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

The first thing you notice about The Empire Strikes Back is just how sophisticated everything is. From the direction of Irvin Kershner right down to the smallest props, Empire marks a giant leap in the narrative as well as the special effects. This comes as no surprise considering the huge success of A New Hope. After that, Lucas could have made a $100 million dollar film about a toilet. With a huge amount of money to use, Empire surpasses its predecessors in every way.

It's generally agreed that The Empire Strikes Back is the best film in the Star Wars saga. Not a sequel as such, but the next part of a continuing story. No longer tethered by the need to explain the Force and all the planets and aliens wrapped around it, this is a film far more sophisticated, awe-inspiring and daring. The actors too, seem much more comfortable with their characters. Which proved to be a good thing considering the script Lucas & Co wrote for them. Director Kershner enhances the mood of impending tragedy with an array of beautiful locations (Bespin, the Cloud City being the most beautiful). With John Williams' breathtaking score and most of the film clouded in darkness, Empire is indeed the darkest and most epic of the whole series.

Having survived their initial encounter with Darth Vader and the Empire, Luke Skywaker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) are knee deep in the Rebellion. After being chased by the Empire's forces to the ice-planet Hoth, the Rebels soon find out that the planet isn't so isolated as the Empire soon comes knocking. Leading the search is Vader himself, who seems intent on tracking down Luke Skywalker. After the battle on planet Hoth, Captain Solo and Princess Leia make their escape on the Millennium Falcon, meanwhile Luke travels to Dagobah, a swamp planet, where he meets Yoda (Frank Oz) who helps Luke become a Jedi.

While the majority of the film is set in darkness, the middle part is more light hearted: Han Solo is still wise cracking and trying it on with Leia and Yoda's knack of getting to the point in different ways is a pure delight to watch. The effects are also the best ever seen in the original trilogy with AT-ATs marching on the rebel base on Hoth, or Solo piloting the Falcon straight through an Asteroid field.

If technology surpassed the original, the addition of Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan to the writing team and Irvin Kershner as director proved to be two of the best decisions Lucas ever made. Aside from the darker theme, the action is deadly serious. you just have to look at the devastating confrontation between Skywalker and Vader. Its masterfully choreographed, their duel finishes on a small gantry protruding over the vastness of Cloud City. This scene is magnificently visualised and has the most intense moment in any of the Star Wars films. Kasdan's and Brackett's script, working off Lucas' ideas, gives maturity to Empire, something that was lacking in A New Hope. The image of farm-boy Luke is gone, replaced by a soldier who is beginning to understand the ways of the Force. Han Solo has become more mature and the bickering relationship with Leia seems to work even more when you realise Luke has been trying to get with his own sister. Overall this is some Dark stuff, way beyond the space opera with funny robots.

It's no accident that Empire Strikes Back is considered the best in the series. It's far superior to the rest of the films in every way. You could argue it's because Lucas didn't write or direct, that discussion is for another time. Empire is not only the best film in the Star Wars series, it's also one of the greatest sequels ever made.

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Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

It's very tricky, but try to imagine a time before Star Wars. You just can't do it can you? Well before Star Wars even made it to the big screen way back in 1977 20th Century Fox had some concerns after they conducted some market research. They decided to make Star Wars a more family-orientated film with  more focus on a human story and went to Comic-Con in San Diego as they felt the attendees to that event would be the ideal target demographic. That market research certainly paid off to great effect-everyone went to see it. Normally 20th Century Fox would make a yearly profit of $37 Million. In 1977, they made $79 Million,all because of Star Wars.

When Star Wars was first released on the Wednesday before memorial day in 1977 (in America), it arrived in theaters with great reviews and excellent word-of-mouth. It didn't take long for it to become a phenomenon, taking over Jaws in the box office-a position It held till Independence Day (1996). It was a true family film - perfect for kids and parents, a throwback to the space serials of the past and a look ahead to the future of cinema. Adults appreciated Lucas' masterful, magical movie-making. Children loved the creatures and the lightsabers. Even the merchandise proved to be a monster- Star Wars was everywhere, on bed sheets, action figures, computer games and even dodgy Christmas specials.

Back in the 1970's you could argue it was Hollywood's second golden age, but only Jaws and possibly the Exorcist could clam to be 'Blockbuster' films. However, neither can claim they're family films. Up steps George Lucas who'd just made a killing at the box office with American Graffiti,and so got permission to write his space opera in 1973. Lucas was influenced by the writings of Joseph Campbell who wrote about ancient Mythology. Lucas used that influence to create a cosmic western.

By now, the heroes-- Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and the villain Darth Vader (Voiced by James Earl Jones) are all household names. These characters, familiar types with enough unique personality traits to keep them interesting, have become so well-known that a mere mention of their names anywhere in the world would spark a reaction.

