Now that Star Wars: The Force Awakens is finally upon us, fan of the series are ready to move on from what was (for many) a dark time in Star Wars history. The series’ “prequel trilogy”, made up of the last three movies to be released (episodes I, II, & III) has faced a huge amount of criticism from longtime fans who think the “original trilogy” (IV, V, & VI) was better in almost every way. The outrage over the prequels has marked a long running conflict of interest between series creator George Lucas and the near fanatical following that his movies have spawned. While many fans slam the prequels for their bad acting, needlessly obscure plot-lines, and (oh god) Jar Jar Binks, there are a fair number of things the prequels actually did better than the originals. Sharpen your pitchforks and light your torches, here are five of them. I’ve got a bad feeling about this…
(Also: Consider this your spoiler alert for episodes I - VI, if you live under a rock)
1. Better lightsaber duels
Arguably the best part of any Star Wars movie is the lightsaber duel. While the original trilogy’s duels are fine, they lack the excitement and vigor that the prequels offer. The prequel trilogy’s lightsaber duels are extremely well choreographed, making for an exciting, action packed face off that rivals that of any other movie series. My personal favorite is the climactic final battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker at the end of Revenge of the Sith. It’s action packed, emotional, and so suspenseful that you forget it’s just two guys whacking sticks together.
2. Better villain variety
I can already hear you shouting at your monitor- “Darth Vader is like, the best villain ever! What are you talking about?!” While Vader might be Star Wars’ most iconic villain, he’s one of only three villains in the original trilogy that gets any major screen time. The prequels boast a much larger cast of interesting major antagonists, from the brooding devilish figure of Darth Maul, to the psychotic, four-armed alien-droid hybrid, General Grievous. Also, the prequel trilogy has its fair share of supporting antagonists such as Nute Gunray, Poggle the Lesser, and Jango Fett, who make the Star Wars universe feel as if there is evil that comes from many places, rather than just one.
3. Better effects
Don't get me wrong, the original trilogy had amazing audio/visual effects that were top notch for it's time, but in the wake of the digital era, they pale in comparison to the prequels'. Prequel depictions of the Star Wars galaxy are breathtaking and believable. The level of technology at Lucas' disposal allowed him to create strange new worlds, massive armies, and, of course, huge-scale battles. It's not that the original trilogy didn't do these things, its that the prequels do them so much better. One prime comparison can be made between the openings of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, films that are back to back story-wise, but the furthest apart chronologically. Revenge of the Sith's opening is bombastic, galactic, and features hundreds of starships, while A New Hope's is more brooding and slow paced.
4. Better world exploration
The prequel trilogy did an excellent job of exploring the Star Wars universe. In a franchise that is so reliant on transporting its audience to strange worlds, it’s interesting that the original trilogy only visits about six planets in its entirety. The prequels excel in this regard, visiting nearly double the worlds and presenting them beautifully. The majority of prequel worlds also feel strange and alien, rather than the one presented in the original trilogy, which often had strong real world influences (e.g.- Tatooine shot in the Tunisian desert). These two factors combined make for a bigger, better, and more convincing Star Wars universe.
5. Story building
In the original Star Wars trilogy, much is left asked and unanswered. Who are the Jedi? What’s a Sith? How did the Empire come to be? The original trilogy presents us with a huge galaxy, referencing strange worlds, beings, and creatures that are never fully explored (I guess that’s what happens when you start a story in the middle, George). In the prequels, we get a true sense of the universe we’re presented with. The sith and their motives are clearly outlined, the folly of the Jedi is more than clear, and the rise of the Empire is explained in painstaking detail. Because the prequels build their stories more effectively, they keep the viewer engaged in the story, rather than its questions.
BONUS: Obi-Wan Kenobi
Alec Guinness’ portrayal of the famed “Old Ben” Kenobi in the original trilogy was great in it’s own right, but getting to see Ewan McGregor master the Jedi Master’s role over the course of the prequels does the character an unusual amount of justice. McGregor takes Obi-Wan to the next level, from old mentor to formidable warrior, and delivers the best performance in the entire prequel trilogy.
