Main Finn/John Boyega Episode IX Thread

I read something on Quora that really struck me. It talked about how Finn was an every man type and the fool archetype In terms of he’s meant to be the character everyone can live through and laugh with (though too often it’s laugh at)
that his lack of social experience outside of being a sheltered elite soldier also has a lot to do with why he’s fumbling at times though they also talked about when he needs to be competent in the force awakens such as rescuing Rey he becomes very competent. (Finding Rey, accuracy when firing, going toe to toe with 9’s and even Kylo who’s a force user with a very ancient weapon that he did well with despite relatively low experience)

Finn at his core is dope. He’s got the talent and backstory to be a hell of a character. I just need them to draw on all of this in the last film. They still got time guys. But they have to commit to giving him some of it.

1.He’s fought well with a lightsaber.
2.There’s plenty of evidence to suggest he’s possibly force attuned or sensitive
3.He’s very accurate with blasters
4.He scored extremely high in his training
5.Was considered officer material
6.Got a hit in on Kylo and held him off for a minute when most would have been fodder
7.He has tactical knowledge of war and of the first order
8.Let moral compass and possibly weakening in the force guide him and defect
9.Saved Poe
10.Learned how to use tie fighter weapons systems fast!
11.Found Rey/was willing to help her
12.And did help her escape by killing it on the Falcons turrets
13.He’s even willing to die for what he believes in
14.He defeated phasma (though they spent so little time on her and the rivalry itself)

Man he’s talented and badass. We just need to see it. They’ve got one last film and plenty of time to play up these attributes!

 

I agree but I think this movie like the last is all about Reylo. So keeping my expectations LOW and hoping to be pleasantly surprised.

 

Why is Boyega overacting in the TROS trailer, Jumping around ( jumping over stormtroopers) and shouting WHOO like Michael Jackson? This is an indication that his character is still the same from TFA... oy vey. I'll wait till I see the entire film, but fighting for Finn to me is a lost cause at this point. Its over, its the last film.... Do you blame it on JJ's direction or Boyega?

 

I'm thinking it's the D-Day boarding run everyone's been talking about. I'm guessing they've saved the best scenes from it, but this was just to give a sample (so if it doesn't impress, it's not a big deal... I know it didn't really impress me but again, I'm thinking the better stuff is held in reserve)

 

Is that overacting or is Finn just an emotional exciteable person? I know when he is running on the Death Star wreckage you can clearly see him yell "Rey!". Still chasing Rey...not sure I like that has not evolved narratively. But its a trailer. I may be taking it out of context.

 

I'm guessing very little has been provided in context.

 

I contemplated typing this out in a word document to really try to hit on everything, and give this meaningful dissertation. But then I didn't wanna come off as virtue signaling, or making something more than it is.

I'm contemplating deeply moving away from Star Wars. Calling it a peaceful and respectful goodbye on one of the most beautiful things I've ever owned stock in. Hope and love in Star Wars. Not trying to be dramatic, but I simply can't keep doing this hope/hopeless thing over and over.

Baiting, switching, flipping, flopping, falling, rising, maybe's, will see's, etc.

Nothing I'm saying is meant to steal any joy from this forum or the fandom. I've reached a mature feeling on all of this I think. And it's all just my opinion not in any way the gospel.

This trilogy was never a vehicle for change, but making good films and money. Sure they'll sprinkle in a new wrinkle or a genuine attempt at a little progression where they can, but this was never going to be groundbreaking in a social aspect. That's what's perhaps so painful for a lot of us I think is we reorganize both in universe and in our own reality the chance this trilogy had to make a statement and chose not to. Consciously or unconsciously they simply decided that wasn't worth it. That money and support will always rule. That's been the truth since blockbusters were blockbusters. I can't get mad at them for doing what 99% of every business, or entity does.

And if I look at it that way I find some kind of deep solace because it drains all the emotion out. Leaving behind the bare boned truth that maybe just maybe we we're wrong. Not for wanting and fighting for change, or something different, but believing star wars was that vehicle to promote it. We thought Star Wars was different, a place where we all could connect and unify and the BS we face in life like prejudice, racism, sexism, and general life struggles couldn't penetrate. The harsh truth maybe is, it's not.

