Star Wars: Episode 8 Sizzle Reel D23
The D23 Expo is currently underway in Anaheim, California and there has been very subtle buzz coming from the expo. That is until today. Today we have been graced with Star Wars news! And more specifically we have been graced with a sizzle reel for Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi. In light with the Men vs. Movies theme we have two opinions of the reel. One from Nick and the other from one of our new writers, George Kirk giving us their views on the reel and whether or not they were pleased with what was shown.
Nick's Reaction:
YES, YES, YES! Finally some Star Wars news I can get behind.
Following the recent bad press that has been coming out of Lucasfilm regarding the Han Solo (solo) movie they are finally giving us something positive to talk about again. Where as I would like to see another trailer for this movie I am totally okay with these sizzle reels that they have released. I like these as opposed to a trailer because every time a trailer drops I fear that they are going to give away something that would be more impactful and surprising if they kept it for the theatrical release. The sizzle reels that Lucasfilm has been releasing is not only an awesome look at some of the "behind the scenes" development of the movie but it also highlights what I really want to see, what this movie means to the people involved in it. It is easy to go through the motions of a movie like this and feel overwhelmed and exhausted of it and just not enjoying yourself with all the pressure (looking at you Joss Whedon), but when you see a Behind the Scenes reel like the one, they showcase just how much making this movie means to everyone involved and that always hits me in the feels because of how much it means to me as a viewer. I want to see a movie that the people involved in making it believe in and want more than anything to be something that reaches out and pulls on the heart strings of the masses. Not many studios do this sort of thing where they release a Behind the Scenes of their big movies like these and I think that it is an awesome thing for Disney and Lucasfilm to do.
Getting into what I liked about this look at The Last Jedi is that it gave us a few more story hints. I have said it since the end of The Force Awakens, I think that this movie is going to be the greatest Star Wars film of all time, and this reel gives me the feeling that I could be correct. The clips shown make the movie feel big and epic, the set pieces and quick looks at the new aliens look amazing and look like they are going to dive even deeper into the Star Wars mythos. All of the actors seemed surprised by the direction that Rian Johnson is taking the story of Star Wars but it also seems like they believe it is the right way to go. The fact that this movie could change everything that we know and love about Star Wars is incredibly exciting because I have no idea what to expect anymore.
Everything I hear coming from this movie, and the rumors surrounding it make me ecstatic to see the film, this sizzle reel does its job in conveying the love and heart that has gone into making this movie and I hope it does not let us down. Also, side note.... is that Rey fighting a bunch of Knights of Ren at the 2:03 minute mark?? That would be something else.
Anyways, if Lucasfilm were to drop a trailer I would be happy but I also feel like I would also be happy if this was the last we were to hear of The Last Jedi before December. I think that we are all captivated and ready to see this movie and I don't need anymore to sell me on it but I obviously would take it because Star Wars turns me into an incredibly joyous child every time I see anything that has to do with it!
Bring on The Last Jedi!
George's Reaction:
The D23 Expo has provided us with a behind-the-scenes footage from the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Fans might have hoped for a feature length trailer, however this sizzle real showcases some excellent moments that will be featured in the film this December. We get a glimpse of the so-called ‘Porg’ creatures that are said to be living on Ach-To with Luke Skywalker. Additionally the footage shows various locations which ensures that Last Jedi will continue the Star Wars tradition of showcasing a wide variety of planets and environments. Furthermore, we get glimpses of Kylo Ren looking menacing and Rey training with Luke’s lightsaber on Ach-To. Perhaps most importantly, the commentary from various cast and crew members in the video seems consistent in stating that The Last Jedi will be a different kind of Star Wars film, one that breaks new ground and pushes the limits of this universe.
All-in-all, I found this footage slightly underwhelming, considering that the time is ripe to release a full trailer. However, Star Wars is Star Wars and I will take what I can get.