I just going to make the assumption that with the time off you’re getting for holiday, you’re going to binge-watch all installments of the Star Wars franchise in chronological order. So here is a cheat sheet so you’ll know what order to watch as well as a brief synopsis of each film. This includes mild spoilers if you’re clueless about the storyline.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) 

Where it all began. The foolish hubris of Qui Gon Jinn and the overly loyal Obi-Wan Kenobi. Young Anakin and the slow rise of the corruption of the Sith. JarJar gets a lot of slack but he’s entertaining and far more tolerable than angsty brooding teen Ani AKA Anakin. It also has the greatest Sith Lord of all time, Darth Maul.

My rating: B-

 

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

It’s a love story between Padme, or Queen Amadala and awkwardly aging Anakin Skywalker. It’s an uncomfortable romance with forced chemistry. There’s not much else to the storyline. You could almost skip this one in the Star Wars binge altogether if all the googly-eyed star crossed lover stuff isn’t your thing. There isn’t a lot that redeems this film, except for the next installment.

My rating D

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

Ani gets manipulated, Senator Palpatine gets too much power, Obi kicks a lot of ass and Samuel L gets betrayed. Poor Mace Windu and his purple crystal blade sword. I wanted at least one expletive from him, in true fashion, before his candle was snuffed. General Grievous and the war made up for any shortcomings there.

My Rating C+

Solo – A Star Wars Story (2018) 

Han and Chewy! A Wookie and a smart-mouthed asshole in love go together like PB&J. Qu’ri was a fantastic touch, as well as the return of Darth Maul. There HAS to be another release to this story but I don’t know if it will be a film or a series on Disney+. Either way, don’t listen to the bad reviews, this one is good. Plus, Paul and Woody!!!!!

My Rating B+

Rogue One – A Star Wars Story (2016)

This one was the most pleasantly surprising of them all. I was sure this one was going to be the middle of the road and it was the second-best of all of them. Jen Urso stole my heart and so did an unhappy ending. Call me crazy, but I like it when a movie is realistic so when all the protagonists die for the mission, it’s a great film. This is a very necessary episode in your Star Wars Binge. For over 30 years we all wondered how they got those Death Star plans and now we know.

My Rating A+

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

Not where the story all began but where the love for the franchise all began. A bunch of no-name actors pulling in a sci-fi trilogy that was completely unsure of its success. This movie set the standard for filmmaking and creativity. It was my first Star Wars film ever and that’s all it took to get me hooked.

My Rating B+

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

This was the best film in the whole series. There will never be anything like it. I take that back LOTR Two Towers was better but let’s not dwell on semantics. You cannot miss this film. Like ever. This is the epitome of what fans love about this franchise. This is the reason to go on a Star Wars binge.

My Rating A+

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

Another great film. A great wrap up of everything that had taken place to this point. Things we knew from the first two films and things we would later learn in the 5 prequels. It wrapped itself in the perfect bow for a franchise ending.

My Rating A-

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

This move shrowded us with mystery as we continue to theorize without certainty on who Rey is. She’s a badass like all the women in this series which seemed to be the premise. Strong female leads and weak male damsels. I have no issues with it but I’m happy they made Poe a Han-like comedic bad boy. Although essential to the story, I could live within FN187 entirely.

My Rating B+

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017) 

This told a lot of stories and began brining this plotline together. Kylo is as insufferable as ever. He’s a whiny, wannabe Millenial who can’t stop throwing temper tantrums that he isn’t as special as ol’ grandpa Ani. I cannot stand him but his connection with Rey was funny and interesting. Just who IS she and what will happen between the two of them?

My Rating B-

This concludes the current situation on the Star Wars Binge until the next installment comes out, which is at the end of this year.

Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) 

Coming Soon!!!!!!!

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