My Top 10 Favorite Movies Of 2015

Marty: Hey Doc, you better back up. We don't have enough road to get up to 88.

Doc: Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads!

That was dialogue from a scene both at the end of Back to the Future (1985) and Back to the Future Part II (1989), which predicted what 2015 would be like.

2015 is coming to a close... And we still need roads. I guess that's what happens when you mess with the space time continuum too much.

But even without hover boards and flying cars, 2015 was still an unforgettable year. It was a year full of highs and lows. It was the year that same sex marriage became legal in the United States. The year when the Pope visited America. It was the year when Shia Leboeuf made a motivational video that, let's be honest, you still can't stop watching. It was the year when some injustice was brought to the light. It was also a year of great civil unrest and paranoia. Full of uncertainty and fear. And sadly, we even had to say goodby to some legends, including the great Leonard Nimoy.

Whether it was a good year, or a bad one, it was one to remember. Especially for movies. Sure, there was no Jaws 19. But there were countless other sequels. But also some original work as well. We went everywhere from the far reaches of space to the inside of an 11 year old's mind. It was full of dinosaurs, superheroes, and spies. We saw old friends, but also made new ones. There was a little of something for everyone this year. Everyone has made their Top 10 Favorite Films list, so I might as well make mine. And please keep in mind, there are some films I haven't had the chance to see yet. I haven't seen The Revenant, The Big Short, or The Hateful Eight. And remember, this is MY opinion! Film is subjective. This is a list of MY favorite films of the year, not yours. So if you have any disagreements, feel free to leave a comment below as long as it's friendly. 

 So before I say goodbye to 2015 once and for all, and say hello to 2016,  here are my Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2015!

10.) Paddington

Based on the books by Michael Bond, Paddington is a charming story of a marmalade sandwich eating bear who is swept away from his home in the jungles of Peru to the city of London with the Browns. When I first saw the trailer for this movie, I had very low exceptions, especially considering it was a January release. My Dad remembers reading the books when he was a kid, so we both saw this movie together. Not only was the movie really funny without the need for pop culture jokes, but it was also really touching. Ben Whishaw plays Paddington with such sincerity and charm. You instantly connect with him, even though he's a bear. Movies with talking animals rarely work, but director Paul King and producer David Heyman, who helped bring another popular children book series Harry Potter to the big screen, made a film that will delight audiences of all ages. And it's just as tasty and nutritious as a marmalade sandwich.

9.) Trainwreck

From director Judd Apatow, the genius behind two of my favorite comedies Bridesmaids and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, and starring the bold and fearless Amy Schumer, Trainwreck tells the story of a girl named Amy who grew up believing that monogamy is a myth, and has spent her whole life in shallow relationships. Until one day, on an assignment for her magazine company, she meets a sport doctor Aaron Connors (Bill Hader), and the two form a connection, causing Amy to rethink her whole philosophy on relationships. On the surface, this sounds like your typical romantic comedy. And in some ways it is. But it is so funny, edgy, and entertaining, not to mention it has a lot of heart, that the familiar topes can be forgiven. The cast has such great chemistry together. Even LeBron James has some really hilarious scenes. There are so many other great celebrity cameos, I don't even want to spoil them. Before seeing this movie, I had little knowledge of who Amy Schumer was. But after seeing this movie, and looking up some of her stand up and clips of her show Inside Amy Schemer, you can now call me a fan! All aboard the Amy Schumer Train!

8.) Fast and the Furious 7

Sorry for making you cry again. With the tragic death of Paul Walker, one of the biggest stars of the franchise, Fast and the Furious 7 had a big challenge. Not only did it have to live up to the success of the last two movies, but it also had to be a perfect farewell to the late Paul Walker. And it more than excelled in both cases. Not only was Fast and the Furious 7 a highly entertaining adrenaline rush, with each stunt eclipsing the last, but it also had a lot of heart to it. It took the best of an unfortunate situation and gave us one of the most touching, moving ending scenes ever. It's an emotional high speed roller coaster of a movie from start to finish. One last ride.

7.) Creed

I have a confession to make. I have only seen one Rocky movie in its entirety. The first one. And I thought it was an emotional, inspiring tale of perseverance and never giving up. It resonated with audiences so much that it led to six sequels, and a spin-off. As someone who only saw the first Rocky, I can tell you that Creed was a every bit as good as that movie. It had all the elements that made me love the first movie, but also gave us something new. Even my Dad, who lost interest in the series at some point, loved this film! The performances from everyone were sensational. But the best actor was the Italian Stallion himself, Sylvester Stallone. Reprising the role that made him famous, Stallone plays an older, wiser, broken down Rocky. And he play sit with so much depth and emotion. It will be upsetting if Stallone does not get an Oscar nomination for this movie. Just like the main character himself, Creed respects its predecessor's legacy, but also creates its own. It's knockout of a movie!

6.) Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Just like Fast and the Furious, Mission Impossible just gets better with each installment! From director Christopher McQuarrie, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation follows Ethan Hunt on the run again, this time from the CIA. The film is loaded with far fetched stunts, and non stop thrills. Tom Cruise has made it clear that this is HIS franchise. And it's doubtful we'll see anyone else playing the role of Ethan Hunt anytime soon! And Simon Pegg never fails to make the audience laugh with his dry British wit. I look forward to more missions with Ethan Hunt and company soon!

