Despite All of the Complaints: What Did Kathleen Kennedy's Star Wars Movies Get Right?

Despite the numerous complaints surrounding Kathleen Kennedy's involvement in the Star Wars franchise, particularly the Sequel Trilogy and the standalone film Solo: A Star Wars Story, there are several aspects that were executed well. This article will explore what Kennedy and her teams got right, focusing on the aesthetic choices and practical effects while acknowledging the limitations in plotting.

The Aesthetic Continuity and Practical Effects

Aesthetic Continuity: One of the most significant successes of Kennedy's involvement in the Star Wars franchise is her decision to maintain an aesthetic continuity reminiscent of the original trilogy. This choice departed from the heavily CGI-driven prequels, emphasizing practical effects over digital wizardry.

The prequel films, such as Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, were criticized for their reliance on green screens and extensive use of CGI, which often detracted from the storytelling. The sequels and standalone films under Kennedy's guidance aimed to bridge the gap between the original trilogy and modern cinematic standards.

Practical Effects: A return to practical effects marked a significant improvement over the prequels. While the sequels still utilized green screens and CGI, there was an increased emphasis on practical effects. This decision resulted in a more grounded and believable visual experience, enhancing the immersion for fans and critics alike.

Plotting and Character Development

Plotting Limitations: Although the visual aspects were commendable, the plotting and character development fell short for many fans. While the aesthetic choices were largely successful in creating a more cohesive and traditional feel, the narratives of the Sequel Trilogy and Solo suffered from mixed reviews due to their complex and at times contradictory storylines.

It is important to note that while The Force Awakens, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Solo: A Star Wars Story each had impactful moments, the overall continuity and direction were not always in line with what longtime fans cherished about the original trilogy.

The Force: More Than a Move List

The Force: The concept of The Force was regarded as one of the enduring strengths of the Star Wars saga. Even with the introduction of new abilities that some considered "overpowered" or "dumb," the fundamental idea that the Force is more than a simple list of moves remained intact.

While I, as an Original Trilogy (OT) purist, appreciate and enjoy every Star Wars movie on some level, it is undeniable that the new abilities contributed to both praise and criticism. The dynamics and significance of the Force remained a central and engaging element of the stories, enhancing the overall narrative.

Conclusion

Despite the controversies and criticisms, Kathleen Kennedy's contributions to the Star Wars franchise brought a return to practical effects and aesthetic continuity. The visual and storytelling improvements were significant and positive steps forward. While the plotting and character development may not have been perfect, the aesthetics alone serve as a testament to Kennedy's vision and the lasting impact of Star Wars.

The success of Kennedy's approach lies in the balance between revisiting familiar, beloved elements of the original trilogy and embracing innovative storytelling. While fan reactions are diverse and passionate, Kennedy's efforts in reinvigorating the franchise with a fresh yet familiar touch cannot be underestimated.