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Moriarty's Reaction to the Episode One trailer... seen at the WestWood Village!

Cool by Derek Moss	Nov 19th, 1998 02:21:33 AM
Cool... So uhhh... Di you like it...?
The Magic of Myths by abner ravenwood	Nov 19th, 1998 06:40:58 AM
I could blabber on about how my experience when I saw "Empire" was so similar to Moriarity's....I imagine the experience is similar for many of us. I could write about the importance of myth in a society...how it is such an integral part of any culture. And helps people develop a code of conduct. How Joseph Campbell reflected in "The Power of Myth" that the behavior of kids is street gangs is eerily similar to the rights of passage in primitive tribes....in other words, myth is so important to kids that without a strong mythology in the world around them, they will develop their own....for better or worse..... I could write and write and write about the magic of storytelling and how it's just so damn cool to see images from a new Star Wars movie after 15 years.....how I too felt like a kid again. How I too felt inspired. I mean, this is the most anticipated movie in history!!! But right now, all I'm gonna say, is that I can't wait to stand in that line. I mean, this is one case where standing in a line is a beautiful thing. Being in that line is as much a part of the Star Wars movie experience as the opening credit scroll, John Williams' symphonic fanfare and the phrase "May the Force Be With You...." I'll see you guys next May....in line......
Star Wars as myth by David Frazer	Nov 19th, 1998 07:51:49 AM
I agree that Star Wars is a modern mythology -- the present-day equivilent to the Iliad and Odessey in classical Greece and the legends of King Arthur in British culture. But, reading the descriptions of the Episode 1 trailer showings, for some people at least it seems to be even more powerful -- the closest that they can get to a religious experience. Any thoughts on this?
1977 by SirPac	Nov 19th, 1998 09:11:22 AM
I too was seven years old and I too did not want to see what I thought would be "just another dumb love story." (OK, not a creative argument I know, but I was seven.) You see, we were supposed to see "The Rescuers" and nobody got ready on time--To this day that is my #1 annoyance-people who make me late to movies! People who think the trailers aren't as important as the movie itself!--but I digress. I pitched a fit when it was decided we were too late to see the movie and my brother suggested "that new movie Star Wars." I find it funny the name didn't elicit some response from me. I mean Star and Wars? So I sat in my seat and sulked through the previews (which I don't remember) and the opening scroll which was mildly interesting. But when the blockade runner flew over, followed by the massive Star Destroyer, I bolted up in my seat and did not move for the next two hours. I don't think I even blinked. And like millions of geeks around the world, my life was changed forever. I still get chills when I see the opening sequence.
SW 0.5: The Triumph of the Geeks by Kagemusha	Nov 19th, 1998 10:05:52 AM
Hello again, Moriarty. I was at the same showing in Westwood. A friend of mine who's also spied for AICN was at the CityWalk with Harry. I've complimented you before on your (?) horror-ish screenplay. And I was one of the geeks high-fiving other geeks in the lobby. I admire your work. Now, blatant flattery aside, I also think you're right about SW as a "religious experience." Our generation is a cynical one, not easily shocked, inspired or moved. But the wisdom of Yoda (hence Lucas and Kasdan) is as useful to me in my daily life as that of Jesus or Mohammed. I know that will be blasphemy to some, but we take our inspiration whenever and wherever we can find it. "Do or do not" is good advice, no matter whose hand is up the posterior of the individual "speaking" the words. I look forward to seeing so many of you SW geeks in the ticket line for Mann's Chinese in six months, and I wonder how many more of us are in this business because of what happened twenty-one years ago in that galaxy far, far away.