5.) Kingsman: Secret Service

Directed by Matthew Vaughn, Kingsman is what happens when you mix James Bond and Quentin Tarantino in a blender. You get a delicious smoothie full of action, violence, quotable dialogue, and an irresistible self awareness charm. It's a movie that knows what it is, and does everything it can with it. The action scenes were all creative, explosive, and even gory. The Church scene alone could possibly be the most brutal, and unforgettable scene of 2015. The cast could not be better. Featuring greats such as Collin Firth, Michael Caine, and Samuel L. Jackson, to newcomers like Taaron Egerton. There's even a cameo from Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill! In a year that included Spy, Spectre, and Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Kinsman: Secret Service  was the most entertaining of the bunch. Manners... Maketh... Man...

4.) The Martian

From director Ridley Scott, the director of some of the greatest science fiction films of all time, The Martian tells a story of survival set in the future on Mars. It has more plot that Gravity, and more levity than Interstellar. It's a movie that makes math interesting! How many movies can do that? Matt Damon, proving once again his abilities as a leading man, is very relatable and very likable as the main character. He acts exactly how most of us would act in his situation. He takes a far fetched concept, and makes it believable. The entire cast is great, from Jessica Chasten to Kristen Wiig to Jeff Daniels to even Sean Bean. But what really makes this film stand out for me is its sense of optimism. All the countries of the world setting aside their differences to help bring a man back home to earth. It seems unrealistic, sadly. But Science Fiction isn't about what is real, but what is possible. In a time like now, when there is so much terrorism and racism in the world, we need a movie with a message like this more than ever.

3.) Mad Max: Fury Road

Of all the movie going experiences I had this year, NONE of them gave me an adrenaline rush quite like Mad Max: Fury Road. George Miller returns to the Mad Max film series, but with a different actor, and a much bigger budget. Mad Max: Fury Road doesn't feel like a movie, but an experience. Featuring real, practical effects and explosions, it's a film that restores faith in modern cinema. Tom Hardy proves a worthy successor to Mel Gibson in the title role. But it's Charlize Theoren as Furiosa who steals the show. She's tough, brutal, and fierce, but also broken and vulnerable. She's not a one-dimensional action hero. She's so interesting and complex as a character, I want to see more of her in a sequel. Whether you're a die hard fan of Mad Max, or someone who is just getting exposed to the series, this film will not just entertain you. It will rock your whole world! What a film! WHAT A LOVELY FILM!!!

2.) Inside Out

From the brilliant minds at Pixar, Inside Out asks the question "What is going on inside someone's head?" It follows the story of Riley, who is trying to cope with moving from Minnesota to San Fransisco. Her central emotion Joy (Amy Poehler) tries everything she can to keep Riley happy, and prevent Sadness from getting anywhere near the control panel. Inside Out has funny moments, but at its core it's a dramatic story about growing up, moving on, and facing the reality of how you really feel. It takes so many risks, pulls no punches, and does not talk down to its audience at all. I believe every kid should watch this movie. They will love it, and even learn something form it. Even adults will learn something from it. It's a movie that plays with all your emotions, both literally and figuratively. "Who's your friend who likes to play?"

Because this was such a great year for 2015, there are some gems I forgot to mention. Here are...

The Honorable Mentions of 2015:

Spotlight

An intriguing drama directed by Todd McCarthy based on a true story about the exposure of child molestation in the Catholic Church. Spotlight is powerfully acted, and well paced. I was not bored for a second. Michael Keaton definitely deserves another Oscar nomination.

Amazing performances from the cast, great music, and a provocative message about our generation, Straight Outta Compton is one of the most important films of the year , and for good reason. 

Ant-Man

Small scale, big heart. Ant-Man is one of Marvel's simplest, most entertaining movies yet!

The Walk

Beautifully directed by Robert Zemeckis. It takes filmmaking to new heights.

And my Number 1 Favorite Movie of 2015 is...

1.) Star Wars: The Force Awakens

For some, Star Wars is a movie. But for others, it's a way of life. I fall in the latter. I have been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember. I have waited years to have my questions from Return of the Jedi answered. And it was more than worth the wait! Star Wars: The Force Awakens has it all: Action, Adventure, Excitement, Drama, Humor, and Heart. JJ Abrams uses practical effects and puppetry to make this feel like a real world just like the Original Trilogy. But it's not just the effects that make it believable, but also the acting. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega give star making performances. And Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher return to their iconic roles with grace. If there is one flaw with the film, it's that it sometimes feels a little too similar to A New Hope, with the main character coming from a desert planet, a cantina full of aliens, a super weapon the scan destroy planets, etc. But the film is so well made and so entertaining, that the familiar elements can be forgiven. JJ Abrams and everyone else involved bring so much love and passion to this project. Just like Creed, it takes everything we loved about the original, and adds something new. It entertains us, and also makes us excited for what's next. There are so many unanswered questions and so many endless possibilities from this film alone. This is the first of many new Star Wars films from Disney and Kathleen Kennedy. And judging by this film, it's safe to say that George Lucas' Saga is in good hands. I look forward to many more adventures in that galaxy far, far away in the future.

And that is my list of my favorite films form 2015! What are your favorites? Are they on this list? Are they not on this list? Comment and let me know! I hope you all have a safe, healthy 2016! May the Force be with you!

And as Doc Brown would say, the future is what you make it! :)

The Force Has Been Awakened! My (Spoiler-Free) Star Wars Episode VII Review

A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away...

