Star Wars: A New Epic

Think Odysseus on his long journey.

Epic. The stories of grand scale, the fall and rise of empires, small flaws felling monarchs, farm boys becoming heroic conquerors, hardened mercenaries gaining honor, and integrity to ideals redeeming the fallen. I love the epic. Star Wars perfectly exemplifies the qualities of story and character that made the mythologies and epics of old, combining them with the visuals of space opera science fiction, and the most advanced practical effects ever conceived. I enjoy all of the Star Wars movies for their sense of scale, the dedication to ideals, and belief in right and wrong. Armies and planets and the ability to influence the universe are the bread and butter of the series. When one important man falls, the entire galaxy pays the price. One woman can change the odds of a rag-tag rebellion from impossible to assured. The fate of all the multitudes of races and creeds of every planet and galaxy changes with the decisions of these actors. One misstep plunges the universe into chaos and agony, one noble sacrifice ensures a better future for everyone.

Although enormous and overarching in scale, individual decisions in Star Wars hinge on the same ideals that made and destroyed the Empire and Rebellion. We feel some great pity and catharsis for those moments where characters decide to hold grudges or skip out early to save friends, or lie because the truth will hurt more than help. The victories of this expressionistic universe don’t come from armies or Death Stars or even the Force, but from individuals learning self-control, nobility, and courage. 

Leia was technically the first Disney Princess to hold a gun!

Without question, the real governor of this universe is an acute belief in right and wrong, something simple and yet so audacious both in the 80s and especially today. Although most believe in relative morals, a moral absolute governs the universe in Star Wars that rewards and punishes absolutely for the great and small moral choices of every character we see. The Jedi fell to pride long before the Emperor’s order. Anakin fell to grudges and lust long before his name was Darth. Leia, Han, and Luke succeed not according to prowess, skills, or luck, but by their dedication and integrity to their ideals. Leia gave her life to ensure the plans escaped, and willingly gave herself to her execution instead of betraying the noble Rebels, and was rescued.

Luke risked his life to save someone he didn’t know and became a trusted hero of the rebellion. Han let go of pride and his survival for the greater good of the universe in the Rebellion. Even if moral absolutism sounds arbitrary and old-fashioned, the way it makes this universe feel captures something of ourselves and our desire for a better tomorrow without the confusion and ambiguity which we all face in this world.

Although unrealistic and hopeful, we are still finding enjoyment both intellectual and emotional from this series. These stories capture something of the classic myths and epics into a unique universe with awesome powers while never letting go of what makes the powers special and specific- the dedication and integrity shown to the most noble ideals. Regardless of missteps in writing, direction, and effects, all six movies string together these beliefs so well it is worth owning all six to view them if not as flawless movies individually, as an unparalleled achievement of making a six part movie epic, of a second birth to mythologies and epics in modern media. We love interconnected and continuing stories and world-building in every form of consumable media under the sun thanks in no small part to the six movies dedicated to the tragedy and redemption of great Jedi and terrible Sith.

Pragmus Omega
(Clyde Northrup)
Chief Editor and Co-Founder

*Edited by Sigma (Corey)

Yes, Star Trek Khaaaaaaaaan!

So... after the cinematic opus Star Trek: the Motion Picture's somewhat lukewarm reception, it seemed as though the Trek was likely to end. The question that was on everyone's mind was: "Could the Star Trek franchise actually turn out a good film?" The answer: "Yes they Khaaaaaaaan!" (That never gets old.)

The point is that regardless of the budget that they had, which wasn't much, they were able to use it so creatively and so expertly that it somehow worked! The Wrath of Khan has been known as arguably the best Star Trek movie that has ever been done. I was highly impressed with the design work and the presentation. With the resources that they had, it could've very easily been some sort of horrid Star Trek 'B movie.' I'm delighted that they didn't go with that idea.

There are multiple themes in this movie that just seem to work such as age, revenge, and coming to terms with one's past. It also introduces such interesting philosophies as "the needs of the may outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."

The dialogue is also brilliantly written and the acting is staged well. There is a sort of motif of Shakespearean high drama that permeates the entire plot. Ricardo Montalban knocks the role of Khan out of the park with his facial expressions and riveting dialogue which resembles something straight out of Moby Dick. This is not just a good Star Trek movie, it's a good movie in general.

There is so much good that this movie does that, whether or not you are a Star Trek fan, you should still want to chase it 'round the moons of Nibia and 'round the Antares Maelstrom and 'round perdition's flames before you give it up! (That's a little intense, but hey, drama right?)

Pragmus Alpha
CEO

Star Trek: the "Slow Motion Picture"

There's a surprising trend in media nowadays. It tends to be that various film industries, for some unknown reason, love being relevant and in touch with the trends that extend into the future of film. Weird right? Yeah, I don't understand it either. Apparently neither did the Star Trek franchise.

Star Wars came out in 1977 and was amazing (can I get an amen?). The effects were brilliant and the pacing moved at a breakneck speed as opposed to the slower speeds moviegoers were used to back then. It was truly a movie that defined a generation of filmmakers.

2001: A Space Odyssey came out in 1968 and was also amazing. However, it wasn't amazing for the same reason. 2001 had great effects, but also moved at a slower pace with much focus put on its groundbreaking effects. Because of the great visual symbolism and the excellent style of the late director Stanley Kubrick, it was seen as a visual experience.

So, in 1979, Star Trek: the Motion Picture came out... It seemed that they wanted to do what 2001: A Space Odyssey did and make Star Trek an experience. Unfortunately, Star Wars had come out by then and people began to expect fast pacing to be more prominent in science fiction. So Star Trek: the Motion Picture kind of missed the boat by about ten years. Oops.

This movie is often called Star Trek: the "Slow" Motion Picture, and I can see why. Pragmus Omega and I were able to have entire conversations between scenes while watching this movie without missing any major plot points. Pretty much all anyone was doing was staring at a screen for far too long. When I watch a movie, I like to stare at a screen where characters do interesting things; I don't want to stare at a screen where characters stare at a screen. I will say, however, that it does make them oddly relatable...

So, to sum it all up, here's Pragmus' evaluation of the film:

• If you cut about 40 minutes off the running time of this film, it wouldn't be too bad. 
• When you do watch the movie, keep the fast forward button handy. 
• The ending is actually quite good and pretty thought-provoking. 
• A few of the longer shots are quite atmospheric and create a good sense of ambiance.  And finally...
• It is a movie worth checking out, but seriously, rent don't buy.

Thanks for tuning in!  Keep an eye out for our review next week, and don't forget to subscribe to our channel and follow the Pragmus blog for our latest news!

Pragmus Alpha

CEO

*Ed. Pragmus Sigma
Blog Admin.