I have been spending more of my time reading other blogs than simply writing for my own. I find I can always come across a post that moves me in some way. This happened when I read a post written by John Siebelink titled “Why So Much Hate for the Star Wars Prequels”.  The prequels are flawed films, but underneath there are great elements of storytelling within the movies. I personally grew up with the prequels as I remember the release of The Phantom Menace. I had so many of the action figures along with Qui-Gon’s Comlink with little key cards which activated the voices of the characters. I wanted to share a few of my favorite moments from the prequels because I’m sure I’m not the only one who has fond memories of watching these movies.

Darth Maul

As a kid, I thought Darth Maul was one of the best villains I had ever seen on a movie screen. I loved the double-bladed lightsaber. Watching The Phantom Menace again I realize one huge flaw in the movie was not utilizing Darth Maul. It would have been neat if Obi-Wan in the Revenge of the Sith would have had an epic lightsaber battle to finally avenge Qui-Gon’s death. The fact that Maul appears in Solo: A Star Wars Story has me hyped for the future of other Star Wars films.

The Flaws of the Jedi

The Jedi are seen as these tremendous leaders whose ultimate goal is world peace however, they’re incredibly flawed in their logic. Not allowing their disciples to love is what led Anakin astray. He only wanted to save Padme which is how the Emperor was finally able to turn Anakin into his personal killing machine. If the Jedi were able to see how love can really strengthen someone’s resolve maybe Anakin could have still been a Jedi.

Also when Mace Windu has Emperor Palpatine pinned down and is planning on killing him, Anakin sees the hypocrisy of the Jedi’s teachings. Jedi claim they’re “good” and are on the “light side of the force” yet Mace Windu is willing to make an exception for killing Palpatine. As a kid I always thought the Jedi were the “good guys”, but after re-watching the prequels when I was older, I realized how the Jedi are flawed heroes.

Battle of Geonosis in Attack of the Clones

Another one of my favorite sequences in the prequels is the arena battle sequence in Attack of the Clones. When Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme are tied to the poles, Padme is the first one to escape. Watching this as a kid, I saw Natalie Portman hold her own against the two main male characters in the story. She knows how to use a blaster and doesn’t need Anakin’s help to save her. Padme (even though her character arc is poorly written) was still one of the first female science fiction characters I was exposed to.

Battle on Mustafar in Revenge of the Sith

I will say this fight sequence between Anakin & Obi-Wan is hands down one of the best lightsaber duels in the prequels. I still cannot believe Obi-Wan lets Anakin burn to death because again isn’t he a Jedi who represents the good in the force, but no let’s leave your former student to burn alive. I also get chills as I watch this scene with the score that goes along with it. The music amps up the battle between these former Jedi.

The prequels are flawed films with some redeeming scenes in them. Part of my childhood was spent watching these movies so I can’t fully hate them like other Star Wars fans can. I’m interested to see what your favorite prequel scenes are.