A lot of you are going to go see "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" this weekend, and I'm well aware that I'm out of step with most critics in finding the latest installment of the "Star...
| |  | | | | Alyssa Rosenberg on culture and politics | | | | | | New, birdlike creatures, porgs, make their debut in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." (Lucasfilm) | A lot of you are going to go see “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” this weekend, and I’m well aware that I’m out of step with most critics in finding the latest installment of the “Star Wars” franchise kind of a mess. I’ve been thinking about why, not so much because my reaction is wrong but because I’m always curious when I find myself in this position. And though I think I might have an answer, I’m curious to hear from all of you whether I’m right. I suspect that, more than a lot of viewers, I care a lot about whether what’s going on in a superhero or “Star Wars” movie feels plausible and coherent by the terms of the world we’re in. If Loki’s attack on New York City and the revelation that super-power people exist are actually supposed to be a massive deal, I really want to see that: It’s why I like “Captain America: Civil War” more than “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” If Superman’s death is supposed to reshape the world, I want a bit more than a montage of a bunch of banners and a deeply terrible memorial in “Justice League.” And if we’re supposed to see the Resistance at a tipping point in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” I want to actually feel the implications of what happens to the movement between the first and final minutes of the movie. I understand that it’s possible that many of you will think I’m a crank or a nitpicker about this stuff. But I’d be curious to actually know if that’s the case. So I’d love to hear from you, whether via email or in Monday’s chat: How much do you care about the mechanics and implications of the plot in your blockbuster franchises? Or are you basically just there for the big moments and the visuals? I’m not going to judge either answer. I’m just trying to situate myself, and I’d appreciate your help. P.S. In the meantime, do check out our 12 Days of Culture video series. We’re having far too much fun with it, and we want to share! | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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