Fans Are Completely Off Base Praising George Lucas’ Star Wars While Criticizing the Disney Era

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As someone who has followed Star Wars since its initial release, I can’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgic melancholy when it comes to the current state of the franchise. Back then, we were the “nerds” who loved a series that many considered cheesy and childish. The general public didn’t get it, and even some critics dismissed it as a toy commercial.

It’s undeniable that “Star Wars” has been one of the most financially lucrative and influential franchises in the history of entertainment, with its debut film in 1977 setting a new standard. However, even though it has had its ups and downs throughout the years, a significant number of online fans consider the Disney era to be the franchise’s lowest point, criticizing it for what they perceive as an overemphasis on social issues and a decline in quality.

Although Star Wars currently earns more money compared to 30 years ago, it appears that the franchise could be missing out on maximizing its financial success given the increasingly competitive landscape where higher stakes play a significant role.

As for the creative aspect, numerous fans express their belief that the Star Wars franchise has strayed from its initial appeal due to points previously discussed. Yet, certain advocates of Disney’s Star Wars counterargue that the franchise was never considered elite cinema in the first place. Upon consideration, it seems they may be correct.

Nowadays, it seems like Star Wars fans are behaving as if Star Wars before Disney was the pinnacle of cinema, with everyone agreeing on every aspect of what George Lucas created. In reality, though, this isn’t entirely accurate.

— BrodieWanKenobi (@brodiewankenobi) September 1, 2024

The article argues that some Star Wars enthusiasts have an overly romanticized perception of the franchise’s history, viewing it as a universally acclaimed masterpiece before Disney took over. However, in truth, from 1985 to 2012, Star Wars was frequently viewed as outdated by the broader public, and fans like the author were often mocked. BrodieWanKenobi criticizes current fans for their excessive nostalgia and encourages them to adopt a more objective perspective on their fandom, highlighting the irony of “geeks being mean to geeks.”

Many people who commented on it have differing opinions, yet historical data points towards a contrasting storyline.

Back in 1977, when Star Wars (then simply titled Star Wars) first hit the big screen, science fiction and fantasy films weren’t typically held in high regard within mainstream cinema. These genres were frequently considered as more of an escape from reality and less substantial compared to dramas or historical movies, which were thought to be more “cinematic.” Even many esteemed directors found the widespread appeal of such movies questionable.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on how groundbreaking it was for Star Wars to wholeheartedly dive into merchandising. It sometimes felt as if the movies were crafted with toys and merchandise at their core, which unfortunately led some to question its artistic worth.

Despite the awe-inspiring innovations in the franchise’s special effects, some critics perceived these as overshadowing conventional film aspects such as plotlines, character depth, and dialogue, labeling the films as “not genuine art.” Even Lucas admitted that the movies were primarily designed for a younger audience.

In essence, no matter your level of fandom, it’s tough to deny that this genre is typically viewed as having lower quality than some others. Marvel Cinematic Universe films, despite their financial success, are often lumped together within the same grouping.

Although “Star Wars” may not have been regarded as a pinnacle of artistic achievement, it doesn’t mean that its current state is beyond scrutiny. There’s no denying that the quality seems to have dropped, and this is clearly seen in the latest release, “The Acolyte”.

Regarding the production, The Acolyte, despite boasting a substantial budget, fell short, offering a less-than-satisfactory experience in aspects such as technical finesse and narrative structure.

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2024-09-02 13:44