A young film student at USC had a dream. A dream to make an adaptation of the Flash Gordon serials of his youth. After he graduated from USC he directed two movies. One that was not a success (THX-1138), and one that was a huge success (American Graffiti). Even though he directed a big hit, he couldn't get the rights to Flash Gordon. So instead of adapting Flash Gordon, the student decided to write his own space fantasy that paid homage to Flash Gordon. But little did this student and the rest of the world know that this space fantasy would not only be the perfect homage to Flash Gordon, not only would it surpass it, not only would it start a long running, record breaking franchise, but it would change the face of cinema, and our entire culture forever.

The student's name was George Lucas. And his space fantasy was Star Wars.

Just like Luke, Han, Leia, and the Rebels overcame impossible odds to destroy the Death Star, Star Wars overcame behind-the-scenes problems and lack of confidence from 20th Century Fox, to become the highest grossing film of all time for a few years (and unadjusted for inflation, it is still the 2nd highest grossing film behind Gone With The Wind).

Star Wars was so popular, it led to two sequels The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi that set new grounds for sequels in general, and made Star Wars into more than just a movie, but a mythology.

After Return of the Jedi, the Star Wars Saga went on hiatus for fourteen years. Then in 1999, George Lucas decided to go back to the beginning. Way back. Lucas decided to tell the story of the rise and fall of the Republic, how Anakin Skywalker started as a Jedi Knight and became Darth Vader, and how Luke and Leia were born. This story was told in three Prequels: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. Even though they were box office juggernauts, fans of the Original Trilogy were overall disappointed in them. They found the overuse of CGI unnecessary, the acting wooden, the dialogue cheesy, and Jar Jar Binks... well. But some fans who grew up with them find much to enjoy about them, even in spite of their flaws.

For ten years, the franchise went on another hiatus, with The Clone Wars on Cartoon Network to fill the void. George Lucas had kept insisting that he was done with Star Wars, and that he told the story he wanted to tell. For a while, it really seemed like the Saga was truly over. But that did't stop fans from holding out hope. Their faith was soon rewarded.

In 2012, Disney bought Lucasfilm for $4.05 Billion, and announced they would be making more Star Wars movies starting with Episode VII in 2015. It was later announced that Episode VII would be directed by J.J. Abrams, the man responsible for breathing new life into Star Wars' (friendly) competitor, Star Trek. Like every filmmaker of his generation, JJ Abrams became inspired by Star Wars to pick up a Super 8 camera and start making movies in his backyard. Him directing the next installment of the Star Wars Saga felt like the circle was now complete.

The next three years felt like an eternity for fans. Years of speculation, years of anticipation, years of excitement, years of questions.

Does Luke Skywalker turn to the Dark Side? Who is the villain? Which OG character will die? Will Jar Jar Binks make a cameo?

In 2014, there was an 88 second teaser with narration from Andy Serkis and images form the new movie that included John Boyega as a Stormtrooper, a cute ball droid named BB-8 rolling around, a mysterious villain with a red cross-guard lightsaber, and the Millennium Falcon flying with the classic Star Wars theme by John Williams.

Then in April 2015, a longer teaser was released at Star Wars Celebration. This one featured a voice over from Luke Skywalker giving the same speech he gave to his sister Leia in Return of the Jedi. And it ended with possibly the greatest reveal in the history of trailers. Han Solo and Chewbacca. "Chewy, we're home!" "Aaaaarrrrrgggghhh!"

Then in October, tickets went on sale on Fandango.com and the internet blew up like the Death Stars. Everyone who was anyone, from die-hard fans to casual fans, HAD to see this movie! Even if the movie itself was a dud, the hype for it would go down in history.

Yesterday, I went to AMC at the Block in Orange, California with a life-long friend of mine. We got there at 10:30 A.M. and passed the time by watching The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi on my Mom's iPad.

Our love of Star Wars goes way back. Back in Middle School, we used to have hour long discussions about the movies and The Clone Wars. I myself remember watching the Original Star Wars on VHS when I was 4 years old. I was 10 years old when Revenge of the Sith came out. I saw i there times, and dressed up as Darth Vader every time! I would watch all six movies with my family every Spring Break from Episode I to Episode VI. You can pretty much say Star Wars is like a second language to me.

We finally got in our seats at 5:00ish. Ten years of questions, ten years of speculation, ten years of dreams would finally be revealed in less than two hours.

"More Butter, I require! Hmm?"

7:00. My parents were waiting in line to get snacks for me, my sister, and friends. I hoped and prayed they would make it at least before the opening crawl. Luckily, they made it just in time.

The theater was full of three generations. Those who saw the Original Trilogy when they came out. Those who grew up with the Prequels. And little kids who are getting into Star Wars for the first time. And when the Lucasfilm logo appeared, followed by the famous words "A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away...", everyone, and I mean EVERYONE screamed in excitement. I had to tell myself countless times "I am seeing Star Wars Episode VII." I just couldn't believe it. I thought I would never live to see it. In the famous words of Darth Vader, right before the Death Star blew up, "This would be a day long remembered..."

After the movie ended, I felt an overwhelming sensation of different emotions. But the overall emotion I had was Joy.

As a life-long fan, this movie lived up to my expectations! It had everything we love about Star Wars. Humor, action, adventure, and heart.

I won't say anything about the plot, because the less you know about it the better. I will say though that it is very similar to the first Star Wars movie, A New Hope. Almost beat-for-beat. Even before the movie came out, there were worries it would try to rehash A New Hope. In some ways, it is kind of a retelling of A New Hope. But there are enough twists and turns to make it stand on its own. And when you think about it, A New Hope was a retelling of Akira Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress. (Heck, in one part, Admiral Motti says "Rebel's Hidden For-" before Vader chokes him). Just because a movie is similar to another movie doesn't make it less good. It shows that art imitates art, and that all ideas come from somewhere. As George Lucas would say "It's like poetry. It rhymes."

