Last week, I unfortunately found myself riddled with a virus at home with boredom being the only thing on my mind. Since I would be home for a bit, I decided to do something I’ve always wanted to do: watch all of the Star Wars films. After consulting with Google, I decided it was best to watch the mains films in the order that they were released and then watch the extras. 11 films later, I am here to give my thoughts. I will try not to spoil anything but apologize in advance if I do; here we go-

Film 1: Episode IV-A New Hope (1977)

I find it so interesting that George Lucas decided to go start with the 4th story because he had confidence that it would be the most popular. I am ashamed to say I had not watched A New Hope before this binge. This first film is pretty good and has many nostalgic, classic elements that I think many fans greatly enjoy. I will say I feel like the core set of characters still hadn’t found their perfect chemistry yet, but the fact that this level of film was made in 1977 is quite amazing and should be considered a technological feat. It’s iconic, what more is there to say. 4/5 stars.

 

 

Film 2: Episode V-The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

For the second installment of the series, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Mark Hamill as Luke being taught the ways by Yoda is just so clever, insightful, and fun. Unlike the first, I think that this film has really good chemistry now built around the main characters which adds to the feeling of the film. I like how it starts bringing some lure into the franchise and open up the worlds of Star Wars. 4/5 stars.

 

 

Film 3: Episode VI-The Return of the Jedi (1983)

The final film of the first released trilogy is very well done and perfectly builds upon everything that has happened so far in the first 2 films. Relationships deepen and the passion for the Resistance becomes much clearer. This movie feels like it has a fun purpose and an understanding that it could very well have been the last Star Wars movie ever, so it makes a strong mark. Jabba the hut is such a unique add. In addition, I love the Ewoks. If the Ewoks have no fans, I am dead. 4/5 stars.

 

 

Film 4: Episode I-The Phantom Menace (1999)

Well renowned as the worst Star Wars film, I have to give my thoughts: it is not a very good film. The Phantom Menace takes the audience to the early childhood of Anakin Skywalker. While it does build some necessary foundations, it is so hard to watch. I typically gage my engagement of a movie in how often I pull out my phone. I was REALLY struggling here with that. Unlike many others, I do like Jar Jar Binks, but besides that this movie is not it. 2.5/5 stars.

 

 

Film 5: Episode II-Attack of the Clones (2002)

There are some that actually find this movie to be just as bad or worse than its predecessor, but I definitely enjoyed Attack of the Clones. This is the first film to have CGI Yoda and Samuel L Jackson, both who I enjoyed. In addition, showcases Ewan McGregor more than the first and showcases Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman in the main roles. I just simply think that this film has good chemistry between Anakin and Pádme in addition to a more interesting plot. Perhaps not a huge improvement, but an improvement for sure. 3/5 stars.

 

Film 6: Episode III-Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Of all of the prequel trilogy movies, I found the final to be the best. This film finds Anakin in a conflicting state, trying to decide to go down a good or bad path. The complexity of the film adds depth and really strengthens the plot in an intriguing way. I think its events fit very well to go into the original trilogy with the next 3 chronological stories. This one has many redeeming qualities to make the prequel movies not seem like such a renowned waste  after all. 3.5/5 stars.

 

 

Film 7: Episode VII-The Force Awakens (2015)

From the opening credits, this film had a lot of pressure but I thoroughly enjoyed its execution. This film starts with Rey, a young scavenger woman on a dessert planet. through circumstances, she eventually finds herself fighting for the Resistance with many old faces making an appearance along the way. I really enjoy the originality that the new characters brought into the franchise and the heavy expansion of the Star Wars universe. Technology had greatly progressed when this film was made which added to the world building. I don’t know why exactly, but this film had a sort of optimism about the future of “the galaxy” which I really enjoy. It’s a good “everyone will enjoy” film. 4/5 stars.

 

Film 8: Episode VIII-The Last Jedi (2017)

I am in love with this film, it is just so well done. The Last Jedi has so many things going on yet not at the same time which for some reason gives this film a very comforting, inviting feeling. The pacing is excellent, the plot unfolds beautifully, and there are so many crucial past moments that connect within this film in such a smart way; it makes me so happy. Leia and Luke work so wonderfully with the newer characters to create a beautiful chemistry. Plus, one of my favorite actresses, Laura Dern, is in this film and plays such an interesting character which I adore. I honestly do not have one bad thing to say about this film, it is practically perfect. Plus. it being Carrie Fischer’s last film is just heartbreaking, I honestly wish the series would have just ended here. 4.5/5 stars.

 

Film 9: Episode IX-The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

I can’t really even describe the disgusting juxtaposition between these two films. Yes, this film has some admirable parts and very action scenes, among other things, but it almost killed everything built in the 8th film and just went in a new direction. I know that the 8th film had a different director and this film has the same as the 7th, but ugh it just annoys me how much potential it had to then just drop the ball. Yes, Rey has a more wholesome ending and some loose ends are taken care of but at the same time so many more are created. Even the name is sort of silly and really encompasses the unnecessary additions that this film brought to the Star Wars universe. So many extra characters added just to move along the story-just bad. 3/5 stars.

 

Film 10: Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

I didn’t love this additional Star Wars story but that could rely on my feeling towards Han Solo in general. I didn’t love the guy who played Han Solo, but I did really enjoy Lando played by Donald Glover and Qi’ra played by Emilia Clarke. This film also has Woody Harrelson who I simply do not like as an actor. The plot was sort of fun, but besides that I didn’t love this one. 3/5 stars (1 star solely for Emilia Clarke).

 

Film 11: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

This film really sets up the Resistance and I believe is set between the Prequel and the Original Trilogies. I enjoyed this film quite a lot as it sets up a whole new set of characters and connects many dots from the main Star Wars movies. Felicity Jones and Diego Luna each give great performances along with the ensemble cast. 3.5/5

 

Everything said, this was quite a fun movie-watching experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you find yourself with hours upon end in your room, maybe give these films a try!

 

References

• Star Wars Episode IV-A New Hope, George Lucas, LucasFilm, 1977
• Star Wars Episode V-The Empire Strikes Back, George Lucas, LucasFilm, 1980
• Star Wars Episode VI-Return of the Jedi, George Lucas, LucasFilm, 1983
• Star Wars Episode I-The Phantom Menace, George Lucas, LucasFilm, 1999
• Star Wars Episode II-Attack of the Clones, George Lucas, LucasFilm, 2002
• Star Wars Episode III- Revenge of the Sith, George Lucas, LucasFilm, 2005
• Star Wars: The Force Awakens,  JJ Abrams, LucasFilm/Disney, 2015
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Gereth Edwards, LucasFilm/Disney, 2016
• Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Rian Johnson, LucasFilm/Disney, 2017
• Solo: A Star Wars Story, Ron Howard, LucasFilm/Disney, 2018
• Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, JJ Abrams, LucasFilm/Disney, 2019