Should my son watch the Star Wars films in theatrical (Star Wars, The Empire Strike Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith) or numerical order (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, A New Hope, The Empire Strike Back and Return of the Jedi)? I know what Lucas would want, but which would be best? I’ll let you decide.
When I first held my son in my arms I thought about what I would want to share with him. Among other things I had a simple dream: The magical moment when he would realize Darth Vader is Luke’s father.
I imagined that gasping awe of realizing Luke’s father was the most evil man in the galaxy. Its one of the highlights of my childhood. So, I planned a strategy.
Everyone was banned from talking about Star Wars around my son. This is no easy task since my wife and I love Star Wars and it’s a common topic of conversation. He was not allowed to see anything Star Wars related, which isn’t easy since the films are also on TV every other day. Plus, I still have my action figures (not toys) from when I was a kid and a lightsaber.
I then came to realize its inevitable he will see or hear about the film before I watch it with him. So, the ban was dropped and I figure eventually it will come out before he watches the films. The dream died.
Still, there’s a slim chance he can watch it untainted. But, I’ve heard lots of kids find the original trilogy boring and the new movies exciting. So, I wonder what would be the best way for him to experience the Star Wars movies.
If I make him watch them in theatrical order will he just yawn and call them boring before even getting to Empire Strikes Back? If he watches them in numerical order then Darth Vader’s secret is practically revealed in the opening credits. He might enjoy them more, but never experience that moment of awe.
I can’t decide. So, I’m throwing it out to you.
Please vote for us for “Best Sci-Fi” blog award! It only takes a minute and we really appreciate it. Click Here! Voting ends December 18th!
Also, vote for Alex J Cavanaugh for Best Blog Post, CineMarvellous for Best Design, Hollywood Spy for Best Gossip, Action Flick Chick for Best Action, iZombie for Best Horror, MoviesWithMitch for Best Newcomer!
What do you think? How should a new viewer watch the Star Wars saga?
[Image Source: starwarsappreciation.tumblr.com]
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="41083 ">6 Comments
Go theatrical! Maybe he'll see what the rest of us realize – the first three were the best.
Alex, I couldn't agree with you more
Doesn't matter, as long as he starts with The Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage he'll be fine 😉
Watch them numerically. I am 36. I have a 3 year old son. His name is Luke. Yeah, I named him Luke. I spent a lot of time thinking about it. Finally, I tried something out. I watched them in 1-6 order. I spent the entire time trying as hard as I could to block out what I know already and see them as if for the first time. I have to be honest. It was awesome. That way. What you will lose in the catchy I am your father bit is really no big loss. What you gain however, is awesome. You get your kid to like this kid Anakin who will be not much older than your son. He'll grow up and be an awesome Jedi, and then it will be hard watching turn. Think about that. That is the think I don't want spoiled. Anakin becomes Darth Vader! Thats a huge deal. And it was long ago spoiled for us. I often wonder what it must be like to have that reveal happen. Must be devastating. And then after all of that pain, he can begin the classic trilogy. The one we grew up with. Complete with an ending that to your son will be 100 times more impactful then it ever was for us. We hadn't known Anakin so his redemption was just cool or something. For your son it will huge and when he see's young Anakin's ghost joining with Yoda and Obi-Wan. He will probably cry. Thats awesome. Compared to that, I think I am your father is just a gimmicky sort of parlor trick.
Princethomas that is very interesting. I never thought of the emotional impact of the character's journey. I may have to watch it that way and see.
People are just quick to blow it off because everyone thinks the Prequels are inferior. They may be. But I truly believe part of why some people don't like them is that still keep that Originals first Point of View. I truly think youll find that the Prequels work much better when shown first and that they add a lot of depth to the originals.