Senses working overtime #601

1 A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

After getting surgery for a skin cancer on my nose, Jacky indulged my whim this week to green light a re-watch of the nine Star Wars movies. So, this edition takes in the first 6 in the order I originally watched them (this week we watched them from Episode 1 to 6). 

That means starting in 1977 with Episode IV - A New Hope. 

Thoughts then: In 1977, I wandered down from Auckland University to the Cinerama Theatre in Queen Street and sat mesmerised by the film (just called Star Wars at that point).

Thoughts now: This latest viewing came after watching the prequels and we immediately noticed the differences in the change of pace and special effects. In other words, it's impossible to capture that initial feeling from 1977.

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

My 4th year at Auckland University - I again watched this in Queen St. This time at The Civic Theatre.

Thoughts then: I was blown away with how good this film was - much better than episode IV. The training sessions on Dagobah with Yoda are brilliant. 

Thoughts now: In many ways it's still in contention for the best film of the franchise. Everything feels looser, more confident, with more money thrown at the special effects, which are still dated, it has to be said. Having watched the film many times, I know that swamp scene on Dagobah by heart.

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

Seen in New Plymouth late in 1983. Although I was dating Jacky Smith, we didn't see this film together for some reason lost to time.

Thoughts then: I wasn't a great fan of the Ewoks but the epic nature of the film resolved all the plot points and felt like a worthy climax to the trilogy.

Thoughts now: The broadening of the characterisations and the hero's journey being resolved still makes watching this a special occasion.

 

4 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

By 1999 our four kids had grown up with the original trilogy on VHS tapes. We watched this as a family at a theatre in Auckland.

Thoughts then: I really liked the film and many of the iconic lines from Qui-Gon Jinn (a brilliant character) entered my consciousness for the first time. I felt it was much maligned.

Thoughts now: I still think the film holds up, and I will defend it! The special effects are of the time - amazing how much CGI has advanced in the years since 1999. And Jar Jar Binks is still annoying.

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

We watched this while living in the Waikato (we were living in Cambridge at the time).

Thoughts then: I love Star Wars, but my suspension of disbelief was challenged with the appearance of NZ actors.

Thoughts now: It's a tricky business being the middle film of a trilogy and this one does okay, but for me it's the weakest film of the franchise. I don't find Hayden Christensen a very plausible Anakin Skywalker.

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

Jacky, Samantha, Jade and I watched this in a theatre in Southend-on-sea (we were living in Leigh-on-sea at the time).

Thoughts then: I can remember enjoying this film immensely as it dovetailed nicely into episode 4. 

Thoughts now: The film still moves quickly towards the introduction of Darth Vader and Hayden is better as Anakin in this film. A lot of the action sequences are thrilling.

On to the next three episodes (7 - 9) next week.