This time around, as a result of a generous donation to the podcast's Patreon Campaign, I am looking at everything that's wrong with the first three Star Wars movies. I'm also announcing my chosen alternative casting for the films and explaining why the planets in these films are boring.
Loved, loved, loved this episode (and it finally motivated me to sign up for your Patreon.)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately you saw the special editions - my favourite bit in Return of the Jedi has been edited out (see the bottom of this list) - http://furiousfanboys.com/2010/06/the-best-star-wars-easter-eggs/
The last time (which I think was over 20 years ago) I watched the Star Wars trilogy I was chemically enhanced - so I thought I was hallucinating, but no, it was definitely there (but cut out of the special edition.) I did have a big conceptual breakthrough regarding the Star Wars trilogy, but it's the same conclusion you had - they're nothing but toy commercials.
My favourite Star Wars anecdote was from a Russian friend of mine, who didn't see Star Wars until after Glasnost. All he (and most Russians) knew about it was that the US had named a missile defence system after it. He was curious as to what kind of film had such an impact on the American psyche that they would name a huge military project after it. He told me disgustedly "It was just a children's film!"
To my mind the importance of Star Wars was that, way before Tarantino came on the scene, Americans could make films that were nothing but remakes of scenes from better films. At least Tarantino effectively references his work.
I'd love you to do a podcast on the best post-Star Wars films (i.e. films that only got made due to the success of Star Wars) if there are any in your opinion. I have one favourite but I'm not going to tell you as I'm intrigued as to whether it's a favourite of yours.
tldr Great Job, Terry. Here's the money I owe you.