I came out of the theaters hating the Last Jedi- Well, actually, more like confused and in a state of shock? I didn't know how to process the film. The twists, the turns, the resolutions. I mean, I enjoyed some things like Luke being a weary, grumpy, cynic but only because Mark Hamill was more expressive and fun as such than just becoming another wise Obi Wan. But there were a ton of things that didn't make sense and my brain was unable to process everything.But I think I came to hating it pretty soon was me tuning into YouTubers like Angry Joe who were absolutely livid and- yeah, I think listening to those folks ranting and rambling about The Last Jedi, and just me being in that hateful echo chamber without ever seeing what others who loved it had to say, made me arrogant and close minded.I think it was just 'fun' and 'cathartic' to see fans angry and passionate about how The Last Jedi was full of 'plot holes' and 'pointless subversions just for the sake of plot twists'I never bothered to learn why the critics loved it, or fans who loved it other than me thinking it was just critics going: "It was subversive!" and being 'pretentious' about it.I'm not... sure when exactly I started to question those loud voices or myself. Maybe I just happened to be curious one day and see why people praised the Last Jedi so much and- to be fair, rage-filled videos on YouTube are incredibly popular, drowning out thoughtful videos, so it was much easier to find confirmation bias online.Either way, whoever I started watching and it might have been MovieBob, I think as soon as they started talking about themes, what the message of the film is, how the scenes have a point, the metanarrative the film was trying to say about the franchise, and also importantly, how the Last Jedi is actually a love letter to fans...I came around to really liking the film and realizing- "Huh, I guess I actually was blinded by rage without being thoughtful and trying to genuinely understand the work."When the movie came out digitally, I watched it with more of a open mind and I thought it was pretty great! And three weeks ago, I rewatched the Star Wars saga and I have to say, I utterly love the Last Jedi.I think a lot has changed in me since 2017. I've been more introspective, more willing to listen to both sides (well, I do have a preference but I still try to hear out constructive criticisms, which sadly tends to be overshadowed by unbridled rage, though I still try even now), and I just think I've grown in how I appreciate entertainment.I used to be a big fan of RedLetterMedia, Nostalgia Critic, Angry Joe, and so on who liked to find flaws, plot holes, focus solely on the movie without trying to think about the big picture, it's intention and message, and just be angry at the creators and the movie. Destroying someone's work... just felt cathartic and- sigh, it's not something I'm proud of looking back.I really appreciate folks like MovieBob, Just Write, Lindsey Ellis, WiseCrack, Shaun, and others for showing me there's far more to a movie than just hating it or even just appreciating the technical bits like the craftsmanship (cinematography, editing, etc.) and just nitpicking films.I came to realize how much the Last Jedi spoke to me thematically, about my own personal life, my failures in life, and sometimes you just need someone to help you get back on your feet, and that just truly resonated with me. And there was just a ton more things I enjoyed and appreciated about the film.I'm aware there's still anger towards the film. There's ragebait channels to produce 20 videos a week about Star Wars being ruined, there's reviewers who nitpick and seem more interested in destroying something or fans of the Last Jedi than trying to offer a new perspective or understand others. And I know not everyone will change their minds about the Last Jedi. I understand if people fundamentally disagree about the message, but it also seems like a lot of people are missing the point about how the film wasn't about 'killing the past' because Rey and Luke rejected that thesis. Rey refuses to join Kylo Ren, and Luke sacrificed himself and said he will not be the last jedi.But in any case, I guess I just want to end by saying to be more open minded, be reflective, ask yourself why you disliked the movie beyond a space fairy tale about wizards and laser swords having plot holes, hear out others, and come to a conclusion that isn't about winning but instead, learning more about yourself and others and how the movie speaks to you. And that goes for the rest of enjoying other works of art.---If anyone else hated the Last Jedi, I'd love to hear your experience, how you came around :) via /r/StarWars https://ift.tt/2ZWfWX0
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