I gotta bad feeling about this... by Admiral Acker Bilk	Nov 19th, 1998 10:10:58 AM
I don't like to sound a sour note in the midst of this fanboy love in (and I certainly don't want a load of abuse for doing so) but some things are troubling me about this trailer. Granted visually it look fantastic (on my computer) and I'll forgive some of the CGI looking fake, That shot where the kid is in his buggy thing and he hits a lever and suddenly it goes twice as fast? Uh what's all that about? it reminded me of Road Runner. Why do people always do that in movies, it's like they're going flat out in a car/motorbike/plane/etc., racing someone, and then they push some lever or press harder on the accelerator and woosh, they're going even faster. Why didn't they do that before! it's like "I'm going as fast as I can, I wonder what happens if I press this lever..." zoooom "oh, I didn't know it would do that" Obviously it's Lucas' movie and he can do what he likes in it... it's just that I can't abide cuteness in movies, it has the same effect on me that microphones dropping into shot do, and like that, there's just no excuse for it. Lucas is after all the man who decided in retrospect that Han should fire second, that Aliens popstars sing funky disco numbers, jawas falling off speeder bikes is funny and that Ewoks are cooler than Wookies! And I'll tell you something ELSE! All this stuff with council meetings of aliens, and the Naboo style being half oriental and half Georgian... I can't help but wonder if Goerge has been watching a bit to much Babylon 5
5/26 by MesnerTrks	Nov 19th, 1998 10:19:54 AM
Just thought I'd say cool for May 26th. Not only is it a cool Birthday, it's the day that I was planning to go see Episode 1(Happy Birthday to me) but I laughed when I read it here. Just thought I'd share.
by fordfairlane2	Nov 19th, 1998 11:53:53 AM
Admiral Acker Bilk - yeah you really prove an extremely valid point, one that seems to be the most important for the starwars universe so far. Sigh, when will you hardcore geeks grow up?, and I wonder why those formula 1 racers don't always go in a couple 100 mph when the road turns or why everyone don't use their BMW's turbo gears when driving on a narrow, curvy countryroad. Come on, if you have something to complain about make it valid. I've only seen the web version of the StarWars trailer, but it seems incredible. The scene with all the creatures running in the wood, for example looks fantastic. Remember that Lucas himself has said that some things will work and some things won't. ILM is all about experimenting, to take effects to new levels. A lifelooking CGI MAINcharacter is a pretty bold step, I would say. And if it works it's incredible. And remember this film is PACKED with effects, and I think some won't be as good as others, of course. By the way, are those the final effects shots or will they be finetuned til May? The great thing with the effectsheavy starwars films is that unlike for example Jurassic Park, the films doesn't have major effectsscenes as climaxes, but as a part of the story! There aren't a lot of "quiet" scenes building up to an incredible CGI scene, but instead they are all partaking all the time, in the background aso, to create the vision of a galaxy far, far away that Lucas wants us to see. I must say that I love the hyoe for this film, and although I can't imagine it topping Titanic at the boxoffice, I sure hope it ranks in a respectable second at 400-500 million. And as stated on another talkback post, if someone posts a bootleg web mpeg of the film come May 21, he/she must be the stupidest person on earth, and claiming to be a StarWars fan and do such a thing (ruining the experience for both the fans as well as Lucas) would be a sacrilege!
Juices pumped by jeff	Nov 19th, 1998 12:18:29 PM
I can't wait to see this, a sequel to Return of the Jedi! After 15 years, I can't wait to see what happens to Luke and company! It must have been hard for Harrison Ford to play Han Solo again with his tight schedule, but I can't believe Mark or Carrie would find trouble, from shuttling from his Joker voice-over gig and shuttling from rehab, respectively. Wait until May 21, 1999, when Star Wars IV hits! Too bad Yoda and Darth Vader are dead...I wonder if they're gonna use that new Grand Admiral Thrawn villain I heard about! We'll wait until May of next year to see what Luke, Chewy, Han, and Leia are up to now!
