While its still unconfirmed, I’m sure everyone who hasn’t been living in a black hole (HA! Sorry..) knows that J.J. Abrams will be the director for Star Wars Episode VII. Uh…Yay or Nay?
Me? I don’t necessarily love the idea. Don’t get me wrong. J.J. Abrams is a talented and wonderful film maker. He knows how to frame shots, can do back-and-forth character banter in his sleep, make things on film look amazing and does great action scenes. I’ve enjoyed most of his projects spanning from TV (FRINGE, Alias, LOST, Felicity) and film (Regarding Henry, MI3, Super 8 and Star Trek.) However, I’m not in love with him now directing Episode 7. Too much sameness for my liking. And, as much as I enjoyed the Star Trek reboot, there were a variety of issues that did not benefit the movie upon future viewing or deconstruction.
I would rather have seen an up-an-coming director take the reins, akin to George Lucas when he first created Star Wars. There have been a number of these directors over the past few years like Josh Trank and Neil Blomkamp and even further back with Chris Nolan when he took the reins of the Batman film franchise.
Granted, JJ has not made an outright film bomb just yet (though MI3 did perform below expectations). However, it felt that he was the safe choice and because of his capital with the fanboys. all in all, I would have liked a more inspired choice who could have brought us something new.
On the flip side, Abrams might just be what Star Wars needs to rehab its film image. I read some comments online about how currently there is no huge desire for another Star Wars film for a number of reasons.
1.) The Skywalker saga was essentially wrapped up within the six films. Even though there are tons of directions and side stories that can be told, the only thing they can do now is either do an Old Republic prequel, do a sequel to Return of the Jedi or even a sequel in the distant future long after Han, Leia and Luke are dead. J.J. Abrams would have a field day in any of these scenarios, especially with the wealth of material provided by the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
2.) Let’s face it, the prequel trilogy to the Star Wars brand was what Superman Returns was to Bryan Singer. Its failure to deliver on the potential of Anakin Skywalker’s back story severely damaged the brand. Most newer fans have not developed the love for Star Wars that many older fans have, and us older fans have become rather cynical and even indifferent to Star Wars nowadays. Sad, but true. J.J. Abrams could do for Star Wars what he did for Star Trek. Many Trekkies might not like what Abrams has done to their baby, but he has people excited about Star Trek again. He has people talking about the brand again. A TV show might be in the horizon, and TV (both broadcast and cable) are in sore need of a big, epic space opera again.
3.) I have to admit. What Abrams did for a man dying of cancer (basically showing him the unfinished cut of the new Star Trek film) makes him a class act in my book.
As of right now, I’m not the biggest fan of Abrams directing both Star Trek and Star Wars. But I’m also very forgiving and willing to admit when I’m wrong. Til then, let’s wait and see.
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