REVIEW WARS
Actually, it's just me looking at Star Wars. I can't actually review it, because it seems that everyone's seen it, loves it, knows all about it, and any attempt to review it would be but a silly attempt to squeeze something new out of one of the oldest pillars of modern society.
I'll just write something short.
Reviewed in chronological order of the film's release date.
Synoahpsis, "Episode IV: A New Hope":
The special effects may seem a bit cheesy now, but when I thought about the fact that this film predates CGI and animation programs, it's actually quite staggering. From the opening shot of the Federation cruiser, to the battle over the small moon that is the Death Star, the film now and has always had an epic feel.
Kudos Mr. Lucas for making something that awesome.
The best bit:
I just can't help but love the high speed fight between the rebels and the Federation fighters through the trenches of the Death Star. It just make you feel good about life.
Marks out of 10: I'm I allowed to give it anything other than a 10??? Well... yes: amazing effects, fun story, and a great creation of a world you dare to dream actually existed, but there's not much other than some fun battles going on, so 8.9
Synoahpsis, "Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back":
The title promises a strike back of the Empire and Strike back it does! This is a grand follow-up to the already huge-scale space epic that was "A New Hope". Taking you from the rebel base on frozen wasteland of Hoth, racing through asteroid fields, trudging through the swamps of the great Jedi master and fighting to the death in the city in the sky, this film is a worthy sequel to Lucas' spacey design.
I wonder if they made these films all at once, like with "Lord of the Rings" or if they decided to follow up Episode IV with Episode V because it grossed so much in the box office. Seeing as how the film makers continue to weave an intricate story throughout the multifaceted universe of "Star Wars", and also how the special effects seems to have gotten even more complicated, I'm sure the movies must have been produced in the full knowledge of each other.
Anyway, fun film... the series of events were a lot more interesting to keep up with than with the last one. More intense acting and some worthwhile character development happening, so good times. I would only complain that Yoda, after growing up with all of the Yoda hype and film references, particularly to the way he speaks, turned out to be a little disappointing. I don't think that's the film's fault though.
The best bit:
Seeing the Rogue squadron fly around and through the legs of the Imperial walkers to trip them up with some tow rope was a lovely experience.
Marks out of 10: Being faithful to the level of jaw-dropping special effects as the first film with the addition of some interesting plot twist brings this film's score up to a 9.3
Synoahpsis, "Return of the Jedi":
This too, was awesome. I think that I ought to just go and see films whenever people stand, mouths agape at the fact that I haven't seen them yet.
Luke and Leia travel back to Tatoine (spelling on that one?) to find a carbonite-bound Solo in the custody of big bad Jabba in order to bust him out. Some fighting happens, and the group goes off to stop the Empire from completing their work on the new replacement death star. Luke learns that in order to finish his training, he must face his father (or maybe that happened in the last one too... I'm confused now). But again, awesome big-scale effects, and a darn good time.
I wasn't a fan of the Ewoks though. I don't think a primitive race of cuddly, moon-dwelling teddy bears would last very long in this particular galaxy.
The best bit:
I loved and hated the big chase on the hovery motorbikes through the forest. I kept looking away because I thought any second someone was going to whack into a massive tree (I wasn't disappointed). There haven't been too many scenes in the history of film that can make me turn away from the screen... well scenes without Hugh Grant in them anyway.
Marks out of 10: Loved the film, but not quite up there with the last one. Great ending though. 8.9
Episode I "The Phantom Menace" - Watched Prior to Challenge
Synoahpsis: "Attack of the Clones"
You know how some movies are more of a bridge between good films rather than a story in it's own right? Attack of the Clones did have some good moments, but it was more of a building block between Episodes I and III than anything else.
Tensions are mounting as the separatists build up an increasingly powerful droid army. Palpatine wants the Republic to breed a clone army, for he fears the Jedi are no longer powerful enough to keep the peace, or so he says. Other folks aren't so sure. Meanwhile, Obi Won is sent to investigate the attempts on the life of Senetor Amidalla (or is she Padmé)? His search for the bounty hunter Jengo Fet takes him to a mysterious planet which has been removed from the Jedi council's archive.
There, he discovers some not boring things. Anakin, on the other hand, has a more personal struggle throughout the film- he's loved Padmé for years, and now that he's assigned as her personal body guard, can he fight his feeling, for the Jedi can't know love.
The best bit:
I know people hated having to wait ages and ages to finally see Yoda whip out his light saber and go to town, only to not win, but I still found it awesome seeing that little green dude flying around like a monkey.
Marks out of 10:
I don't think this is anyone's favorite Star Wars. I did like it. It was entertaining, fun effects for the most part and a very necessary transition. Worth a watch, but not worth seeing twice. 6.3
Synoahpsis: "Revenge of the Sith"
Now we're talking. By the end of the last film, the senate voted emergency powers to Chancellor Palpatine, who ok'd the creation of the clone army (dressed in storm trooper gear) and the clone war has begun. Anakin and Padmé, on the other hand, just got married (oooo.... he's not meant to do that) and are living a life of secrecy. Palpatine has also taken quite a shine to Anakin, and has appointed him to the Jedi council as his representative (much to the Jedi masters' displeasure), but refusing him the rank of master leaves Anakin feeling untrusted.
Power hungry and afraid of his premonitions of loosing his wife coming to fruition, Anakin pledges his allegiance to the teachings of Palpatine, who is actually the sith Lord Sidious. Fighting, phasers, saber fights and drama ensues and Obi Won and Padmé try to keep Anakin from slipping ever further toward the dark side.
The best bit:
There was definitely a lot of cool stuff in this one. Obi Won taking down general Grevious was fun stuff... two guys fighting with 5 light sabres. What's not to love?
Marks out of 10:
You do wonder how someone so cute and pod racery can become the world's favorite super villan, and this film does an amazing job of showing Anakin's slow and steady decay into the dark side. The interactions between him and the other Jedi are quite good, particularly his relationship with Obi Won throughout the film, culminating in the final battle on the volcanic planet which looked a bit too cartoony. Good stuff though. 7.8
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