Star Wars Series ( #Quickies for December 2015)
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace #MovieReview
SUMMARY: Two Jedi Knights escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to reclaim their old glory.
OVERALL: The plot is neither boring or interesting. This solid cast is wasted on iffy dialogue. Jake Lloyd, Jar-Jar Binks, and the Gungans are more annoying (and racist…) than comedic. No one explains why Anakin is so special (outside of calling him The Choosen One). One of the most badass villains in Star Wars history has very little to no character development and he’s criminally under used. And the runtime is too long for what this movie needed to accomplish. Fortunately, the set design, podracing, battle scenes and the lightsaber action adds entertainment. Overall, all the midi-clorians in the world couldn’t make this movie great. The visuals try their best, but the writing (and some performances) truly hurts it. Unless the intergalactic trade federation finds a way to intrigue you, I would just skip through to the action sequences. Or search online for some clips because this movie isn’t necessary. #Decent (2.79/5 stars)
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones #MovieReview
SUMMARY: Ten years after initially meeting, Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé, while Obi-Wan investigates an assassination attempt on the Senator and discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi.
OVERALL: The writing has greatly improved compared to its predecessor. Attack of the Clones finally gives us a relevant and entertaining plot to follow. There are some slower moments, but they’re short served. Hayden C. and Natalie Portman give questionable performances. The two would really impress me in one scene, then become tragically awful in the next scene. This happens so much to the point to where I couldn’t tell if the issue was from their dialogue or their acting. Looking back at it the dialogue is actually very necessary and Hayden’s young, arrogant performance truly works in the character’s favor (70% of the time). Portman seems to fall in and out of character. Having these two actors play around like this makes the story a bit confusing (considering how pivotal this film is to the series).
As far as everyone else’s acting goes, I didn’t spot any real problems. Christopher Lee, Frank Oz, and Ewan McGregor managed to impress me. George Lucas’ direction returns for the better here. Unfortunately, he uses a lot more CGI versus the practical effects he was known for in the original trilogy, but I’m not mad at this at all. The battle scenes are pretty damn awesome for a PG-rated film. Also, the lightsaber fights are well choreographed. Overall, to put it bluntly, this movie doesn’t fail! There are issues with a couple of actors, but thats the only real problem! Attack of the Clones is a fun thrill ride for the most part. I’m glad the film’s storyline doesn’t stray from the story the original trilogy set up for us (unlike The Phantom Menace). #Good (3.4/5 stars)
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith #MovieReview
SUMMARY: Three years after the onset of the Clone Wars; the noble Jedi Knights are spread out across the galaxy leading a massive clone army in the war against the Separatists. After Chancellor Palpatine is kidnapped, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his former Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, are dispatched to eliminate the evil General Grievous. Meanwhile, Anakin’s friendship with the Chancellor arouses suspicion in the Jedi Order, and dangerous to the Jedi Knight himself. When the sinister Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, unveils a plot to take over the galaxy, the fate of Anakin, the Jedi order, and the entire galaxy is at stake. Upon his return, Anakin Skywalker’s wife Padme Amidala is pregnant, but he is having visions of her dying in childbirth. Anakin Skywalker ultimately turns his back on the Jedi, thus completing his journey to the dark side and his transformation into Darth Vader. Obi-Wan Kenobi must face his former apprentice in a ferocious lightsaber duel on the fiery world of Mustafar.
OVERALL: Revenge of the Sith is certainly the best prequel film and also one of my top 3 favorite Star Wars films! Here’s why: Just like the previous film, the writing here hits so many essential notes from the original trilogy. One of the major characters gets the final dosage of development to the point to where you completely understand his motives in the next three films. Many movies do a fine job increasing development over multiple movies. Revenge of the Sith seems to do it perfectly with one (and parts of Attack of the Clones). Aside from the brilliant character development, the storyline takes a more serious turn while maintaining the entertainment like the next 3 films. Out of all the prequels, this is the least fluffiest and far from boring. I should also add the fact that the dialogue here isn’t bad. The direction and performances are solid for the most part. The two fall short when it comes to Natalie Portman. Once again she gives a great performance during one scene just to damage it in the next. George Lucas should’ve straighten that out with her (considering how important her character is). I also thought some of the minor things that were added to connect the originals and the prequels are very forced.
