By [poll id=”7″]
“Star Wars” revolutionized the trilogy archetype and stands the test of time.
By Shane Newell, City Editor
Since modern film emerged nearly 100 years ago, only one film trilogy has been able to define a generation, revolutionize the way films are made and entertain audiences of all ages.
“Star Wars,” the epic and dramatic trilogy starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, is easily the most important film trilogy of all-time. With “A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” the “Star Wars” trilogy filled a niche in film that had long been overlooked.
Like its predecessor and main influence, “Star Trek,” “Star Wars” spoke volumes about humanity and its intrinsic flaws. Themes of lust, greed and evil were explored in the film trilogy and are counter-balanced by themes of love, hope and community.
Although the basic story of “Star Wars” may not be the most original or inventive, its use of innovative set designs, special effects and superb actors is truly unique.
Take the opening scene of “A New Hope” for example, where The audiences sees a rebel ship being chased by a giant Empire Star Destroyer. The profound sense of epic, visionary cinema is present from the very beginning.
“A New Hope,” which is probably the best individual film of the trilogy, has so many special moments. Take Darth Vader’s first appearance on screen. With a strange, odd-shaped helmet and a black wardrobe to match, Vader is easily one of the most sinister looking characters to ever appear on screen.
Once audiences meet Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia, it is almost impossible not to fall in love with them. In some cases, audiences have trouble relating to or understanding certain characters in other films. That is not the case in “Star Wars.”
Part of the mass appeal of “Star Wars” comes from its beloved characters. Han Solo, played by a stunningly smart and handsome Harrison Ford, represents the rebel and non-conformist part of humanity, while Lando Calrissian represents the conflicted parts of humanity.
Vader, however evil he may appear to be, is still human nonetheless. His final moments in “Return of the Jedi” show how a young and promising individual can be derailed by tragedy, lust and greed.
The bottom line is that “Star Wars” does everything right. If broken up into individual films, the trilogy loses much of its greatness.
With “Star Wars,” the series should be considered as a whole. After all, a whole is more than sum of its parts.
“Toy Story” tugs at the heartstrings of millions and unravels sweet nostalgia.
By Joann Row, Opinions Editor
In 1995, “Toy Story” debuted on the silver screen and warmed the hearts of millions. Little did we know that a story about a boy and his toys would open the doors of a 10-year love affair. Andy and his best friend Woody would bring the world into the best trilogy of the millennium.
The first installment of “Toy Story” was the first introduction of a feature-length, computer-animated film and the first film Pixar produced.
During the opening weekend, “Toy Story” swooped into box office and grossed over $29 million, according to boxofficemojo.com. The success in the “Toy Story” franchise only skyrocketed with “Toy Story 2,” reaching over $57.3 million on opening weekend, and “Toy Story 3,” breaking over $110 million.
“Toy Story 3” is the highest grossing animated film to date, despite the trivial “inflation” and the “3-D” price debates.
It’s no surprise that the “Toy Story” franchise has reached such high praise. The accolades are well deserved. The true success in “Toy Story” is how the relatable story reached a world wide demographic, regardless of ethnicity, gender or age.
“Toy Story” hits home with the friendship between us and our childhood toys. The nostalgic value is palpable and no one can disagree with that. This is one of the first relationships we develop during our adolescence outside of our family or caretakers. There can be a debate on how this drove consumeristic behavior, but then again, not all toys are defined under a retail market.
We all reminisce about our first toy, whether it was a Barbie doll, Tonka Truck or even a stray pebble found on the sidewalk.
I remember my first best friend all too well. It was a Raggedy Ann doll that my mother gave me before I could even walk. My doll and baby blanket went with me everywhere. I still feel the love and a slight pang in my heart when I think about them today.
That Raggedy Ann doll got lost in the midst sometime between my transition into preschool and my relocation to a new city.
Raggedy and I are the same as Woody and Andy, showing that Toy Story’s tale translates to all ages and will continue to tug at the heartstrings of every newborn for the rest of time.
Who didn’t cry during “Toy Story 3”? Even if tears didn’t trickle down your cheeks, our hearts sank to the pits of our stomachs when all the toys held hands facing the fire pit of toy death.
“Toy Story” breaks our spirits and rebuilds the missing pieces effortlessly. “Lord of the Rings”, “Star Wars” and “The Godfather” are groundbreaking trilogies but only “Toy Story” raised the ceilings of our hearts, reopening the blinds and allowing in the breeze of childhood innocence.
