I like the old star wars movies (4, 5, & 6). While the newer movies (1, 2, & 3) are much more advanced and entertaining in terms of plot line, special effects, and etc, they seem to have degenerated in terms of decency. Because of that, I wasn't overly excited to see the newest star wars movie. I didn't see it until yesterday, but when I did, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did they bring back the original characters and actors from the old movies, I felt like they also brought back the wholesome, good verses evil aspect of the original movies.
I work at an elementary school and all of the children (third graders) I asked had seen the movie over Christmas break or were going to see it soon. There were a few moments in the movie that I wouldn't have recommended for a third grader, for example, when one of the storm troopers was walking around with a bloody handprint on his helmet, or when another storm trooper was stabbed clean through with a lightsaber. But, in thinking about our class discussions, I realized that at least they were showing the negative, but realistic, consequences of violence. Which is certainly better than showing no negative results of violence. Is it better than showing no violence at all?
I watch a little boy obsessed with Star Wars, every movie. He has action figures and with act out different scenes with them, the characters die or are wounded in these reenactments, and will describe the gruesome details of the scene to me. I think it is hard to say if showing the consequences of violence is better than no violence. Violence seems to implant itself regardless of the consequences shown.
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