Well let's start this off by saying that this read means no offense to the people who dislike the prequels and I respect those opinions, but I for one, love the films. Same goes for the originals, because frankly, I just love everything Star Wars, and always have since I was a kid. Nothing was ever more awesome to me than that magical hum of a lightsaber(one of the greatest weapons in Sci-Fi history I might add), The wisdom of Yoda, the chilling sound of Vader, Han Solo, Bounty Hunters, hell, anything that relates to the universe has always appealed to me. Nothing was more essential in my years of childhood than getting to see a Star Wars film on the big screen. While I may not have got to see the originals, I did get to see all the prequels, and seeing that in the theaters was a wonderful experience.
After hearing the news of J.J. Abrams(Star Trek) getting the role of director behind the new Star Wars, I know not everyone was happy, but I sure the hell was. I love Abrams work, and I feel he could bring something really different to the universe we all know and love, yet keep it close to what everyone grew up with. I have faith in him. I am a little afraid however, that it will be similar to Star Trek and it would seem like a re-hash of his previous work. So while I am excited, I am cautious towards the decision because of that reason. So, we'll Just have to see how it turns out.
Now, let's move on to my standings on the films. As a whole, I feel they are an amazing series of films, with the connection between them making them all the better. I loved how Anakin's story slowly moved from film to film, with somewhat of a satisfying beginning, to a very satisfying end. The rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker was a very interesting story for me seeing as how Vader is one of my favorite movie villains. So I never thought it was a bad choice to go, and I found myself enjoying the storyline for what it was.
Chronologically, It all started in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. We were introduced to a young Obi-Wan Kenobi, the humble beginnings of Anakin Skywalker as a slave, Darth Maul, Anakin's future love interest Padme Amidala, The Emperor a.k.a. Palpatine and many other things, people, and events that started the connection between the prequels and the original films. I felt that the effects were great, and as a kid seeing it, the lightsaber duel at the end of the film had me entranced from beginning to end. Liam Neeson did a great job as Obi-Wan's master, and Ray Park really shined as the menacing Darth Maul simply by his choreography and facial expressions. I was also really young when the film was released so I think I was about one of the only ones that actually liked Jar Jar Binks(which later became no more than a pathetic pawn of the Sith).
Next, was Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones which was a little more darker in tone than the previous episode. We witnessed the introductions of Boba Fett, as well as his father, Jango Fett. We saw the birth of the Clone Wars as mentioned by Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi in A New Hope, as well as the rise of a new Sith Lord by the name of Darth Tyranus, or better known as Count Dooku. The film also marks the very beginnings of Anakin's fall from grace, as he goes on a rampage killing Tusken Raiders due to the death of his mother at their hands. One of the things I feel that took away from what could have made the prequels better was the romance between Anakin and Padme which began in this episode and awkwardly carried on in Revenge of the Sith, the next episode.
Speaking of which, brings me to the next installment of the franchise, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. This one is one of my favorites simply because if how dark it was due to Anakin's betrayal to the Jedi, and I got to see Darth Vader on the big screen. Also, the lightsaber fights were amazing to see. I will agree however that the plot was weak, and the romance and weird, hammy dialogue should have been handled better. Besides those elements, I really liked this one. I will never forget how everyone in the packed theater room stood up and cheered when the film ran its course. It was awesome to experience.
Now, we move on to the original films. Staring with Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope where Darth Vader has seized control of the galaxy and the only hope to stop him is his only son, Luke Skywalker, who is as strong with the force as Vader is, as well as a band of unlikely heroes who form the rebellion against the evil empire which Vader holds. This is the film that introduced audiences to the wonderful world of Star Wars with its swashbuckling story and amazing special effects. This is truly a classic and one of the best films ever made. I love the film for all that it is, and it will always be one of my most favorite films to watch.
Next is Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back which is also my favorite of the six films. It is of a darker tone than the previous film, and the title of the episode says it all. Vader wants to find Luke, and convert him to the dark side, while the rebellion suffers a massive and devastating attack from the empire. Luke discovers who his father really is and loses a hand in the process. This one was a tricky one to watch as a kid, but also a very enjoyable experience due to the fact that it was a huge contrast to the by-the-book antics of the fourth episode, by giving the dark side its time to shine while leaving a pretty interesting cliffhanger. Highly recommended.
Last, but not least, is the sixth film, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. While it does have a bit of a slow start, the action really picks up, from the daring rescue of Han Solo from the evil clutches of Jabba the Hutt, to the final climactic and highly emotional lightsaber duel between Vader and Luke, in which Luke realizes his true destiny while making his father realize his by saving Luke's life from the evil Emperor. The film, while not as enjoyable as to me as V, is still a great film, with the best part being the final confrontation between father and son.
All in all, I do have my favorites, but I love and enjoy all the films for what they are and what they have. I gotta say that without the wonderful world of Star Wars, my childhood would have been a little less fun. The films aren't perfect, but I never had too many complaints. I just hope that J.J. Abrams will deliver. I hope you enjoyed this article, and please, feel free to share your thoughts below.