A Review Of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Struggles with writing

I must admit something to everyone --- I have been attempting to write a screenplay for quite some time now.

The idea came to me while I was recollecting my film reviews and thinking about how most film critics haven't had a produced screenplay or actively participated in the filmmaking process (the notable exception to this is Roger Ebert and his script for Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. My educational background is in engineering, but one of my passions since high school was watching movies and films and becoming an amateur critic and cinephile. I love seeing the disparate genres and techniques, the history of American and international cinema informing and influencing specific artists and works, and evolving my idea of what makes a film or movie "good" or "bad."

However, I believed that my critiques would be limited in quality and understanding if I didn't at least attempt to participate in some part of the filmmaking process. In the film adaptation of High Fidelity, Rob Gordon, purveyor of "high pop culture," decides to try his hand at the music business by helping some local skater punks put out a record they recorded and he liked. As Laura, his girlfriend, highlights, he is now a part of the culture that he and his friends have observed and critiqued from a bird's eye view. With High Fidelity being one of my favorite films and with wanting to hone my critical eye, I was partly inspired by that plot development to participate in the filmmaking process by writing a draft script.

However, there have been several issues that have popped up throughout the process. The first and most important issue is that I haven't written fiction since junior high for assignments. I haven't lost my sense of imagination --- I've had several ideas for stories appear in my thoughts, and I can come up with a couple of big scenes that I feel would make a major impact. The problem is that I can't fill in the blanks when it comes to those thoughts. Since the beginning of college, I have been a glorified essayist as an amateur critic. Nonfiction has been my writing field. Writing critiques and essays come more naturally to me because the audience is me. The thoughts are mine. Everything said is what I want to say.

This informs of my second major issue --- Who is my audience?

Writing critiques and essays does require understanding of who the author wants to read his/her work, but the tailoring process, at least to me, is easier with these works because the end result is still clearly in the author's control. Compromises are made in the flow and diction, but the thoughts are pure.

When I write critiques or essays, my idea of the audience is people who want to read the "hows" and "whys" or for people who want to learn to read the "hows" and "whys." My critiques are never "cut-to-the-chase" works. I want to lay out what I thought was good and bad and then show why the structure is strengthened or weakened due to those proficiencies and deficiencies. Ideally, I want the "cut-to-the-chase" readers to read my critiques and become more inquisitive about the idea of "good" and "bad." Understandably, this is a flawed hope due to my writing approach being static and wanting more people to become elastic when it usually takes the approach to become more elastic to get the static readers. I still hold to my ideals, though, and it is why I see writing critiques and essays as a less compromising form.

My attempt at writing fiction stalls because my definition of the audience has now increased in size. I don't want to write a script that only caters to me (i.e. Michael Scott from The Office and his script for Threat Level Midnight). I want to write something that will keep someone's interest yet be authentic with the characters and their motivations. It's easy to write characters with my voice and thoughts, but I obviously can't make every character that way. It worked for Kevin Smith for a decade, but then it stopped working for Kevin Smith (one can only write so many permutations of Clerks before the idea loses traction). Once I think about the audience, I start to lose grasp of the idea, gaps begin to enlarge, and it all iterates until I have hit the point of overthinking.

My final major issue, and one that is specific to screenwriting, is this --- how the hell do I write something that is interesting for at least 90 minutes?

This issue is due to how the logical part of my mind works. I look at my ideas and develop a very basic plot. While looking at the plot, I fill in the blanks and realize that the plot could be completed in 15 to 30 minutes (if one thinks this is how writing for a television show works, that's only part of the battle --- a American season is at least 13 episodes, and coming up with a good story arc for several episodes is no easy task, so good luck coming up with the other 12+ episodes). Then I start thinking of subplots, but they start to appear arbitrary to the general plot, and the whole structure collapses in my head. The unwritten rule for a feature film is at least 90 minutes. If I can't come up with something that will hold for a third of that, then how will I be able to develop something for more?

I haven't even gotten to the actual writing part and have seen how difficult the process is. I have a deep respect for those who can write fiction in any medium. It takes a great deal of effort and focus just to get through the initial steps. Maybe I should focus on developing a short-film idea, maybe I'll never finish that screenplay or am not meant for fiction, or maybe the mental breakthrough will happen some ways down the road.

