Ever since 1983 fans eagerly awaited another journey to the galaxy they all loved, however after the first prequel movie Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, was released on May 19th, 1999, it at best received poor reviews. The last two movies of the prequel trilogy Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, received slightly higher marks, but in the end were not liked by many, from a certain point of view…

One of the biggest questions that I am asked online on a daily basis is, “Do I like the Star Wars Prequels?” Well, personally I do.  I have children that love them very much and for this reason alone, I think they prequels have grown on me over the years. I have compiled a list of what the fans ask me everyday about the prequels and also a list of their comments and turned them into a pro and con list, so here we go…

The Top 5 Pros from the Star Wars Prequels

  1. Eddie Feltner at Inner Eye Minds Design
    Obi-Wan Kenobi from Revenge of the Sith

    The prequels ushered in a new era of fandom for many original fans and children alike. The 1999 release of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace gave way to a new era in Star Wars and set up the franchise to create two more movies and also two companion TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and eventually Star Wars Rebels.

  2. Although many would disagree with me, many storylines were finally explored, shedding light on the origins of many famous characters such as Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi, not to mention the Emperor.
  3. The prequels in some aspects brought fans together, filling the long gap between generations gone by, from 1983 to 1999. It was in fact in many regards, a bonding experience between generations, parents and their children.
  4. Despite what people think, the prequels are really popular and continue to grow as such. The younger generation of Star Wars fans really identify with the prequels in ways that fans of the original trilogy do not.
  5. Although Star Wars was already popular, the prequels delivered a new experience for fans, launching new multimedia platforms to explore the world of Star Wars. For example these included new video games, books, online games and toys.

The Top 5 Cons from the Star Wars Prequels

  1. Eddie Feltner at Inner Eye Minds Design
    Anakin Skywalker from The Phantom Menace

    Many fans of the original trilogy think that the prequel trilogy is completely incompatible with the OT. They cite numerous flaws in filming, design, acting ability, continuity errors and basic storyline elements.

  2. The overuse of technology like CGI, is another complaint by many. OT fans did not like the way the Star Wars universe was presented. Many state that it contains an aura of “fakeness” that is too polished by design.
  3. Jar Jar Binks! This is another aspect that I hear about almost on a daily basis. Many fans state that Jar Jar Binks was just too silly and contained very bad CGI elements. Other fans think that the character was such a distraction for them, that they will not even watch the movie. On another note, JJ Abrams even stated that he explored the possibility of placing Jar Jar’s bones in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as an easter egg, we will see!
  4. Another chief complaint that fans want to make known is the sub-par acting abilities of the prequel cast. All too many times they cite poor dialogue with poor delivery as a prequel flaw. Many fans point to the acting abilities of Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman as the main problem in Episodes II and III.
  5.  Although as I stated before, the prequels brought many fans together, however on the flip side in some cases it has created a rift between fans of the two trilogies (the OT and the prequels). Fans of the OT state that the prequels are no good and prequel fans have to defend the movies and storyline they love.

Now, I have to say that the statements above do not reflect my own personal views, they are from the notes that I take and the countless remarks of Star Wars fans that both like and dislike the movies. Another aspect that fans often talk to me about is the timeline of the Phantom Menace and where the story of Anakin Skywalker begins. Many fans state that it was not necessary to show Anakin at such a young age, also that Anakin becoming Vader should have transpired in Episode II, leaving Episode III open exclusively to the adventures of Darth Vader hunting down the remaining Jedi. Whether you like the prequels or are a OT fan, the world of Star Wars has many aspects to offer all fans of all six movies. As time goes on it will be interesting to see just how the prequels hold up in the minds of all Star Wars fans. The new TV series such as Star Wars Rebels continue to explore the storylines that have unfolded in the prequels, storylines that also catered to The Clone Wars as well. What is your opinion, and thoughts? Let us know. As always be well everyone and “May the Force be with you… Always” Pete Wadsworth.

(Pictures by Eddie Feltner at Inner Eye Minds Design)