MovieChat Forums > Star Wars > IN MY OPINION, The Star Wars Prequels Ar...

IN MY OPINION, The Star Wars Prequels Are Better Than The Originals

posted 8 years ago by TheMovieDoctorful
8 replies | jump to latest

I'm sorry to all the fanboys who are surely crying on the shoulders of their Slave Leia cutouts on their X-Wing beds, the definition of "subjectivity" flying over their heads like the Millenium Falcon, but that is my opinion.

The characters have MUCH more depth and are FAR more developed (Only developed characters in the OT were Luke, Vader and Han. In the PT, Anakin, Obi Wan, Padme, Windu, Yoda and Bail Organa) and far more relatable; they actually have recognizable and relatable inner conflicts beyond just blowing up a Death Star or destroying the Evil Empire.

The acting is FAR better. Characters act like human beings this time rather than over-the-top archetypes from bad 60s Sci-Fi serials. Yes, sometimes its awkward. Yes, sometimes it doesn't come out right. That's how people act in real life. All the acting in Episodes II and III is delivered with more genuine humanity, nuance, depth and emotion than any of the films in the original trilogy (And no, I will not defend the dialogue in the prequel trilogy. It's garbage, as it is in the originals)

The romance is better. Yeah, I said it, the romance is better. I can already hear aforementioned fanboys slamming their keyboards with as much strength as can be allowed without waking up their sleeping parents. Han basically bullies Leia into falling in love with him. There isn't a single thing either Han or Leia can relate on. Anakin actually treats Padme like a friend before their romance starts, and the two empathize with each other's plight of having to pretend to be people they're not and both of them being genuinely underappreciated and unloved by the world around them.

Stories are better. The original trilogy is a simplistic "good v.s evil" story that only ever reaches or aspires to anything greater in Empire. The prequels have much less black and white morality in their heroes and villains and a much more realistic and practical bad guy employing tactics that a real evil emperor or dictator would use. Hell, the heroes even question whether they're really the good guys in these movies, writing we'd never see from the simplistic originals.

Keep in mind, if you like the originals more or think they're better, I get it. I really do, totally respect your opinion. I will admit I'm exaggerating a BIT of the OT's ineptitude. But the hyperbolic attitudes and lack of critical thinking from the hardcore fanboys of the original trilogy who can't see why some people like the PT more is positively hilarious.

[–] Meushell 8 years ago

Is it sad that when you brought up romance, I immediately thought, "What romance? Oh, Leia/Han." Yeah, she basically had just as much romance, if not more, with Luke.

I like both. If I had to pick, I'd say the prequel because it goes with The Clone Wars series, which I prefer over any of the movies.

-
Captain Rex: In my book, experience outranks everything.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars

[–] manchof1 8 years ago

I share the same sentiments as the OP, the only film in the OT I thoroughly enjoyed was Empire. New Hope and Jedi were poorly paced and acted and it just never felt like their was a clear goal with that trilogy, lets just make things up as we go and see what sticks. The PT at least knew what direction the story would go and didn't have to retcon everything in the third entry just to wrap things up.

[–] Meushell 8 years ago

What was a recon in Jedi? I don't recall.

-
Captain Rex: In my book, experience outranks everything.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars

[–] Kruleworld 8 years ago

What was a recon in Jedi? I don't recall.
the retcon is probably referring to "A certain point of view" line.

The prequels have much less black and white morality in their heroes and villains
so Sidious and Maul aren't cut and dry bad guys? It's not like the Prequel Jedi are out doing "evil" things.

"He's dusted, busted and disgusted, but he's ok"

[–] LostKiera 8 years ago

I like some elements of the PT better than the OT. I feel the Phantom Menace in particular gets a lot of unfair flack. But then I like Jar-Jar so what do I know?

I would disagree that the OT had as bad dialogue as the PT. The OT had plenty of memorable lines and witty banter. The PT not so much (or they were memorable for the wrong reason).

I feel this is why people criticise the acting of the PT as well - the actors will struggle to shine when the dialogue is clunkier. And they also had more difficult scenes and more complex characters to work with.

I would agree that the story of the PT is more interesting. I like speculating on all the scheming. I also liked the way the Jedi were portrayed which a lot of people hated.

Still each to their own I guess!

[–] Meushell 8 years ago

I like Jar Jar too! :-D He's just an ordinary guy caught up in everything, surrounded by Jedi and warriors (Padmé, his own people, etc.). He basically survives by luck, and does his best to do good.

I agree about the dialogue. I especially pity the Anakin actors, who got (and still get) a lot of crap for bad dialogue.

-
Captain Rex: In my book, experience outranks everything.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars

[–] LostKiera 8 years ago

so Sidious and Maul aren't cut and dry bad guys? It's not like the Prequel Jedi are out doing "evil" things.
I think it's a shame that the Separatists weren't portrayed as a bit more of a grey area. Dooku despite his noble speech is a secret Sith and the other leaders are big intergalactic corporations. Grievous is a bit more interesting - how much did he know about the Sith plan? Was he a true believer in the stated Separatist cause? I guess we can only speculate.

[–] Jeorj Euler 8 years ago

Well, there's little denying that the originals are much easier on the eyes.

I think one of the main problems with the prequels is that they didn't do a decent job of what they were intended to do. The plot contrivances, sometimes rushed or overly convoluted, stick out like a sore thumb. It's the flaws that prevent the prequels from being better than the originals.