There is a genuine backlash building against The Last Jedi

They're in the Kubler-Ross "Anger" stage of grief.

 

As a huge Luke Skywalker fan I don’t think it depends how you feel about Luke at all. I grew up with Luke, discovered the Star Wars galaxy with him AND I love The Last Jedi and Luke’s final arc, there is pain there for sure but that’s what makes it so beautiful in the end.
I don’t think you can put labels on the fans that don’t like The Last Jedi, they’re just fans.

 

Fans come to forums out of glee or frustration. Those who like this trilogy want the SW universe to continue with similar stories. Those who don't want a shift in writing and story telling. It's really no more complicated than that. Besides our money, these forums are the only democracy we have to voice our opinions. If all the people on here praised the ST, we're more likely to get more of what the ST is so far.

When Disney hears a backlash, they might rethink the direction they are trying to take this beloved institution. If they do, maybe you'll come on here complaining while I'll be on here praising that installment. Lots of room in SW for all sorts of fans. Have fun and enjoy this story, I hope I get to at some point down the road too.

 

Amen! We're not here to be cheerleaders. I walked out of this film in a way I never had before for a film. I was so angry I wanted to punch a hole in the world. I calmed down like an hour later but my dissatisfaction for the film has managed to grow as I realize how spotty the writing is and learn behind the scenes info on decisions Rian Johnson made.

 

I couldn't believe what they did to Luke. I actually feel sorry for Mark Hamill.

 

Many are regarding it as his finest performance, but yeah, ok - sure, feel sorry for him.

 

Because lines like “go away” and “leave me alone” can only be performed by a great actor such as Mark.

 

Yeah, just terrible how they had him portrayed as a human being with faults, makes mistakes, etc, then learns from his beloved master Yoda that failure is the greatest teacher, then performs probably the most epic powerful force projection ever, showing up the most powerful dark side leader Kylo in front of the best the First Order has to offer. Showing the true power of the Force.

Yes just terrible.

 

Except all Star Wars fans are divisive to a degree, every single one of them and TLJ's "division" is far more muted than several other films in the installment. Also, a significant chunk of the hate towards this film is rooted in the Gamer Gate crowd who seem to hate anything that dares to suggest women can be heroes too.

I know there are fans who dislike the film with honest, fair-minded opinions and I welcome reading them, but this is film is not that divisive, it has near universal critical praise and most fans not only enjoy it, the film has been the #1 film in the country three weeks straight and in those three short weeks became the highest grossing film of the year.

We keep insisting "real" fans have a problem with TLJ. We've all had problems with some of the installments, but the real fact is, the film is a massive success and Star Wars is in a more stable place as a franchise than it has been in decades.

If you want to see real division dial up old threads on Jar-Jar Binks from 1999, it makes the "division" over this film seem like soft brie and a warm baguette.

 

I actually enjoyed this movie. Even though the runtime was a bit of an issue, I left the theater feeling pumped and actually proud that I got to witness it in theaters. There were obviously flaws, but I don't understand the massive hatred of this movie. I suppose one explanation is that there are a few people who genuinely disliked the movie and could provide solid reasons for this, and then a ton of people who were just excited to see drama decided to yell about it and make a big scene.

 

Yes... we will all pay the price for our lack of vision with TLJ and TFA. They are trying to kill our Luke and if this stands as canon this is how he goes out. Does anyone besides me see the events unfolding that parallel SW itself? GL was the Old Republic. The Empire is Disney. The fans who dislike the sequel trilogy are the Lukes. The fans who like the sequel trilogy are the Darth Vaders.

And this should be how it plays out, I will let SW speak for itself. Come back before it is too late:

We can be a family again.

 

His great performance has nothing to to do with Luke Skywalker's character being broken. Both can be true. Indeed, it is quite likely his performance is acclaimed because of the state of the character.

 

You dont have to be a part of the "GamerGate crowd" to dislike one of the most obvious Mary Sue-characters ever. This has nothing to do with anti-feminism or right wingers.

 

3 - 1, the people I know who are "real" fans (not counting blogs lol) are disappointed with LARGE parts of the movie yet still enjoyed it - same as me.

 

I think most reviewers view the movie in isolation. In that case it was a very good movie. Fans are more focused on how it fits in the larger SW universe. Those of us itching for a drastic change loved it. Those of us who wanted a new story but one that fit within what we know about the SW universe were sorely disappointed.

 

Here's an article written by a guy I've been following online for years for his extremely detailed breakdowns of how the box office numbers work:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottm...-catches-up-with-jurassic-world/#3e9637fa5349


Basically, everyone celebrating TLJ's "crash and burn" last week can stop with the schadenfreude. TLJ is not only doing EXACTLY as expected (30% less than the first installment, just like ESB and AOTC) but it's also bounced back this week and is now out-pacing Jurassic World on its way to becoming the 3rd highest grossing film ever in North America. Under no circumstances can the movie be called a financial disappointment.

 

Exactly. They review movies, they don't worry about how this fits into a nine-movie, bajillion-book universe complete with theme parks and toys.
Further, I'd bet most of them can't quote Yoda, believe Han shot second, and that Darth Vader said, "No, Luke, I am your father."

 

Definitely a divisive movie.
Definitely not a flop.

I don’t understand the desire to prove something you don’t like is a failure. Film is art. Art is subjective. We all can and do have different viewpoints on art, because we see it differently.

I respect that there are those out there who don’t like TLJ. I am not one of them. But I find the behavior of some on both sides of the equation perplexing to me. It just seems to be something we’re seeing more and more of, this tribalism amongst fans.

You can love just the OT, just the PT, just the ST, the spinoffs, some of all of them or *gasp* ALL OF IT. You are still a Star Wars fan.

But trying to prove someone wrong and suggesting that it’s a terrible movie or that people are terrible fans for hating it or loving it or trying to prove it’s a massive failure because it doesn’t quite live up to the box office expectations — guys, it’s just too much. Again, this is art!

Can’t we have a peaceful discussion where we discuss the merits without all of this?

 

Hardcore Star Wars fans are a small portion of the overall audience. Those who disliked TLJ are a small portion of that small portion. I don't think Disney are in panic mode exactly.

 

Does nobody follow Star Wars or anything disney on social media? If you click on comments literally every top comment (which means it has been liked more than any other comment ) is people criticizing the film. People that think there is a small number of people who don’t like it are sorely mistaken or just ignorant. Go look at their Facebook and Twitter and Instagram posts about the movie and you’ll see what’s really going on.