Star Wars' timeless appeal lies in its easily identifiable archetypes-goodies, baddies and a princess that needs a good...rescue. Mark Hamill has stated this was the most intense picture he ever worked on. Alec Guinness also stated that making Star Wars was a bad experience and consistently claimed it was his idea to have Obi-Wan killed off as soon as possible so he wouldn't have to carry on saying those stupid lines.Even Liam Neeson - 20 years later- almost retired after filming Phantom Menace (and not because of Jar Jar Binks). But we've all know for ages that Lucas doesn't make actors movies. He makes big, blockbuster movies.

Since 1977, there have been many, many science fiction films, but none have managed to compete with Star Wars. Star Wars stands alone and triumphant, regardless of how many films try to take its crown.

Star Wars remains one of the greatest films ever made. It's still re-watchable after nearly 30 years and will probably still be watchable long after our time has passed.

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Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2007)

So we finally arrive at the last entry in the prequels. Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, were the first two pieces of evidence that Mr Lucas was more master craftsman than effortless storyteller. The power of his productions has been his ability to submerge the viewer in his fully realised galaxy. In Revenge of the Sith, the detail of his vision gave his huge planets great depth and battles an urgency unseen in the two films that came before. But ultimately, for all of Lucas' technical powers, it is the story, the space opera, that draws the audience back again and again. And make no mistake, this is the story we've all been waiting for.

The Clone wars are finally coming to an end but troubles are only just beginning for the Jedi order. The devious plan of Senator Palpatine/Sidious needs but a new apprentice for his plan to be complete. Anakin Skywalker seems the only one likely to join him.

This time around, Revenge of the Sith keeps more to the things that made the original trilogy great. Towards the end of the first scene we see the saga's single most audacious shot since the Star Destroyer in Episode IV- and it becomes clear that Lucas and the rest of his gang have raised their game considerably. ILM have really done a great job in finally nailing the SFX. There are 2,200 effects shot in Sith- more then Menace and Clones combined- and there's not a single bad shot to be seen. Also, Gavin Bouquet's production design is spot on-with the best sets and designs you'll see in any of the movies.

Revenge of the Sith is a great movie. It's as if it took Lucas 2 tries to get comfortable in the directors chair and can now actually apply a bit of style to the proceedings. Lucas himself admitted that 60% of his original outline was slated for this Episode. Which means that all the unanswered questions that made the first two prequels passable in first place are finally answered. As a sequel to the prequels, Revenge of the Sith is more then anyone could of hoped for.

We also finally get some decent acting for all the cast and not just from the CGI Yoda. Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman seem more comfortable with Ewan McGregor finally nailing the role Of Obi-Wan. Hayden has bulked up and lowered the tone of his voice-which gives him a lot more screen presence then Clones. Support is reliable for Samuel L Jackson, Frank Oz and Christopher Lee but the best comes from Ian Mcdiarmid, since this is the film that brings Emperor Palpatine out of the shadows and into the center stage. Yeah, he's a little over the top but does his best to make the Dark side sound seductive. Unfortunately this is where the movie fails.

Anakin's conversion to the Dark side is rushed through during the boring middle act where he seems to keep bouncing from Palpatine to Mace Windu like a teenager who is unsure of what to do next. And when that big moment finally comes- when Anakin pledges is allegiance to the Dark side- it is utterly unconvincing. Thankfully the 3rd act more then makes up for it, with the twin lightsaber fights and John Williams epic score proving that Revenge of the Sith is the darkest entry in the saga.


Revenge of the Sith was never going to hit the heights of A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back,  but what film can? If you go into this film expecting to be entertained by the frantic action, lavish set pieces and the classical themes that made the original films so memorable – the light saber, the Force, Yoda, space battles, good versus evil – then you won’t be disappointed

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

Forget the clumsiness and blatant corporate synergy of the Phantom Menace. The good news is Attack of the Clones is a better film, but only just.

Set Ten years after the Phantom Menace The Galactic Republic is under threat from charismatic separatists, forcing Naboo senator Padme Amidala to seek protection from Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker. While all this is happening, Obi-Wan Kenobi discovers a hidden Clone army.

Most fans were disappointed with Phantom Menace so converted to Middle Earth and Peter Jackson. Therefore Mr Lucas only had a couple of Million people to satisfy (much, much less then Phantom Menace). So you could say the pressure was off? Not so. The remaining fans wanted Lucas to get back the respect of the people that thought Phantom Menace was a bit, well, rubbish.

Attack of the Clones echoes the structure of Empire Strikes Back, and co-writer Johnathan Hales' contribution is keenly felt, with better defined characters and an altogether smoother story. Shot digitally, Clones certainly looks impressive, with CGI superbly realising Lucas' imaginative galaxies and Alien lifeforms, including for the first time until Lucas messed with Phantom Menace on Blu-Ray, a CGI Yoda.

