Jon's Marathon of Horror! 2009

[Antares]

Back in 1977 I was a junior in high school, and all my friends were buzzing over this new film that I had to see. Being a HUGE science fiction fan at the time, I was eager to see it.

When it was over, I was amazed at the special effects, but very ho hum about the story. It was so predictable and at times, a little ridiculous from a scientific standpoint.

There is nothing worse for a science fiction fan, than a story that has scientific inaccuracies in it. In fact, I like my science fiction to be more along the lines of 2001: A Space Odyssey or The Andromeda Strain. Star Wars and its sequels were basically B movie medieval melodrama, set in space with great special effects.

I actually thought the next film in the series was the best of the three. But when Lucas went for the marketing aspect in Jedi, it made me loathe the entire production. Especially a main character who's basically a space muppet. 

[Tom]

Star Wars isn't a sci-fi movie, but a fantasy fairy tale

[Najemikon]

Star Wars isn't a sci-fi movie, but a fantasy fairy tale

[Antares]

It takes place in space, has futuristic weapons and they travel at the speed of light. That's science fiction to me. 

[Najemikon]

It takes place in space, has futuristic weapons and they travel at the speed of light. That's science fiction to me. 

It's a sci-fi setting, but not sci-fi genre which would normally subvert a fantastic setting to comment on our own society and lives, through possible futures and alternate realities. 2001, Bladerunner, The Matrix, all have something to say. And of course original sci-fi is very political and paranoid. But as Alien is actually a Horror, Star Wars is Fantasy. There isn't an obvious subtext and the world isn't backed up with any science-fact, as Star Trek sometimes is.

If we want to get picky, it's actually a Western as well...

[Antares]

I'll amend my assessment, it's just BAD science fiction.  

[Najemikon]

I'll amend my assessment, it's just BAD science fiction.  

I agree.  But it's one of the best, if not the best, Fantasy films ever made. 

It's a good job no-one takes it seriously!

[Antares]

Jon, have you ever seen this, it's hilarious...

[Najemikon]

Oh, that is fantastic! 

[snowcat]

Star Wars and its sequels were basically B movie medieval melodrama, set in space with great special effects.

...Thats what I like about it 

[Najemikon]

By the way, have you two read this thread? Original Trilogy versus Prequels

I started it as a summary in response to another conversation buried somewhere else now...