A Criticism Of Star Wars

Star Wars fans will probably think "them's fightin' words", but hear this guy out. I don't agree with everything he says; however, I have to agree about episodes I and II ruining my taste. I also have to agree with those who are getting too excited.

I'll admit that my feelings for the original series were further damaged by the absolutely atrocious Episodes I and II. In the opinion that those films were sterile, overdone CGI-fests, I am far from alone. And yet, somehow, perhaps through Jedi mind tricks, "Star Wars" fanaticism has managed to rise even as the franchise has gotten worse and worse. To top it off, Lucas' continuing insistence on tinkering with the original films displays an annoying fanboyish obsession with continuity. Who really cares that different actors later played Boba Fett or the Emperor? It's probably only a matter of time before the Muppet Yoda in the original series is replaced with CGI. (And don't even get me started on the Greedo-shooting-first debate.) Ironically, these alterations don't seem to bother fans who treat the films with a near-idolatrous reverence.

Despite everything, I understand why even people who thought Episodes I and II sucked would still wanna see III. Anakin becomes Darth Vader. I get it. It's almost as if the point of the insufferable Jar Jar Binks was merely to make the payoff sweeter for fans. But I am amazed at the lack of skepticism regarding "Revenge of the Sith." Barely anyone seems to be going in with guarded expectations. Even the M&Ms are geeked!

I had my hopes up for Episode I. I had my hopes up for Episode II. I'm waiting on Episode III. I'll probably go see it in the theater, but after the crowds when the theater gets more of my money rather than having it all go to Lucas (after the first two weeks the theater gets more and then after a month they get even more).