10 Simple Fixes That Would Have Saved The Star Wars Prequels

2. Less CGI, More Model Work

The reliance on CGI makes much of the prequel trilogy feel more like a cartoon than a live-action film. The Gungan/Trade Federation battle in The Phantom Menace and the first battle of The Clone Wars on Geonosis in Attack Of The Clones both feel lifeless despite the dramatic events taking place. The reason is simple; George Lucas went crazy with the CGI and forgot to make everything believable. Despite the best intentions of any actor, working constantly against a green screen is going to hamper their performance. The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, filmed around the same time, mixed special effects with extensive model work, intricate sets, costumes and weapons. It added depth to the film and made the performances completely real. In comparison the Star Wars prequel trilogy felt lifeless and wooden. The mix of model work and special effects really worked in the original trilogy and is something J.J. Abrams is returning to in The Force Awakens.