Andrew
I'm trying real hard to judge this movie based on the fact that's it's fan-film and had virtually no budget, but it's tough.Impressive special effects, the story is OK i guess, and plenty of cool costumes. But trying to watch this movie amidst the horrible acting and dialogue is definitely a test of patience. If I were making a film like this, I wouldn't be in it - because I know i suck at acting. I would find some friend or family member who at least semi-decent and cast them. I'm sure the fame and fortune would be enough to make up for the non-existent salary ;) But seriously, I appreciate the film for what it is - but I can't give it more than 5/10 stars.....
rick7475
Well, first off I would just like to say that it was a very good effort. I hope they continue and improve. Things look very promising.First, the good.I loved the special effects. Not quite Lucas, but very few professionals ever are! Light saber duels looked convincing enough, though not as fast as in the professional movies.Declan's ship. Nice design. It was a cool looking space vessel, even Lucas should take notes on this one.The city, party scenes, storm troopers, all well done. Some quick clips obviously borrowed from the movies, with the tie fighters and pilots, but the whole layout had the look and feel of a professional movie. The sets, backdrops, and locations all looked professional.The plot, I thought, was also well written. The names nicely thought out. The sophistication was there and the ideas interesting.Very well done.Now the bad.The first thing I noticed was the actors. Now, I am no actor, and I am no Harrison Ford or Ewan Mcgreggor, but the actors and actresses just did not look convincing or anywhere close to professional. Now, don't get me wrong, I know this is an amateur production, but if they spent all that effort with the set designs, CGI, artwork, and realistic light saber duels and ship to ship combat, they should have also perhaps thought about better actors.OK, I know I'll get flamed for this, but the actors were a little pudgy and not as attractive. The first scene cuts to Taryn in her ship. I am sorry, and I apologize to the actress, but she is just not visually stimulating. In fact, she looks so amateur in appearance that I shut off the clip and came back to it later after deciding to give it another chance. The make-up looked amateur, and she was just not .... charismatic. Yeah, I know, they are amateurs. But surely in the Stars Wars fan base there are better looking people and better actors who would jump at the chance for recognition. Of course, if it were just a garage project for fun, I could understand casting friends and neighbors, and I could accept that ... but, then there are those awesome special effects, CGI, space battles, space ships, so to even it out, they really needed attractive and charismatic actors. Maybe I am asking too much, but I thought that was what it lacked. There were extras who certainly looked more attractive.Also, the main actors all looked a little flabby or less muscular than I believe a Jedi would look. I envision Jedi knights, or warriors, to be in a little more shape. Declan's beer gut was bulging, but then again perhaps this was realistic for a space smuggler type, though Harrison Ford was certainly the opposite.The acting, at times was fair, and could pass as a low budget movie, but I have seen better acting in college plays and acting school productions.I don't want to be two harsh, but what I see is a great effort with the look and feel, but a let down with the main characters due to their visibly amateurish abilities.I compare this to Troops and IMPS where I thought the acting was definitely a step up, but then again they all wore armor and helmets! But, with better trained actors, this could turn into something! Looking forward to more from these people.
sdflipper
Impressive!! With you budget, you definitely have the talent...It looked like you spent hundreds of thousands. I really hope G. Lucas recognizes your talents and recruits you all for more Star Wars installments; such as the upcoming TV series. I think there is a lot of story and fun out there between the 3 and 4 movies. For you all that watch "fan films" this one is perfect! Not even comparable to about 10 I have looked-not saying they are awful (ok some were), but yours looks like a true feature-in studio-experienced film. Please do another!!! I would have paid full price for this movie. I did share this with a buddy who is a Star Wars fanatic; even though he said it was unusual to have 2 evil figures looking for the emperor's favor; I thought it was well done-and not unthinkable. Now, I need to figure out how to put it on DVD... Thanks a million, Loyal fans of San Diego. LAJB
