Critics Consensus: Journey 2 Isn't Quite Worth the Trip

Actually, I thought the first one was okay since that was all I can handle, but the two later ones were too long and should've been shortened since audiences knew which direction it was going!

Feb 9 - 05:13 PM

Ken Wolfson

nah, third prequel was the best

Feb 10 - 03:11 AM

YES! Revenge of the Sith is almost as good as the IV through VI trilogy . . . Lucas appeared to be vying for a Best Picture Nomination (it's extremely emotional)

Feb 10 - 01:37 PM

Hayden Christensen is about as emotionally powerful as rotten eggs. He certainly gets a reaction.

Feb 10 - 02:05 PM

Sean D

The third prequel was the best. But saying that it was "almost as good" as the originals is like saying Troll 2 is almost as good as Casablanca.

Feb 10 - 09:54 PM

Oskar Werner

What do people actually like about Casablanca (other than it's status as "A CLASSIC", or "A MILESTONE")?

Feb 11 - 04:40 AM

Matthew Miller

the third prequel was gibberish. Anakin's transition from virtuous Jedi to Child Murderer (which should have been the central theme of the entire prequel trilogy) occurred in about the space of a minute, and was inexplicably motivated by a ridiculous promise to save his wife made by a cartoonishly absurd Palpatine who had provided exactly 0 evidence to support his ability to do anything other than shoot lightning bolts at her corpse. Then, we're supposed to believe that when Palpatine fails to uphold his end of the bargain, Vader wakes up fiercely loyal to the silly jackass who did absolutely nothing for him? BOOO!

Feb 11 - 12:21 PM

@ Mike - Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman at the peak of their careers.

@ Matthew - "BYOOOOOO!"

Feb 11 - 02:16 PM

well, I was devastated by Annikin's manipulation from being an aspiring do-gooder into an Evil henchman for Grand Moff Tarkin and The Emperor. It was emotional to me--but I knew that most audiences wouldn't receive the emotional vibe.///films effect different people in different ways, usually based on a person's own life experience.//Star Wars I 3-D racked-in 23 Million dollars--somebody must like it.///In fact it was a record-breaking weekend: Professional Film Critics must not be "in-tune" with Mass-Audiences.///I'll see Star Wars I tomorrow, when there won't be an audience checking their cell-phones 4 times during the movie.

Feb 12 - 11:03 AM

Justice Belinda

Yes. LazyCash14.com

Feb 13 - 09:46 PM

David Tanny

Episode 2 is much worse.

Feb 9 - 06:22 PM

Megan Gierasch

indeed.

Feb 9 - 09:37 PM

Thechienfiction yes

I third that. At least Episode 1 had a decent racing scene and a good final battle/parallel edited scene. Episode 2 just had Hayden Christensen... which did not turn out well.

Feb 9 - 10:10 PM

Stepping Razor

I disagree. I think Attack of the Clones is the best of the three, but that's really not saying much... not much at all.

Feb 10 - 01:48 AM

Bigbrother .

I thougth attack of the Clones had the strongest finish to any of the movie's. The battle in the arena, subsequent Jedi free for all and Yoda lightsaber fight with Dooku came the closest to meeting my expectations for what the prequals should have been to anything in the 3 prequals. Phantom Menace with the exception of the duel with Darth Maul was definately the Return of the Jedi aka the weakest of the prequals with Jar Jar and the Nabooites taking the place of Ewoks only not as cool.

Feb 10 - 05:18 AM

King Simba

I agree about the climax of Attack of the Clones being really strong (I like how it just keeps growing bigger and bigger) but personally I think the last half of Revenge of the Sith easily trumps it. Everything starting from the chase between Obi-Wan and General Greivous to Anakin becoming Darth Vader (I still find that scene where he's staring out of the window really haunting) to Vader invading the Jedi Temple to Order 66 to Yoda Vs Palpatine to the fight between Vader and Obi-Wan to the masking of Vader was just pure epicness.

Feb 10 - 07:01 AM

Phantom Menace is the most boring and uneven of the 3, but the last one is by far the worst; it's borderline campy, acting is awful from every person involved (like they weren't even trying anymore, only Jimmy Smiths seems moderately happy to be in the movie). Clone is corny and awful at times, but the Jedi invasion of the arena and all subsequent fighting makes it worthwhile. Phantom Menace, in retrospect, is not the worst Lucas could have done, but when it came out and expectations were high, pretty damn lackluster.

