May the 4th be with you

Star Wars is a cinematic universe movie franchise consisting of eleven movies: 

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

I have been watching Star Wars since I was seven and have had mixed opinions about the films. In my opinion the best Star Wars films are “Episode III -Revenge of the Sith” and “ Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”

Best: Star Wars: Episode III -Revenge of the Sith:  Revenge of the Sith is the culmination of the prequel trilogy, tying together the storylines and character arcs from the previous two films. The film focuses on Anakin Skywalker’s descent to the dark side and the fall of the Jedi order, and it delivers an emotionally charged and satisfying conclusion to the prequel trilogy. 

This film also gives viewers a deeper look into the characters of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Chancellor Palpatine. We see Anakin’s inner struggle as he becomes heavily drawn to the dark side, Obi-Wan’s disappointment  with the Jedi Order, and Palpatine’s plans as he manipulates events to seize power. 

The film’s action sequences are some of the most epic and exciting in the entire Star Wars saga. The climactic lightsaber duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan is particularly memorable, as is the space battle above Coruscant. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is an amazing  film that delivers on both the story and the expansion of the Star Wars universe. It provides a satisfying conclusion to the prequel trilogy and is a favorite among fans.

Runner up: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: This film offers a new perspective on the Star Wars universe by exploring the story of the rebels who stole the plans to the Death Star. The film introduces new characters, ships, and locations that expand the Star Wars universe and add to the essential details. The film features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. 

The main protagonist, Jyn Erso, is a complex character who pushes the film’s narrative. Other characters, such as Cassian Andor, and my favorite from the film K-2SO, also make strong impressions. “Rogue One” is a more grounded and gritty film than the other Star Wars films, with a focus on the hard truth of war. The film’s action sequences are intense and the stakes feel high throughout the film. The film also ties directly into the events of the original Star Wars film, “A New Hope.” The film features appearances by classic characters such as Darth Vader (with one of the most iconic Vader scenes) and Princess Leia, as well as familiar locations and ships. The film’s themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and hope sits well with audiences and adds emotional weight to the story. 

The ending of the film is particularly powerful, because the sacrifice of the main characters sets the stage for the events of “A New Hope.” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is a well rounded and satisfying film that expands the Star Wars universe in new and exciting ways. It features strong characters, intense action, and emotional depth that make it a standout entry in the franchise.

Second Worst: Solo: A Star Wars Story: This film has some enjoyable elements, but it is generally regarded as one of the weaker entries in the Star Wars franchise. Unlike “Rogue One,” which offers a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe, “Solo” does not add much new to the franchise. The film tells the origin story of Han Solo, a beloved character from the original trilogy, but it does not offer any significant information about the character. 

The main villain of the film, Dryden Vos, is not really memorable or intimidating. He does not give the same thrill like the presence of classic villains like Darth Vader or Emperor Palpatine. While “Solos” main character, Han Solo, is well-played by actor Alden Ehrenreich, many of the other characters feel underdeveloped. This includes Chewbacca, who is reduced to a sidekick role which was sad knowing how close these characters were to each other.

The film’s pacing is also uneven, with a slow first act and a rushed third act. Some of the action sequences are also underwhelming, lacking the excitement of other Star Wars films. While “Solo: A Star Wars Story” has some enjoyable moments and strong performances, it does not stand up to the quality of other Star Wars films. Lack of creativity, weak villains, underdeveloped characters, and extreme amounts of fan service all contribute to its reputation as one of the weaker entries in the franchise.

Worst – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: This film is the poorest executed film in Star Wars history. The film moves at a fast pace, with many plot points and action sequences crammed into a relatively short runtime. This makes the film feel disjointed and unfocused. Some plot elements feel too convenient, such as the revelation of Rey’s lineage and the sudden appearance of a new fleet of ships in the climactic battle having almost a whole army of republic fighters come to the outer rim with little to no issues. Also, many characters are underdeveloped.

While the main characters from the sequel trilogy are well-played by the actors, I feel that they are not used properly and do not have enough time to shine in the film. Additionally, some classic Star Wars characters are given minimal screen time or do not receive satisfying conclusions to their arcs. I also feel like this film relies too heavily on nostalgia rather than offering new and innovative storytelling. This made the film feel like a missed opportunity to push the Star Wars franchise in a new direction.

I enjoy the Star Wars films more and more as the years go by, but that does not change the fact that some of the films are not as good as others. Leave a comment if you agree or disagree with my evaluations of the films.