Assorted Trailer Thoughts by bigmitch	Nov 19th, 1998 12:32:54 PM
1) I still don't see what the big deal is with Yoda. I thought he was just fine. He looked like Yoda always has, just younger. End of story. People, quit whining! If someone walked up to you on the street and handed you a million dollars in cash, would you give it back because one of the bills was torn? [Answer for stupid people: "No."] 2) I have to agree completely with Moriarty that the analytical part of my brain shut down while watching this trailer. I was the only one of my friends to see it (and then I sat through The Waterboy... shudder), but they all wanted to know how it was. "Awesome!" I would exclaim. "Incredible!" "So what happens in it?" My friends would wonder. And I would draw a blank. Frankly, I cannot recall for the life of me any specifics about the trailer, other than how it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I remember Samuel L. Jackson talking about the balance of the force, I remember certain faces, certain images, certain sounds, but I cannot tell anyone else about this. I think it's a sign of how much of an experience this film will be. 3) With all the hype about the Episode One trailer, I'd like to just take a second to recognize the recent release of the trailer for The Thin Red Line. Granted, this film will not be any sort of phenomenon like Episode One will be, but it promises to be an extraordinary work -- and it comes out much sooner than Star Wars. After all, what kind of movie geeks would we be if we weren't excited about Terrence Malik's return to film?
YODA's got BUG EYES by Anonymous	Nov 19th, 1998 12:39:49 PM
HA HA VERY FUNNY...here's the thing and I think Mr. showbiz was right what the hell's up with Yoda's eyes...he looks like Greg Kinnear...too weird...other than that the trailer was AWESOME...we were at the same showing...i was with the guy who left the theatre in the beginning of the siege screaming for joy...by the way, that guy got a jaywalking ticket...the siege was awful left after the bus blew up to grab beers and catch the trailer again. OUR DAY IS AT HAND...by the way was that a JAWA kickin' some JEDI ass? go OBI WAN!
Westwood Village 7:20 by Julilla	Nov 19th, 1998 12:51:22 PM
Moriarty...you must have seen the trailer before that showing, because you understood it. I went to the 7:20 and let me tell ya, I'm kind of pissed! First off, I couldn't hear jack of the trailer, because all the damned geeks were screaming. I love SW just as much as anyone else, but gods, couldn't you all just be quiet so those of us who hadn't seen it yet that day could enjoy it? I swear, all I heard was Liam yelling 'Anakin!' and Yoda talking something about the dark side...I think. I'm not really sure, there was far too much screaming and hooting. The second viewing I caught a few more words, but not much. Of course it was visually stunning, of course I was excited out of my mind with gut gripping hysteria...but you know what? I can refrain from screaming my damn fool head off because I have manners! Please please please, geeks, listen to me! We will have the opportunity to see this trailer again this weekend, and I beg you, beg you in the name of The Force to please refrain from screaming so everyone else can have the incredible pleasure of seeing and hearing this trailer. Control yourselves a little...you'd all make horrible Jedi with all that spasticity going on. Let this trailer have the awesome dignity it deserves! Sheesh.
It made me feel young again! by KentuckyNovelist	Nov 19th, 1998 01:45:33 PM
Unfortunately, I've not been able to catch the prequel trailer in a theater, yet, but will soon. I have however downloaded and watched (repeatedly) one downloaded from the Internet (thank God for the bootleggers). Despite the fact that it's obviously something better viewed in the darkness of a crowded movie theater, it was a great experience to see and hear what the soon-to-be famous Scorpio recorded with his Sony handicam. He has performed a service that is what the Internet should truly be about, bringing the world together as a community. That's obvious after reading dozens of post from all over the world. When the first Star Wars movie came out way back in 1977, I was a little over a month from being old enough to get my driver's license. At that time, all I thought about was the freedom that having that little plastic laminated vehicular permit was going to give me. Then some friends of mine told me about a book called "Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker." They said it was great and was going to be released as a movie; something as big as "Jaws." Well, when I went and saw it, and was amazed to stand in line for nearly an hour, I realized that the association with "Jaws" was an understatement. As I watched the movie, I realized that it didn't matter about having driver's licenses, or cars, or how many girls I thought I was going to get to go out with (which in reality I never did). The story unfolded and caused a fire to become ignited inside myself; a flame that burned when I first started to read years earlier as I discovered the escapism of comic books and old pulp novel reprints such as "Doc Savage" and "The Shadow." Those influences as well as the late Bob Kane's wonderful creation, "The Batman," fueled my imagination and gave birth to my dream which I've pursued off and on for most of my life, the dream of writing. Now, as I experience a mildly successful time as the author of a sci-fi, adventure novel entitled "Wings of the Valiant," I remind myself that it was the genius of a man named George Lucas who set me on my own life's quest. Thank you, George, for creating the greatest adventure epic in cinematic history.
