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The force is with them! Star Wars greatest fans rank all 10 movies

Actor Alden Ehrenreich (in Solo) has signed up to play Han Solo in three movies.

Actor Alden Ehrenreich (in Solo) has signed up to play Han Solo in three movies. Photo: Walt Disney Pictures/LucasFilm

For the first time, 41-year-old blockbuster franchise Star Wars has “joined the ranks of ordinary men”, as Forbes put it on Sunday, after Solo: A Star Wars Story bombed at the box office.

While still projected to earn up to $460 million worldwide, the movie cost so much to make that it will suffer a huge loss. It’s tipped to be the lowest-grossing live action movie ever from the beloved franchise.

But Australia’s Star Walking Inc – which says it’s the longest-running Star Wars fan club in the world – insists that despite its lacklustre reception, the standalone film is “not to be missed”, according to SWI secretary Luke ‘Skywalker’ Sword.

Now celebrating their 30th anniversary, the society’s members ranked the films from 10 to one for The New Daily:

10 – The Phantom Menace (1999,  Episode I)

Although this film introduced a whole array of new characters, it is still filled with inconsistent acting, too much CGI, a weak plot and Jar Jar Binks. Highlights: The introduction of Darth Maul and the amazing Podrace.

9 – Attack of the Clones (2002, Episode II)

Some outstanding special effects, lightsaber duels and space battles, but clunks disjointedly from an action sequence to romance to politics. Suffers from overacting and unsuccessful attempt to introduce humour. Highlights: Jango and Boba Fett’s scenes, Yoda using a lightsaber for the first time and the beginning of the Clone Wars.

8 – The Last Jedi (2017, Episode VIII)

Just didn’t deliver for a lot of fans, with confusing and strange elements including when General Leia (Carrie Fisher) performed her superman moment after being sucked out into space. Highlights: Luke Skywalker using his lightsaber again and the amazing hyperspace moment tearing ships apart.

7 – Revenge of the Sith (2005, Episode III)

Great action sequences and enjoyable, but acting and storyline was inconsistent and certain characters made fans cringe. Highlights: A glimpse of Chewbacca and fight scenes with Obi-wan versus General Grievous and former pupil Anakin, and Yoda against Emperor Palpatine.

6 – Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Great mix of action, humour and nostalgia with loads of references and call backs to the original trilogy and a few surprises. A great tribute to the character made famous by Harrison Ford. Highlights: The chemistry from the supporting cast and a stand-out performance by Donald Glover (Lando).

5 – The Force Awakens (2015, Episode VII)

Many elements are copied from Star Wars: A New Hope but the introduction of the new generation of characters and exceptional use of special effects and built props sets a high benchmark for the next instalments. Highlights: Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia and R2-D2 back on screen.

4 – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Definitely up there with the originals. New characters work seamlessly, visually stunning and a great mix of humour, action and nostalgia. Highlights: Final battle on Scarif, the Death Star explosions and everything K2-S0 does.

3 – Return of the Jedi (1983, Episode VI)

Edited in a way to keep you on the edge of your seat until the ultimate end to the empire. The last third is the ultimate build up to the climactic end, with battles in space and on the ground with the ewoks putting everything on the line. Highlights: The personal good vs evil battle between Luke and Darth Vader.

2 – A New Hope (1977, Episode IV)

The original that started a fandom – an empire – that would go on for generations. Stands the test of time despite plot holes, acting which isn’t Oscar worthy and the technology not what we see today. Highlights: Meeting now-household names and a formula that works.

1 – The Empire Strikes Back (1980, Episode V)

A brilliant film that all science fiction and fantasy films strive to beat with a story, screenplay and characters that leave you wanting more. With its twists, the movie give an in-depth look at the empire’s endless resources and concentrates on more than just heroes: it’s just as much Darth Vader’s movie as it is Luke’s and the rest of the rebels. Highlights: Some cool and ruthless bounty hunters and Darth Vader’s surprise reveal, which is the most iconic scene in any Star Wars film.

 

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