Hi Film Folk,

Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself re-watching the STAR WARS films. That’s right, all of them.

I watch them as a fan, a film lover and as a filmmaker, and I rate them pretty highly. It’s quite confusing to keep up with the order, but I have my head wrapped around it… just about.

Most people, even Star Wars fans, don’t rate the prequels. I quite like them! Don’t get me wrong, they simply aren’t as good as the original trilogy, but they aren’t as bad as people make out.

The stories aren’t quite as well written (particularly “Attack of the Clones” which, for me, feels like a cross between a computer game and an episode of Columbo at times. There is a lot of CGI, but for it’s time, it’s actually well done. To put that into context, it’s far better than the CGI action of “Independence Day: Resurgence” which is nearly two decades further down the road. The characters aren’t quite as iconic as the original trilogy (even though some of them obviously are in that) but I think the actors chosen are well cast. Some would disagree, but I really rate Ewan McGregor in it, I’ve no issue with Hayden Christiansen and I rate Jake Lloyd (even though everybody, including Jake Lloyd, appears to disagree). The likes of Liam Neeson and Natalie Portman only serve to elevate the film further. Ian McDiarmid is a great actor too, love watching him do his thing.

Episode 1 is particularly hated for JarJar Binks… Now, while I can see why people find him somewhat irritating, I think a lot of people are being unfair. “Star Wars” is for everyone, but part of that means it has to be enjoyable to teenagers and younger kids. In fairness, that’s the age most Star Wars fanatics were at when we all saw the original films for the first time. A lot of the fans who hate JarJar, but rate the originals, simply would not be in a place to cope or deal with Ewoks in 2017… It’s essentially the same demographic. Yes, the Ewoks have a bit more substance, and there’s a lot more point to them being there, but they are every bit as daft and silly as JarJar is. Most kids love JarJar, and he’s welcome at my next BBQ. Ziro (from the Clone Wars) is possibly too irritating for an invite, plus he’d probably eat all of the grub.

Episode 1 has some great stuff in, pod-racing for example is as good as anything in the Star Wars universe. Darth Maul is probably one the best looking villains in cinema history (although he is woefully under-written and poorly used).

In an age of endless remakes and poorly made sequels, I think we should look back on George Lucas’ legacy with respect and love.

So, what are your thoughts on the Star Wars universe?

Thanks for reading,

P.S.

For those who haven’t checked it out yet, my feature comedy “Behind the Scenes of TOTAL HELL” is now available on DVD and VOD at Amazon, and VOD at Youtube and Vimeo. It’s a comedy about the making of a terrible low budget horror movie, and I think you’ll love it!