Star Wars Speculation: The Star Wars Saga Ranked

Welcome, everyone! It's now been a little over a week since the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi and I've now seen the film four times, so I feel confident enough to share my ranking of the Star Wars Saga. First of all, I'd like to remind people this is my ranking of the Star Wars, so the likelihood it won't match yours is very high. I'd also like to preface this by saying that MOST of these are ranked by a NARROW margin, but at the bottom of the list there's a pretty wide separation between the 8th and 7th slots. I rewatched all of Star Wars chronological canon (including The Clone Wars and Rebels) in the months leading up to The Last Jedi, so I'm quite confident that this is how I feel on the matter. For those curious, click on the blue title text will take you to my reviews of the subsequent films. I'm sure this will be controversial for whatever reason, but it's my honest opinion... So without further ado, here we go!!

The Star Wars Saga Ranked 

9. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

There are really only a few redeeming aspects to The Phantom Menace... The pod-racing and battle droids are cool, the Duel of the Fates is epic, and Qui Gon and Darth Maul are great additions to the Saga. Other than that, it's the Star Wars with the most Jar Jar, child Anakin, and is most bogged down in intergalactic politics.

8. Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones

Attack of the Clones does admittedly have an awful romance, but I grew up with the Prequels and quite enjoy all the action on Coruscant, Kamino, and Geonosis. Jango Fett's an awesome addition, the introduction of the Clone army is handled well, there's less Jar Jar, and the seeds are sewn for Anakin's fall to the Dark side.

7. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

This will probably be one of the more controversial choices on my list. For whatever reason, I know a lot of people who think Rogue One is the best Star Wars film by far... and I've never understood that. I do especially like K-2SO, the third act battle on and above Scarif, Vader's hallway scene, Gareth Edward's sense of scale throughout, how it feels like a "war" film, and that it adds greater weight to the events of A New Hope. However, the first two acts can be quite boring on rewatch, there's a lack of real characterization and subsequent character depth, the CG-Tarkin and Leia aren't quite where they needed to be, and there's some really strange stuff involving Saw Gerrera.

6. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith

I think Revenge of the Sith gets a bad wrap because it's embroiled in the controversy of the Prequel Trilogy, but hear me out before you click away... Hayden Christensen's acting abilities are greatly improved in this installment and I think the fall of Anakin played out perfectly. The final lightsaber duel on Mustafar is epic and emotional, Order 66 is handled exceptionally well, General Grievous is still an awesome villain in my book, Ian McDiarmid and Ewan McGregor shine as Palpatine and Obi-Wan, and the film contains some truly terrific works from John Williams. That's not even mentioning the battles of Coruscant, Kashyyyk, and Utapau. Sure, some dialogue is horrendous and Lucas' direction isn't up to par with the Original Trilogy... but very few elements of the Prequel Trilogy lived up to those three films... Otherwise, Revenge of the Sith is a solid film and perhaps the most underrated in all of Star Wars.

5. Star Wars

Every moment of the original Star Wars is infinitely iconic. There's no disputing that. It started it all, and for that, I'm incredibly appreciative. Most of the effects hold up to this day, it has one of the greatest film scores of all time, and it tells the classic heroes journey exceptionally well. This is the place where there's a significant gap in my rankings and I love every film from this point-on almost equally. It's not that I dislike Star Wars enough to place it this low, it's more the fact that I appreciate the others marginally more that I ranked them higher.

4. Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi

Have I mentioned how much I LOVED Return of the Jedi growing up? It was probably my favorite one of the bunch as a child because it had all the shenanigans at Jabba's Palace, EWOKS, the ever-amazing Battle of Endor, and the fantastic final confrontation between Luke and Vader. That duel remains one of my favorites, not only because of awesome execution but the internal conflict for both parties. Plus, the redemption of Darth Vader and eventual unmasking remain among my favorite moments in the Saga. And did I mention how cool Jedi Luke is? 

3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Say what you will about The Force Awakens, but it's the film I had been waiting for since first finishing Return of the Jedi. I realize I wasn't around for the glory days of Star Wars, but the wait felt long nevertheless, and I doubt there will ever truly be a film I eagerly anticipate nearly on the same level of The Force Awakens. It was the righteous return of Star Wars that passed the torch down to a new generation, blending old and new elements to successfully revitalize the franchise. I love everything about it, and no one can convince me otherwise. 

2. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

The Empire Strikes Back is THE quintessential sequel. It's the middle chapter where evil triumphs, and ends after one of the most memorable and unforeseen cinematic plot twists of all time. It's a sequel that's not just concerned about pitting audiences in the action, but one that spends some quality time with its characters while really putting them through the wringer. It has countless classic moments and heaps of quotable dialogue that I still hear recited today. 

1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

I already know this will be the choice that I'll have to defend for quite some time, but I firmly stand behind it... I can't help but respect Rian Johnson for upheaving Star Wars' traditional story structure in order to allow the franchise to evolve. Johnson takes risks left and right in the vein of George Lucas, and I felt that it all paid off tremendously well. Everything that happens is unexpected because it's unlike anything I've ever seen from a Star Wars movie before, yet it feels like the only possible way for the story to continue. It not only has the most unique narrative in the saga, but contains some of the coolest action sequences and moments as well, and each of them has stuck with me to this very day. I know Star Wars fans are already bitterly divided on this one, but I still feel that that's because they're not willing to accept such bold changes in a franchise they revere so much. Just let go and learn to appreciate the awesomeness.

-So that's all I have for you today... As always, May the Force be with you!

Top 10 Movies of 2016

2016 is almost over and many will consider it to have been one of the worst years in recent memory. Whether it be because it was an election year, the abysmal blockbusters this summer, or the actors, musicians, and the gorilla we lost, I'm here to focus on the positive. Despite many pitiful sequels that literally no-one wanted there were some truly great films released this year. Once again it's that transition time between years as many reflect on their personal "Best" & "Worst" for the year and this list includes my 10 favorite films of the year and a few honorable mentions. I've seen and reviewed a total of 75 new releases in 2016, probably a record number for me, but I didn't see "every" film released this year and there are a few that could have potentially made this list I didn't have the chance to catch due to limited release or no release whatsoever in a theater near me. A few examples are Silence, Jackie, Patriots Day, Live By Night, The Founder, and A Monster Calls. 

I can guarantee that I'll see them relatively soon though, and post reviews afterwards. Before I get started though I will say to remember that this list isn't necessarily the ten best films of the year but my personal favorites. I feel I've come up with a diverse bunch ranging from superhero blockbusters to indie films to musicals to fantasy to science fiction and I think even those closest to me would be taken slightly aback by my ranking of these 10.

Top 10 Movies of 2016

Honorable Mentions (No particular order): Kubo and the Two Strings, Deadpool, Zootopia, Hacksaw Ridge, Manchester By The Sea, 10 Cloverfield Lane, and The Nice Guys.

10. Doctor Strange

I heavily debated between going with Deadpool or Doctor Strange for this spot on my list but clearly chose the latter. While both were great superhero flicks that tweaked the traditional origin story, Doctor Strange's trippy kaleidoscopic visuals still blow my mind. The action sequences and uses of magic were inventive, the performances all around were terrific, and it managed to have one of the most amusing third act confrontations of the year. 

9. Eddie the Eagle

Eddie the Eagle was one of the first new releases I saw this year and surprisingly it stuck with me all the way to the end. I'm not really one for inspirational sports biopics but Eddie the Eagle is something special. It stays true to the genre, but also stays true to reality. It sends a great message about always giving your all and that it doesn't matter what your results are as long as you tried your best. The original score feels like it was plunged into the '80s subculture, and manages to walk the fine line between feeling inspirational and appropriate for the era being depicted. Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton both provide excellent performances as Egerton proves he's not just a one trick pony after his debut in Kingsman: The Secret Service and Jackman is a steady rock of support. After watching Eddie the Eagle, you will feel like you two can soar!

8. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE Star Wars and Rogue One is no exception. Rogue One successfully stands independently while adding greater weight to the events of the Original Trilogy. Rogue One marked the beginning of a new type of Star Wars film where directors can step in and be experimental within the Star Wars universe and it worked out incredibly well! 

7. Moana

Moana tells a classic heroes journey but the voyage is unbelievably fun thanks to a stellar soundtrack of catchy hit songs from Lin Manuel Miranda Opetaia Foa'i, and Mark Mancina, some endearing characters, and the talented voice cast. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson brings charisma galore and Auli'i Cravalho's debut as Moana is nothing short of impressive. Moana's just further evidence that Disney's animation division knows what they're doing.

