Okay, This George Lucas Thing Has Gone Too Far

It’s time for a bit of soul-searching, guys. The above video is a trailer for a documentary titled The People Vs. George Lucas, and it’s all about Star Wars fans who hate, absolutely hate George Lucas with a passion for fucking up the prequels, maybe for the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and the Clone Wars cartoon, too. It includes two guys who made a song titled “George Lucas Raped My Childhood.” And the whole thing makes me feel, well…really, really…awful.

Like, it’s really embarrassing and kind of shameful. Now, I’m not trying to throw stones here — it also makes me embarrassed of myself. I fully admit to have yelled/written many an anti-Lucas screed, both on Topless Robot and in my personal life. I dislike the prequels, for the most part. I think Lucas was the main problem with Crystal Skull. I also think he’s more concerned with money than art. So why does this trailer make me feel so weird? Why don’t I just agree with it?

I honestly don’t know. Perhaps, despite my personal problems with Lucas’ later work, I don’t actually hate him for it. I’m dissatisfied with the newer products, obviously, but if I saw him wounded on the side of the road, I wouldn’t let him die. I mean, the man gave us the original trilogy and Indiana Jones — the later films might suck, but do they really take away from the earlier films? I guess I don’t think so. I have no problem still enjoying Star Wars now, despite the prequels. While I might go off on him here on TR now and then for his current decisions, if I met him, I’d still thank him for what he gave me, for what he gave us. Star Wars shaped my childhood, and I doubt I’d be where I am today without George Lucas. Unless he kills my family or something, I don’t think there’s anything he can do that would really take that away from either of us. Does that make me better than the people in the documentary? I’d like to think so, but I’m not that sure. Your opinions would be most welcomed in the comments. (Via FilmDrunk)