Star Wars Episode I-III

 

Channel 3 have a Star Wars weekend showing all the Star Wars movies and this weekend it was the chronological first three movies and I just had to watch them since it was a long time ago and I'm a bit hyped by the new Star Wars movie next year. The first movie I actually watched in the cinema back in 1999 and I liked it at the time, I was 12-13 years old so it might have been it tailored for kids like me. Today it is seen as either the most boring Star Wars movie or the second worst movie after Episode II. It's not that bad. Yes, Jar Jar is annoying, the whole Pod race scene is just boring and hardly gives anything to the story and just drag. Sadly it was the extended movies so there is some extra time especially around the pod race showcasing even more of the different racers... and I don't even care. And also, the dialogue is kinda stilted at places, especially with Anakin and Padmé (meaning the characters overall). Also I don't quite get how Naboos political system work when they choose a monarch (in this case an 18 old) for a couple of years and then replace them... why queens when it sounds better with a prime minister or president? A monarch can be chosen (we had that before the 16th century), but they sat for life. The better parts on the other hand is actually what many complained about and that is the political aspects of the senate. That is the interesting part. How Senator Palpatine outmaneuvers the current chancellor in the Naboo crisis, which he himself started. Really, the prequels is a much better series from his perspective compared to the rise of Darth Vader.

Episode II then, and again, the political maneuvers are the most interesting thing with the movie. How Palpatine are given extended powers and a republic army to fight the separatist. Much of it is probably due to the actor who really sells the role of this chancellor who reluctantly agrees to stop this threat (although we know he is the one behinds it). Sadly it's what is the main focus of the movie that drags the movie down, the Anakin and Padmé love story or relationship. Due to Anakin Skywalker being one of the most unlikable characters in the series. He is so blinded by his own ambitions, faults and feelings that you just hate him. He complains that he is being held back, doesn't get his credit or that no one acknowledge him. Everything is about this guy and it goes on my nerves. I might just say this due to being a political scientist, but the political stuff is so much interesting cause you don't have him around and the actors in those scenes are good, even Jar Jar Binks have a good plot point that is logical in the story (which gives Palpatine the power he wants, but it is logical) and he play the part good enough. Really, this plot is basically taken directly from ancient Rome when senators grabbed the dictatorship mantle and wouldn't give it back. Also, I didn't watch this movie in the theaters, neither episode III.

Interestingly, I don't find it as good. It lacks the political machinations of the earlier movies, since for some reason the subtleness of Palpatine is gone. He is a cartoon villain. The little political drama that exist is that the Jedi sees themselves forced to take control over the senate in order to stop this power hungry dictator. That is an interesting idea which backfires at them as it gives Palpatine the excuse he wants to eradicate the Jedi. Of course that only works as Anakin betrays them. I see why, he wants to save Padmé I get it, but since he was so unlikable in the last movie and he isn't redeemed here, he makes it worse. When Palpatine wants him inside the Jedi Council he gets upset when the Jedi gives him a place, but not the title of master and dares complain that it is unfair. What a prick! The Jedi overall seems to be pricks using the force as they choose, but still. Doesn't help that he has shown dictatorial tendencies from the second movie. I do not know how to fix this, maybe better dialogue, but you need to change the character of Anakin Skywalker. He can't be this self-entitled ass. It's not worthy of the Darth Vader of the original trilogy who was cruel, calculating and emotional in check. Another unrelated thing... why does the clone army fighters look like X-wings that the rebels used? Shouldn't they be more like Tie-fighters (which interesting enough the Jedi ships looks closer too)?

Overall, fun to watch, but I definitely look forward to the original trilogy this weekend. Also, as a side note, I don't know if Episode II and III had some extended scenes since those movies I've watched the least so I can't tell the difference.