Movies
I have been wondering about movies.
Specifically, how our view of them might change as time goes by.
Let’s take two from a certain era: Star Wars and Rocky.
Star Wars was, as George Lucas has said, was a space western. The good guys were really good and Darth Vader was really evil.
Seeing it in the theater, back when it first came out, was quite an experience. In the 70’s,most films were light on special effects and long on dialogue.
You know the ones. The Godfather. Annie Hall. An Unmarried Woman. Dog Day Afternoon. All wonderful.
You could see where movies were about to go. Bigger effects, splashier colors. What was going to give? The writing. Story.
But at the same time, here comes Rocky.
A small story about one man’s search for love and redemption.
And make no mistake, it was a love story. Remember Rocky taking Adrian skating. Protecting her from Paulie.
The writing was so well done. It was the little movie that could. Before Stallone became Sly.
Sooo, how have they held up?
Well, George Lucas keeps remaking,redoing, even 3D ing, Star Wars. If he isn’t satisfied, who am I to offer a different opinion? It is showing its age.
On the other hand, I think Rocky holds up very well. Every time I watch it, I am sucked right back into that wonderful story.
I am having a hard time trying to think of a current movie that would have the staying power of these two.
Unless Jack and Jill gets re- released in 3D.
Peace.
Bellbottom Blog 
Top Gun… still used as a recruiting tool by the US Navy…
I haven’t watched that one in years. I wonder how it holds up. I can see where it would be a great recruiting tool.
When I think of movies, Rocky isn’t one that’d normally come to mind. But having said that, there was clearly a compelling story and it was partially driven by dialogue.
For me, Star Wars was as much of a cultural phenomenon as it was a good movie. Watching my nieces get into it and my brother’s joy at passing on his Star Wars fascination has been really enjoyable.
My problem is that I can’t watch it without all of those associations I had as a child. I’m simply not an unbiased observer.
As a matter of fact, whether Star Wars is a good movie has never even occurred to me. Curious when I think about it.
Was it successful for the western features? What it borrows from Kurosawa? The love story (stories) and family drama?
Still not sure if it’s a good movie, though.
Passing favorite things along to the next generation is one of the best parts of being a parent.
I love westerns so that might be why I enjoyed it so much back then.