The original and prequel trilogies are worthwhile viewing. The sequel trilogy, however, presents a different case. While George Lucas provided story treatments during the 2012 sale, these were ultimately discarded. The sequels also marked the end of the Expanded Universe, removed from canon to allow creative freedom for filmmakers. Given that the stories deviate significantly from Lucas’s original vision, is there really a compelling reason to watch them?
My only issue with TFA isn’t the movie itself. It’s just that it sets up so much good stuff that the rest of the trilogy just doesn’t do fuck all with. There are some really cool story points, some incredible characters, and amazing acting. Then just garbage through the next two.
Yeah this is easily the best star wars movies IMO. It’s hectic, and all over the place, and there’s a ton of characters, then it just all clicks together in the last little bit of the movie. No spoilers or anything but you absolutely need to watch this. I genuinely can’t over recommend this enough, it’s a golden movie. Then go watch Andor, its easily the best Star wars TV and there are a couple scenes id nominate for top 10 TV scenes of all time. It’s the prequel to Rouge One and goes over Cassian Andor (main character in Rouge One) story.
I actually really enjoyed Solo. Its not super relevant to the greater star wars saga, and its not the most ground breaking piece of cinema ever. But its fun and enjoyable, just go into it with the idea that its “filler content” for the rest of them.
TL:DR I mostly agree with you
I’m gonna die on the hill that rogue one was unnecessary.
Its a cool ass movie, but the “everything must have detailed in universe lore”-culture annoys me so much. Especially regarding a franchise that started as metaphoric of a story as star wars.
Like I don’t need in-universe guides to enjoy old kung fu hero movies with floaty wallruns and rooftop jumps. Its all metaphor and stylistic choice.
Why do I need midichlorians and shoehorned blueprint fudging? Plus the ending was so predictable, i was disappointed when realising they really didn’t come up with a better out than what i guessed before sitting down in the theater.
Explaining the Death Star plans isn’t the point of the movie though. It’s really a movie to say “okay, you’ve seen the Rebellion through the eyes of the heroes, and the Clone Wars from the point of view of Jedi. Now let’s see how it looked like from the point of view of the random soldiers that were also there and aren’t mentioned by name”
It’s really a movie to show the other side of the revolt against the Empire. (And, even though it’s not a movie, Andor continues this idea and is giving us a frankly impressive result)
And really I’d say that just the fact that Rogue One is really the first movie to give some room to normal, non Jedi people makes it so important.
Ive been tempted to watch it all chronologically
For sure. I would say that for me, Rogue One didn’t live up to the hype that it has until that final 20 minutes. The final 20 minutes made it all worth it.
I kind of wish that JJ Abrams did all three films. TLJ really threw away a lot of what was set up in TFA. TROS is basically unforgivable regardless though.