The goal of writing a screenplay is currently out of reach. It's frustrating as hell, but maybe I'll learn something from this journey to expand my horizons.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Review

    The hype and anticipation of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace gave way soon after May 19, 1999 to frustration and disappointment.  What could have been the revitalization of a dormant series instead was a cumbersome movie mired in boring politics, forced performances, ruined mythology, and distant action - a far cry from what Star Wars is.  The main question from the fanbase now was "Is the worst over?  Does it get better from here?"     On May 16, 2002, George Lucas provided a response for the fans with the release of Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones: "Yes.  No.  Maybe?"     Set ten years after the the events of Episode I, Episode II begins with an attack on Padme Amidala, now a Senator representing Naboo in the Galactic Republic Senate.  This attack results in the Jedi Council calling on Obi-Wan Kenobi, now a Jedi Knight, and his padawan Anakin Skywalker to act as her temporary bodyguards while they find out who was behind the attack.  A pursuit of the assassin eventually leads Obi-Wan to the planet Kamino, a planet that has been contracted to create a clone army for the Republic to fight the Trade Federation, now in alliance with fallen Jedi Master Count Dooku.  The pursuit also forces Padme to flee to Naboo with Anakin as her bodyguard.  Their time together brings about feelings between the two and leads Anakin to reunite with is mother on Tatooine.  Everything comes to a head on the planet Geonosis, with Padme, Anakin, and Obi-Wan captured and the new clone army and the Trade Federation clashing in the first major battle of the Clone Wars.     Like Episode I paralleling the original Star Wars, Episode II parallels The Empire Strikes Back - The heroes are split apart, two of the heroes develop feelings, one of the heroes goes on a discovery quest, the central character gets tempted by the Dark Side of the Force and loses an arm, and the ending, one with significant complications, sets up the pieces for the next film.  However, like Episode I, the results are by-the-numbers instead of inspired.     All of the actors struggle to make the material work again, but unlike the last film, there are improvements.  The highlight of the actors is Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi.  His emulation of Sir Alec Guinness is impressive, making the only earned connection of this film to the original trilogy.  Samuel L. Jackson plays Samuel L. Jackson, but he adds some fun to the film's second half that the first film lacked.  Newcomer Christopher Lee has more menace and stature as Count Dooku than Darth Maul had all of Episode I, making him at least a more thrilling villain.     However, Natalie Portman and newcomer Hayden Christensen have no chemistry together as Padme and Anakin, making every scene they have together an endurance test.  Portman can do fragile and tender, but her line reading lacks passion.  Christensen comes off whiny and helpless, never inhabiting Anakin the way the audience would have imagined.  He is outclassed by everyone else in the film.     The music by John Williams is more uninspired this time around.  It may well represent his worst work in a Star Wars film - the love theme is a partial rip-off of his work on Hook, and other than random revivals of previous pieces, there are no memorable themes or motifs like in the other films.  The cinematography by David Tattersall is just as faceless as before.  The visual effects are an improvement over Episode I, but the universe looks too clean and crisp to feel real, especially the overly sterile and artificial representation of the clone planet of Kamino.     Again, though, these aren't the main problems.  George Lucas makes the same mistakes he made in the previous film as screenwriter and director.      The introduction to the film tries to provide excitement with the assassination attempt, but all of it plays too obvious and poorly sets up the instability in the galaxy.  Worse, it yields to more of the political discourse that sunk Episode I before it got started.  Once the heroes arrive, it becomes obvious how the trajectory of the film will go.  Instead of anticipating where the film will go next, the audience only anticipates when the film will end.     The love story is forced and inert, becoming unintentionally funny in its moments of awfulness.  The audience knows Anakin and Padme will fall in love because there is no other significant female character with whom Anakin is emotionally close.  The worst scene of the film, and arguably the worst scene in the film series, features the two of them fighting with their "developing" feelings for each other near a fireplace.  It's as if Lucas wanted to emphasize how they had a fiery passion for each other that they couldn't control but couldn't get the actors to do it themselves.  This scene and this plot thread is just a representation of an ongoing problem with the prequels - the characters are there to serve the plot, not the other way around.     The protracted third act on Geonosis is awkwardly structured.  It begins with a somewhat inspired survival fight within a coliseum - a way to one-up the podrace sequence from Episode I, though unsuccessfully.  It becomes a visual spectacular once the Jedi arrive and become warriors.  Once Yoda and the clones arrive, though, the fun vanishes and the boredome commences.  The majority of this portion are clones fighting robots - beings with which the audience has no emotional connection. This is the closest Lucas comes to being Michael Bay as he indulges in the visuals without once pondering what it all means.     However, the saving grace of the third act is the lightsaber duel toward the end of this sequence.  Although it is as stylized, choreographed, and overdone as the duel from Episode I - the red and blue lighting and Anakin losing his arm especially - the focus is solely on the duelists and nothing else.  We care about the duelists.  We want to see what happens next.  The reward for this anticipation - the introduction of Yoda the master fighter.  It's the most thrilling sequence of the film, full of visual splendor.  However, in the grand scheme of the series, it's a double-edged sword - it may be exciting, but instead of the simple pleasure of an old Muppet walking around with a cane waxing poetic about the Force, it takes every ounce of visual effects and acrobatics to create the excitement.     This is indicative of the prequels in general.  Instead of  taking, in the words of Han Solo, "simple tricks and nonsense," George Lucas thinks it will take the the most complex sequences to make the film thrilling.  Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones is two steps forward, two steps back for the series - it's more genuinely exciting, but more emotionally distant. Blu-Ray Observations Compared to Episode I, the Blu-Ray presentation is a significant improvement.  The visuals are sharp, but there is a softness to the image that can't be avoided.  Part of the problem is that this was the first major film shot and released completely digitally.  The technology was still in the early stages, and the Blu-Ray shows it clearly.  The contrast is a bit off as well, especially in the scenes in Kamino.  The audio is as excellent as all of the other discs, especially the reference quality of the seismic charges.  Overall, the presentation of Episode II is good but not great. Movie Rating: 5/10 Exposition dominates the proceedings, and the effects are still too sterile.  However, the surprising focus during the duel yields to the most exciting scene in the film. Film Rating: 2/10 All of the previous issues are still prevalent, and the love story is additionally terrible due to the lack of chemistry between two leads involved in that story.  Star Wars Film Rating: 4/10 It tries and fails gloriously to parallel The Empire Strikes Back, but Ewan McGregor's emulation of Sir Alec Guiness and the lightsaber duel in the third act are highlights of what otherwise is another frustrating installment in the series. Blu-Ray Rating: 7/10 Much better than Episode I but the flaws of 2002 digital film transferring are apparent.  The audio is fantastic, especially the seismic charges.