The new characters were wonderful. John Boyega plays Finn, who was raised to serve the First Order, but now begins to question if he's doing the right thing. Oscar Isaac is quite likable as Poe Dameron, and even has some of the Han Solo charm. But the stand out in my eyes was Daisy Ridley as Rey.

Rey is a scavenger on the planet Jakku who survives by finding old parts from old spaceships and selling them for money. She has never been away from her planet before, but has heard stories of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and the Rebellion. She has dreams of getting off her desert planet and going on an adventure. If that sounds familiar, it should. Rey could easily be seen as the Luke Skywalker of this trilogy. For fans who felt like Princess Leia could have done more in the Original Trilogy besides being a Princess, they will be more than pleased to see that Rey takes center stage. She is at the heart of the movie, and I look forward to having more adventures with her soon.

Another stand-out was the villain Kylo-Ren, played by Adam Driver.

Kylo-Ren is not your typical Star Wars baddie. He is menacing, intimidating, and yet has a complexity to him. Just like how Darth Vader before him had moments of conflict with his morality, so does Kylo-Ren. You can feel the torment he goes through. He's a villain you almost sympathize with, but just like Darth Vader, you will love to hate him.

The new character that stole the show, unsurprisingly, was BB-8.

From the moment we saw him in the teaser back in 2014, and saw him roll on stage at Celebration in April, BB-8 stole our hearts. He became the hottest toy of the year, and disappeared from the shelves quicker than Obi-Wan. And he's even more irresistible in the movie. If you have kids, you will have no question of what they want for Christmas this year.

All the new characters were great. Although some I wish I could have seen more of. Just like how I wish I could have seen more of Darth Maul and Boba Fett in the first six films. All the new characters are wonderful. But let's be honest. It's the classic characters, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Princess -- I mean, General Leia, that we were excited to see. And seeing them again felt like seeing old friends.

Harrison Ford not only gives his best performance in years. He gives the best performance as Han Solo out of all the movies. He IS Han Solo! Ford hasn't lost an inch of the charm and swag that makes us love Han Solo. But he's not playing the same Han Solo form the Original Trilogy. He's playing a Han Solo who has lived thirty years after the Original Trilogy. He has had years of experience. He has even changed some of his views and beliefs. The same Han Solo who said "I've flown from one side of the galaxy to the other, and I've never seen anything to make me believe that there's an all powerful force controlling everything." now says without a doubt in his mind "It's true. All of it. The Dark Side. The Jedi. They're real." Han is now a believer in the Force, just like Harrison Ford is now a believer in Star Wars. Seeing Harrison Ford enthusiastic in interviews during press releases for this movie has warmed so many fans' hearts, given his past sourness to the Han Solo character.

Carrie Fisher gives a moving, emotional performance as General Leia, who is older, more weary and defeated than she was in the Original Trilogy. She's not as feisty as she was in the Original Trilogy, but she is just as tough and just as warm. And her chemistry with Harrison Ford hasn't lost a beat.

And C-3PO is still the same paranoid protocol droid we all know and love. Chewbacca has some of the funniest scenes in the movie. His interactions with John Boyega being a highlight. There is a lot of humor in this movie. Just like how a lot of the comedy from the Original Trilogy came from the interactions between the cast, so does this film. But it also is from little moments that recall the Original Trilogy. The humor is funny enough for both kids and adults. In fact, adults may laugh more than their kids. At my screening, the audience was roaring with laughter. In fact, there may be more funny moments here than in most comedies of this year.

The action scenes were spectacular. JJ Abrams is a professional when it comes to directing action.The cinematography felt exactly like the dogfights in the Original Trilogy. And the fact that used real explosions made it seem more exciting and thrilling. And the lightsaber battle, without giving too much away, felt so gritty and realistic. It felt just like the lightsaber fights of the Original Trilogy.

The music by John Williams is exactly as you'd expect. It's whimsical, powerful, emotional, sweeping, etc. It recalls themes from the earlier films, but also gives us something new. Aside from George Lucas, John Williams is arguably the MVP of the Star Wars Saga. Without his music, the films would not be half of what they are. When they first announced this movie, one of the first thoughts I had was "I hope John Williams comes back". And after seeing this movie, one of my firs thoughts is "I hope they keep John Williams for as long as possible."

The film, though amazing, is not without its flaws. Sometimes it does feel to similar to the Original Trilogy. And anyone who has seen the film millions of times (like I have) will notice them. The third act especially. I won't spoil anything, but if you've seen A New Hope, you can almost guess what happens. But for the most part, the callbacks to the Original Trilogy will leave a smile on your face and may even make you laugh from nostalgia,  like the audience at my theater.

I could talk about this film for hours. But because it just came out, and there are still millions who have yet to see it, I want to be a gentlemen and not ruin the fun for them. I will give a spoiler-filled blog entry in January, a month after it's been released. JJ Abrams is a man who loves to surprise his audience. He was inspired by how the Original Trilogy had so much mystery to it. When you first saw Star Wars, you may have wondered "Who were the Jedi? Who is Obi-Wan Kenobi? Where did Darth Vader come from?" These questions made the film even more intriguing and more fun to watch. And when you watched it multiple more times, you notice things you never noticed before. And the same applies to this film. Even if it does feel similar to A New Hope, there are still tons of surprises you won't be prepared for.

