Do prequels rob us of our memories and imagination ?

[Mikey]

Was just watching Star Wars the other day ...
The part when Ben was telling Luke about the Clone Wars.
About how Darth was a pupil of Ben's until he turned to the dark side and so on.......

When Ben told this story, I had my own story and vision as to what he was talking about.
I had this same mental story in my head for over 20 years.
Today (after the prequels) I found out how wrong I was.

I can list stuff like this from Star Trek as well - and the culprit is Enterprise and probably this new movie too.

I almost feel something was personally take from me.
When I hear Ben's story today, I can't help but think of the prequels

Even if you love prequels, can you at least understand what i'm saying ?

[huedell]

I understand what you're talking about Mike.

I just don't (and can't) agree.

STAR WARS (aka Ep. IV) is my favorite movie of all-time---
and, add to that, that I'm not "ecstatic" over Ep. I & II---but that doesn't
take away from the great feeling I get watching Ep. IV to this day.

I guess it's because anything "good" that has influenced me from the prequels
just makes me happy and (probably) enhances Ep. IV.

Everything I DISliked about the prequels...I simply block out...I guess

Altho' we don't see it the same way, Mike, I'm still interested
to hear what everyone else has to say about this controversial
question.

[HardyGirl]

Yes, I understand. Sometimes imagining how it was is more fun than seeing it the way it really was. It's kinda like when they make movies out of popular books. Seeing the movie really messes up your pre-conceived notions about what folks looked like, sounded like, and where they lived. Sometimes the imagination is just better.

[The Bat]

I don't think it takes away our fond memories of the originals...how can it? Like you said Mike...you had an idea in your Head of what the SW prequels would be like...but then again, so did George Lucas.
George had the the basic plots already mapped out for Episodes 1, 2, & 3...but decided to start with episode 4 instead.

That said...even though episode 1 had a LOT of flaws...take JaJa away, and it would be a bit more watchable. Attack of the Clones was better...and episode 3 was the best of the Prequels...and wrapped up the story just as I thought it should be.


The same goes for Star TreK:TOS...this new Movie, good or bad...could NEVER take away my feelings about the TOS! I grew up on Star Trek...it was my ABSOLUTE favorite show as a Kid!

[megoscott]

For me, the prequels diminished Star Wars, especially Darth Vader. I think they botched the origin story of one of the greatest villains ever. He turned out to be an uninteresting, immature brat. And while that may have a certain logic, it didn't do it for me. The clones, the politics, the Jedis, that's all fine, but I never cared about Anakin Skywalker, and that is sad.

In retrospect I wish they'd have stopped in 1977...I'd sacrifice Empire if it would keep the rest from happening.

[palitoy]

I doubt anyone could film a clone wars that was as cool as the one in my mind back in the 70s. It would have to be an animated film done by Ralph McQuarry.

I agree with Scott, the prequels that did come out made Darth Vader far less interesting.

The last season of Enterprise was prequel handled correct IMO, the damage of the first three seasons and all that other Berman nonsense not withstanding.

[Wee67]

I third Scott's point about Vader- the prequels lessened the character. He defined the bada$$ villian when I was a kid and turns out it was just a REALLY bad case of sour grapes. AND he was an incredibly boring guy to boot!

I do think, however, that some prequels can work if they have a valid story to tell on their own. When you create a story, you don't bore the viewer/reader/etc. with EVERY single detail about the character or the background. You only use those to forward the teme of the story or to build the character in a way to forward the story.

[Gorn Captain]

Actually, I like the whole six movie arch.
To me, the story worked out fine.

I have "minor" problems, like seeing R2 fly, C3PO losing his head left and right, bad CG Jabba, etc, but all and all I don't feel cheated or robbed of fond memories.

There are inconsistencies, yes, especially with what Ben said, but unavoidable ones.
I think that a lot of us grew up with "cruel and inhumane Vader", and seeing an extremely human and sensitive Anakin could possible clash with that. But it need not be so. I find it even more chilling to picture Anakin inside that black shell, torturing people, because that's how it is in real life, too. Inside every dictator's military uniform is a man, doing the evil deed. That adds to the horror.

I still get a buzz from seeing Star Wars. The Cantina, the TIE fighter attack, the trash compactor. I still get goosebumps. And I've seen that movie over 40 times.
I still get a chill on hearing "I am your father!".

You should never, ever, let anything take that away. It's still the same, my fellow fans, nothing has changed. Watch the old version, without laughable CG Jabba, and just go with it again.

And don't worry: we'll see Luke become a Jedi master and teach new Jedi, when I direct episodes 7-9. Just be patient....

[huedell]

Hear, hear, my good Gorn Captain!

[johnnystorm]

I've only really seen bits and pieces of the prequels, mainly because I had no interest in them. My thing with a prequel is that we KNOW what's going to happen. We know where Darth Vader ends up, so any danger or peril we see him in as a kid is kinda meaningless, because we know he doesn't die. Same reason I never watched Titanic. Ship still going to sink, sad ending for the characters they want you to invest your time with.

Another reason why Temple of Doom was the weakest of the Indiana Jones films (IMHO).

[Mikey]

A bit off topic,

Going back to 1977 and watching Star Wars for your first time ... did anyone else think Darth Vader was a robot ?

Bare in mind, if you're too young to have not seen Star Wars on it's first run, you probably wont get why i'm asking this.

[The Bat]

A bit off topic,

Going back to 1977 and watching Star Wars for your first time ... did anyone else think Darth Vader was a robot ?

Bare in mind, if you're too young to have not seen Star Wars on it's first run, you probably wont get why i'm asking this.

Hmm...good question. I saw it on the first run(12 years old), and I don't remember thinking he was a Robot?

[Hector]

For me, the prequels diminished Star Wars, especially Darth Vader. I think they botched the origin story of one of the greatest villains ever. He turned out to be an uninteresting, immature brat. And while that may have a certain logic, it didn't do it for me. The clones, the politics, the Jedis, that's all fine, but I never cared about Anakin Skywalker, and that is sad.

In retrospect I wish they'd have stopped in 1977...I'd sacrifice Empire if it would keep the rest from happening.

I agree with the first part of your post...but disagree with the second part.

I would NOT sacrifice Empire...the very best Star Wars movie, period.

I love the original trilogy (except those bloody Ewoks)...I think Darth Vader finally embracing his son...was a great ending...it was a great stand alone trilogy...but we can agree...the prequels were not necessary at all.

[Hector]

A bit off topic,

Going back to 1977 and watching Star Wars for your first time ... did anyone else think Darth Vader was a robot ?

No...never did.

Vader walked too fluidly...unlike the stiff-walking C-3PO...plus that heavy breathing...robots don't breathe...and the placing of his helmet scene...you could clearly see his scarred organic cranium.

No...the robot thing never entered my mind.

[Hector]

For me, the prequels diminished Star Wars, especially Darth Vader. I think they botched the origin story of one of the greatest villains ever. He turned out to be an uninteresting, immature brat.

...and the silly and rapid way he turned to the Darkside...I mean really...what a weak-minded simpleton he turned out to be...lol.