From Padawans to Masters…
Like the sense of euphoria after the Death Star was destroyed (twice), every single Star Wars fan must be giddy with excitement right now as Episode VII: The Force Awakens is almost here.
If you’ve never seen Star Wars then shame on you, our bluffer’s guide should help you, but George Lucas’ saga is a franchise like no other.
The best family drama in the galaxy still manages to capture the imagination and hearts of film fans that are almost four generations apart.
Try to argue and we’ll do this.
Here’s how esteemed movie review website Rotten Tomatoes ranks the seven Star Wars films.
It should be noted that not many reviews have been posted for The Force Awakens yet, but there are enough to get a substantial measurement and that we’re basing this on critical opinion as opposed to the views of our fellow geeks fans.
7) Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Rating with Rotten Tomatoes critics 55%, ratings with fans 60%.
Pros: Darth Maul, the most energetic lighsaber fight in the saga, the Duel of the Fates score, seeing Liam Neeson rock the Jedi look and the podrace.
Cons: The boring plot, Jar Jar Binks, midi-cholrians and did we mention Jar Jar?
6) Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Rating with Rotten Tomatoes critics 66%, ratings with fans 59%.
Pros: Yoda using a lightsaber, Jango Fett vs Obi-Wan, Christopher Lee, The ‘death sticks’ line in the bar.
Cons: Woeful writing, Hayden Christensen’s acting and so much bad CGI that it ruins any small chance of realism.
5) Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Rating with Rotten Tomatoes critics 79%, ratings with fans 65%.
Pros: The incredible opening sequence, Obi-Wan vs General Grievous fight, Palapatine’s ‘not from a Jedi’ line to Anakin, Order 66, Vader’s birth.
Cons: The Padme and Anakin love story belongs in Days of Our Lives, the final duel is too over the top.
4) Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Rating with Rotten Tomatoes critics 79%, ratings with fans 95%.
Pros: Han’s rescue, the speeder chase on Endor, The Emperor seducing Luke to the Dark Side, Vader’s redemption and unmasking.
Cons: Ewoks, so many Ewoks.
3) Episode IV – A New Hope
Rating with Rotten Tomatoes critics 94%, ratings with fans 96%.
Pros: Groundbreaking effects, Alec Guinness’ performance, a really tight script and the final assault on the Death Star.
Cons: Nearly impossible to find fault but ‘The Special Editions’ did make unnecessary changes and I always felt that C-3P0 was at his most annoying here.
2) Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
Rating with Rotten Tomatoes critics 94%, ratings with fans 97%.
Pros: Everything from the Battle of Hoth right up until the final shot. It’s perfect.
Cons: None. Not a single one.
1) Episode VII – The Force Awakens
Rating with Rotten Tomatoes critics 97%, ratings with fans 99%.
Pros: We’re not saying.
Cons: None, it’s clearly the greatest film of all-time.
To get you in the super Star Wars mood (as if you weren’t already), have a look at the latest trailer again. You know you want to…
Clip via Star Wars UK
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is released in Irish cinemas on 17 December
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
