5 Controversial Opinions on Star Wars You May Disagree With

Even Darth Vader has to use the toilet at times.

 

Star Wars is a beloved franchise that has captured the imaginations of millions of fans across the world. However, despite its popularity, there are still many controversial opinions surrounding the series. In this post, we'll explore five of these controversial opinions that you may disagree with. 

1. The Prequels Are Underrated

The Star Wars prequel trilogy – consisting of The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith – is often criticized for its wooden acting, clunky dialogue, childish humor, and overreliance on CGI. However, some fans argue that the prequels are unfairly maligned and actually have many redeeming qualities. For instance, they provide crucial backstories for the original trilogy, introducing iconic characters such as Darth Maul and General Grievous, and expanding the Star Wars universe in interesting ways. Furthermore, they feature some truly epic moments, such as the showdown with Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace and the final battle between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi in Revenge of the Sith. If one were to delve into the story more deeply, it is quite interesting how intricate and well-thought-out the prequel story is. While the prequels may not be perfect, they should be recognized for their contributions to Star Wars mythology.

2. The Sequels Are Underrated

While some fans argue that the most recent Star Wars trilogy – consisting of The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker – is overrated and fails to capture the magic of the original trilogy, others believe that the sequels are actually underrated and deserve more appreciation. They contend that the sequels took bold risks and pushed the boundaries of the franchise in new and exciting ways, such as introducing complex and flawed characters like Kylo Ren and exploring themes of failure and redemption. They also argue that the sequels feature some of the best visual effects and action sequences in the entire series and that the acting performances – particularly by Daisy Ridley as Rey and Adam Driver as Kylo Ren – are top-notch. Although the overall storyline dropped the ball several times (such as building an interesting character like Finn only to ignore him later, and introducing an amazing villain like Captain Phasma only to have her be starched by Finn), there are some redeeming qualities to the sequels. The storyline between Kylo Ren and Rey is interesting and provided a great deal of emotion to the films, and the revelation of Palpatine's return (which was probably a move to save this trilogy), worked out pretty well. Perhaps the most hated of the trilogy is The Last Jedi, and while this movie is pretty bad, the biggest offender of this film for me was the burning of the sacred books of the Jedi. But, in hindsight, the whole Star Wars storyline points to the Jedi's dogmatic devotion to their ways (without the element of attachment and genuine love that Qui-Gon Jinn was trying to example). So, this part of the film may be the most worthy, storyline-wise. Like those who hated the prequels, the sequels will most likely become a beloved series for future generations. Let's just hope some of the plot holes get patched up in some of these Star Wars shows on Disney+.

3. The Original Trilogy Is Outdated

The original Star Wars trilogy – consisting of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi – is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece. However, some fans argue that the trilogy has not aged well and is no longer relevant to modern audiences. They contend that the special effects are dated, the plot is simplistic, black and white, and lacks the grey areas that make for more interesting storytelling. Some may feel that the original series reflects the generic fantasy "save the damsel" plot with a science fiction twist. While it is true that the storyline of the original series is not as involved as the prequels, some elements of the story are more than memorable, such as the concept of Darth Vader being Luke's father. There are some problematic, yet minor issues with the original series as well, such as the Stormtrooper's hilariously inaccurate shooting, and the underwhelming lightsaber battles (especially compared to the prequels). Even considering all of these issues, the original trilogy should be recognized for its groundbreaking concepts, memorable characters, and iconic imagery.

4. The Expanded Universe Is Canon

The Star Wars Expanded Universe – consisting of novels, comic books, video games, and other media – was created by a variety of authors and artists outside of the original films. While much of this content was later deemed non-canon by Disney (who purchased the Star Wars franchise in 2012), some fans argue that the Expanded Universe should still be considered part of the official Star Wars canon. They contend that the Expanded Universe contains many interesting stories and characters that are worth exploring and that it would be a shame to ignore them. Furthermore, some argue that the Expanded Universe provides a more satisfying and coherent continuation of the original trilogy than the sequel trilogy does.

5. Star Wars Is Not Science Fiction

Finally, some fans argue that Star Wars is not really science fiction at all, but rather a fantasy epic set in space. They contend that while Star Wars may incorporate some science fiction elements – such as spaceships, robots, and laser guns – it is primarily a story about the battle between good and evil, with mystical forces like the Force playing a central role. They argue that the Star Wars universe is more similar to Tolkien's Middle-earth or George R.R. Martin's Westeros than to the worlds of Isaac Asimov or Arthur C. Clarke. While this may be a controversial opinion, it is important to remember that genre categories are often fluid and subjective, and that what one person considers science fiction may not be the same as what another person considers science fiction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Star Wars is a franchise that has sparked endless debates and discussions among fans. While not everyone may agree on these controversial opinions, it is important to remember that different perspectives and interpretations are what makes the Star Wars universe so rich and diverse. Whether you love the prequels or hate them, whether you think the sequels are overrated or underrated, and whether you consider Star Wars to be science fiction or fantasy, there is no denying the impact that this franchise has had on popular culture and the collective imagination. 

 

 

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Note: The views contained within this article represents the author's views alone, and may or may not represent other's views within Toy and Tee. We're all different here, and celebrate diversity of perspectives.