Overall, this film lived up to all my expectations. It had humor, action, adventure, and heart. Were there flaws? Sure. Could some things have been done just a little bit better? Absolutely. But when you think about it, even the Original Trilogy as beloved as it is, had flaws of its own. We just did' notice them because we were so young when we watched them. But since most of us are adults now, it's easier for us to notice the flaws in The Force Awakens. But just like how the Original Trilogy was great in spite of its flaws, so is The Force Awakens. For fans who grew up with the Original Trilogy and were disappointed by the Prequels, you will be more than pleased with The Force Awakens. You may even cry.

For me, someone who grew up with all six films, this not only gave me closure to questions I had for ten years, but it also gave me more questions. It go my heart pounding hearing the John Williams theme again. It got the hair on the back of my neck standing up. It brought tears of joy down form my eyes, and a smile on my face. It brought me back to being ten years old again. As it will for any adult who sees this.

And as for that little kid who watches this film for the first time, it will be an experience they will never forget. Just like how JJ Abrams was inspired by Star Wars when he was a kid, and how George Lucas was inspired by Flash Gordon when he was a kid, so will that kid who sees this film for the firs time. It will open their eyes to the possibilities. It will change their whole world and inspire them to dream.

Who knows? When they become an adult, they may even be inspired to make their own homage to Star Wars.

No matter what age you are when you see this, no matter what generation you come from, we can all agree on one thing.

The Force has been awakened. And can all feel it.

A Force That Binds Us: The Sociological Impact of Star Wars

The Geeks have inherited the Earth, from our cinemas, with movies like The Dark Knight and The Avengers, to television with Game of Thrones and Doctor Who. We are currently living in an era where we embrace all things fantasy and pop culture. These can either bring us together over mutual love, or divide us and tear us apart with heated debates (i.e. Kirk vs. Picard). Either way, it brings out the passion in us. It makes us prove how we are willing to express the deep love we have for these works of fiction. There are fandoms. And then there’s Star Wars fandom, the most passionate and loyal fandom of them all. While most fandom movies these days like The Hunger Games or Guardians of the Galaxy are based on pre-existing material like books or comic books, Star Wars started as an original idea from USC Alumnus George Lucas, who sent out to make an homage to the Flash Gordon serials and westerns of his youth (Taylor, 2015). Yet, people are still going nuts over it. How many movies can you think of, that are original concepts, which came out more than three decades ago, and are still, leaving this big of an impact on our culture? There have been six Star Wars films released so far, and the seventh one, The Force Awakens, is set to come out this December, and it is already destroyed pre-sale records. How many franchises with this many movies can still have that much hype for their next film? Star Wars is not most franchises. 

There is something about it that brings diverse people together. There are adults who saw the first three films when they first came out, and children and teenagers who are recently getting into them by watching the films for the first time. What is it about this space film that continuously brings people young and old together?

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is “a proposition that can be tested to determine its validity (Hughes, 2013). My hypothesis is that adults like watching Star Wars movies because it brings out the child in them. Most adults love to be reminded of their youth. It brings them back to simpler times when anything was possible, and their whole future was ahead of them. This could also be known as “nostalgia”.

Research Method

I administered a survey on a closed Facebook group called Schmoeville, which is a page dedicated to the YouTube Podcast, Schmoes Know Movies, asking ten questions about the Star Wars franchise. The comment thread exploded like the Death Star! Dozens and dozens of group members posted passionate responses to the questions. So many people answered in fact, that it was almost impossible for me to count them all in time. I constructed a survey with the same questions on surveymonkey.com. A total of 46 people participated in that and I analyzed the data.

Results

Table 1

How Old Are You?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

0-10 0.0% 0

11-19 43.5% 20

20-29 39.1% 18

30+ 17.4% 8

answered question 46

skipped question 0

Since this was online, a majority of the respondents were between the ages of 11-19. Young people now tend to spend a great deal of time on the Internet. What is interesting is that most of these respondents were not even born when the first Star Wars came out, and yet they were willing to participate in a survey dedicated to it.

Table 2

How old were you when you first saw Star Wars?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

0-10 78.3% 36

11-19 21.7% 10

20-29 0.0% 0

30+ 0.0% 0

answered question 46

skipped question 0

George Lucas has made it no secret that he was inspired by the Flash Gordon serials of his youth. They would play every weekend at his local theater. They were full of adventure and excitement, and helped people to escape. If you were a kid, it was the coolest thing ever. As an adult though, Lucas admitted they didn’t quite hold up as well as he remembered. The dialogue was cheesy, the effects were cheep looking, and the acting was not exactly Shakespeare (putting it nicely).  He said he was “under a spell” when he watched them. “You had to have watched them at the right age,” said Lucas. When he first dreamed up Star Wars, Lucas began to wonder what it would be like if those serials were well made, and had believable effects. So it’s not surprising that a majority of the respondents were age 0-10 when they first saw Star Wars. If you first see Star Wars as an adult, you might still like it. But you’ll get the sense that it’s “over-hyped”, and will scratch your head wondering what all the fuss is about. But if you watch it at just the right age, such as 0-12, it could leave a lasting impression on you; like The Wizard of Oz, or ironically enough the animated films from Disney.

Table 3

What do you remember feeling when you first saw it?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Excited 41.3% 19

Frightened 0.0% 0

Intrigued 23.9% 11

All of the Above 34.8% 16

answered question 46

skipped question  

Most of the respondents said they felt excited when they first watched Star Wars. When you are a kid, or even an adult, it is hard to not to feel excited watching a movie like Star Wars. Whether it’s the space battles, the heart-pounding sword fights, the terrifying monsters, or escaping death in the nick of time. How can you watch Luke Skywalker flying his X-Wing through the Death Star trench, and not be on the edge of your seat?

