Father & Son Cinema presents: The Star Wars Prequels
For anyone who grew up in the 80’s with a deep love for all things Star Wars, sharing those films with your children is one of the most satisfying things that can be experienced as a parent. I made the mistake of burning through the Original Trilogy with my son when he was too young to really follow the story like it deserves. Now that he’s almost 10, I decided that it was time to go back to the beginning and really let that Star Wars prequel kiddie stuff bait him in before I seal the deal with some Original Trilogy stuff. Sadly, it will always be followed by the new trilogy of films but even that has a chance of wowing him with some of those characters who weren’t total dogshit.
So the purpose of this is to get that almost 10 year old perspective of what the Prequels did right, what they did wrong, and which characters got a passing grade. Let’s get to it!
Favorite Character – General Grievous
This one surprised me a bit. I know Darth Maul was a consideration right from the beginning but seeing him go down so early in the prequels makes it hard to pick him. He also liked Obi-wan quite a bit and I would say based on what he said that Kenobi was his favorite good guy. But, nothing quite compared to the monstrous multi-saber wielding machine that was General Grievous. The most exciting thing for me might be following these up with episodes of The Clone Wars so he can get more acquainted with some of these characters, but for now, Grievous takes home the prize.
Favorite Scenes – The Duel on Mustafar
It’s hard to argue with his one. Probably the most epic saber battle in the entire Star Wars Saga and likely the one with the most impactful outcome. If only Obi-wan had finished off Anakin then this whole thing might have ended differently. Either way, it’s a great scene and one that my son absolutely loved.
Favorite Story – Jango/Clones/Boba Stuff
Cool armor and cool gadgets wins the day. The boy would have liked to have an update on young Boba at some point during Episode 3, but he still enjoyed the idea that all of the clones were essentially little Jango’s running around in white armor.
Which movie ruled the hardest? – Episode 3
Not a big surprise here. Grievous being his favorite character and the finale being his favorite scene should have given it away, but it’s also because this movie did rule pretty hard! A pretty frenetic pace and not a lot of time to catch your breath, but it feels like it does a fairly good job of tying up loose ends before the long period between Eps. 3 and 4.
What sucked about these movies? – More Battles/Kinda Silly
No, Anakin, it’s not. Even though the playful nature of The Phantom Menace was a big reason why he enjoyed the first film, it’s easy to see why it felt too silly at times. The droid armies, the boy just running around doing things so effortlessly and having a blast while destroying countless lives, and of course, Jar Jar, all have some responsibility for this film not finishing higher on most people’s lists. Seems a shame to me as I enjoyed it more with this latest re-watch but it is quite telling when a 9 year old who hasn’t seen too many “adult-themed movies” would consider this too kiddie.
I hope you enjoyed this perspective of a 9 year old. Let me know what you think about his picks and if there are other movies you want us to watch in the future.