Overall, I really enjoyed Revenge of the Sith. The darker, more serious plot paves the way for the more fun and adventurous films to come, while being somewhat fun and adventurous! This film gives us the best set design and action scenes out of the first 6 Star Wars flicks! The performances (besides Portman’s iffiness) are fine and the writing defines the purpose of the prequels. #Good (3.5/5 stars)
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope #MovieReview
SUMMARY: Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire’s world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.
OVERALL: The plot is fully fleshed out! The adventure is thrilling and actually fun to follow. The writers introduce these characters with the perfect amount of development to fall in love with them and join for the next film. Speaking of the characters, the performances were great and enjoyable as well! One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the use of practical effects, stellar costume and prop design, and minimal use of computer-generated imagery! I can’t believe how I’m STILL impressed with the quality of this film 38 YEARS LATER!!
Overall, A New Hope is such a cinematic marvel! I truly can’t say there is a dull moment here! The battles (in space or on land) are awesome, the acting is great, and the plot is actually worth watching! There is no wonder to why Star Wars is one of the greatest sci-fi film franchises of all time. #WellDone (4.3/5 stars)
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back #MovieReview
SUMMARY: After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.
OVERALL: The Empire Strikes Back is most definitely one of the top 5 sequels in movie history (possibly the number one sequel)! The acting and directing, setting, props, and effects all remain as great as it was in the previous film. What makes this film better than the others in the series is simply it’s writing. The storyline takes a number of twists and turns that’ll keep you attentive and excited! Plus, the dialogue and character development for the whole crew adds a sense of fun to the film without seeming childish (unlike The Phantom Menace). Overall, I love this movie!nIf you have a hard time figuring out Star Wars’ appeal this is the movie that’ll straighten out the doubt. #Outstanding (4.6/5 stars)
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi #MovieReview
SUMMARY: After rescuing Han Solo from the palace of Jabba the Hutt, the rebels attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to make Vader return from the dark side of the Force.
OVERALL: So far, the original trilogy has proven to be one of the most adventurous sci-fi films at the time. A New Hope takes a more fun approach and Empire Strikes Back takes a more serious approach. Return of the Jedi begins to lean more towards the fun side. Then it tries to be more serious while being fun and ends up becoming goofy. The storyline borrows too much from the previous two movies. In fact, the Ewoks are the main source of originality to this film. Personally, I think the Ewoks are a smart addition. The main characters needed to react to a large amount of foreign planet natives. Like I mentioned before, this movie tries to be serious with these Ewoks. Shortly, they become goofy. Overall, this is how you end a trilogy on a light note. There is still quite a bit to appreciate in the filmmaking and in the story. But there are also some parts here that are familiar and/or goofy. At least I had fun with this. #Good (3.61/5 stars)
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens #MovieReview
SUMMARY: Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.
OVERALL: J.J, Abrams did the damn thing! He clearly understands and loves the previous films and this is most definitely his love letter! Let’s realize how much pressure was placed on Abrams to succeed. He HAD to use practical effects, he had to please all of the fans and a politically correct society. This may also be the Star Wars flick with the overall best acting. John Boyega gave a noble and hysterical performance. Adam Driver gave the villain a realistic edge without the cheesiness. Domhnall Gleeson and Lupita Nyong’o gave performances worth taking seriously. Oscar Isaac added a lot of fun to the mix. And Daisy Ridley plays the protagonist with perfection.
Unfortunately, the returning cast members (particularly Harrison Ford and Carrie Fischer) gave weaker performances. The writing here is a double edge sword because it serves as my favorite and least favorite aspects of the movie. I’m in love with the mass amount of amazing characters The Force Awakens introduced. The biggest issue with this movie is how similar the plot is to A New Hope.
Overall, I had a ton of fun with The Force Awakens. The plot lacks originality, but makes up for it with a ton of new characters and talented actors to bring them to life! The filmmaking is exceptional and we must thank J.J. Abrams for surpassing expectations! #WellDone (4.1/5 stars)
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