Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 4K Steelbook (Zavvi Exclusive) (UK)

[Jezza]

Originally Posted by mrp1978

Ultimately time is the big factor here. Lots of people loved the prequels when they came out, lots of people loudly disliked the prequels when they came out. Now, decades later, most people feel pretty relaxed about the prequels. Time heals wounds and brings perspective. The prequels now seem to be largely seen as interesting, quirky, odd, significantly flawed films. I don't think they are great films, I am not sure I think they are good films. But I love them. They are unique, and all the more interesting for the way they are George Lucas' unfiltered vision in all its grand, glorious, thoughtful, silly, insightful, awkward weirdness. I have loved seeing how the internet has come to embrace the prequels and their charming eccentricity, but I am not sure the love isn't at least semi-ironic. Which is probably about right.

The sequels are still fresh. People have not calmed down. Time has not put things in perspective. But that will come. I suspect the general consensus as to quality won't eventually end up too far from the prequels. In some ways the two trilogies are the polar opposites of one another - one full of interesting, ambitious ideas, but often clunky and awkward on a scene by scene basis, while the other churns out plenty of competently made individual scenes, but is perhaps rather lacking in ambition and purpose.

You can't really compare how people feel about the prequels now with how people feel about the sequels. You're comparing apples and oranges. Passions still run hot for the one trilogy. For the other, that ship has sailed. People are a little wiser about the prequels than they are the sequels. Even people who loathe the prequels have at least come to terms with their existence by this point. Probably. People who hate the sequels still REALLY hate the sequels and can't see a discussion of Star Wars without feeling the need to demonstrate their hatred, but that will change.

That's what I think anyway. I have fun watching them all.

I think that's slightly disingenuous. I'd absolutely say they're more than just "good". The world-building, the story progression across all 3 chapters and the characters have clearly all resonated with a generation of Star Wars fans. If something isn't "good" I doubt it'd have such staying power as it does with the PT generation.

Phantom I'd argue is no better or worse than Return of the Jedi. Sith I'd rank as one of the best Star Wars films, Top 5 certainly. Clones is the only one that doesn't hit the mark. Just my view of course.

Otherwise, the rest of your post is absolutely spot-on. Time is absolutely a factor in opinions and I'm certain 10 years from now we'll be seeing people say how great the Last Jedi is. Just wait.