a hermit. Both Kenobi and Luke were persuaded to get back in the fight by a hologram of Leia. And both were tempted to kill their apprentice of Skywalker bloodline after realizing the Dark Side had gotten hold of them. I don't think it was crappy storytelling to have Kenobi exile himself and never help the Rebellion for twenty years despite the struggle and sacrifice that was still going on (not even so much as training Luke a little, or teaching him about the Jedi while living nearby). I don't think Yoda hiding out and not wanting to train Luke because of what happened with Anakin was bad storytelling. I can understand it. So, when Luke goes into exile, and resists training Rey because of what happened to Ben, it's not that objectionable to me. In the end, Luke helped the heroes. It cost him his life to buy them time (same as Kenobi).
I kinda dig the parallels. This figure is on my radar now, where it wasn't before. It's a different Luke than OT Luke, and I'm not angry at that. OT Luke was awesome, and this Luke is cool to me in his own way too. I can totally understand why so many are angry, though. Just different opinions and viewpoints.
I’m in the disgruntled camp for sure but kudos to you for a great post - very insightful and actually helps take the sting off it for me. Really great analysis. And something I didn’t really think about in my grief. Thanks.
I was leaning against getting any of the older versions of OT characters as they appear in the ST, but this Luke figure just got a lot more tempting after seeing TLJ. I know most around here are upset at how Luke was portrayed, but I don't think it was defecating on the character the way everyone seems to think. This older version of Luke reminds me more of old Kenobi and older Yoda.
All three of them were disappointed in themselves for "failing" in one way or another and fled to a life as a hermit. Both Kenobi and Luke were persuaded to get back in the fight by a hologram of Leia. And both were tempted to kill their apprentice of Skywalker bloodline after realizing the Dark Side had gotten hold of them. I don't think it was crappy storytelling to have Kenobi exile himself and never help the Rebellion for twenty years despite the struggle and sacrifice that was still going on (not even so much as training Luke a little, or teaching him about the Jedi while living nearby). I don't think Yoda hiding out and not wanting to train Luke because of what happened with Anakin was bad storytelling. I can understand it. So, when Luke goes into exile, and resists training Rey because of what happened to Ben, it's not that objectionable to me. In the end, Luke helped the heroes. It cost him his life to buy them time (same as Kenobi).
I kinda dig the parallels. This figure is on my radar now, where it wasn't before. It's a different Luke than OT Luke, and I'm not angry at that. OT Luke was awesome, and this Luke is cool to me in his own way too. I can totally understand why so many are angry, though. Just different opinions and viewpoints.
Just saw TLJ again. Was initially really upset with it. I really, really enjoyed it this time around. Will be keeping my pre-order for this guy, for sure.
I think it's because people go into expecting x, y, and z to happen/happen a certain way, and when it doesn't work how they thought, they're disappointed. When you see it a second time, your mind has the rough layout of the story and you can appreciate what's there.
This happened to me with TFA. I was waiting the entire movie for Luke to show up and I missed appreciating the entire movie and all the characters. I was upset the first time, but then I rewatched it and loved it.
Did you honestly not pick up on the repetition (er - "parallels") before though?
I mean when Disney first announced a sequel trilogy, wouldn't the first thought on Luke be to make him disillusioned and in exile (Ben beard and Yoda's hut amidst mud and nature) given that Disney wanted to get rid of the old heroes (sorry, "pass the torch",) and doing what they did just seems obvious.
I can't wait to add this figure to my display - I love this look and how Luke's character developed in this movie. I really hope HT do "the other look" too, that was super cool in a different way.
Luke does not make physical contact with Kylo, but does ignite his (blue) lightsaber. The projection has a different haircut and wears a unique outfit not seen elsewhere in the film. It's his coolest look in the movie.
Agreed. I think people just really want to like it, and hey good for them. A second viewing would change nothing that I hate about this mess of a film.
