I agree that Star Wars deserves kudos for groundbreaking FX, but on my more cynical days I think that may have been a net bad for sci-fi. Now, FX trumps plot considerations, acting, etc. in the minds of studio heads, and intelligent, non-FX-oriented sci fi (think Day The Earth Stood Still) is rare. Plus, it's largely Star Wars (and moronic responses to it from film critics) that produced the false synonymy between "sci fi" and "laser battles in space." Lucas himself bears responsibility, since the sequels have been progressively worse and worse.
by Aeon J. Skoble on August 28, 2004 at 8:31 AM