Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the long anticipated Star Wars sequel has finally arrived, so it’s time to re-watch the trilogy…and there is only one! Here’s how the author ranks the trilogy:
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The best of the original trilogy, hands down. It’s the most fun, the best paced, and really a perfect film all around. The addition of Yoda to the series and his words of wisdom to Luke are just so awesome and inspirational and give the film a lot of emotional and intellectual depth. The film does everything right to advance the story and develop the characters, such as the romance between Han and Leia, and the connection Luke has with Darth Vader…which turns out to be one hell of a revelation, am I right? Also, the AT-AT Walker action sequence on Hoth remains the best action sequence in the whole Star Wars franchise (in the author’s humble opinion).
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Films like this are the reason why we as an audience go to the theatre in the first place. This was back when George Lucas still cared and saw Star Wars as more than just a brand. Lucas and crew borrowed elements and techniques from past films and mashed them together to create a film that kick started one of the most recognizable and successful film franchises of all time. It’s essentially the classic “good vs. evil” story set in outer space. Luke Skywalker’s a kid who’s destined to destroy (or possibly join) the Empire, Obi-Wan is a wise Jedi knight who guides Luke on the path to becoming a Jedi, Princess Leia’s a crucial figure in the Rebel Alliance (later revealed to be a Jedi and Luke’s...come on, you already know!), Han Solo’s a wise-ass space outlaw who assists Luke and Leia for the greater good of the universe, Chewbacca’s a Wookie, who’s also Han’s loyal sidekick, R-D2 and C-3PO are bickering robots who help anyway they can, and Darth Vader is the villain who is hell bent on destroying the Rebel Alliance with a stormtrooper army at his disposal. All of the characters are memorable, serve a purpose and are well portrayed by the actors playing them, although some of Mark Hamil’s acting is a little cringe worthy at times, but it doesn’t hurt the film at all. Everything about this film works, largely because of a great script, a memorable musical score (John Williams rules!), and great special effects, which Lucas somehow feels the need to keep tampering with. The power of money boners is strong with that one!
Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi (1983)
The weakest link in the original trilogy by far, but it’s still a great film regardless. As everyone has already pointed out, the Ewoks are one of the things that drag the film down. While they do serve a purpose later in the film, it’s rather obvious they were included to appeal to the kids and as a means for Lucas to sell more merchandise. Pacing wise, it’s not as consistent as A New Hope, nor The Empire Strikes Back, but the action sequences are still fun and the climax is awesome. Everything was building up to that final lightsaber battle between Luke and Darth Vader, and boy is it something because of all the emotion and conflict involved. Emperor Palpatine is just so damn evil too! As a whole, it’s a fine conclusion to the trilogy, but Lucas tampering with the end and including you know who as the ghost of Anakin is downright unforgivable. Supposedly, we also hear the voice of a certain character due to some new edits Lucas made, but I refuse to acknowledge that certain character’s existence.
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