Table 4

How many times have you seen it since then?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Once 4.3% 2

Twice 4.3% 2

Three times 4.3% 2

More than that 87.0% 40

answered question 46

skipped question 0

A vast majority of the respondents said they have seen Star Wars way more than three times. This makes sense because it is one of the most beloved and most popular movies of all time. The Star Wars marathons on Spike TV always manage to receive high ratings.

Table 5

Which order do you prefer to watch them in?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

4,5,6,1,2,3 47.7% 21

1,2,3,4,5,6 40.9% 18

4,5,1,2,3,6 9.1% 4

4,5,2,3,6 2.3% 1

answered question 44

skipped question 2

Most of the respondents said they prefer to watch the movies in the order they were released. While the Original Trilogy (1977-1983), which tells the story of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia, is universally beloved by critics and moviegoers alike, the Prequel Trilogy (1999-2005), which tells the story of the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker, has received a more mixed reception. Fans have often criticized their overuse of CGI and Green Screens, the wooden performances from Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman, the cringe-worthy dialogue, giving a biological explanation for the Force by introducting Midi-Chlorians, and the annoying CGI character, Jar Jar Binks. Celebrities such as Simon Pegg and Patton Oswalt, who are major Star Wars fans, have been very vocal on their disappointment with the prequels. “It’s like George Lucas killing his own children”, said Simon Pegg on the Prequels. Even before The Phantom Menace, disappointing sequels were nothing new. Films like Rocky, Jurassic Park, Superman, Batman, and even The Godfather, all had at least one sequel that critics and fans felt betrayed the legacy of the original. And yet when you bring up the Star Wars Prequels to Star Wars fans, they treat them almost like the Holocaust. They are not without their defenders, however. Many fans feel that the Prequels were Star Wars for a new generation. Revenge of the Sith has been praised by some fans to be almost as good as the Original Trilogy, with Ewan McGregor’s performance as the young Obi-Wan Kenobi being a highlight. But whatever one thinks about the Prequels, love them or hate them, most can agree they don’t quite reach the mark set by George Lucas’ Original Trilogy. But the passion for both trilogies cannot be denied.

Table 6

Which of the first six movies is your favorite?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Star Wars (A New Hope) 17.8% 8

The Empire Strikes Back 57.8% 26

Return of the Jedi 15.6% 7

The Phantom Menace 2.2% 1

Attack of the Clones 0.0% 0

Revenge of the Sith 6.7% 3

answered question 45

skipped question 1

I asked the respondents which of the six movies to date was their favorite. The Empire Strikes Back won in a landslide. Shortly after the Dearth Star was destroyed, the Rebels attempt to hide from the Empire by retreating to the ice planet Hoth. Darth Vader manages to track them down with Probe Droids, and sends AT-ATs to destroy their base. Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO manage to escape on the Millenium Falcon, while Luke travels in his X-Wing to Dagobah to train under the legendary Jedi Master, Yoda. Under Yoda, Luke learns about perseverance, patience, self-control, finding his inner peace, and more about the mystical Force. Meanwhile, Han Solo and Princess Leia start to develop romantic feelings for each other. Their chemistry could easily be compared to Humphrey Bogard and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca. Unlike the first Star Wars, where it ends on a triumphant note, The Empire Strikes Back is more bittersweet. At the end of the movie, Han Solo gets frozen in Carbonite, and Luke Skywalker learns a shocking truth about his relationship to Darth Vader. We all know there will be another chapter, Return of the Jedi, that will tie up the loose ends. These days, anyone can just pop Return of the Jedi in the Blu-Ray player right after they finish The Empire Strikes Back. But back in 1980, audiences had to wait three whole years to have their questions answered. And this was before the internet where they could find spoilers. However, it’s mostly about the journey, not the destination. Even if The Empire Strikes Back has an unresolved ending, it’s still an effective middle chapter that allows us to breathe, and learn more about these characters, and the mythology.

Table 7

Who is your favorite character?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Darth Vader 20.0% 9

Han Solo 33.3% 15

Yoda 11.1% 5

Other 35.6% 16

answered question 45

skipped question 1

Most movies have only one iconic character that stands out. Star Wars has so much more than that, from the evil Darth Vader to the lovable R2-D2. I asked the respondents who was their favorite character. Han Solo won the popular vote. Han Solo doesn’t have the Force or a Lightsaber. What he does have, though, is a trusty blaster, a loyal Wookie companion, a cool ship, and the heart of a Princess, and audiences. Perhaps it’s because he doesn’t have Jedi powers that makes it easier for us to relate to him. He appeals to the cynic in all of us. He’s the opposite of Luke Skywalker, who is wide-eyed and hungry for adventure. Han is a guy who has seen it all. He’s flown from one side of the galaxy to the other. He’s the person we all wish we could be. We all wish we had his confidence and his swagger. But as cool as Han Solo is, he has a softer side to him. He may appear selfish in the first Star Wars, but he helps to assist Luke in blowing up the Death Star at the end. As the Trilogy progresses, Han slowly learns to put other people’s needs before his. He ends up being in a relationship with Princess Leia, which is very satisfying for the audience.

