The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey

The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey is a 2016 American documentary film directed by Bradley Weatherholt about the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The film contains dozens of interviews from film scholars,[1] critics, academics, and Star Wars fans. Notable interviews include film director Kevin Smith, film critic Chris Gore, actor Christian Simpson, music journalist Doug Adams, and Founding Curator of the Joseph Campbell Archives, Dr. Jonathan Young.[2]

The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey
Promotional release poster
Directed byBradley Weatherholt
Written byBradley Weatherholt
Produced by
  • Kyle Brodeur
  • Matthew Todd Fielder
  • Frank Zoch
  • Bradley Weatherholt
CinematographyTyler Gorrell
Edited byKyle Brodeur
Music bySeth Wade Melancon
Production
company
Ministry of Cinema
Release date
  • September 14, 2016 (2016-09-14)
Running time
80 minutes
LanguageEnglish

Production

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Crowdfunded with a modest budget, production took place over a year as interviews were conducted across the country.[3][4][5][6]

Release

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The film was released digitally on September 14, 2016.[7] A theatrical premiere took place on October 6, 2016 in Austin, Texas.[2][8]

Reception

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The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey received generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Chris Agar of Screen Rant noted the film "is a great watch for Star Wars fans and serves as a refreshing discussion on the prequels,"[9] while Richard Whittaker of The Austin Chronicle praised the film's deconstruction of George Lucas.[10] Geeks of Doom's review noted: "You might be surprised at what you learn, and what you may have missed this entire time."[11] The Star Wars Prequels Appreciation Society called the film "thoughtful," though it doubted the film would change the minds of "hellbent" fans.[12] Many cite the film as playing a significant role in rethinking the legacy of the prequel films.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Brodeur, Kyle (May 7, 2016). "Spotlight: Mike Klimo". PrequelsStrikeBack.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Anderton, Ethan (August 24, 2016). "'The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey' Trailer: Maybe The Star Wars Prequels Aren't Bad?". SlashFilm.
  3. ^ "The Prequels Strike Back". Indiegogo.
  4. ^ Vanderbilt, Mike (June 11, 2015). "Get Involved, Internet: Help fund a 'fresh look' at the Star Wars prequels". The A.V. Club.
  5. ^ Tschopp, Jesse (May 8, 2015). "New Documentary Defending the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy Needs Your Help!". MakingStarWars.net.
  6. ^ Campbell, Christopher (May 11, 2015). "THE PREQUELS STRIKE BACK COULD BE ANOTHER STAR WARS MOVIE OUT THIS YEAR". Film School Rejects. Archived from the original on January 4, 2016.
  7. ^ a b Britt, Ryan (August 19, 2016). "It's Not Cool to Hate the 'Star Wars' Prequels Anymore". Inverse.
  8. ^ Wood, Matt (August 27, 2016). "New Star Wars Documentary Attempts To Defend The Prequels, Check It Out". Cinema Blend.
  9. ^ Agar, Chris (September 11, 2016). "The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey Review". Screen Rant.
  10. ^ Whittaker, Richard (September 30, 2016). "The Star Wars Prequels Strike Back". The Austin Chronicle.
  11. ^ "Movie Review: The Prequels Strike Back: A Fan's Journey". Geeks of Doom. October 27, 2016.
  12. ^ "Review: 'The Prequels Strike Back'". The Star Wars Prequel Appreciation Society. September 12, 2016.
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