May the 4th Be with You…
“May the Force Be with You…” I have heard this phrase countless times today (including just now, in an ad on TV for Disney+). Given the troubling times that we are all experiencing, I cannot think of a better sentiment (okay, perhaps “live long and prosper” with a proper Vulcan salute, is equally apropos… but not the focus of today’s post). It is hard for me to imagine a world without Star Wars. I grew up watching the original (and dare I say, best) films on repeat, and then the ‘special editions’ came out circa 1997. You know, the remastered, re-edited, extended editions, with CGI enhanced scenes that were released just in time for the start of the Prequel trilogy that began premiering in theaters starting in 1999? Needless to say, ‘90s me had all the Queen Amidala swag, following the release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999). I’m talking spiral-bound notebooks, folders, bookmarks, and those delightful pencils with oversized cap erasers of various characters’ heads; my fandom knew no bounds. It is safe to say that my love for all things Star Wars started early, the force was incredibly strong with this padawan.
Over the years, however, my tastes have changed, and I have to question the direction the franchise has gone in. ‘Sequel’ after sequel, and spin-off after spin-off, the ‘canon’ that is “Star Wars” has gotten muddier and muddier. Some additions (The Mandalorian, 2019-Present) are fabulous, while others have left me shaking my head and wondering what were the producers, directors, and writers thinking??? Star Wars still holds a soft spot in my heart, but I cannot help but see the franchise’s flaws. That being said, today marks an exciting day for Disney+ subscribers! The entire ‘Skywalker Saga,’ all episodes I-IX, are currently available on the streaming platform! Plus, there is The Mandalorian, and its spin-off documentary and behind-the-scenes show, Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian (2020), to tide you over until the next major addition to the canon.
What better way to celebrate May 4th than with my definitive list of Star Wars (‘Skywalker Saga’) films, ranked in order from best to worst?! Here is my list, enjoy!
1. Star Wars (aka. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, dir. George Lucas, 1977) – The classic that started it all… This film is iconic and instrumental in my discovery of one of the most magical composers in cinema history: John Williams.
2. Return of the Jedi (aka. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, dir. Richard Marquand, 1983) – Ewoks. Love them, hate them, these creatures make this movie.
3. The Empire Strikes Back (aka. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, dir. Irvin Kershner, 1980) – Leia: “I love you.” Han: “I know.”
4. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (dir. George Lucas, 1999) – The costuming in this film is spectacular. For me, this is the most visually interesting Star Wars film (it was also the first Star Wars movie I saw on the big screen, so I may be biased…).
5. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (dir. George Lucas, 2002) – For me, the entire franchise goes downhill from here…
6. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (dir. George Lucas, 2005) – This film traumatized me. Seriously, I was not prepared for the jedi massacre scene, particularly the young jedi in training… (Additionally, I remember this scene as being way more graphic and extended in the theatrical release that I saw, and in no way resembling the cut that is currently available on DVD, etc., just saying…)
7. – 9. Tied, in no particular order:
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (aka. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, dir. J. J. Abrams, 2015)
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (aka. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, dir. Rian Johnson, 2017)
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (aka. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, dir. J. J. Abrams, 2019) – I am going to pretend that these films do not exist. To me they are that bad… I did not even bother seeing the latest one in the theater, because I am just that disappointed in where this franchise has gone…
As for the other additions to the Star Wars ‘canon,’ such as Rogue One (2016) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), I am also going to pretend that these films do not exist. They are lackluster and unnecessary additions to the franchise, which have too many plot holes for my liking… I’ll stick with my oft-debated Ewok stories: The Ewok Adventure (1984) and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985), which are no different than fairy tales that just happen to be set in the Star Wars Universe…. Think about it, they are similar to J. K. Rowling’s Tales of Beedle the Bard (2007, which is considered part of the ‘Harry Potter’ canon), but with the campiness and charm of Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre (1982-1987). What is not to like about that? In the meantime, I will stick to watching The Mandalorian, because ‘The Child’ (aka. Baby Yoda) is just too darn cute! Love Star Wars, or hate Star Wars, this franchise’s legacy will continue to fascinate and entertain all audiences for generations to come. – Sarah ✨🌚🌟
I'm not exactly the one to write a post about the Star Wars franchise. While I have a sense of belonging within many other fandoms, when it comes to Star Wars, I always feel like I'm on the outside looking in. The films and characters have been a massive part of so many childhoods. However, they weren't a part of mine. I didn't see a single Star Wars film until I was an adult and thus don't have the nostalgic associations that many have when it comes to the franchise. The characters don't hold the same place in my heart as, say, Disney characters do. And while I have now seen every Star Wars film, including the original trilogy, the prequel trilogy, the sequel trilogy, and the standalone anthology films, I cannot help but feel like I'm just visiting whenever I'm in this world, rather than returning to a fictional ‘home.’ I appreciate the new (for its time) genre or creative atmosphere of the space-opera / space western, and find the concepts of things like “The Force” and “lightsabers” fun. At the same time, I hesitate to call myself 'a fan,' for fear of giving the wrong impression. Many film buffs are passionate about these films, and I can not honestly put myself in that category...
Here is evidence for how distanced I am in my attitude toward the film: I'm grouping the original trilogy and the prequels into this discussion. I saw them around the same time, I remember them equally as well, and I'm as equally neutral about both sets of films. While aesthetically quite different, and while the public's opinion of both trilogies seems to be very polarizing, all six films similarly affected me. I found all the worlds exciting and fun, but the characters, that element that draws me in and hooks me to a movie more than anything, I found lacking. Yes, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Han Solo are some of the most well-known and beloved characters in cinematic history. Still, to me, who had been aware of these characters throughout my life (via clips and soundbites of their most-famous lines), I struggled to find depth and genuine charm in any of them. It wasn't until the current sequel trilogy that I found characters that I was able to embrace.
Maybe it was because it was the first Star Wars film that I saw theatrically upon its release, but I enjoyed Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2016). Many people say that plot-wise it is too similar to the first film of the original series, but in terms of character, I couldn't disagree more. While I find Luke Skywalker to be a pretty bland protagonist, Rey and Finn are charming, funny, and interesting characters, plus it was their magnetism that drew me in to enjoy the film as a whole. I even enjoyed the Han Solo bits, which I would not say I especially did in any of the original films... Of all of the Star Wars films, I can safely say The Force Awakens is my favorite. The two other films in the sequel trilogy, while also enjoyable, are more plot-oriented, and deal less in character work, and thus I have a similar attitude toward them, as I do with all the other Star Wars films.
In truth, I find my closest connections to Star Wars outside of the films entirely (except The Force Awakens). The video game, Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011), still stands as one of my favorite gaming experiences to date. I am also currently watching the animated series, Star Wars Rebels (Disney XD, 2014-2018), which takes place before A New Hope (1977) and has some great characters of its own. And, who can not at least mention The Mandalorian? The Child is the best part of the totality that is Star Wars. I said it, and I mean it! I guess the conclusion to be drawn from my Star Wars experience is that in a universe with so many entry points, you should be able to find your way in if you want. I may not be the biggest Star Wars fan, but there are elements of this universe that I love. Again, it's all about The Child (delighted squee)! - Bailey 🤷
What are your thoughts on Sarah’s rankings? What do you think about Bailey’s reaction to all things Star Wars? What is your favorite part of the Star Wars franchise? How excited are you for the upcoming season of The Mandalorian? Share your thoughts on all things Star Wars in the comments below, and remember to stay home, stay safe, and “may the force be with you!”
Copyright © 2020 Sarah Crane & Bailey Lizotte