Table 8

What is your take on the Force?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

It should be used for knowledge and defense. Never for attack. 46.7% 21

It should be used to gain power and make others bow to your whim. 17.8% 8

It's all just simple tricks and nonsense. 2.2% 1

Other 33.3% 15

answered question 45

skipped question 1

“The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together.” says Obi-Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker after he hands him his father’s lightsaber.  The Force can help you to lift things in the air without even touching them, it can control the weak minded, it can even help you to make a clear shot without using a targeting computer. The Force has two sides, the Light Side and the Dark Side. The Light Side, which is what the Jedi use, is about knowledge, defense, and peace. The Jedi are like Buddhists and Christians; a peaceful religion. The Dark Side, used by the Sith, is full of anger, fear, and hate. It is used to make others bow to your whim. I asked the respondents to give their take on the Force. Thankfully, most of them said it should be used for knowledge and defense, and never for attack. Sorry Darth Vader.

Table 9

When you have kids, how do you plan on showing the films to them for the first time?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

4,5,6,1,2,3 65.9% 29

1,2,3,4,5,6 15.9% 7

4,5,1,2,3,6 15.9% 7

4,5,2,3,6 2.3% 1

answered question 44

skipped question 2

It’s that question most parents ask when they have kids. “What order should I expose the movies to my kids?” In almost every household in America, and the world, watching Star Wars has become a tradition passed on from generation to generation. Everyone has their own opinion on how you should watch them. Some believe you  should watch them in the order they were released, for the big twist in The Empire Strikes Back to be effective. Others believe you should watch them in chronological order, so the story will be much clearer. Others believe you should watch Episode IV and V first, then I,II, and III as a flashback, and finish with Episode VI. There’s also the Machete order, where you watch IV and V first, skip Episode I, watch II, and III, and finish with Episode VI.  Almost all of them said they would show them in the order they were released. And with more movies coming on the way, this dilemma will become even more challenging.

Table 10

What is it about Star Wars that continues to resonate with you?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

It brings me back to my childhood. 4.4% 2

The religious, mythical, and political undertones. 0.0% 0

Sci-Fi element (Spaceships, Planets, Aliens, etc.) 6.7% 3

All of the above 80.0% 36

Other 8.9% 4

answered question 45

skipped question 1

What is it about Star Wars that continues to resonate with people? How could a film series that started in 1977 continue to cause this much discussion among movie goers? Is it the nostalgia? Is it the Sci-Fi element? Is it the political, religious, and mythological undertones? I asked the respondents to tell me what it is about Star Wars that continues to resonate with them; whether it’s the religious, political, and mythical undertones, the Sci-Fi elements, or the nostalgia. Most of them answered all of the above. I mentioned earlier that in order for Star Wars to have a huge impact on you, you had to be the right age to watch it. Well, it also had to come out at the right time.

Conclusion

When Star Wars first came out in the 70s, our world was in turmoil. We had just come out of a brutal, and in hindsight pointless, war in Vietnam. Our leaders and heroes (i.e. Richard Nixon) had let us down. We were full of fear and doubt for our future. The movies playing in theaters at the time, The Godfather, Taxi Driver, etc., mirrored the fears and paranoia of audiences. And here, Star Wars was a light-hearted Space Fantasy that was full of optimism and fun. It helped audiences to escape, but it also had something to say. It told audiences that our lives don’t have to stay the way they are. We are meant for so much more. We all have a purpose. We can change the course of history, and make the world a better place, through courage, team work, and perseverance. We can destroy a whole space station the size of a moon if we wanted to, as long as we believe we can.

It’s interesting that history is repeating itself. We are still in the aftermath of another war, Iraq. Our government's trust is being questioned. There is great civil unrest in our nation, just like the 70s. The rise of terrorism has caused great fear and paranoia in the hearts of many. And just like how movies in the 70s mirrored our paranoia and fears, so do movies these days, such as the films by Christopher Nolan. We all need a story of Good vs Evil. A story to tell us about hope, that life can be so much more. We all need to be transported to a galaxy far, far away.

For some, Star Wars is just a movie. But for most of us, especially those who first saw it as a kid, it's so much more than that. It's a way of life. It reminds us that no matter how hard life can get, how dark things may seem, there is always hope. No matter what religion, race, or background you come from, most of us can identify with the concept that there is good and evil in this world. But no matter how powerful the Dark Side, anger and hate, may seem, love, hope, and friendship, the Light Side, will always prevail.

It's a Force that binds us together.


 

References

Hughes, M. and Kroehler, C. (2013). Sociology: The Core 11th Edition. New

  York: McGraw Hill.

Taylor, C. (2015). How Star Wars Conquered the Universe. New York: Basic Books

Lights... Camera... What?!?!? The Sad Truth About Hollywood's Treatment Towards Women Directors & Producers

         America has been called the “land of opportunity”--opportunity for change and progress. The ideal of America is that everyone has a voice no matter what race, gender, or religious background they have. This ideal has not always been true. Many argue the country favors white males over everyone else (Ortner 530). African Americans were once slaves, those from the LGBTQ communities were not allowed to marry (Hull 629), and women were relegated to the role of housewives, who cooked, cleaned, sewed and took care of the home. Thanks to trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony and Martin Luther King Jr., African Americans, LGBTQ, and women now have bigger roles and more opportunities in America. Our current president, Barrack Obama is African American. In 2015 the Supreme Court declared same sex marriage legal in all fifty states and two women, one from the Republican and one from the Democrat parties are Presidential Candidates. It may appear that America is progressing towards a more inclusive future. One part of America, however, seems to be stuck in the past: Hollywood.

It has been said that Hollywood is the place where dreams come true. It should probably follow up with “… Unless you’re a woman.”

