Star Wars vs Lord of the Rings.

Tom Martin · 09-23-2004, 07:36 AM

when it comes to great trilogies, these guys are the owners! but it's pretty hard to pick a winner cuz of the different versions. we have the original Star Wars and the new enhanced Star Wars. we have the theater version od Lord of the Rings and the special extended versions, i know, Return of the King isn't out yet but i doubt it'll disappoint.

anyway, i personally happen to find LotR more interesting, cinematically beautiful, much less cheesy(corny lines), structured better, and more well organized.

i'll break it down like this.

SW original: 9
LotR theater: 9

SW SE 9.5
LotR EE: 10

Ricardo C · 09-23-2004, 08:29 AM

Star Wars wins, hands down. Jackson made an EXCELLENT adaptation of Tolkien's masterwork, but it feels amateurish at times. And LOTR less corny than Star Wars? Merry and Pippin's ridiculous antics in the TTT EE overshadow anything in the Star Wars films, Jar Jar included

Bryan Ri · 09-23-2004, 08:34 AM

I vote Star Wars over LOTR. Plainly said, I think Star Wars is more exciting. LOTR was done masterfully, but there are a lot of slow periods in those films as well.
I may get spat on for this, but I also think that LOTR tried to force emotions on you. Don't get me wrong, I wept many a time throughout that trilogy, but there were some points where I felt as if the film was saying "You're going to care about these characters whether you like it or not!" so to speak.

All that being said, they're still both the epidomy of great filmmaking for me.

Kenneth · 09-23-2004, 08:36 AM

I think you can make interesting comparisons between the two at a lot of levels. Personally I was exposed to the LotR books and SW at about the same time so I have a strong affection for both. Anyways, here is how I would break out some of the notable comparisons between the two movie trilogies:

Direction: Winner LotR; Jackson clearly is a better and more consistent director than Lucas. His ability to maintain a consistent vision and manage the logistics of a continuous multi-year shoot is outstanding.

Production: Winner SW; although this is close in my book, Lucas' clear strength is as a producer. Although Jackson's achievement with LotR's is outstanding, Lucas was blazing newer territory with SW (in my opinion).

Writing: Tie; both efforts were exceptional writing achievements. Lucas in creating a universe and mythology from scratch and Jackson in adapting a beloved book into a successful movie were both outstanding achievements.

Special Effects: Tie; Lucas was blazing newer territory in the late 70's but both director/producers have created world class special effects studios that have and will continue to change the way movies are made.

Industry Effect: Winner SW; SW created the summer blockbuster, led to the formation of one of the premier special effects houses (ILM), and helped create THX and many other theatrical improvements.

So while I would give the edge to LotR's as a movie trilogy I think both trilogies are notable and deserving of spots in film history.

Kenneth

Tom Martin · 09-23-2004, 08:40 AM

NOTHING overshadows Jar Jar Binks!

btw, i meant only SW IV-VI

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Chuck Mayer · 09-23-2004, 08:42 AM

This cannot end pretty.

I'll summarize. Each of these trilogies (and one more I love dearly) work for me in different ways, and speak to me at different ages/maturities. This is not just my idea. Patrick Sun and quite a few others have made much the same comments.

Star Wars is best for the child in me.

LOTR is better suited as I grow older in adolescence, because it has real darkness and fear in it, but the grittier elements make SW seem more magical.

And the adult in me loves the Matrix Trilogy. Loves it.

But this won't end pretty, because we (those would click on this thread) have strong emotional attachments (one way or the other) to all the films.

Take care,
Chuck

Lou Sytsma · 09-23-2004, 08:45 AM

Hmmm let's see

SFX:
not fair the LOTR movies have the advantage of more recent technology and the SW OT still stands up fine for me.

Story: SW - good guys vs bad guys
LOTR - good guys vs bad guys
It's a flavour thing - I prefer LOTR

Acting: No comparison LOTR by parsecs

Direction: See Acting

Dialogue: Not even in the same galaxy - LOTR

Score: toss up. SWs has a bold, brash, highly identifiable one, LOTR has a much more complex and layered one.

Intangibles: This is where SW picks up most of it's steam and it's has nostalgia on it's side as well. LOTR has the advantage of pedigree - being based on a classic book.

SW runs with a preteen sensibility. LOTR aims slightly higher.

SW ends with a weaker 3rd picture. LOTR starts strong, sags in the middle - just a bit, and finishes strong.

Final verdict: LOTR edges out SW as my favourite trilogy.

The Matrix is a nonissue for me because the sequels are far below the original.

Lew Crippen · 09-23-2004, 08:48 AM

I’ll disagree somewhat with Chuck. I have no emotional attachment to any of these films.

I consider The Return of the Jedi a poor movie and while Peter Jackson made some choices in individual scenes that are unfortunate (dwarf tossing, for example), these are fairly short distractions compared to the Ewoks (though that is not all I dislike about that movie).

Lord of the Rings very easily.

Ricardo C · 09-23-2004, 08:50 AM

I... I... I... Liked Matrix Revolutions the best out the of trilogy :b

Chuck Mayer · 09-23-2004, 08:50 AM

Lew is teh bias.

Chuck