Feb 10 - 09:41 AM

bigbrother, let's say you're correct about "Yoda lightsaber fight with Dooku" met expectations but what about the fact that as an adult person such as yourself should be able to tell a CGI Yoda was used doing all the fighting never bothered you which can convince any 5 year old instead of using a puppet(character made famous because it was a puppet in The Empire Strikes...), was Lucas making a 'statement' saying that although a Yoda puppet could've been used that audiences are a bunch of suckers to accept a CGI Yoda doing anything over a character that was originally a puppet and was loved by children because it was a puppet! I mean, the question is had Lucas used a CGI Yoda on "The Empire Strikes Back" instead of using a puppet, designed with the help of Frank Oz would you still be able to identify with the character in question? Why accept a Yoda CGI, why not make Anakin Skywalker as well as the rest of the characters to be CGI, why did it have to be just the Yoda be CGI?

Feb 10 - 01:31 PM

Which remeinds me part of the reason "Tron Legacy" wasn't as good as the first one was because anyone can tell that CGI was used for the younger Beau Bridges as Clu!

Feb 10 - 01:36 PM

What bugged me the most about Tron was that once out of the computer world, Olivia Wilde, who was saved in a USB drive, was a person. That was just...you know, pretty fucking stupid.

Feb 10 - 02:55 PM

Well, the whole notion about going into a computer system was supposed to be a ridiculous concept to begin with to some people regardless, but somehow the producers/ writers thought "if" the audience can accept people going into computers why can't something be created within' the computers system come out as real life without explaining how and why!

Feb 10 - 03:16 PM

I can suspend disbelief for going into a computer as a human. But then with no further "why" or "how" a program becomes a person...come on!

Feb 11 - 12:28 AM

Stepping Razor

What I liked most about Attack of the Clones was everything involving Obi-Wan, primarily his entanglements with Jango and his investigation into Kamino and then learning about the clone army. There are many weaknesses (especially when Anakin shows up), but I still find much enjoyment in the fights between Jango and Obi-Wan, particularly their space battle in the asteroid field... which, by the way, sort of reminds me of another asteroid field sequence from one of the earlier movies. :)

Feb 11 - 12:29 AM

Stepping Razor

Concerning Tron Legacy and Olivia Wilde's character existing on the other side, I really never thought about that. Maybe I wasn't into the movie enough. I did like the scene with her seeing the sun for the first time... maybe they just did it for the emotion of the scene. Or maybe they'll try to explain it in the next Tron movie. I hope they don't go all Midichlorian on us when/if they do explain it.

Feb 11 - 12:32 AM

Actually, to have Olivia Munst come out as a human didn't bother me that much either and the reason is that had she been a volumptious model or some other attractive female or another than that notion wouldn't be so much of a factor and that if all girls can all come out like that and they are all as attractive looking as her then the question about 'how' did it happen gets thrown out the window! Most testosterone blue collar males wouldn't even care only that it's posssible!

Feb 13 - 01:06 PM

JC Martel

The 3 prequels are all equally horrible. If I had to pick one, I'd say the 3rd one of the worst because it's just as bad as the other 2 but it takes itself so seriously that it makes it even more laughable.

Feb 10 - 11:48 AM

"NYOOOOOO!!!"

Feb 10 - 11:51 AM

"Paaadme?" "You...killed her!" /assume Frankenstein pose "NYOOOOOOOOOOOOO" /retain Frankenpose til credits roll

Feb 10 - 12:24 PM

you have to put on "I like Star Wars glasses" and re-watch the films; they are not meeting your expectations because you may be using a different set of value system.

Feb 12 - 11:06 AM

Episode 2 felt like a obligatory mid-point between 1 and 3.

Feb 10 - 01:39 PM

Oskar Werner

They told really everything you need to know about Olivia Wilde in Tron Legacy as : Jeff Bridges explains that he made a totally new discovery in the fake world he created - the whatwastheirname-Qi, or Si, or something, a living breathing new lifeform. Clu made a genozide, and Olivia Wilde was the only one left. She is just as real than Jeff Bridges and his son in the grid-world, so why shouldn't she be able to enter our world??

Feb 11 - 04:37 AM

I'll assume you're not a biologist, or have any education concerning biogenesis. Both scenarios are ludicrous, but it's easier to see how 0s and 1s can be created from biological matter than vica versa.

Feb 11 - 02:03 PM

The new trilogy doesn't exist for me.

I ignore it.

Unfortunately Lucas had to stick Hayden Christensen in at the end of Jedi.

Bastard.

Feb 10 - 08:31 AM

I like how Lucas describes his detracters as 'fanatics' and 'obsessed'. You mean, obsessed enough to be unable to continue your career doing anything else?

