I’ve never fully jumped on the J.J. Abrams bandwagon; he just doesn’t excite me that much as a director, or as a writer. That having been said, I think he’ll do a fine job directing 2015’s “Star Wars — Episode VII” (the announcement swept across the internet on Thursday), as long as George Lucas asks him to tone down the lens flares. Heck, Abrams might not even need that instruction: While the helmer’s oft-parodied affinity for lens flares was appropriate for channeling nostalgia as in “Star Trek” (2009) and “Super 8” (2011), I think he’s smart enough to make “Star Wars” look like “Star Wars.”
Considering how well-known he is, Abrams’ resume is not as thick as you might assume with credits for directing (or writing, but that’s beside the point here since “Little Miss Sunshine’s” Michael Arndt will pen “Episode VII”). His knack is more for launching TV series. The most well-known Abrams series are his breakthrough college character drama “Felicity” (1998-2002), “Alias” (2001-06, which established his reputation as a man of the action/sci-fi fold), “Lost” (2004-10, which made him an uber-producer) and “Fringe” (2008-13, in my opinion the best series he’s been involved with). Although I’m not familiar with his “Felicity” work, I very much enjoyed his (largely forgotten) character dramas that followed it, “What About Brian” and “Six Degrees” (both 2006-07).
I rank “Undercovers,” (2010), “Alcatraz” (2012) and “Revolution” (2012-present) among his misfires, and “Person of Interest” (2011-present) isn’t my cup of tea. Neither was “Alias,” to be honest.
At any rate, he’s going to be directing “Episode VII,” so let’s take a look at Abrams’ directing oeuvre.
- When it aired, I thought the two-hour pilot of “Lost” (2004), which Abrams also co-wrote, was the best pilot episode ever. The fact that the series itself delivered diminishing returns through its six seasons shouldn’t diminish the greatness of the first episode.
- I haven’t seen “Mission: Impossible III” (2006), and I’ve heard conflicting reviews.
- I thought “Star Trek” (2009) was surprisingly great, although I wrote at the time that it seemed more like “Star Wars” (adventure-oriented) than “Trek” (idea-oriented). Although the lens flares won’t work for “Star Wars,” that touch did show Abrams’ respect for the look of the source material — it felt “Star Trekky.” Abrams will also direct the sequel, “Star Trek Into Darkness,” slated for release on May 17. Then I assume he’ll segue into “Star Wars” immediately after that.
- I found “Super 8” (2011), written by Abrams as his answer to Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.,” to be pretty stupid. I saw that Abrams was trying to capture the innocence of youth while also telling an adventure story. Some scenes work well enough, but it’s the excesses that stand out, including an endless train crash and a silly monster.
Whether looking at Abrams’ producing, writing or directing, it’s a hit-and-miss resume. It leans more toward hits, though, and the misses aren’t embarrassingly bad. All of that might be a moot point anyway. After all, I love “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” yet I couldn’t name (let alone say I have watched) any other films directed by Irvin Kershner or Richard Marquand.
With guidance from Lucas, one of his heroes (and one of the few people that a Hollywood force like Abrams will legitimately look up to), Abrams — working from a script by the talented Arndt — should deliver a film that “Star Wars” fans will love just like most “Star Trek” fans dug that franchise’s 2009 relaunch.
Of course, there’s another issue percolating under the surface here: Isn’t it kind of a shame that someone associated with “Star Trek” will be directing “Star Wars?” Isn’t Abrams in THEIR camp rather than OUR camp? To the teensiest degree, I do indeed feel that way. But, really, if Abrams gives us a “Star Wars” film that’s on par with … let’s say “Return of the Jedi,” acknowledged as being the weakest of the original three but better than the prequels … then those two “Star Trek” films will just be footnotes, and fans will be hoping he signs on for 2017’s “Episode VIII.”
What are your thoughts on the Abrams hiring? Share your thoughts below.