The good old blender ranking.
Indeed. My rankings change constantly. For a long time they were IV, V, I, III, VI, VIII, II, VII, IX but things change!
The Phantom Menace is my current favourite as I’m becoming unashamed of my love for it. I seriously don’t mind Jar Jar stepping in poo doo or the Eopie tooting in his face. The stepping in poo doo was put in prospective for me by a little boy on YouTube laughing at the moment with his Daddy and I quite like the sound design of the Eopie’s nose wag. In all seriousness though I love how it’s a story of people helping people. Qui-Gon frees Jar Jar, Anakin helps the group earn the Hyperdrive Generator, Qui-Gon frees Anakin, Jar Jar brings the Naboo and Gungans together, and etc… It’s a lot of good cause and effect. I really love how there’s duality between the Force and Midi-Chlorians, the Jedi and Sith, Anakin and Selbulba, Sabe and Padme, and etc… I love how the film really gradually shows the beginnings of how society evolves and changes. Even little things like Qui-Gon touching Shimi’s shoulder show how the other Jedi have mostly all lost their compassion. It’s a very innocent film rooted in underlying cynicism, corruption, greed, and lust for power. I really love the world building and action too of course. The score is also my favourite in the entire series. I could truly talk about why I love this film forever.
The Empire Strikes Back is next. What hasn’t been said already? It’s the perfect sequel. I especially love all the scenes with Luke and Yoda and anything on Cloud City. Han and Leia’s relationship is quite lovely too. The spirituality of Dagobah I think is why I love it as much as I do. Plus all the Eastern influence.
Revenge of the Sith is next because of all the layers and how it shows the final breaking point of what turns a society and good person to do terrible deeds. It really shows how the Jedi have lost their way at this point in the narrative. There’s instances notably with Anakin and Padme where the dialogue isn’t perfect but I still love the story and can look past a couple of nitpicks. I also wish Padme had more to do. I really wish the deleted scenes with her and the Rebel Alliance were included. The Opera House scene is one of the best in the saga though.
Return of the Jedi is next because of my love for Luke and Vader. The moments they share are truly some of the highest and also best of the saga. The compassion Luke shows for his father is the core of major themes and values of these films. The scenes with Jabba’s Palace are also really fun and I love when Luke returns back to Dagobah. The Ewoks are also cute and I like how they show even the little guy can overcome the odds and for the clear Vietnam influence.
A New Hope. It’s typically been my favourite and it still is up there. I’m just feeling the ones above slightly more right now. I love how there’s a story that can be told before and a story told after. It’s so very open. Luke’s humble beginnings is very relatable. Binary Sunset is truly my favourite moment in the entire saga. I love The Cantina, Death Star, and Trench Run. Leia is also a bad ass and doesn’t need anyone to save her! You can’t forget Han, Chewie, C-3PO and R2 either of course. It’s truly a classic for a reason.
Attack of the Clones. For a long time I had mixed feelings about it but lately I’ve come to see I really like it and think it’s pretty good. It’s not perfect but it’s still interesting and a good time. I especially love how we see further the decays of society with the advertising and slums on Coruscant and how Anakin and Padme have to travel as refugees. While the love story isn’t perfect it does make sense. They don’t know what love is as he’s studying to be a Jedi and she’s a senator. They don’t know what this is supposed to feel like. So it won’t be smooth. I feel super uncomfortable when watching the fireplace scene but so did Padme. So I think that says all you need to know. It’s far from perfect but it’s still a good watch. I consider it to be like a light sympathy as it gradually builds to the epic climax and the beginning of The Clone Wars.
For the Sequels see above.
And the Spinoffs.
Rogue One has really grown on me these last couple of months and I think how it captures the spiritually aspect of Star Wars better than any Disney era Star Wars film is a big reason why. I love Chirrut and the scenes on Jedha. I’m one of the rare people who prefers the opening to the last act. Overall I appreciate how it has multiple callbacks to both the Prequels and Originals but tries to be its own story at the same time. Gareth Edwards and team truly did great job with this one.
Solo I’ve only seen once. I can’t really give a fair opinion but I enjoyed most of the new things. I especially really liked Qi’Ra and Drayden Vos. All and all it’s certainly entertaining at times but feels a bit too modern for my liking and not timeless. A problem more and more common with modern Star Wars though.
There you have it. My overall reasons for loving what I love.