Old vs New: Star Wars Prequels vs Sequels
The Star Wars Prequels are generally reviled. The Sequels, on the other hand, polarize fans. For most, though, it’s a case of diminishing returns. Many loved The Force Awakens, are divided over The Last Jedi, and most agree The Rise of Skywalker is a mess. I think they’re all terrible. I don’t believe the Prequels are great movies, but they do have great moments. They also have great Star Wars moments. The Sequels don’t have any. I can easily find a handful in each of the Prequels. For example, when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are trying to get through the door to accost the Trade Federation leaders in The Phantom Menace:…
Shallow Foundations
Note: Although this blog references The Rise of Skywalker, at this point I still haven’t seen it. When you sit down to write a story, you create characters who’ll serve that story. They each have a unique function. Once that function is complete, the character is done. They exit the story. James Bond movies illustrate how characters function in self-contained stories. Bond’s boss, M, briefs Bond about his mission. Q will provide Bond with weapons and gadgets. Once M and Q have fulfilled their roles, their jobs are complete. In a few Bonds, M and Q might reappear, but usually never with any great depth, necessity, or regularity. There’ll be…