I do not believe J.J. or Kathleen or anyone at Lucas Film is racist. I don't know any of them on any personal level and it would be completely unfair to assume anything. But what I do feel confident in saying is they didn't genuinely care enough to change the status quo.

I don't wanna say a portion of the fandom won because I don't wanna start another bitter battle, the SW fandom has had enough of that and I think it has permanently altered the way we look at one another, and there's no going back from that. There are a lot of good people caught up in between who wanted to just enjoy SW in it's splendid-ness, there are a lot who we're just ignorant (no offense meant) to why representation mattered, some didn't care, some have no horse in the race, and there are a lot who's agenda feels liberal and non liberal.

Some who I would watch react to the Episode 9 trailer, skip through everything but Rey's, Kylo's, parts and spend no time on any other character especially Finn. I just keep seeing it over and over again. Been that way since 2015. And I'm heartbroken every time. So there is a feeling like 'we' lost. But I'm pretty use to it.

Some who even now still don't get it, and maybe just can't relate, or don't care.

Maybe in some time I'll look back at this post embarrassed in some aspect. or proven wrong, or my heart will change or soften. But as of right now I will always, ALWAYS love Star Wars even f it doesn't love me back.

I want to be positive, but I'm not blind to what's going on/happened.

I'm rooting for the film. For everyone to enjoy it the best that they can. For Carrie, For Mark, For Ford, For Billy, For Daniels, For Mathew, For Lucas, for the new cast, and all those behind and in front of the camera that have worked their ass off. For the memories that it gave me, my family, friends, and one of the most iconic stories of all time told over countless generations.

It's been a hell of a ride on The Cantina, and I appreciate all of you. From the posters to the mods.

May The Force Be With You.

 

"It's a feeling... an instinct...the Force brought us together." Is the voiceover at the beginning. I'm pretty sure that's Finn talking. Also the camera pans to him when it says "the Force brought us together"

More slick marketing? (I zero trust Lucasfilm after the TFA bait and switch)

Also Finn literally is only running, looking, standing, and riding things in this trailer.

• Running after Rey
• Running through a ship (both Poe and Chewie shoot something he does not)
• Looking through binoculars
• Looking at threepio
• Riding those horse animals
• Riding that vehicle with Poe and BB-8

So much action without any actual action. Just my (Finn-centric) observations from the trailer....
Thoughts?

 

This sounds like an excuse for the diminishing of Finn's character and nothing else.

MOD EDIT

 

If Star War is no longer for you, I think what you need is the new Watchmen series on HBO. I won't spoil it for you, but from reading your post I think that is the type of show you're looking for and would enjoy.

KK used Star Wars to further her agenda, and Damon Lindelof used the Watchmen to further his. Check out the Watchmen and enjoy.

Finn for me has been a complete and utter failure, some YouTube pundits haven't even mentioned him during their TROS trailer reviews which is a shame.

Anywho, I got Mace Windu (the sad thing now is that some YouTube pundits are saying Mace Windu is an example of what the Jedi should not be, which is disheartening to say the least. The head or co-head, which ever you prefer, of the Jedi Council is a black man yet the Jedi were blinded by the Sith. Some how they've found a way to blame it all on Mace Windu... OY VEY)and Lando to look up to.

I don't need Finn, 2 out of 3 is fine with me.

Someone stated that Finn/Boyega is just an emotional guy which I think is ridiculous. I blame both JJ and Boyega for creating the character. His lines aren't funny, and the overacting for me is embarrassing. I will always love Star Wars, ANH is my favorite, and I will always be a hardcore fan.

I have several Black Series Finn figures and Funko Pops, I love John Boyega. I wish him the best in his acting career but I think as far as Finn, he didn't do a good job with the role. I loved him in Detroit (2017) so he is a good actor.

 

Every shot Finn is in he's doing something. His character isn't diminished at all.