My Workout For Thursday January 09

I earned 711 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Dumbbell Bench Press +196 pts

25 lb x 12 reps (+46 pts)

30 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

35 lb x 12 reps (+52 pts)

40 lb x 6 reps (+49 pts)

Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row +163 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+40 pts)

20 lb x 12 reps (+41 pts)

25 lb x 10 reps (+41 pts)

25 lb x 10 reps (+41 pts)

Standing Dumbbell Upright Row +103 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 10 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 10 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 8 reps (+25 pts)

Dumbbell Bicep Curl +102 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 10 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 8 reps (+25 pts)

20 lb x 7 reps (+25 pts)

Dumbbell Shrug +71 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+17 pts)

20 lb x 12 reps (+18 pts)

25 lb x 10 reps (+18 pts)

25 lb x 10 reps (+18 pts)

Reverse Crunch +52 pts

10 reps (+13 pts)

10 reps (+13 pts)

10 reps (+13 pts)

10 reps (+13 pts)

Cycling (stationary) +14 pts

0:05:30 || 1.0 mi || 5 % (+14 pts)

Dips - Triceps Version +8 pts

12 reps || assisted || 145 lb (+2 pts)

8 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

6 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

4 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

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This is how "Numb" was during the Achtung Baby sessions.  An industrial rock hymn.  While the song it would eventually become is a staggering success, "Down All The Days" shows how many directions U2 were willing to go with their core.  And a beautiful approach this song would have been.

My Workout For Saturday January 04

I earned 173 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Running (treadmill) +88 pts

0:20:00 || 1.4 mi || 1 % (+88 pts)

Chin-Up +2 pts

6 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

Reverse Crunch +44 pts

13 reps (+16 pts)

11 reps (+14 pts)

11 reps (+14 pts)

Plank +17 pts

30 sec (+10 pts)

20 sec (+7 pts)

Side Plank Lifts +20 pts

5 reps (+10 pts)

5 reps (+10 pts)

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

Think you can beat me, or want to comment?