Feb 10 - 12:00 PM

Episode I . . . the worst . . . confirmed.

Feb 10 - 01:34 PM

Isaac H

No way. Phantom Menace was far from perfect, but it's entertaining and stylish. It gets a worse rap than it deserves thanks to the enormous expectations that were heaped upon it. It's better than most big-budget blockbusters that Hollywood churns out. Now, as for Attack of the Clones...

Feb 11 - 04:19 PM

I might see Safe house depending on how well it does!

Feb 9 - 05:15 PM

Bentley Lyles

It took 12 years for Phantom Menace to get a rotten rating. I actaully like that movie and would like to see it on the big screen. It is a weak Star Wars film but it isn't the worst. That title goes to Attack of the Clones. I just couldn't get into that one. Journey 2 looks like a fun movie and I personally wouldn't mind seeing it. There's nothing good until Arrietty and John Carter and I would like to see The Hunger Games.

Feb 9 - 05:47 PM

Robert Tiemstra

I completely agree. I think Phantom Menace is very underrated. People always point out the gaping flaws (which are there, Jar Jar Binks, etc.), but I love the visuals. It still has the sense of fun that a Star Wars movie should have. And episode II is FAR, FAR worse.

Feb 9 - 11:23 PM

Saying episode II is worse than episode I is kind of like saying you'd rather be eaten alive by tigers as opposed to lions.

Feb 10 - 08:37 AM

Oskar Werner

lol!

Feb 11 - 04:39 AM

Anatoli Ossai

double lol

Feb 11 - 03:43 PM

Jason Huang

i might see phantom menace... (haven't seen any star wars movie... sad isn't it...) i can skip the others...

Feb 9 - 05:58 PM

Paul Atreides

That is somewhat sad, LOL. Respectfully, some advice: 'Phantom Menace' is the most skip-worthy of the six. If you're going to watch just one, you would be better off making it 'Star Wars IV'--the original.

Feb 10 - 06:40 AM

Agreed.

Watch episodes IV, V and VI first before you taint yourself with episodes I, II and III.

You'll be glad you did.

Feb 10 - 08:39 AM

Start with the originals, episode 4 to 6. And then forget the prequels were even made. You still have a pure heart, save yourself from the prequels! Learn from us who got out childhood memories torn apart by Lucas

Feb 10 - 09:43 AM

Jonathan Owens

never trust a dog's opinion!!!!

Feb 10 - 09:29 PM

Paul Atreides

Then trust the wolf... the dog is right.

Feb 11 - 12:03 PM

I agree with you. Although I have seen some great Star Wars films, but I haven't seen Episode 1 since it released over the holiday season in 1999. You gotta see it in 3-D and tell me what you think.

Feb 15 - 12:37 AM

Josh Perry

on the rt main page it says "critics consens".

anyway, ima see safe house this weekend.

Feb 9 - 05:59 PM

Ryan Fujitani

Thank you, sir. It's been fixed.

Feb 9 - 06:14 PM

I felt bad why a long tie ago when Episode 1 of Star Wars got Mixed Reviews. Well, that depends if you're a real star wars fan or not. It's a great Star Wars movie. Got to check it out in 3-D.

Journey 2 = Skip it. I don't think the sequel could be a success to the Brandon Frasier movie in 2008. The cast look great, but the sequel has a poor sense of script features.

Safe House = Rent It. Probably, I'll see it next week.

The Vow = Rent It as well.

Feb 9 - 06:18 PM

David Tanny

"a poor sense of script features"? Can you explain what that means?

Feb 9 - 06:23 PM

It means the plot of the movie doesn't make any sense.

Feb 9 - 07:46 PM

Daniel Felesina

The Phantom Menace is the one of the worst of the star wars movies and I say skip The Vow and rent Journey 2

Feb 9 - 07:14 PM

Are you deaf? Haven't you gotten watch any Star Wars movies on Spike TV? You are just like Darth Vader a critic coward.

Feb 9 - 07:45 PM

I think Vader killed his critics.

Feb 9 - 08:00 PM

Paul Atreides

I'm a big 'Star Wars' fan (IV, V, and VI), and I've seen all of them (at least a couple on Spike, LOL). I concur with Jason... well, almost. It's not "one of the worst", it is THE worst. And none of the newer ones were very good, IMO. The same thing happened with 'The Matrix' sequels: over-analysis in the production and the compromising of character, script, and substance in favor of eye-candy... it's called "selling out".