AMEN by Bellboy	Nov 19th, 1998 04:13:18 PM
need i say more
re. Jeff by Ratfink	Nov 19th, 1998 05:36:31 PM
ummm Jeff, have you been living in a cave the last couple of monthes or have you not been paying attention...this new star wars happens BEFORE Jedi, before Empire and before Star Wars:A New Hope...in fact Phantom takes place appoximently 40 years BEFORE those movies...Yoda's in it...a Young Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi and Darth Varder BEFORE he was Darth Varder when he was Anakin Skywalker...you probably wn't see a Luke or Leia or Han in this movie...sorry to burst your bubble man... Moriarty-awesome article...another well written and heart felt piece
TO MATT OLSSON by George Lucas	Nov 19th, 1998 07:10:36 PM
MATT- I will bet you that EPISODE 1- rakes in more than 1 Billion domestically. How can you possibly say that Episode I won't make more money than "slow as molassas" Titanic? Did you see people shelling out 8 dollars to see the Titanic trailer? As for the rest of the message- you hit it right on the nose- I get so tired of SW fanatics bitching.
Genius by 90402	Nov 19th, 1998 10:46:59 PM
Once again, Moriarty, you've succeeded in your brilliance of capturing the essence of the feeling of the trailer. Everything you write about that you felt, we all did. Unfortunately, few of us are as creative as you in expressing it so perfectly.
valid points by Admiral Acker Bilk	Nov 19th, 1998 11:24:45 PM
hmm, humour levels seem to be running a bit low in this area, "doctor - gasp quick, my irony pills! choke!"
Star Wars: TPM by markh	Nov 20th, 1998 04:40:27 AM
AArgh, it makes me want to scream, not only am I having problems getting the trailer downloaded ( anyone know where I can do so ) but living in Ireland, I have to wait probably till around Christmas for the trailer to be shown on the big screen, and then, have to wait until June '99 for the movie Release. This is all too much for me. Sorry Had to get that off my chest
TRAILERS AVAILABLE HERE by the*artist	Nov 20th, 1998 05:44:52 AM
Since some of you are having trouble with the larger sites...I don't think it is fair that you can't see this awesome trailer. So feel free to snag them off of my site at: http://www.rsad.edu/~bstearn/ Enjoy - they are awesome!
jansport back pack by Shannon	Nov 20th, 1998 06:44:53 AM
Was I the only one who noticed that Anakin seemed to be sporting a rather anachronistic jansport backpack, complete with the loop at the top? Or was that just my imagination?
how perfect by mmc23	Nov 20th, 1998 07:00:38 AM
I saw the trailer on Entertainment Tonight last night-- it was a quasi-religious experience. All alone in my house with my cat, stereo TV cranked up, neighbors banging on the wall, me on couch practically drooling, and choked up. The moment when Anakin meets Obi-Wan is just undescribable. (Crafty of Lucas to wait until the original group of toddlers dragged to Star Wars by their parents, and so indoctrinated at the age of 2, is just old enough to buy lots of toys for a crop of new fans.) This isn't a time for cynicism, though, but a time for joy. So what if Yoda looked a little goofy. We're in for quite a ride. As others have said, see you in line in May!
