Regarding Luke? We're coming into his story, some twenty-thirty odd years since we saw him last. We have no idea what was happening at the time or what the threats were. What we know is from Return of the Jedi, he wanted to start a Jedi school. But the responsibility, etc...may have worn him down. We also don't know what the threats were in those intervening years. We do know that the First Order had popped up again and was gaining, with Snoke. Luke's story also works with the general theme of the film - the hubris of silly men. Apparently just men. (Which is also a reflection of what is happening politically at the moment.) I think the only female villain was Phantasma and she...is quickly dispatched and barely developed. Luke's pride and ego -- and self-pity, result in his isolation. Snoke's hubris blinds him to how his manipulation of Kylo Ren will spell his downfall (he failed to see what was motivating Ren -- which is the need for parental approval -- or rather he saw it, and didn't realize he went too far with it and underestimated his importance to Ren (ie' hating and fearing your mentor/boss isn't conducive to a lengthy and profitable working experience). Contrast this with how Hoder and Leia handle Poe's actions, they reprimand him, but do it in a way that preserves his loyalty. He loves doesn't hate them -- so continues to follow them. Because they love him. The two are starkly contrasted in the film. Then we have Rose/Finn, vs. Rey/Luke...where Rose is trying to get the cynical and worldly Finn to continue with the fight, just as Rey is with Luke. Both find what the other loves. And both Finn and Luke try to sacrifice themselves for the cause, but in the end it's Rey and Rose's sacrifices and power that saves lives. Finn/Luke like Poe attack to kill and destroy, or fight. Rey/Rose and Hoder do it to save lives.
It's a thematic heavy film, more so than plot. But then those films always were. It's also an extremely subversive film which is why it's split the fandom between the old school and new school fans. It overturns a lot of long-established and somewhat sketchy narrative tropes (the white male hero's journey that Hollywood has overdone -- they were sending it as an outline to every movie producer), the whole chosen one trope...It also makes fun of itself and the genre with various sight gags scattered throughout. This is why the critics loved it, but certain old school fans hated it.
In regards to Snoke? I actually think Ren is supposed to be the real villain. But one with no control and somewhat stupid, all about his ego and how important he is, somewhat whiny, a classic narcissist, who abuses power...wait does this remind you anyone right now? (Apparently, there's always been a heavy political commentary with the Star Wars franchise, heavier in the latter films (prequels and TFA/TLJ).)
Like I said in my review -- I think there's a great film in there struggling to get out. It just needed an editor and the time to do it.
no subject
We do know that the First Order had popped up again and was gaining, with Snoke. Luke's story also works with the general theme of the film - the hubris of silly men. Apparently just men. (Which is also a reflection of what is happening politically at the moment.) I think the only female villain was Phantasma and she...is quickly dispatched and barely developed. Luke's pride and ego -- and self-pity, result in his isolation. Snoke's hubris blinds him to how his manipulation of Kylo Ren will spell his downfall (he failed to see what was motivating Ren -- which is the need for parental approval -- or rather he saw it, and didn't realize he went too far with it and underestimated his importance to Ren (ie' hating and fearing your mentor/boss isn't conducive to a lengthy and profitable working experience). Contrast this with how Hoder and Leia handle Poe's actions, they reprimand him, but do it in a way that preserves his loyalty. He loves doesn't hate them -- so continues to follow them. Because they love him. The two are starkly contrasted in the film.
Then we have Rose/Finn, vs. Rey/Luke...where Rose is trying to get the cynical and worldly Finn to continue with the fight, just as Rey is with Luke. Both find what the other loves. And both Finn and Luke try to sacrifice themselves for the cause, but in the end it's Rey and Rose's sacrifices and power that saves lives. Finn/Luke like Poe attack to kill and destroy, or fight. Rey/Rose and Hoder do it to save lives.
It's a thematic heavy film, more so than plot. But then those films always were. It's also an extremely subversive film which is why it's split the fandom between the old school and new school fans. It overturns a lot of long-established and somewhat sketchy narrative tropes (the white male hero's journey that Hollywood has overdone -- they were sending it as an outline to every movie producer), the whole chosen one trope...It also makes fun of itself and the genre with various sight gags scattered throughout. This is why the critics loved it, but certain old school fans hated it.
In regards to Snoke? I actually think Ren is supposed to be the real villain. But one with no control and somewhat stupid, all about his ego and how important he is, somewhat whiny, a classic narcissist, who abuses power...wait does this remind you anyone right now? (Apparently, there's always been a heavy political commentary with the Star Wars franchise, heavier in the latter films (prequels and TFA/TLJ).)
Like I said in my review -- I think there's a great film in there struggling to get out. It just needed an editor and the time to do it.