6. Sing Street

Sing Street was a film I was not expecting to like. I was expecting something akin to awkward teen angsty School House Rock, but was amazed to discover a delightful coming-of-age love story. The film's music is a blast while maintaining integrity to the story, the plot plucks the heartstrings. and above all, Sing Street understands the mind of a teenager. In the end, it's a film everyone can enjoy and relate to on some level.

5. The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book is a perfect example of a remake done correctly. Jon Favreau's technical pioneering stands out as some of the best visual effects of the year as all the animals have a tangible aesthetic that makes them feel real. The Jungle Book was practically shot entirely on a sound stage in Los Angeles, but it's nearly impossible to tell. It's not a shot for shot remake of the animated classic, but rather something different that paves it's own way and pays homage whenever appropriate.

4. Captain America: Civil War

After seven months reflecting on this, I hold to my statement that Captain America: Civil War is the greatest comic book film since The Dark Knight. It successfully built upon everything that's happened in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date, so that the conflict feels justified and effectively introduced both Black Panther and Spider-Man in a way that felt natural and cohesive to the storytelling at hand. The Russo Bros. managed to convey every character's motivation and purpose so that even if you pick one side over the other, you can at least understand the other character's rationale. The action sequences across the board are intense, character driven, and fun to watch. The airport fight alone is every fanboy's dream come true and the third act showdown is both subversive and emotionally stirring. Perhaps the greatest thing about Civil War though is that the events have long lasting implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and every character is deeply affected in some way whether it be emotionally, physically, or psychologically.

3. Swiss Army Man

Swiss Army Man is undeniably weird, but it's also one of the most original concepts I've seen on film ever. I couldn't help but be amused by the ongoing events as I laughed, teared up, and thought about life. It was one of the year's strangest films that had one of the greatest messages to be yourself no matter how weird other people may think you are. Our insecurities are only insecurities because we let others decide what's weird and we should dictate our own lives to the fullest. It's really something special when you can make a movie about a man alone on an island with a farting corpse convey meaningful life lessons. The technical execution's remarkable the film features an awesome soundtrack, and Daniel Radcliffe delivers a career best performance as a farting corpse.

2. Arrival

Arrival was a film that made me think, and very few films have that power. It's not the typical dumb alien invasion movie it could have been, but rather an intellectual thinking exercise that explores realistic alternatives to aliens coming to planet Earth. Arrival is about language, destiny, and is a really smart science fiction film that stuck with me thanks to excellent direction, a clever screenplay, and an outstanding performance from Amy Adams.

1. La La Land

La La Land could have easily been a generic musical, but instead mashes modern filmmaking and contemporary environments with the magic of classic Hollywood. La La Land doesn't end the way you expect it to with a picturesque portrait of life and romance, but rather a realistic one that sometime pursuing your dreams requires sacrifice. Fans of cinema won't just appreciate La La Land, but will fall in love with everything it has to offer. 

'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' Review

Nominated For: Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Mixing. 

The opening crawl of A New Hope reads as follows "It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire. During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR, an armored space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet. Pursued by the Empire’s sinister agents, Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plans that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy…." 

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story tells the daring mission the Rebel Alliance undergoes to obtain the Death Star plans. Last year, The Force Awakens faced the challenge of revitalizing the Star Wars brand and succeeded tremendously. Now, Rogue One is tasked with a different assignment as Disney and Lucasfilm seek to enlarge the Star Wars universe with a series of Star Wars spinoffs, or Star Wars Stories. Rogue One is the first Star Wars Story or anthology film set in the Star Wars universe not focused on the Skywalker family, it appears that duty is being relegated to the Saga films (Episode I, II, III, IV, and so on). 

As a spin-off, Rogue One has ample opportunity to play outside the typical Star Wars Saga sandbox and there were many things done that I had never seen in a Star Wars film before (nothing groundbreaking but all new for this franchise in particular) but don't fear, a few Saga consistences were maintained and there's an abundant number of easter eggs, references, and cameos for eagle-eyed/eared fans to look/listen for (I won't go into detail for fear of ruining any of my reader's experiences by spoiling something they weren't aware of). 

