Watch The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey

The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey is a thought-provoking documentary film from 2016 that explores the Star Wars prequels, a topic that has long been a lightning rod for controversy among Star Wars fans. Directed by Bradley Weatherholt, the film takes a deep dive into the prequels' storytelling, cinematography, and characters from a fan's perspective.

The documentary sets out to identify the reasons why the prequels - Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - have divided the fanbase of one of the most beloved franchises in the history of pop culture. To do this, the film follows Jay Sylvester, a Star Wars fan and independent filmmaker, as he travels to different parts of the world interviewing fellow fans, critics, academics, and creators.

Jay's journey starts by examining the impact of the original Star Wars trilogy on popular culture in the late 1970s and 1980s. He visits the iconic locations where the films were shot and interviews fans who grew up with those movies. He then moves on to the prequels, where he discovers a heightened level of debate among fans, particularly regarding their storytelling choices like the focus on political intrigue and the portrayal of characters like Jar Jar Binks and Anakin Skywalker.

One of the documentary's strengths is its ability to examine the prequels in light of the socio-political context in which they were made. The film delves into the post-9/11 world and how that influenced George Lucas's choice to expose the politics that led to a galactic civil war. The documentary also acknowledges the impact of advancements in visual effects technology and how they allowed Lucas to bring his vision to life in ways that were not possible in the original trilogy.

The Prequels Strike Back does not shy away from addressing the criticisms leveled at the prequels. Still, it also makes an effort to provide a balanced view by highlighting the films' positive aspects. For instance, the documentary discusses how the prequels introduced the Star Wars universe's concept of the Jedi, the history of Anakin Skywalker, and how the trilogy ties into the original movies.

The documentary's approach is not just about discussing the prequels' content; it is also about how fans have reacted to the films. Jay's journey takes him to conventions, fan gatherings, and online communities, where he encounters fans who feel strongly about the prequels' flaws or, alternatively, those who see them as innovative storytelling. The documentary juxtaposes the passionate debates among fans of the prequels with more moderate and measured opinions, from critics like James Berardinelli and Doug Adams.

The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes process of Star Wars' creation and the films' impact on fandom. The documentary invites the viewer to rethink their views on the Star Wars prequels, regardless of their stance on them. Many might find themselves surprised or even challenged by the documentary's take, which is ultimately a testament to its authenticity and ability to generate meaningful discussions.

In conclusion, The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey is an insightful, well-crafted documentary that offers a fresh perspective on the Star Wars prequels, beyond the divisive opinions that have been circulating for years. The film is a great example of how fandom can create a more significant, nuanced perspective on storytelling by highlighting different viewpoints and opening up conversations. For fans who have long been conflicted about the prequels, this documentary is an invitation to engage with the movies in new ways that could lead to a more profound appreciation of their memorable moments and characters.

The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.