I Love Star Wars

“I love Star Wars” is an extremely common phrase. While it sounds like hyperbole, I really think it’s safe to say that the release of Star Wars in 1977 really changed the world. In the years since it became a pop culture juggernaut, and with the Disney acquisition it only looks to be getting more and more popular. AND CONTROVERSIAL.

Because as common as “I love Star Wars” is, I think the phrases “I love Star Wars, but…” and “I love Star Wars, except for…” are even more common.

I love Star Wars. Those who know me well won’t find that as a surprise. But when I say that phrase, I really mean it, with no exceptions. I love the movies, the TV shows, and the books. And honestly, I think that’s the best way to enjoy Star Wars.

If Star Wars has never really been your thing, that’s okay. This post goes out more to fans. Everyone has a right to their opinion, including people who really, really, REALLY hate parts of Star Wars. My purpose isn’t to tell anyone what to believe or question anyone’s love for the franchise. I’d simply like to explain why I think Star Wars as one grand tapestry is the best way to experience it.

It is a Period of Civil War

This is a franchise whose fans seem to have a love/hate relationship with it (and each other). Let’s just say feelings and opinions can get a little…intense. When The Last Jedi came out in December, reactions were so mixed that we had a full blown culture war on our hands. Believe it or not, this isn’t even a new phenomenon within the Star Wars fandom. Back when The Empire Strikes Back came out (which is frequently cited as the best of all the movies) there was considerable fan push back. We’re talking about the holy grail of Star Wars movies here, and even it managed to generate hand-wringing among the fan base.

Obviously things didn’t get less heated from there. I don’t need to rehash controversy about the prequels. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, try going to an internet forum and posting “I really enjoyed the Star Wars prequels” and prepare to get eaten alive. In 2012, Disney officially bought Lucasfilm, instantly enraging a lot of the fans. Disney then quickly moved to “uncanonize” the Star Wars Expanded Universe (a collection of books, comics, video games and other media that were considered to have officially happened in the timeline), further enraging said fans. While mostly beloved, The Force Awakens had it’s fair share of detractors, and as I mentioned before, the response to The Last Jedi has been, shall we say…mixed.

As you’ve probably heard, “nobody hates Star Wars like a Star Wars fan.”

But Why?

For some reason, it seems like Star Wars is subject to way more scrutiny than most other entertainment franchises. That probably comes with the territory, given that it’s arguably the most popular franchise on the planet. However, I think there’s another big reason for all the “my childhood has been ruined” rhetoric. Star Wars has an incredible ability to resonate with the viewer and leave behind a powerful, long-lasting impression. It’s had a major impact on multiple generations of boys and girls who grew up with it. It was huge for the people who came of age during the Original Trilogy. Many in my generation feel similarly about the Prequel Trilogy, and the current Sequel Trilogy will surely set it all in motion again. Star Wars is a major part of our lives.

The problem arises when that passion for Star Wars turns into a sense of ownership, intentional or not.

Star Wars Doesn’t Belong to You

After The Last Jedi came out, comments like this were everywhere: “Luke would never do that.” “You can’t do that with the Force.” “That just wasn’t like a Star Wars movie.” This demonstrates a curious phenomenon; people seem to be pretty sure they know what’s best for Star Wars. Every new addition to the universe, be it movie, book, or TV show, is relentlessly scrutinized. Please don’t misunderstand me, because I’m not talking about individual faults. Rather, people seem to scan everything Star Wars related with a mental vision of their “Star Wars,” and shred anything that doesn’t fit into that predetermined norm.

We as the fans don’t own Star Wars. We have to let the story evolve.

This negative sense of entitlement can lead to some truly bizarre behavior, like possible review-bombing, unhinged sexist movie cuts, petulant petitions, mean spirited gate-keeping, and all manner of other toxic behaviors. Maybe I’m being too judgmental, but stuff like that kind of makes me depressed.

Star Wars Is Meant to Be Enjoyed

Now the main point: you get more out of Star Wars if you’re willing to just accept it, warts and all. Is it perfect? Certainly not. Here are a few of my own personal gripes: the Canto Bight quest is weak, I don’t get Maz Kanata, some episodes of Rebels can be a little childish, Revenge of the Sith marginalized Padme, and the timeline in Empire Strikes Back doesn’t really make sense.

But if you nit-pick too much and dismiss ANY of the media as a whole, then you’re missing out on rich world-building and character moments. Did the Prequels ruin your childhood? You’re throwing away some of the best combat in the whole series and a fantastic performance by Ewan McGregor. Think Rebels is a dumb cartoon? Goodbye incredible character growth, the return of fan-favorite characters, and some emotional moments right up there with anything in the movies. Think Last Jedi should be thrown in the garbage? Goodbye incredible Luke character arc, refreshing story directions, throne room battle scene, and powerful themes. Hate the idea of having to read a book to learn more about certain universe details? You’ll miss great character expansions and world-building.

I love Star Wars for what it is, a powerful story of hope and redemption. Every fan has the right to experience it as they choose, but for me that means hopping into the entire galaxy with both feet and letting myself enjoy the ride.

Cover Image created by The-Dark-Mamba-995

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