My EXPERIMENT WORKED!! by jeff	Nov 20th, 1998 07:29:51 AM
Well, April Fools Day comes TWICE a year, I guess. My posting about "not knowing that it was a prequel" and not a sequel just goes to show just how far Star Wars fans will go to defend their movie. I, a Star Wars fan myself who knows about Darth Maul, Jar Jar Binks, and Senator Palpatine, can snicker like the devil and those who take things too seriously. I love a good joke once in a whie, don't you?
DwD: Feeling The Buzz by DwDunphy	Nov 20th, 1998 08:13:42 AM
I had been worried that Episode One would be too "new" for me, that George had been overseeing his kingdom so long that his storytelling skills had somehow lessened. Post-trailer (yeah I downloaded it, but that didn't do it for me like the ET/ Access Hollywood previews did) fears are allayed and most is right with the world. The name fits now, the big-names blend. About my only two trepidations would be that I don't quite see the comedy... In each SW, the comic relief was as important as all the other elements, be it Han Solo's hot doggin', C3po's kvetching or the Ewoks gettin' down. I know it's in there somewhere, but that sort of stuck out in my mind. My second problem was the CGI robot army in Braveheart standoff formation. It just seemed too CGI to me and I hope it was temp footage... All in all, however, I truly am feeling the buzz again... that tingle that geeks in retirement get when cool comes near and breathes down his neck. The lack of female companionship doesn't matter at the moment. We're kids again, awaiting our stroll in the big weird world. Will Phantom Menace beat Titanic at the box office. NO, IT WON'T. We all know that Titanic was amazing, but it's success is due to HGS (horny girl syndrome). The preteen and teen female gender-type went head over for Leo and showed their love with monster repeat business. They, uh... wanted to put their hands on him. SW may not have that. It deserves to reign, but the teenyboppers have spoken. DwD.http://members.tripod.com/ ~MrBuz/the_dunphy_essays.html
A Star Wars fan writes. . . . by Brodie	Nov 20th, 1998 09:18:46 AM
Okay, everyone, take a deep breath . . . . IT IS JUST A FUCKING TRAILER! Jesus.
Star Wars: The Only Reality by Andy	Nov 20th, 1998 11:34:08 AM
I want to say thanks to Moriarty for his summing up of the feelings of Star Wars geeks across the world, or at least this one. Star Wars is something that strikes the inner child in all of us. For me it was my first introduction of a chance to escape the reality of this world and enter into the reality of others. The unforgettable feelings of bewilderment and inner joy when you realize for the first time that Darth Vader is indeed Luke's Father. The unforgettable last scene in Empire Strikes back. (To me anyways) Or just even the idea a long time ago in a galaxy far far away. Thank you George for sharing your idea and giving me sooo much hapiness. 13 years of my life's waiting to see the new prequel is almost at hand. Thank you George!!! P.S. Keep up the good work AICN!! Loyal fan for two years!!!!!!
spare me the hype by Omega2120	Nov 20th, 1998 06:20:51 PM
Excuse me for not kneeling at the throne of the Lucas/Star Wars legacy, but if you've seen the trailer for the new episode does anyone think it follows the same Lucas pattern of bad acting, boring pretentious comic-book rip-off plots, and yes, "special effects" because they STILL look special--like excellent EFFECTS and not part of his supposed imaginary world? Maybe it's just me, but it is soooo tiresome. And all this hype will only perpetuate the Hollywood and Joseph Campbell myth (pun intended) that stories based on ancient myths are interesting. They're not. It's not the myth, but the method in which the myth is told. All the formulas and money in the world can't buy a genuine emotion.
