When Did Star Wars Jump the Shark? 640
stm2 writes "As a long time fan of the stories, I watched as Star Wars transformed from one of the better sci-fi stories told to 'Whedon is my master now.' An article at the TechRepublic blog explores the weakness of the sequel trilogy and states that the Midi-chlorians are the culprit. Was it the Midi-chlorians, Jar Jar Binks, the actors? When did Star Wars jump the shark?. A bonus question: Did George Lucas redeem himself in Episode III?"
I'll let Vader answer this one. (Score:5, Funny)
Re:I'll let Vader answer this one. (Score:5, Funny)
Ewoks (Score:5, Funny)
_Return of the Jedi_ ended about five minutes early. After the Rebels blow up the Big Round Thing II, there are a bunch of perfectly good Star Destroyers left in orbit. While the credits are rolling, they fire up their blasters and start toasting Ewoks.
I would pay to see that.
Everything in the SW universe was crap after the first Ewok appeared on screen. That was the moment I realized George Lucas had sold out whatever integrity he had as a story-teller, and that from then on his real customers were the ones collecting cheap tie-in garbage at MacDonald's, Burger King and Toys-R-Us. (The appearance of Jar-Jar merely epoxied shut any hope that Lucas had of redeeming himself. I went to the remaining films only because they were "group morale events" that my employers paid for; I would not have spent my own money going -- and frankly, these events did not do much for anyone's morale, that I could see).
JTS Moment (Score:3, Funny)
ANAKIN
I want to go.
about ...
QUI-GON
Then, pack your things. We haven't much time.
ANAKIN
Yipee!!
How the Emperor kept Vader as an ally (Score:3, Funny)
Re:In Jedi (Score:5, Funny)
I like that, but I know it's not what Lucas intended. I'm just glad he didn't explore something like genetic engineering or "juicing" with midi-chlorian injections to make some sort of Super-sith.
Well, no, but still, someone might tell him...
Re:In Jedi (Score:2, Funny)
s/initiated/tainted
FTFY
Re:Two Words... (Score:5, Funny)
in terms of dates, Fonzie jumped the ahark in September 20, 1977. The Star Wars Holiday Special was broadcast on November 17, 1978. So, technically, it could have been, though the JumpTheShark.com web site claims that the term "jumping the shark" was invented in 1985, in which case the 1978 special couldn't have been "jumping the shark".
In terms of substance, the Star Wars Holiday Special is undoubtedly horrible. But to "jump the shark" a TV show needs to be declining, then attempt an "over the top" stunt in order to try to regain popularity. In 1978 Star Wars was incredibly popular, so the special couldn't have been an attempt to recover declining popularity. And, if you've watched it, there was nothing even remotely "over the top" in the special, just pathetically bad.
So I'd say that, both in terms of dates and substance, the Star Wars Holiday Special wasn't when Star Wars "jumped the shark". It was horrible, certainly, but it was a reverse "jump the shark" in that it was a pathetically bad attempt to capitalize on Star Wars' popularity.
Luckily Lucas was smart enough to prevent it from ever being shown again - it was only broadcast once, and never released on videotape or DVD.
Too old to start training (Score:5, Funny)
Re:In Jedi (Score:2, Funny)
i burst out laughing at the sight of the sinister oriental devils weaving their way through space in their intergalactic rickshaws - unbelievable stuff. right from the word go.
the thing that really surprised me above all else, was how poor the special effects were, varying from sub-standard to utterly dismal in parts. i can remember that the team behind them were rather surprised (and hurt) that they lost out to The Matrix at the oscars!
Re:People, just relax (Score:4, Funny)
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Re:When Han Shot Second. (Score:2, Funny)
Re:When Han Shot Second. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:People, just relax (Score:3, Funny)
I think he meant from the actual movie, not a quote from the audience's reaction.