Director Gareth Edwards was burdened with the duty of telling the first of these Star Wars Stories and I feel he delivered by concentrating on the "war" aspect of Star Wars. Edwards ensures the action sequences are gritty and grimy as they're a little different than what we're used to with a D-Day/Vietnam/heist element present throughout the epic third act. Edwards also brings a stunning sense of scale to the picture as you can feel the Empire's over-looming presence on the galaxy all throughout the film, whether it be the massive Imperial Star Destoyers floating above Jedha or the immense Death Star in orbit overhead.

The screenwriting and storytelling team behind Rogue One consisting of Tony Gilroy, Chris Weitz, John Knoll, and Gary Whitta manage to complicate the battle between Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire by conveying the heroes and antagonists as not simply good or evil, actually inhabiting a morally ambiguous gray area. They managed to piece together a thrilling tale that stands on it's own but with enough connections, charming new characters, and twists to satisfy fans and feel like an effective set-up to the events of A New Hope (So much so that when I got home last evening I watched A New Hope again). There was a lot of talk this summer about Rogue One undergoing extensive reshoots but you can't tell whatsoever that there was any drama behind the scenes because the finished product keeps a consistent tone and concentration on the story at hand.

Rogue One is actually one of the most impressive technical achievements from Lucasfilm to date as practical gritty Original Trilogy-esque production design and streamlined state-of-the art visual effects blend together to bring creatures, droids, planets, and even a few familiar faces to life that will be more than enough to convince and delight the hardcore fanbase and franchise newcomers.

One thing many may notice about Rogue One is that it's the first Star Wars film not to be scored by John Williams, with Michael Giacchino taking the duties of composer and believe it or not Giacchino's score will stand alongside Williams' as a strength of the franchise. Giacchino creates sweeping epic original orchestrations deserving of a space opera bearing the Star Wars banner that feel inspired by Williams' classic themes rather than riffs on the composer's iconic work.

It wouldn't be a Star Wars movie without a group of likable personalities and Rogue One's all star diverse cast brings just that. Felicity Jones leads proceedings as Jyn Erso, marking another strong female protagonist who's both capable and in touch with her humanity. Diego Luna plays clandestine Rebel Captain Cassian Andor with both a charming demeanor and an internal struggle as he longs to find what's more important; the cause of the Rebellion or his morality.

Alan Tudyk provides a motion-capture performance as the reprogrammed Imperial droid K-2SO, who has the sass of R2D2, the logistics of C3PO, and the killer instinct of a commando droid, and he steals every scene he's in with hilarious remarks that made him my personal favorite of the new bunch of characters.

Donnie Yen, Wen Jiang, and Riz Ahmed portray blind spiritual warrior Chirrut Îmwe, heroic heavy artilleryman Baze Malbus, and defected Imperial pilot Bohdi Rook respectively. While the last three may not have as much development, each member of the team has their time to shine; whether it be force-fueled martial arts, blaster shootouts, or more in-depth character moments.

Mads Mikkelsen and Forest Whitaker are sufficient supporting players as chief Death Star architect and father Galen Erso and militant rebel Saw Gererra and the appearances of Jimmy Smit's Bail Organa and Genevieve O'Reilly's Mon Mothma are reassuring to those fretting about continuity.

Ben Mendelsohn's dastardly Director Orson Krennic is an ambitious officer who seeks power, attention, and respect among the Imperial hierarchy, making for a villain whose motivations can be understood but isn't quite as grand as other franchise antagonists.

James Earl Jones returns to lend his booming baritone to Darth Vader with stuntmen Daniel Naprous and Spencer Wilding wearing the armor interchangably to maintain Vader's imposing gravitas. It was incredible how the filmmakers were able to paint Vader in a different light than we've ever seen before. Vader has a few jaw-dropping standout moments from the film that will delight even the most casual Star Wars fan. Vader's appearances are minimal but they are certainly impactful.

When all is said and done, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story functions as a stirring standalone story that adds greater weight to the events of the Original Trilogy and marks the distinction of being the first great prequel in the Star Wars universe. It's not perfect but it's endearing characters, engaging narrative strong direction, technical achievements, and awesome original score are more than enough to warrant the story being told. In conclusion, Rogue One is an entertaining and welcome addition to the Star Wars universe that justifies the case for more Star Wars Stories.

Film Assessment: A B (Revised)