I guess our main, likely unshackleable, difference of opinion is in the value of the unknown in Star Wars. I can relate to that somewhat because what I admire about some of the characters in my other favorite films is that same quality. That mystique, as you put it. But Star Wars is different for me. I prefer it as a more closed, interconnected and morally certain universe. I guess that's why I really love this piece of artwork (featured in the Blu-ray packaging, interestingly enough):
The only characters taking the coolest, wisest, more distinguished, middle road aren't briefly glimpsed bounty hunters, but the primary lineage of heroes by story's end, the Skywalkers. And I admire how the PT elaborated upon and made specific the backgrounds of so many of the OT's main and ancillary characters. I like how it more tightly wove things together and made relationships more intersecting and, in some cases, more familial. But, in spite of what I've mentioned, there are still plenty of blanks left and stones unturned among what is a veritable cornucopia of characters presented throughout the saga. Ben Quadinaros, for example.
Also, I was 6 years short of being alive in the summer of '80, so I don't have any lengthy personal history with the character. Many do and that's cool. But I don't have that baggage of thinking of him in any particular way for so long. I wonder if I'd have the same opinion if my childhood had commenced a decade or so earlier.
Regarding whether or not Boba Fett's origin is creative, you partially answered the question for me and reminded me that his arc does more closely resemble Anakin's! I love those repeating motifs and thematically parallel story touches. They reinforce and emphasize the PT's main storyline. That's part of my affinity for what's been done in the PT. But to be fair, what one finds creative can be a very subjective thing. I find the particulars of Boba's upbringing very poignant, endearing and deeply mythological. A "simple man trying to make [his] way in the universe" with an equally simple desire to have a son in his own exact image, free from the perverted dictates of an elaborate alien cloning and indoctrination process. Sounds good to me. And what's the matter with being babysat by other bounty hunters? Everyone has a starting point with mentors and/or peers.
As for the 2004 dubbing update, it just makes the whole saga more cohesive. It's a cogent little touch. The line reading sounds neither lazy, nor lacking in malevolence or confidence. It's the son of Jango, plain and simple.
All of this talk of Boba Fett just reminds me that Lucasfilm was pimping his decked-out battle armor well before ESB came out. He was manufactured to be a badass. And that's all he was until the PT tried to make him into something more interesting. Maybe the mature, mostly mute Boba Fett of the OT is only good in spurts. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
This is the same story from Friday, just dressed up as "confirmed" to drive hits.