Admiral Acker Bilk by Foster Zygote	Nov 21st, 1998 03:17:40 PM
As a fan of Formula One racing let me describe a brief scene for you: An 800hp 1700lb car going 220mph suddenly slows to 50mph in only 3 second (that's about 4.5 gees!)in order to take the tight "busstop" chicane at the Spa track. On exiting the busstop the driver gets back on the throttle for the next straight and is passing 150mph in a matter of seconds. Thus I believe your objection to the pod race scene in the trailer to be unfounded. Racing does not involve going at max speed at every moment only max speed for the conditions. Even with its 4 gee cornering ability that F1 car can't take the busstop at 220mph. As a knowledgable motorsports fan George Lucas is well aware of this.
Beaten to the punch by Foster Zygote	Nov 21st, 1998 03:28:42 PM
Well , having posted the above right after reading Adiral Bilk's post I go back to see that someone else has beaten me to he punch and pointed out about the same thing that I have. But haven't all film enthusiasts had that one friend who shows how sophisticated he is by not liking anything.
Hey, I loved the trailer, it's just... by Admiral Acker Bilk	Nov 22nd, 1998 04:48:16 AM
...didn't that _one_ shot look kinda "Wacky Races" to you.
my god... by michael	Nov 22nd, 1998 01:01:06 PM
Do you actually listen to yourself? this is the saddest thing i have ever witnessed in my life! i was 10 years old in 1977 when i saw Star Wars with my parents. It remains to this day one of the fondest memories i have. not because Star Wars is so great, but because it was time spent with my family. As i discovered 20 years later, the Star Wars films are mediocre at best when it comes to the dialog, and as we have seen, contains only one truly great actor, who's career didn't peak with Return of the Jedi. Unfortuntely, the same cannot be said for you and your fellow losers, who's lives will have peaked at opening night for the new movies. after that, i can only assume you will be able to die in peace, leaving the rest of us who joined reality many years ago. IT JUST A MOVIE! GET A FUCKING LIFE!
Star Wars Trailer by Uncle Bill	Nov 22nd, 1998 08:05:53 PM
1) This really is your uncle Bill 2) I had much the same reaction at age 40 that you did at age 6. But I didn't decide to create scripts; my writing is in other areas. Nevertheless, I'll read you on line when I get the chance. This was a good piece. Affectionately, Uncle Bill
And years later, I breathe a new life into this thread. by SalvatoreGravano	Apr 28th, 2004 05:18:06 PM
Rise, my thread.
Water my ass... by CatoTheCensor	May 12th, 2005 02:11:02 AM
haha, after all that, the movie sucked.
Her and all those brownies she keeps baking. by Wolfpack	Jun 17th, 2006 09:46:25 AM

brownies are tasty by just pillow talk	May 13th, 2008 08:35:01 AM

"Mom... Dad... who did that?" by kiddae	Aug 15th, 2008 06:53:39 AM
Ha ha ha, that's so made up.
It's almost been ten years...WOW... by mvckalel	Aug 15th, 2008 01:05:32 PM
Long time ago since you wrote this...and the way you felt about SW, I felt the same...it overpowers your mind...it blows your mind...it's just epical...
Indeed by HyphenatedWords	Aug 15th, 2008 02:04:16 PM
Thanks for sharing this with us again. I've been thinking a lot about this time period. Do you remember what it felt like when Stargate was released in 1994, just a few years before this? It was like, "Oh my god, there's a whiff of sci fi in the air!" Then this teaser hit, and for a few blissful months we were in paradise before the fall. I got EVERYONE around me stoked about this... the fan friends, the friends who used to be fans but had buried it, and even people who never thought about Star Wars. I was pumped up so much that it infected everyone. Then I felt like a heel.
The best talkback comment? by ByTor	Aug 15th, 2008 03:12:08 PM
The one worried about whether there would be humor in the film. Hah!
This takes me back... by jrbarker	Aug 15th, 2008 03:14:03 PM
To think of everything that has happened in the last 10 years when this was written. And Drew seemed so naive back then.
So.. there's an AICN archive by Aeghast	Aug 15th, 2008 09:07:59 PM
..Why not make it fully accessible..?

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Moriarty's Reaction to the Episode One trailer... seen at the WestWood Village!

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