So, I've noticed that the overall reception of RLM and their take on Star Wars is pretty negative on that board. While I think this is perfectly understandable, and they're certainly not above criticism, I think they're treated a bit unfairly. Let me explain:
>inb4 shill thread
To get a few things out of the way first:
1) I do think that most of the criticism they leveled at the prequels are valid, they really blew it out of proportion. I also think that at least some of it can be attributed to comedic effect.
2) I'm certain that they played a major part in turning a large part of the fanbase against George Lucas. It was probably not their intention, though.
3) While I found their verdict on TFA (as well as the Plinkett Review) a bit baffling, I think some of it can be explained without bringing Disney money into it.
4) I'm not going to discuss the Plinkett reviews in detail in this post, but feel to do so.
5) The reviews are overpraised.
6) This thread isn't about trying to make you like them.
I think the consensus is that the prequels, while flawed, are not bad movies per se and are a great addition to the Star Wars mythos. So, why do I think Stoklasa was so harsh on them? It's simple, really. Stoklasa is not really a Star Wars fan. That's evident from the reviews, where he mentions that he has no interest in the EU material, he directly states that he doesn't read any of the novels and doesn't play any of the video games. He just likes the movies as a trilogy of competently made, greatly written and well-produced, overall fantastic Science Fantasy movies, while fans like us appreciate the mythos and the universe, to which the prequels were an overall great addition, as I've said. As movies themselves, however, they were flawed in many terms, which is what I think is the reason for his dislike.
So, why the positive reception to TFA? I think that's also simple. While I personally hated the movie, I do have to concede that it's for the most part competently made and, with some excePost too long. Click here to view the full text.