Female roles in Hollywood have been heavily discussed lately (Lang, 14). Actresses getting equal pay as actors, more female-led films that are not about romance, and more female characters that are not 1940’s tropes. Another topic is the number, or lack thereof, woman directors  and producers in Hollywood. A quick review of Fandango’s website would list times for movies currently playing. Most current movies (Fall 2015) are directed by men. Since 2002, male directors have outnumbered female directors by 23:1, and according to a report by the Geena Davis Institute, women directed only 7% of the highest grossing films of 2014. Every year, the number of female directors in Hollywood decreases (Smith 1).

Some might argue that there are not many women who want to be directors. However, around 50% of people who graduate from film school every year are female (Smith 3). So why is it then that over 90% of the directors and producers in Hollywood are male? What happens between the time a woman graduates and when she applies for the job? Lexi Alexander, director of films like Lifted, pointed out that women are not even given the meetings in Hollywood. Women in Hollywood rarely get offered the job to direct blockbusters like The Avengers. When they do get the job, it’s usually for “girl’s” films like Fifty Shades of Grey or Wonder Woman (Smith 3).

The number of women directors winning an Oscar, let alone getting nominated, is even shorter. The Academy Awards, which is said to be the highest honor in the film industry, was started in 1929, and only four women in 86 years have ever been nominated for Best Directing: Lina Wertmuller for Seven Beauties in 1976, Jane Campion for The Piano in 1993, Sofia Coppola for Lost In Translation in 2003, and Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker in 2009. Bigelow was the first, and so far only, female director to have won a Best Directing Oscar. Of course the Oscars’ lack of diversity in their nominees has been no secret, as demonstrated by their refusal to nominate Selma, a Martin Luther King Jr. biopic featuring an all African American cast and was also directed by a woman Ava Duvernay, for Best Director or Best Actor.

While some might argue that the Oscars should not be the final word on the quality of films, as art is subjective, the Oscars are still supposed to honor the best in film of the year. Selma was a powerfully acted, inspiringly directed film that was about an issue that’s still relevant today. The only Awards it was nominated for were Best Original Song and Best Picture. How can a film be nominated for Best Picture, but not be nominated for Best Director? The fact that members of the Academy are overwhelmingly white and overwhelmingly male only makes things more suspicious. It appears that the majority of producers and studio executives in Hollywood are overwhelmingly white and male, and are clearly showing bias against minorities and women. Why is the film industry so unfair in its treatment towards woman directors?

            It might have a lot to do with the fact that many of those producers are prejudice towards woman. “There is a sex fantasy that holds over Hollywood. There are even some men in this game for the sexual perks – and this is serious, I’m dead serious – and if they’re screwing around all the time, and they want to be on a set where they are the king and they can f*ck anything out there, they’re not gonna want women around who are like their mother or their sister or their principal. So they are not going to hire women in any important positions. They are going to hire cute women that are their prey and conquests. Even if it’s just for eye candy, they don’t want someone watching who might say something to their wife or their boss. And that is the truth” (Coolidge, Martha Coolidge: Blaming DGA For Lack of Female Directors Is “Dangerous Side-Path ). It’s common knowledge that the film industry is not always a pretty business. But these revelations make it seem downright disgusting.

            Women deserve more respect in Hollywood. No woman, in any business, should ever be treated as a sex object or as “expendable”. The fact that there is still sexism in any business, let alone the film business, in the 21st century is quite depressing. As America continues to evolve and adapt with the times, Hollywood is still clinging to the outdated, bigoted ideals of the 20s. Will it ever get better? Is there any hope? In this case, hope has two names: Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm.

In 2012, when George Lucas sold his company to Disney, he appointed his longtime friend, Kathleen Kennedy, as the new president. Lucas has made no secret of his disgust towards Hollywood’s hypocrisy and its lack of diversity. The fact that he trusted a smart, intelligent woman to be in charge of his film studio makes him more than a step ahead of the rest of Hollywood. All one has to do is look at Kathleen Kennedy’s producing filmography, which includes blockbusters such as E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and Indiana Jones to know that she is more than capable of being in charge of a major film studio. So far, male directors such J.J. Abrams, Rian Johnson, Collin Terravarrow, Gareth Edwards, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, have been hired bring their visions to the Star Wars Universe. However, Kennedy said recently in an interview with The Guardian that she hopes to hire woman directors for the franchise in the future.  Kennedy even revealed that 6 out of 8 of the people involved with the making of The Force Awakens were female. “Having a balance of men and women in the room changes the story, the dialogue, (and) the point of view.” (Kennedy) Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the first Star Wars movie to be produced under Kennedy, will be released this Christmas, and is set to break records, and will no doubt make Kennedy a powerful “Force” to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Hopefully she will use her powers to influence the rest of Hollywood and set it on the right track to a better future.

            The number of woman directors  and producers in Hollywood, or lack thereof, is a serious issue that needs to be solved. Film is essentially telling a story. Storytelling has been an important part of our culture since the dawn of time. Stories are meant to entertain us, but they can do so much more than that. They can help us to look at our world from a different perspective, and bring light to important issues that need to be discussed. These days, film and television have become a big source of storytelling. It is important to hear stories from all kinds of perspectives. With the state that the film industry is in, recycling old ideas and rebooting old franchises, it seems like it needs fresh perspectives more than ever. The next Stanley Kubrick or Martin Scorsese might be out there right now in the form of a young woman who just graduated film school. How can she be given the chance to prove herself when nobody in Hollywood today will give her that chance? Hopefully this won’t last. If America can learn to change, so can Hollywood. We can only hope.