The Cozy Chair: The 25 best things about the Star Wars Prequels

We can all agree to hating the prequel Star Wars movies at one (or many) given moment, and that we all absolutely love watching the originals--which are, of course, the best. However, people don't give credit to Lucas for this series of three movies expanding on Anakin's timeline.
As a big movie buff and Star Wars fan, I've decided to write a list of my favorite things in the prequels in lieu of the Insider's rather nondescript list (that I disagree with). Here it goes (not in order of best to worst):

1. The Music. The prequels highlight some of John Williams' best works as he takes parts of pieces from the originals and recreates them, mixing them with new and absolutely amazing pieces that really carry the movie more than many other aspects. Some of the best include:
Across the Stars (my personal favorite), Battle of the Heroes, Anakin's Betrayal, Padme's Ruminations, Duel of the Fates, and many others.

2. The Love Story. Now, we all know that Han and Leia were just meant to be, but Padme and Anakin, that is a story doomed for failure. But it is so terrible and tragic that it can't help but be loved. A secret wedding, a love pledge, and the reason for the birth of the twins that change the whole galaxy! Sad and perilous it brings tears to all eyes and makes hopeless romantics like me bawl each time I watch the end of Episode III.

3. Anakin's hair. Bad acting is made up for by the Jedi mullet displayed by Hayden Christensen (and he's just so good looking!!!)

4. Padme. Like her daughter, Padme is characterized by her strong will and ambition to right the wrongs done by her people. Smart and caring, Padme uses both emotion and logic to invigorate the galaxy. Besides, she's super pretty!

5. Hating Jar Jar Binks. Everyone in the Star Wars Universe hates the Gungans, especially one of them. Jar Jar Binks. No matter what you love/hate about the prequels, something everyone can agree on is that this super annoying Gungan should have just been run over by those battle drones.

6. The Politics. The politics are amazing, and coming up with a way to destroy the whole galaxy and rebuild it as an Empire is not an easy feat! Props to the Emperor and the writers and George Lucas!

7. R2D2. I love R2, he's my favorite after expanded universe character Mara Jade, and he's just so much better in the prequels! I love seeing where he comes from and how he ends up with Luke! Besides, R2 is one of the only characters who they can't mess up--he's just that AWESOME! Beep boop beep!

8. Those awkward moments. Oh, there are so many you can't name them all! From: "Everything is so soft and smooth" to "You're in my soul, tormenting me" to "So love has blinded you?" When Anakin feeds her a pear to when he first sees her in Episode II. You just gotta love those awkward scenes. How many can you count? (I think I got about 13...or more)

9. The Clothes. I absolutely love the prequel clothes. Whereas the originals are plain, the extravagant costumes of the prequels are just amazing. I wish I could wear them! Natalie Portman herself said that she liked how Star Wars empowered women, but let them steal the show with their fashion. These are my three favorite outfits.

10. Obi Wan Kanobi. Now who doesn't like Obi Wan? No one! Although he only appeared in the originals for one movie as a lead, he left one of the biggest marks in the saga. The prequels only explore that even more, and giving the job to Ewan McGregor only makes Obi Wan even better.

11. "Anakin's the father, isn't he." --Obi Wan. This is the best quote from all three of the movies, because it is just so obvious! No, Anakin's not the father, he just hugs Padme whenever he sees her and she's pregnant...and you knew they loved each other...

12. Battle Scene on Mustafar. Now this is by far the most amazing thing in all of Star Wars--this battle is amazing. Just think, they did that all by themselves--no CGI, no stunt doubles, all Ewan and Hayden fighting with lightsabers! Not to mention, a lightsaber battle on a lava planet is pretty sexy!

13. Coruscant. Without Timothy Zahn we would have no Coruscant. Without Coruscant there would be no prequel movies! Coruscant is the center of the prequels, it's where all the politics happen, where the Emperor comes to power, where Anakin betrays the Jedi counsel, where the Jedi academy is! It's the whole Old Republic and it is the center of the New Republic in the expanded universe! Besides, you just have to love how pretty it looks!

14. Naboo. I love Naboo! It is so beautiful and peaceful, and it's where Padme comes from!

15. Shaaks. Enough said.

16. Pod Races. I think the Pod Races are so cool and they really introduce the real Anakin, his characterization of taking risks and master of flying and just about everything else.

17. Ascension Guns. As my friend pointed out, they are just like grappling hook guns, except these are so much better! First of all, they're from Star Wars; second, they lift you up and you don't have to do anything! I really want one (besides, I like Padme's outfit!)

18. Lightsabers. Who knew you could have a purple light saber, or even a pink one? I didn't know until I had seen the prequels! Lightsabers are the most amazing weapon in all of Sci-fi and fantasy worlds--cauterizing wounds with just one swipe, made out of special crystals, just being the weapon of a Jedi. Everything about them is just amazing, and the prequels make sure to show that the Lightsaber characterizes a Jedi as much as their ability to use the force.

19. The Partnership. The relationship between Anakin and Obi Wan is just amazing to watch, they become so much like brothers it is just devastating when Anakin turns on him!

20. The Battle Arena. I like the battle arena because it's a) a battle with lots of Jedi, b) the place where Padme confesses her love, c) I like the Acklay and the other alien creatures!

21. Aliens. I love all the new aliens they introduce in the prequels. Also, I like knowing that humans (and Yoda) weren't the only Jedi! What makes Star Wars great is the aliens, from Tatooine to Kashyyyk to Coruscant to Naboo, the planets and the aliens are just amazing!

22. C3P0. I love C3P0 because he's just so funny! Also, it's wonderful to know where he came from, and it's a surprise that Anakin built him and that he lived in the same house where Luke did! Mind Blown! I love his funny quotes, especially in the Geonosis battle scene!

23. General Grievous. Why does he cough? That's the question. Besides that, he's a pretty mean guy! Also, he has four arms and is evil. That's why he's so cool.

24. Count Dooku. I like Count Dooku, he's a jerk and a coward, but he needed be there to create tension and allow Anakin to commit his first act of "Vader evil"!

25. The Rise of the Empire! This is the whole reason for the prequels and boy do they deliver! The Emperor is evil, Anakin turns into Darth Vader and A New Hope is born!