I am an OT guy and was very skeptical when Lucas sold it all to Disney. I had no interest in any sort of remakes or even a new bunch of movies that were just teenage-pandering characters in a new hip version of the galaxy with everything that went on in the first six movies being vague stuff that happened a long time ago.
My fears were for nothing. I have been inspired and energized by Disney’s complete embrace of everything. The massive respect paid to the characters, the struggle and that amazing feel of Star Wars has been obvious and greatly appreciated. I am at Star Wars Celebration right now as I write this. I have never done this before, so yes, I am very engaged. More so now then ever.
“The Force Awakens” did remake much of the original story, but the mix of this with the new and believable progression of the world, plus the new characters, made it all work nicely…and in a Star Wars way.
“Rogue One” was a masterpiece and “The Last Jedi” was exceptional, even though very controversial. “Solo” was a fun ride that I am glad to have available whenever I want. Oh, and Han Solo inadvertently providing the seed money of what becomes the Rebel Alliance…that makes it all a meaningful ride.
Each movie has been successful and made a ton of cash. Critic and audience scores have ranged around where the Marvel Avengers movies have, with the exception of “The Last Jedi” hitting a much higher critic score than any of the Star Wars or Avengers movies.
All of that does not even include the amazing Mandalorian series that has become a global phenomenon, nor the highly-anticipated two series coming out this year, the most notable being “Kenobi”.
Overall, I personally have really enjoyed the majority of the new content and SW fandom is more alive and actiev now than ever before. Certainly, none of the movies are perfect, but Disney has done a tremendous job of making them all imperfectly, beautifully and completely Star Wars. My small kids and I get to share this. For that, I want to give Lucas and Disney a big ol’ hug.
This post is based on my answer to a Quora question. Check it out here:
Are you getting tired of the Star Wars series? Answered Apr 13
