Short Film Ratings (Star Wars Special)

With the Star Wars Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens premiere over and the release date only a couple of days away, I thought I would do a dedicated Short Film Ratings to all of the Star Wars films. Let me know what your order of the Star Wars films is the best in your eyes. Mine is… IV, V, VI, III, II, I.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

IMDb Rating: 6.5

The highest-grossing-Star Wars-film after reaping over $900m during it’s initial run.

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.

There is a plethora of pitfalls that Phantom Menace has which has infuriated Star Wars fans for many years. The film is famous for one of the most annoying characters in the Star Wars franchise: Jar Jar Binks. Not to mention that the Droids are probably the most useless soldiers in the universe. And the lack of memorable moments, only the death of Qui-Gon Jinn, the Podrace and Anakin saying goodbye to his mother seem of significance. Not to mention many plot holes discussed at length on various internet forums.

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

IMDb Rating: 6.7

The film was nominated for “Best Visual Effects” at the Oscars, Natalie Portman won an award at the Teen Choice Awards and the film won an award for “Best Fight” at the MTV Movie Awards.

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.

The Arena Battle is the moment in Attack of the Clones, the 3 of them are taking on all sorts and the arrival of the Jedis makes for a brilliant battle, which in turn leads to the chase of Count Dooku. After Dooku deals with Obi-Wan and Anakin, Dooku engages in a lightsaber and Force battle with Yoda which is the first time we see Yoda in fight with someone. Attack of the Clones also shows the first signs of Anakin turning to the dark side of the force with the slaughter of the creatures that enslaved his mother till she died.

Plus I really like Natalie Portman in this film…

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

IMDb Rating: 7.7

Broke several box office records and is considered the best Star Wars Prequel Film by fans and critics.

As the Clone Wars near an end, the Sith Lord Darth Sidious steps out of the shadows, at which time Anakin succumbs to his emotions, becoming Darth Vader and putting his relationships with Obi-Wan and Padme at risk.

The film brings to conclusion how Anakin finally becomes Darth Vader. But there are 3 other big moments of signifcance, starting with Order 66. The order to kill all the members of the Jedi Order, and it includes the horror of Anakin killing younglings. Yoda and Palpatine engage in a brilliant lightsaber battle, but that is bettered by the best lighsaber battle: Obi-Wan vs Anakin.

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

IMDb Rating: 8.7

Winner of 7 Oscars, highest-grossing-film-ever at the time, selected on countless American Film Institute lists and it began the journey for the film series that has seen over $4bn in revenue (not including merchandise) and created a film legacy unrivalled by few others.

Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire’s world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.

The first one will hold a special place in the heart of all Star Wars fans as the film introduced many of the main characters that we have come to love, the idea of The Force and began the incredible battle between good and evil, culminating in the destruction of the Death Star in titillating fashion. There is also the daring rescue of Princess Leia which also has moments of comedy between Luke, Han and Leia.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

IMDb Rating: 8.8

Features on most Best Films Ever lists, and the film, Darth Vader and some quotes are also deemed culturally important by the National Film Registry and American Film Institute. Nominated for numerous awards, winning the Oscar for “Best Sound Mixing”.

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.

“No, I am your father.” This reason alone makes V one of the most memorable films of all time. The conclusion of the epic original trilogy. Beginning with a brilliant scene with the Sarlacc Pit with Princess Leia in that famous bikini (wit-woo!). Destruction of the new Death Star, the ewoks of Endor and Vader’s redemption.

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

IMDb Rating: 8.4

Several crew members received a “Special Achievement Award For Visual Effects” Oscar, while receiving nominations for Art Direction, Sound Effects Editing, Original Score, Production Design among others at the Oscars and BAFTAs.

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.

The final film of any series always ties up storylines and there are usually epic final scenes. Return of the Jedi is no different, and it delivers on a happy ending for the heroes as well as the redemption of Darth Vader. A film that is iconic and completes the original trilogy’s place in film history as something spectacular.



Here is a teaser trailer of The Force Awakens:



May the force be with you…