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When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. But it’s true pretty much all the time. (via politicalprof)

My Workout For Sunday January 05

I earned 706 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Running (treadmill) +88 pts

0:20:00 || 1.5 mi || 1 % (+88 pts)

Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row +83 pts

20 lb x 12 reps (+41 pts)

25 lb x 12 reps (+42 pts)

Bent Over Barbell Row +49 pts

55 lb x 10 reps (+25 pts)

55 lb x 8 reps (+24 pts)

Barbell Squat +177 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+43 pts)

55 lb x 12 reps (+46 pts)

55 lb x 10 reps (+45 pts)

55 lb x 8 reps (+43 pts)

Dumbbell Bench Press +195 pts

25 lb x 12 reps (+46 pts)

35 lb x 10 reps (+51 pts)

35 lb x 8 reps (+49 pts)

35 lb x 8 reps (+49 pts)

Upright Barbell Row +43 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+21 pts)

55 lb x 10 reps (+22 pts)

Romanian Deadlift +69 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+34 pts)

55 lb x 10 reps (+35 pts)

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

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My Workout For Thursday January 16

I earned 723 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row +86 pts

25 lb x 12 reps (+42 pts)

30 lb x 12 reps (+44 pts)

Side Plank +17 pts

25 sec (+17 pts)

Dumbbell Bicep Curl +104 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 12 reps (+27 pts)

20 lb x 10 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 8 reps (+25 pts)

Plank +7 pts

20 sec (+7 pts)

Reverse Crunch +68 pts

15 reps (+19 pts)

15 reps (+19 pts)

12 reps (+15 pts)

12 reps (+15 pts)

Dumbbell Shrug +73 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+17 pts)

20 lb x 12 reps (+18 pts)

25 lb x 12 reps (+19 pts)

30 lb x 10 reps (+19 pts)

Upright Barbell Row +93 pts

55 lb x 12 reps (+23 pts)

65 lb x 10 reps (+24 pts)

65 lb x 8 reps (+23 pts)

65 lb x 8 reps (+23 pts)

Cycling (stationary) +19 pts

0:05:00 || 1.1 mi (+19 pts)

Stiff-Legged Barbell Deadlift +190 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+43 pts)

55 lb x 12 reps (+46 pts)

65 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

75 lb x 10 reps (+52 pts)

Bent Over Barbell Row +56 pts

65 lb x 12 reps (+28 pts)

75 lb x 8 reps (+28 pts)

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

Pull-Up +8 pts

12 reps || assisted || 145 lb (+2 pts)

6 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

4 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

6 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

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The endeavor continues...

As of last night, I've begun writing my critique of Star Wars. It'll be some time before it's ready, but be prepared for amazing news...

My Workout For Wednesday February 05

I earned 1157 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Dips - Triceps Version +18 pts

3 reps (+10 pts)

12 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

8 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

5 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

3 reps || assisted || 100 lb (+2 pts)

Standing Barbell Shoulder Press (OHP) +255 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+59 pts)

55 lb x 12 reps (+64 pts)

65 lb x 10 reps (+66 pts)

65 lb x 10 reps (+66 pts)

Barbell Squat +224 pts

65 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

85 lb x 12 reps (+57 pts)

95 lb x 10 reps (+59 pts)

95 lb x 10 reps (+59 pts)

Barbell Incline Bench Press +197 pts

55 lb x 12 reps (+47 pts)

75 lb x 8 reps (+51 pts)

75 lb x 8 reps (+51 pts)

75 lb x 6 reps (+48 pts)

Barbell Deadlift +211 pts

65 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

85 lb x 9 reps (+54 pts)

85 lb x 9 reps (+54 pts)

85 lb x 9 reps (+54 pts)

Dumbbell Bench Press +231 pts

25 lb x 12 reps (+46 pts)

30 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

40 lb x 8 reps (+53 pts)

40 lb x 5 reps (+46 pts)

40 lb x 3 reps (+37 pts)

Don't know why the bench press is beating me lately. Just need to keep at it...

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

Standing Calf Raises +19 pts

12 reps || weighted || 85 lb (+5 pts)

12 reps || weighted || 95 lb (+5 pts)

12 reps || weighted || 105 lb (+5 pts)

10 reps || weighted || 115 lb (+4 pts)

Think you can beat me, or want to comment?

Fitocracy is the social fitness community that has helped hundreds of thousands level up their fitness. Start your fitness transformation today!

Now available for free on both iPhone and Android!