 

That is eerily similar to what I felt a couple of months ago when I stepped away from the forums for the most part. You'll find the show or series for you. @Rogues1138 mentioned Watchmen, I'd recommend Black Lightning or the MCU in some aspects. The truth does help, if in a "cauterize the wound so it can heal" sort of way.
What also helps is watching the older Star Wars movies. I recently had the chance to watch ESB with a live orchestra doing the music, and it brought me back to my childhood. Remembering a time when Star Wars was just...fun. Not beholden to my - or society's - expectations, nor riddled with controversy. Just a fun, campy space adventure. It didn't fix anything, but it helped me re-evaluate my re-evaluation of the series.
Either way, May The Force Be With You as well.

 

Watchmen took a surprising angle and I think it will be good.

Finn's character has been poorly written fostered and developed when viewed through the lens of the potential he had as established in TFA. However despite that I like him. He's not as great as he should've or could've been but in my estimation the only reason people like him at all is because of what John Boyega (who is an actor's actor...truly he will get an Oscar nomination for something he does in the future) has brought to the character onscreen. And as mainish characters go who happen to be black in the Star Wars universe truthfully the most awesome stuff they do has often happened in the EU outside of the main movies.

Mace is a perfect example of that. By the way you said "youtube pundits" are diminishing Mace? Those words together are enough to suggest their opinions have a high likelihood of idiocy. Mace onscreen smoked Palps in a lightsaber duel and although he may have been putting on some to goad Anakin"s fall Lucas himself has acknowledged he legit lost that duel to Mace. The fall of the order was a group failing that includes Mace, Grandmaster Yoda and the rest of the council. Palps must be the greatest Sith Lord in history he killed his master Darth Plagueis (who had the title prior) and has somehow survived to this film. That being said Mace's Clone Wars exploits, Vaapad, etc give a way better picture of how impressive a character he is. The same can be said for Lando who had many EU adventures with Luke Skywalker in his prime.

Star Wars has a ways to go in developing characters who we think of as "minorities" onscreen stories. I think a better job could've been done with Rey's story (TBD) but as the first female Star Wars lead I think her story being tethered to Kylo Ren's story is a little insulting. Despite all that (and the narrative black hole that was TLJ.....I maintain a great standalone film but a poor fit in this trilogy and the Saga overall.) I still like (not love.....see how this last movie goes.....) this trilogy and am fond of all the characters, despite the narrative choices that have been made with them, and that especially goes for Finn.

 

Ignore a lot of that crap on YouTube. Most of the people who make that content don’t truly represent most in the fan base or most in the general public

 

I watch Grace Randolph's Youtube show because she used to write for Marvel comics. She self-published a comic book of her own and she has a good grasp of the Marvel and DC comic book characters so I enjoy her takes on comic book films. I know allot of people dislike her. With that said, her shot for shot take of the final TROS trailer says it all about Finn. She has a big thing, for actors and their hair styles. So it was disheartening, when she said she loved Poe's hair, and coldly said she is not loving Finn's hair. When Finn screams WHOO HOO on the barge, you can see the disgust on her face and she comments: not loving it... she also says Finn's blue pants looks crazy LOL. All this hate toward Finn is real. Ever since TFA's teaser trailer in November 2014, Finn has been berated. Here's proof:

Let's get WOKE. Back in November 28, 2014 when I saw the first black stormtrooper I was beside myself, but we all know how the internet reacted. So Boyega not representing those Americans that look like him is a complete and utter failure. The saga is over... lets all hope for bigger and better things. In Kevin Feige I trust!!!

 

Holy crap she sounds so much like Joan Cusack and I bet if you hold her hands she cant talk. Maybe this is why I don't watch youtube videos about SW, I don't see the entertainment. She is did comment on Finn's hair and pants but I don't see the hatred you are talking about. I have an idea I am going to just not watch her stuff. She is dull.

 

I'm right behind you, go ahead turn around LOL.

 

I am like the creepy old lady who lives in your house, you can only see me out of the corner of your eye.

 

Where I come from if you talk about someone’s hair and cloths in a derogatory fashion one would be offended and most likely an altercation would ensue. I may have gone a bit too far and said hate... might seem a bit petty.

Also, when Finn says the force brought us together, she asks a condescending question: Did it? Obviously she’s a Reylo fan Lol

 

She is totally seems like a Reylo. She is petty way more focused on hair and clothes then content. I had never even heard of her before, youtube SW trolls.