Against my better judgement...

Television, Movies Games and Books Star Wars
#1

…I now own a copy of one of the prequels. “Revenge of the Sith” now sits on my desk and I stare it ominously. Truth be told, I haven’t rewatched TPM or AoTC…I just couldn’t stomach it. I didn’t want to go through that pain and dissapointment again.

Now as we near the end of the “prequel watch” I am starting to feel a little guilty for not giving the first two a new chance. I have listened to the podcast appreciatively and gaining a new insight into those movies that so hurt me.

I swore never to give Lucas another dime associated with the prequels…the EU was still fair game. Now I suppose, my ultimate thank you to the GWC Crüe is to actually purchase a copy of one of the movies. Maybe in time I will go as far as to also procure AoTC, but we will see how it goes from here.

I am actually interested in listening to the Lucas commentary…

#2

You could at the very least FF to the parts with Natalie Portman in skimpy clothes… I mean… C’mon… There’s is at least one thing to like about the prees.

#3

Agreed. I love the final reel of AoTC…everything from, “This party is over” forward is awesome.

#4

I just watched ‘RotS’ last night (since I missed the Frak party over the holiday weekend). There’s really just one cringing moment. When Padme and Anakin are watching the sunset and throws out the suave, “No. It’s because I am so in love with you.” barf

This morning while getting ready for work, I had a typical debate with myself. I’m not sure if this comes from being a geek all my life and having no one to talk to but I often talk to myself and give opposing arguments. In time it has helped in understanding both sides of a…bla bla bla. GET ON WITH IT!!! Alright, so in this particular occasion I was having a conversation with none other than George Lucas. Here is a transcript:

FT: George, you can’t use that line.

GL: What’s wrong with it?

FT: You tell me what’s right.

GL: He’s been with the Jedi his whole life. They preach a solitary life and frown on relationships and attachment. Here is Anakin in an awkward situation, falling in love, and not really being able to understand or relate to it. The Force can’t help him with it either. If he is fighting or racing or fixing stuff he can use his abilities but love is something different.

FT: Hello!?! Have you ever explained that? Are we supposed to read your mind? Is it in those long exaggerated zoom-ins where all that is to be revealed? You don’t even mention it in the DVD commentary?

Anyway, you can see why I get a seat on the train in the morning.

#5

Oh, but it is then followed with “love has blinded you!” ugh. Terrible.

Though another Anakin/Padme scene sucks when they’re at their house (and doesn’t the Jedi Order realize where Anakin is sleeping? Anyone?) and his hair looks like a wig and he’s going off about politics… it’s OK when they’re doing that until Padme goes all, “hold me like you did on wherever it was” blah blah and it gets worse.

Seriously, I’m amazed GL was able to beget children sometimes.

#6

But - to the topic! Yay Solai!

I do enjoy the special features on the DVD too. Particularly railing at the deleted scenes and asking myself, who thought the story worked without these? :wink:

#7

Seriously, I’m amazed GL was able to beget children sometimes.

The irony in that statment is that all of Lucas’ kids are adopted.

#8

He actually can’t…

So…

Awwwwwwkward.

#9

Not enough Midichlorians apparently…

So…

How was that commentary?

#10

So, quick report…

…I haven’t finished yet, I have gotten up to the Obi-Wan v Vader deathmatch. I will admit this movie is better than I remember it…there are some clunker moments, but they are thankfully few and far between. I actually caught myself getting swept away a few times. The Obi-Wan Anakin farewell scene was just heartbreaking and the effects in this one seem to <GASP> compliment the narrative.

Overall, so far so good…I am still dreading the NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! that I know is coming.

#11

I liked the movies!! They were a pleasure to view. C’mon we all had high hopes we high-hoped it till the movie couldnt reach our expectations. How could they have been any better (other than a whinny Annie{haha vader used to be called annie}). Living up to hype is hard. Its not like 4,5,6 had amazing acting or anything, all the movies had 2 things. For the most part memorable characters (some hardly had a line in 3 movies) and killer fx. They are driven by the eye candy.

rog

#12

Its not like 4,5,6 had amazing acting or anything, all the movies had 2 things.

I beg to differ on the acting part. The one thing that OT has that is lacking in the PT is believable acting and chemistry. Anakin/Padme’s relationship is forced. Han/Leia’s relationship is natural.

#13

Phew! I didn’t want to be rude, but I had no idea. LOL and I appreciate the humor that sprang from my… um… misinformation. :o

#14

Jumping in here. I am behind on the rewatch and haven’t watched ROTS yet. Just so you know Solai- I fell asleep during TPM. I like AOTC better- the glowing lightsabers in the arena are incredible- but what I’m discovering as I rewatch is that I don’t care for Hayden Christainson as an actor. I think part of the problem is that Anikin has a chip on his shoulder from the word go. I would have liked to have seen more of his time with Obi Wan, so I had an understanding, or even an interest, in his angst.

We watched Jumper last week on DVD. The husband left half-way through but the 12 year old and I were stupid enough to stay until the end. I’m telling you, the poor kid can barely act.

So my theory is that a big part of the prequel problem is the casting of Hayden and the story choices given to him. How can I root for a spoiled, arrogant brat? I can’t help but be reminded of Spiderman. “With great power comes great responsibility.” What makes Spiderman so compelling as a character is how he deals with the weight of his power and its effect on his personal life and ambitions. I sure wish Lucas has shown us something like that with Ani.

#15

Hayden is pretty good in Shattered Glass and Life as a House. I think the material he was given has more to do with the final product…

#16

Snort
Water up my nose! Water up my nose! AAAAUGH!

#17

For the most part I enjoyed RoTS…until that entire sequence. UGH! Way to completely undermine one of the best villains of all time. GL made him a (SORRY BARB)