Exploring the Divide: Why Fans Love The Force Awakens and Hate The Last Jedi
The mixed reactions to The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi can be attributed to several factors including expectations, nostalgia, and the handling of characters and themes. This article delves into the reasons why some fans have different perceptions of these two pivotal movies in the Star Wars saga.
Why Some People Dislike The Force Awakens
Nostalgia Over Originality: Many fans felt that The Force Awakens relied too heavily on nostalgia, mirroring plot points and elements from the original trilogy. Critics claimed it lacked originality as it reused familiar themes and story arcs. While the film aimed to connect with the nostalgia of long-time fans, some argued it failed to offer enough new material to keep the series fresh and exciting.
Character Development: Some viewers felt that the new characters like Rey and Finn were underdeveloped. They wanted deeper exploration of their backgrounds and motivations, which they felt was not sufficiently addressed. The newcomers in the sequel felt flat and somewhat generic, lacking the depth and complexity of the original trilogy's characters.
Plot Holes and Simplistic Storytelling: Some fans pointed out perceived plot holes and a simplistic narrative that didn’t fully engage with the complexities of the Star Wars universe. The straightforward storytelling style sometimes felt like a return to the cookie-cutter plots of the prequel films, which many fans criticized for sacrificing depth for spectacle.
Why Some People Dislike The Last Jedi
Subversion of Expectations: The Last Jedi took bold risks in subverting many fan expectations. This included the handling of established characters, particularly Luke Skywalker, which upset fans who had strong attachments to the original trilogy. The departure from the beloved characterizations of the past fanbase made the film a divisive experience for many.
Themes and Tone: The film introduced themes of failure and disillusionment that some fans found jarring or inconsistent with the hopeful tone of previous films. While creative in its narrative structure and thematic exploration, the shift from the starry-eyed optimism of the original trilogy to a more grounded and realistic tone was a hard sell for many long-time fans.
Character Arcs: Some viewers were disappointed with how certain characters were portrayed, feeling that their arcs did not align with their development in earlier films. Specific storylines, such as the controversial ending of Luke Skywalker's arc, sparked heated debates among fans, with some feeling the character was railroaded into a less satisfying resolution than intended.
Polarizing Decisions: Creative choices such as the fate of Supreme Leader Snoke and the handling of Rey's lineage sparked significant debate and division among fans. These decisions, while potentially impactful for the overarching narrative, alienated many who felt the filmmakers neglected to provide enough context or pay homage to earlier lore.
Conclusion
The polarizing reactions to both films stem from differing expectations and emotional investments in the franchise. While The Force Awakens aimed to connect with nostalgia, some felt it fell short of innovation. In contrast, The Last Jedi challenged viewers in ways that divided the fanbase. Despite this, both films have their supporters and detractors, and the debate continues to reflect the diverse perspectives within the Star Wars community.