Top Five GOOD Things About the Prequel Trilogy
Well, yeah, this will most likely be the most controversial article that I will ever write on this website, even more than the time I wrote that Boba Fett is overrated. While these aren't considered the worst films ever made, these are probably some of the most HATED films of all time. The fanbase is mostly negative towards these films but I am part of the minority that will actually defend the films and say they aren't that bad. Is there bad stuff about them, oh, absolutely! "I don't like sand." While a lot of people will attack these films, which if you view it that way, that's totally fine, I would like to state what I think are five good things about the Prequel Trilogy.
THE MUSIC
O.k., let's get the obvious one out of the way first. Even the most passionate haters of this trilogy will admit that the music in the films are incredible. In fact, I like a lot of the themes in the movies more than the ones in the original trilogy. I mean, who can forget the climatic music "Duel of the Fates" from the The Phantom Menace fight scene? Who can forget the awesome score for Anakin and Obi-Wan's final fight in Revenge of the Sith called "Battle of the Heroes?"
There are some many other memorable and incredible themes throughout the Prequel Trilogy. John Williams certainly didn't lose his touch after all those years apart from the franchise.
THE ACTION AND LIGHTSABER DUELS
Yes, a lot of the complaints with the Prequel Trilogy was that there was an abundance on CGI and the lightsaber duels were too scripted. I agree with the first point and I can see where people are coming from with the latter. However, I will have to respectfully disagree with the latter. I thought the lightsaber duels and action sequences in the films were very fun and entertaining. Seriously, the Battle of Geonosis was a standout action sequence in the whole series and many people thought that the Darth Maul, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan fight was the best, and only good part, of the film.
As far as Obi-Wan vs Anakin is concerned, I don't think the fight is too long or scripted. It is meant to be the climax of not only Revenge of the Sith but of the whole trilogy in general. Therefore, the stakes needed to be higher and it couldn't have ended in just a few minutes. Plus, while I love the duels in the original trilogy, you mean to tell me they weren't scripted at all? Plus, have you guys watched the original Obi-Wan vs Darth Vader fight recently? Do you honestly think the fight itself is better than Anakin vs Obi-Wan, like seriously?
IT EXPANDED THE GALAXY AND LORE
Yes, the midichlorins are horrible and should have never been thought of, let alone put in the final film. That being said, the films did expand upon the lore and galaxy of the Star Wars universe. The films showed us more planets, more environments, more creatures, and expanded upon the ideologies of the Jedi and the Sith, which weren't even named in the original films. The films, for better or worse, showed us what the Jedi believed in before and during the war, and expanded upon their belief system with revealing Anakin was the chosen one.
If nothing else, the films showed that the Star Wars galaxy was a much bigger place than it was in the original films and while I would have liked more practical effects/worlds like the original trilogy, it was still nice to see the universe grow in scale.
SOME OF THE ACTING WAS GOOD
One of the biggest complaints of the trilogy was the acting. To be fair, I can see why. Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen didn't give good performances in the films. However, I believe that most of the blame should fall on lousy scripts and horrible direction from Lucas. That being said, there were people who were good actors in the films. The one that comes to mind for everyone is Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan. Yeah, he was fantastic as Obi-Wan. In fact, I like him more than Alec Guiness. I know, I know burn me at the stake.
Christopher Lee gave as good of a performance given his limited role as Count Dooku. Liam Neeson I thought was good as Qui-Gon. Frank Oz is still great as Yoda, even if he is digital. Hell, even Hayden Christensen I thought was fine in Episode 3, when he didn't have to say stupid lines. I thought he commanded the screen real well as Anakin in the film. Finally, Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine/Sidious. He enjoyed playing that role so much and you can't help but love watching him go over-the-top, especially when he becomes "Full Emperor" in the end of Revenge of the Sith.
THE OVERALL STORY ITSELF WAS FINE
Now, I'm not going to pretend and say that the Prequel Trilogy are well-written films. They are not. The romance sucks ass, some of the motivations don't make any sense, and some of the lines spoken are just, a special kind of bad. Again..."I don't like sand." That being said, I think the overall story that Lucas wrote for the trilogy was good, I just think he should have had some one else write the screenplays. I mean, I was invested personally in all three films main plots and wanted to see them to its end. I also thought that there were elements in the films that were written well or handled with care. I mean, the transformation of Darth Vader was amazing...until the infamous "no" moment.
Overall, I don't think the films are that bad. I just think the films are misguided and more people needed to step up to Lucas instead of being his yes men. If you hate the films, that's fine, it's not like I can't change your opinions or see where you're coming from. I mean, like I said, I'm still in the minority. I just hope that with this article I will open up some talk or some discussion about the films in a more positive light. I mean, seriously, I have seen films that are far, far, far, worse than the Prequel Trilogy. REMEMBER THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL?!
