I agree with everything you said and share the same opinion. My first viewing of "episode IV" was just as you described. Later I was turned off by what I considered a crazy mania over the film that it didn't deserve and was therefore not very impressed with episodes which followed. Star Trek (the original TV series) struck a chord because of great writing and a willingness to tackle social themes of the time in an intelligent manner. In terms of the Star Trek films I really only enjoyed "Wrath of Khan" because it was in line with the TV show. Didn't mean to suggest you were a fanboi of Star Wars, but that being said I will probably go see the new film because I am a fan of JJ Abrahams, and I am curious to see if he can actually save this franchise and make it entertaining again like the first film was. .

Yeah, it was sort of novel and cute, but nothing on a scale in my opinion of 2001: A Space Odyssey. My original thought of the film was that is was a modern King Arthur type legend not at all to be taken seriously in any way.

I can see your points Strider, but quite honestly I think people give the entire Star Wars story too much credit, it was pretty cheezy even with the first 3 films. Lucas ripped off so much from Dune and other much better science fiction stories, and yes just packaged it all up for mass teen consumption--- sort of like Gene Simmons and KISS. I think years later with the 'prequels' Lucas was attempting to make the story more serious--- I don't know, but it was just a shambolic mess. Even going back and adding or deleting stuff from the original trilogy. I think JJ Abrams may be able to pull off an entertaining film, but not sure if will be interesting enough to carry another trilogy. Personally I find the whole thing so goofy anyway; thought that from the very start. Who can watch that disco bar scene from ep IV and not feel like laughing their asses off from the sheer goofiness of it? To me Star Wars is like McDonalds; something somebody may have liked as a kid but then never realized later that it wasn't very good.

Random Thoughts

Not a song but a good summer read:

I just called a local place and ordered my favorite Chinese chicken salad, but the lady on the phone said they don't have it any longer but they do have an "Asian chicken salad". When I asked what the differences was, she said they are no longer allowed to call them Chinese chicken salads because "that is considered offensive". WTF? On Sunday I'm planing on having a full English breakfast (FEB)--- unless they are calling them full European breakfasts to save people from being offended, and then I'll probably lose my appetite. BTW-- the Asian chicken salad didn't taste as good as the Chinese chicken salad for some reason.

Zamboni Holocaust

Four Dollar Lap Dance

You know what really drives me crazy is how some cities treat vaping like it is equal to raping baby harp seals. Not only can you no longer smoke OUTSIDE, but now steam is going to destroy the fabric of society. Seems like we are getting further and further away from freedom in the USA. We finally got one side of the government out of our bedrooms, and now the other side wants to tell me what I can do with my own lungs. I'm almost inclined to go out in protest and do something really reckless and crazy like buying a 20oz sodapop,

I have these fantasies about winning the lottery and become filthy rich. Then I start stressing out about where I will build my mansion(s) and what a pain in the ass it will be to have to deal with 100s of people to help me maintain my new lifestyle.

Moontower

I'm kind of old school when it comes to my "clouds".

Amazing!