The difference between Empire Strikes Back and Clones is that Empire zipped along quite freely, moving along to different galaxies and meeting new characters as and when they felt like it. Clones has a much more slower start. Maybe Lucas was aware of the sins of Episode I. Jar Jar is quickly removed to a 10 minute cameo, those Amidala clones are quickly destroyed and we don't have to put up with a whiny, mop headed young Ani everyone was asked to love in 1999. Don't get me wrong, Anakin is still a whiny teenager, but it's a vast improvement.

Also Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman have improved and grown into their roles, more so McGregor who is a lot more 'forceful' here with his big beard and comic punchlines.

Attack of the Clones was more of a necessity to tell the story of Ani and Padme before Episode III. Yes Lucas seems to struggle with the romance and politics in the movie, but he doesn't disappoint when it comes to the action. Christopher Lee's Count Dooku arrives to provide some much needed gravitas. C-3P0 is actually playing C-3P0 and we get to see Portman in a white leotard. Finally, we also get to see Yoda's talents with the force and a lightsaber. Unsurprisingly it's a scene fans have been waiting years to see and it does not let them down.This is where Lucas finally relaxes and directs Clones with the same gusto as the original trilogy. Clones is no better then Menace in terms of acting or dialogue but improves on Episode I in every other way.

Attack of the Clones was a necessary film but no way was it vital. The action scenes are entertaining with the ending dark enough to rival that of Episode V. It also sets the story up nicely for Episode III. Just don't go expecting a masterpiece.

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Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

When George Lucas first concieved the idea for Star Wars, it was just a movie. Over the course of 34 years, it has grown into a phenomenon. When it comes to unbridled anticipation for a film release, Phantom Menace was the most anticipated film of all time. The motion picture industry hadn't seen anything like this before, nor is it likely to in the forseeable future (as much as I want everyone to see Dark Knight Rises). The hype dwarfed the film, reducing it to a cultural footnote. Even Lucas was worried, stating a film with this much hype was never going to live up to that expectation. He was right.

The peaceful planet of Naboo is under threat from the manipulating forces of evil that work in the trade federation. The Queen of Naboo (Natalie Portman), powerful Jedi Knights (Liam Neeson, Ewan Mcgregor) and a young boy (Jake Lloyd) who has the potential to be a great Jedi Knight endeavour to protect the planet and the forces of good.

Now that the dust has settled on the hype, Phantom Menace is actually not as bad as some high-brow critics would have you believe. As a single movie, Menace has some very good moments. But there's no denying that this film is the worst in the series. For starters the heroes don't seem to be in any rush to save the planet of Naboo. They're forced to land on the holy grail that is Tatooine because of a faulty engine, but instead of waving their trusted lightsabers to get the parts they need, they decide to leave Obi-Wan behind, bring Padme along for no good reason and gamble with a junk-yard dealer. We also get one of the most annoying comedy sidekicks in the history of film. Don't let people try and tell you Ja Ja Binks is not as bad as some fans make out, he is! And with the CGI slowly becoming more dated, Ja Ja has become even worse. It was also a bad decision to have Anakin Skywalker as a young boy, why? because he's a whiny little brat who cries when he leaves his Mother. This is not how people imagined Dark Vader to be. He should of been a teenage boy who flirts with Padme, uses the force without realising and rubbing Obi-Won the wrong way. Yes that does happen in Episode II, but it's a bit too little too late. The fact that Anakin's Mother had some kind of mystical birth and does not know who Ani's Father is also unnecessary.

Lucas probably thought the scene with Anakin saying goodbye would be the real heart breaker but he couldn't write it and Jake definitely couldn't act it. Instead the only scene that holds any weight at all is the final scene with Obi-Wan promising Qui-Gon to train the boy.

The Star Wars movies have always relied on their hereos and villains and the Phantom Menace is no exception. As Qui-Gon, Liam Neeson brings an unforced nobility to his performance, while Ewan Mcgregor  injects a sense of recklessness in his portrayl of Obi-Won Kenobi. Neither was ever going to be an outstanding acting job, but the two do a decent enough job. Natalie Portman is easily one of the best actresses around but she isn't given much to do here as she is often in the background. Finally we have the best thing about Phantom Menace: Darth Maul. Played by Ray Park, Maul doesn't say much, but compensates with menacing stares and unbelievable fighting skills.

Phantom Menace was also, at the time, a testimony to how far and good special effects had come. The worlds and aliens that Lucas and his team created should be applauded. The pod race, whilst being a bit on the long side, is still great entertainment and the fight-off between Maul, Kenobi and Qui-Gon is, in my view, the best scene in the film. It's just a shame that's about as good as it gets.

Phantom Menace remains the most disappointing film of all time but still has a lot going for it. The action scenes are great and it has an ending that promises better things to come. Some people will hate it, some will love it. but you can't deny it's still one of the most talked about films ever made.

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