Feb 10 - 06:48 AM

karl anderson

what does being a star wars fan have to do with thinking a movie stinks...I would hope that even fans of the franchise, can spot a bad movie when they see it, and not like it just for being a star wars film....If Ive misunderstood your comment, then forget all of the afore mentioned comments....lol

Feb 9 - 07:16 PM

I saw the original Star Wars the first weekend it came out. Saw Empire and Jedi the day they came out.

I'm a real Star Wars fan.

Phantom Menace is a piece of shit.

Feb 10 - 08:42 AM

You MEATHEAD! I am assuming that what you call "real star wars fans" are the people who despise the prequels. In which case, count me in on that camp.

Feb 10 - 09:45 AM

Daniel Felesina

After a solid weekend with three movies above 60% on the tomatoemeter, and solid weekend for the box office as well, we come to weekend of poorly made movies. Journey 2 doesn't look as good as the first (typical sequel), Safe House is as average as can be, The Vow has got to be the second biggest joke of the weekend, and after 13 years of wait, I could never be happier to see that rotten 59% next to Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace (title still doesn't make sense to me). In my personal opinion, movies that are worth seeing still are Chronicle, The Women in Black, Big Miracle (maybe), and The Grey. The only movie worth seeing this weekend would be Safe House for adults and Journey 2 will attract the family crowd, but I still recommend seeing a movie from a previous weekend.

Feb 9 - 07:11 PM

Bentley Lyles

This explains the title of The Phantom Menace. Give it a look, Dan.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120915/faq#.2.1.3

Feb 9 - 07:30 PM

Noah Kinsey

RT, you have a typo on Star Wars'score. There should be a minus sign in front of the 5.

Feb 9 - 07:14 PM

Justin D.

Lmao! Now that's harsh. A 0% would be more reasonable.

Feb 10 - 07:13 PM

Noah Kinsey

You know what though? For all the outrage about re-releasing Star Wars in the theater in 3D, you have to give Lucas credit for finally giving this movie SOME kind of depth!

Feb 9 - 07:16 PM

Justin D.

Lmao! You're two for two my friend.

Feb 10 - 07:14 PM

Noah Kinsey

A-thank you.

Feb 11 - 12:03 PM

There are some promising limited releases, like "Chico and Rita" and "Turin House", as well as certain rentals like "Rampart" and "Return" (I'll give Michael Shannon a chance in anything). I was briefly confused about "Private Romeo", thinking "Do they have co-ed military high sch...? OH!" Normally I wouldn't be prejudiced over that, except the thing about "incorporating the original text of Romeo and Juliet, YouTube videos, and lip-synced indie rock music". Hum.

As for the rest of this crap, I'm most peeved over "Journey" because obviously it isn't really a sequel, the book would (and has) make a pretty good film if taken seriously, and, well, the 'not serious' thing pretty much excretes the sum of it. Isn't "the Vow" a sequel to "Drugs and Other Love"? And, could have fooled me, "Safe House" may not be a sequel per se, but it still looks like "Training Day in Africa".

Just look at that Star Wars poster, Larry. It almost seems like Darth Maul isn't preparing to go out like a total bitch, doesn't it?

Feb 9 - 07:44 PM

Myron Kinsey

Once again, the limited releases look a lot more interesting than the wide ones.

Feb 9 - 09:03 PM

Parthiban J

I will go The Vow,others are Rentals....

Feb 9 - 09:41 PM

Julian Nunez

I think it's a big slap in the face to fans of star wars to re-release one of the worst ones in 3D. Anyways, nothing good this week. Might watch chronicle since, the positive reviews and all of the clips i've seen intrigued me.

Feb 9 - 09:43 PM

David Tanny

They are all being re-released in 3D. Even the originals. But they will be the crappy 90's special editions.

Feb 10 - 05:25 AM

Brian Duffee

Just what we need, a 3D JAR-JAR BINKS! All the new releases suck for this week. Going to see Chronicle instead.

Feb 9 - 10:59 PM

King Simba

Nothing interesting this week. Personally I like The Phantom Menace even though I found it to be the weakest of the Star Wars film. It really can be a mixed bag at times. For every memorable character (Darth Maul) there's an annoying one (Jar Jar Binks) For every strong performance (Liam Neeson) there's a weak one (Jake Lloyd) for every upliffting scene (The Pod Race) there's a scene that drags (all that Trade Federation politics) though in general I do think the positives outweigh the negatives. Will probably skip Attack of the Clones as well, though I did find it to be better paced than Phantom Menace. As for Revenge of the Sith, now that is a film I would love to see in 3-d, as it's got breathtaking visuals and a story to match them.

Feb 9 - 11:47 PM