Opinions on episodes 1-3

Television, Movies Games and Books Star Wars
#41

Yeah, that’s one of the things about the internets that drive me batty. Say what you will about the movies, but they must not hate them too much if they constantly talk about them.

And for the record, I view Anakin as some idiotic jock. He’s pretty dumb a lot of the time. Really, anyone who doesn’t have a clue how democracy works at the age of 20 something (especially when he hangs out with the chancellor all the time) isn’t all that smart. And of course, he’s no Lando when it comes to the ladies.

And like that nitpicking link said, fans will be complaining about every aspect of Star Wars another 30 years from now. So not only is it the most popular franchise in movie history, but also the most hated.

#42

Ohhhhh BUUURRRRRNNN!

j/k

But really, I agree with Locke, they are decent SciFi/Fantasy movies. I would rather sit down and watch ep I-III before many other movies of that genre. But as Star Wars movies, and part of the whole “experience” that was set up by ep IV-VI, they are no where even close to acceptable.

#43

See, I’m all for good, fun, popcorn movies. The script for Transformers was horrible, full of holes, horrible dialogue, etc… but I enjoyed it because it was like visual crack.
I think my personal problem with Ep I-III was that (like many of you I’m sure) grew up watching IV-VI. I was very young but I remember being in the theater and completely amazed by ESB, I wanted to live it, breath it, and beg my parents to buy me every damn thing that said Star Wars. I have had these movies in my blood for my entire life now, my younger brother (Locke) can attest to how many times I have watched these movies.
I realize that with the amount of time I spent watching those earlier 3 movies, and the amount of build up and anticipation from the moment that ep I was announced, I hyped it beyond what it could probably ever be.
I am not naive, I know IV-VI weren’t perfectly written, or acted (Hamil anyone?) but they just had this feeling to them. In my opinion, the new episodes failed because Lucas already peaked in his career. I think he knows this as well, I mean how many times have those movies been released on VHS and DVD? He knows that is his meal ticket and he is holding on to them for dear life.
Lucas lucked out with the right combination of writers, actors, and timing with the originals that just made magic happen. He knew that couldn’t possibly happen again. I think he made the best movies that he could with ep I-III and I don’t fault him for their failure to live up to the originals.

#44

Au contraire, mon frere! I don’t think Lucas realized he peaked or lucked out. If you’ve seen his first film, THX-1138, it’s edited well, has some awesome technical effects (sound and visuals) and a pretty eerie score. It’s full of hand-held Orwellian symbolism. Even this early, Lucas’ technical genius is apparent. His story skills are not that interesting but he makes up for it with all the other aspects.

This is true for all his work…ahem Howard the Duck excluded…even Star Wars. For Episode IV, he used Joseph Campbell’s monomyth structure from ‘The Hero with a Thousand Faces’ archetypal characters and themes. It’s a universal story used for centuries. Add that with his technical prowess and you get Star Wars.

I’ll stop there and not bore you. To sum up, the prequels needed a seasoned screenwriter. OK, one more thing. I listened to the commentary on all the DVDs to see if there was some esoteric allusion I missed. Afterwards I simply felt, “I’m sorry George it’s not deep and it didn’t go over my head. It just didn’t make sense. But that’s cool. I still love the films. It’s Star Wars!”

#45

True, and it is arguably the best of the 3…it’s still not even on par with jedi, arguably the worst of the original 3…worst being relative of course.

#46

Ok well he might not have realized that he peaked with the original trilogy, but I think we can all agree that he did. Yes, THX is a great movie and an outstanding first major release by a writer, director, or editor.

Yes, the only thing ep I-III was missing was a story, the acting was just as good (bad?) as the original 3, the sfx were revolutionary and groundbreaking just as they were back in the 70’s for that time. I can go on and nitpick about the editing and cinematography but the main point is the lack of a solid story.

#47

I know. I was actually quite shocked about that. Ben Burtt was revolutionary in the sound department and this was technically his first and since only big editing job. It showed. I figured Lucas and him worked together but how did that get screwed up?

Cinematography? Yeah nothing original pretty standard, even with all the digital do-dads. But so was Star Wars. You can’t deny that every shot could be a picture, though.

#48

I have to respectfully disagree there, Aset. I actually find Revenge of the Sith superior to Jedi. But that’s just me.

#49

Even as a 3rd-grader, I was underwhelmed by Jedi, reacting with “That’s it? It’s like the first one, with Ewoks.” And I understand the whole suspension of disbelief thing, but it was one of those situation where, like, what was gonna happen? Their mission to blow up the new Death Star is going to fail? The only good to come from Jedi is the Clerks discussion of it.

#50

I know that none of these movies are The Godfather, but I’m standing here drinking my morning coffee, and just got a tiny chill thinking of Luke and Vader squaring off for their big fight at the conclusion of ROTJ.
And that’s what it’s all about, IMHO. :smiley:

#51

The Force Lightning!!!

#52

As often happens, I’m late to a great thread.

I would have been fine without the prequels except for one thing- they gave my sons a chance to experience the magic of waiting for a Star Wars movie to come out. I fall into the Old Fart side of the forum and I will NEVER forget the thrill of Star Wars as a kid. We drive 45 minutes to San Francisco to watch it on a special screen with the “new” Dolby sound. Money was very tight back then, and, as it happens, gas prices were high. It was pure magic.

We inoculated our boys with the SW virus early, so they saw I, II and III opening weekend and it is a huge family connection we now share. In fact, SW is one of the few things my husband and I did/knew/cared about as kids that our own kids don’t think is completely lame.

There are many likes/dislikes I have with the prequels (the ESPN sportcasters at the pod races really tick me off), but the experience of Star Wars is something not to be missed and because of the prequels, a whole new generation got to feel the force in full force.

#53

You said it best, Dawn. Star Wars is pure magic in all forms. Every film has that moment that stays with you.

#54

Dawn, that’s awesome! I’ve been trying to interest my daughter in Star Wars for years, but she’s too much into typical girl stuff (like My Little Pony!) to really care. Still, I met my best friend through Star Wars. At the Aspen Music Festival back in 1995 I ran into an old friend from high school and, having a car, gave him and his roommate a ride back into town from lunch, I think. This guy and I had hit it off fine, but nothing big, until he got in my car and saw a copy of the Star Wars radio drama in there. He said to me, “you too, huh?” and a long, lasting friendship was born. We’ve been friends ever since and were each other’s best men at our weddings.

So yeah, I’ll put up with Jar Jar Binks for that.

#55

Try giving one of the Little Ponies a light saber and see what happens. Could open up a new world of imaginative play for your girl.

Being in an all boy house does have its advantages- no Barbie shoes to clog up the vacum cleaner. (though I did remove a nail this morning!)

#56

Oh Dawn, I’ve tried! I even started playing with my action figures when my oldest would want to play with her toys. It yielded one fun game, but she just didn’t know what to make of it.

It’s all right, though. I kind of like having a little princess. It’s very cute, and drives my wife (who was something of a tomboy as a child, she claims) a little crazy.

#57

1 sucked, 2 was ok, and 3 kicked major @$$

#58

You know, I caught Episode III on Spike TV the other night and couldn’t stop making fun of it. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the movie, but it’s also really good to make fun of.

Then again, I do that with 4-6 as well.

#59

If you can’t make fun of something you love, what can you make for of? Am I right?

#60

yes, (apperently it wont let me just say yes, it is too short)