The Beginning And End Of The Prequels (Star Wars Anniversary)

On May 19th 1999, I was besides myself as I entered the movie theater. I was about to see the first Star Wars movie in 16 years!
After 1983's "Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi" had closed the pages of the Original Trilogy, I had a few things. A couple of Ewok movies. An Ewok cartoon show, along with a Droids cartoon show (with toys to accompany them). Some great Extended Universe comics and books ("Shadows Of The Empire" being my all time favorite). But not a new film.
I had said before that I literally dreamed of new Star Wars toys during this dry spell. So seeing brand new Star Wars toys in Toys R Us hyped me up to dizzying levels.
I can look back at it all now and really understand how this film could never live up to the hype. The film still isn't as perfect as those original films, but I always felt that "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" aged well and thanks to analysis from Star Wars sages like Dave Filoni, the layers are deeper than we know.
Also on May 19th, but in 2005, the third and final film in the Prequel Trilogy, "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith" arrived and I got to once again say farewell to the saga (little did I know!).
To many this is the best film of that Prequel Trilogy. Most didn't even like the titles of the first two films (it took me awhile to get used to them). Revenge Of The Sith was the title I loved immediately. And the film took the tragedy of Anakin Skywalker and went warp speed. All of a sudden we had only a couple of hours for The Great Downfall. And it was great. A highlight of the saga as a whole.
The Clone Wars show has given even more depth to that film, thanks to the final four amazing episodes.
Say what you will about the films. I will never forget how I felt on those premiere days. The excitement. The return of those beautiful days of old...the days I remembered fondly as a seven year old Star Wars fanatic. You can never convince me that was all for not. That period in Star Wars history is a highlight of my life. Always.