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Why the Star Wars Prequels are Good and Deserve Recognition

Braden — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 08:12:12 +0000

Core fans of the Star Wars franchise can be quite passionate about their views on the series. And perhaps no single argument embodies that idea more than whether or not the Prequel films are actually good. In fact, many go so far as to say there are only three true Star Wars movies, meaning the Originals. And though sometimes a bit tongue-in-cheek, the sentiment isn’t far from how some fans feel about the second trilogy. Moreover, the negative critiques of these films aren’t specific to any age group. So, some younger fans are just as dismissive of the Prequels as others who have been there from the beginning. However, there are also many who argue for why the Star Wars Prequels are good. And like those who hate the films, these fans are new and old alike. So, nostalgia isn’t the only fighter in the ring.

Now, admittedly, I was raised on the Prequels. The first Star Wars film I saw was The Phantom Menace. And yes, when I was five-years old, I thought Jar Jar was hilarious. But as an adult, having spent the vast majority of my life absolutely breathing in everything Star Wars, my reasons for loving the Prequels have similarly matured. At least, I like to think they have. So, from providing a cultural-political backdrop for the series to laying the groundwork for other great stories, the Prequels have much to offer. Even if the main payoff from the films isn’t the trilogy itself.

Why Don’t People Like the Prequels?

Disdain for the second Star Wars trilogy is nothing new. Apparently, Marcia Lucas, the ex-wife of George Lucas, hated TPM so much she cried while editing the film. And in large part, it seems much of the dislike comes from the point of comparison. The Original trilogy was so cinematically groundbreaking that the latter films simply didn’t live up to the hype. At least, not for most fans. And even as someone who can appreciate the Prequels, this fact seems indisputable. Objectively speaking, the second trilogy is not as good as the first. But that’s also from the viewpoint of overall impact. The dialogue doesn’t flow as well. There are lengthy sequences that do little to progress the story in a tangible way. And at least one character annoys fans to the point of near madness. But the movies arguably do other things extremely well.

Of course, there are other reasons beyond mere comparison why someone might completely disregard the Prequels. They relied heavily on CGI elements that failed to age well in some instances. The depiction of certain characters and species had semi-racist undertones. And the chemistry between the characters was often awkward at best. But what the Prequels lack is made up for by their contribution to the story at large. Are they cinematic masterpieces? No, probably not. But are they essential parts of the Star Wars story? Arguably, yes. And at least in this regard, they serve a much grander purpose. Because while they’re telling a story, they’re also crafting a universe.

So, it might be true that the Prequels aren’t as good as the Original trilogy. But that in and of itself isn’t a reason to hate them. After all, in a franchise with eleven major films, some inevitably have to be worse than others. And moving beyond the films, the era of Star Wars the second trilogy inspired provided some of the richest content to date.

What the Prequels Did Well

Choreography

Image Credit: LucasFilm, Disney

There are plenty of superficial reasons why the Star Wars Prequels are good films. If nothing else, the fight choreography is the best the series has to offer. And that’s including the more recent Sequel trilogy as well. In fact, the duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin in RotS holds the title for longest sword fight in cinematic history. Comparatively speaking, the short battle between the same characters in A New Hope is relatively lackluster. But the length of the duel is inconsequential when paired with the rigor of the fight itself.

The fights might not have as much of a thematic impact as those in the Original trilogy. There’s no jaw-dropping instance of revelation, such as when Luke learns Vader is his father. But the magnitude of the battles kept them from growing stale. Maul was the first to wield a saber staff. The Geonosis arena gave fans the chance to see hundreds of Jedi fight alongside each other. And no character had ever tried to wield four sabers at once until Grievous. So, what the battles lack in emotional depth is made up for by the sheer magnanimity of the action.

Visuals

Jedi starfighters flying through different ships at the Battle of Coruscant, Star WarsImage Credit: LucasFilm, Disney

For Star Wars, CGI seems to be a double-edged sword. It works extremely well in some instances, and in others it falls flat. One of the last shots in Attack of the Clones shows thousands of troopers standing at order, ready for war. And what should be an overwhelming moment that foreshadows the rise of the Empire is laughable. Because the animated Clone Wars show has better CGI than that scene of the film. Contrastingly, the opening sequence in Revenge of the Sith is a masterpiece of CGI. The audience feels like they’re right there in the midst of battle, surrounded by shrapnel and exploding starships. Consequently, the Battle of Coruscant is one of the most memorable space skirmishes in the franchise. It’s exciting, it’s fast-paced, and it looks great.

So, it’s perfectly understandable why some fans complain about the overuse of CGI in the Prequel films. However, it must also be remembered that some of these elements were completely new to cinema at the time. Practical effects were largely used up until this point. And while the transition was clunky at best, some of the end results were beautiful and magnificent. The graphical difference between Episodes II and III demonstrate this well enough.

Breathing Life Into the Galaxy

City of Theed, Naboo at Sunrise, for the funeral of Padme Amidala, Star WarsImage Credit: LucasFilm, Disney

Another laudable aspect of the Prequel trilogy is its shift away from a narrow view of the galaxy. The Original trilogy is completely engrossed in military conflict — and it portrays it well. But one downfall of this narrow focus is that it fails to introduce audiences to the larger world. Because the Rebel Alliance is constantly on the run, the galaxy feels somewhat empty. Sure, Mos Eisley has a spaceport, and the rebels befriend the Ewoks on Endor. But in Cloud City, where one would expect to see more of a populace, it still feels lonely. Tatooine is desolate, Hoth is a frozen wasteland, and the Death Star is a cold, metalic construct. And perhaps this is genius on the part of the filmmakers. Because this lonely isolation must be what it feels like for the Rebels.

But from the very start of the Prequels, fans get the sense that this galaxy far, far away is full of exciting places and people. Theed, the beautiful Nabooan city, is a stark contrast to the bleakness of space so often seen in the Originals. And Coruscant, the capital of the Republic, is a bustling cityscape with no end in sight. It’s vibrant, it’s chaotic, and exciting. From the Boonta Eve Podrace to the fall of the Jedi Temple, the Prequels work immensely to bring Star Wars to life.

Part and parcel with world-building is the massive expansion of Star Wars lore in the second trilogy. Things which were only hinted at in the Originals are given flesh in these films. The Jedi Order, the Clone Wars, even the lineage of the Sith. And without the Prequels, these aspects of the Star Wars universe would be nonexistent. At least, not the way we know and understand them today.

The Inspiration

Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars, holding two white lightsabers in a battle stanceImage Credit: Disney

In my mind, what the Prequels inspired is without a doubt the best aspect of the trilogy. The films themselves will always have a special place in my own love of the franchise. But they aren’t necessarily the best part of that era of Star Wars. Countless books, video games, shows and other mediums tell stories that are introduced through the Prequels. For example, the animated Clone Wars is potentially one of the most expansive additions to the franchise. It introduced Ahsoka Tano, the apprentice of Anakin Skywalker. And she’s played a major part in the universe ever since. It brought back Maul and gave him a much more integral story than his brief appearnace in Episode I. And Clone Wars arguably portrays Anakin’s fall in a much more emotionally devastating way than even Episode III.

Though not considered canon now, the book Plagueis is a fantastic look into the world of the Sith. And it stems completely from a few sentences uttered by Chancellor Palpatine in Revenge of the Sith. And don’t get me started on Darth Bane. Because you won’t hear the end of that once I get going.

From characters and places to events and magnificent stories, the Prequels are responsible for so much of Star Wars as it stands today. And without these films, which some consider worthless, the galaxy would be far poorer.

Are the Star Wars Prequels Actually Good?

Honestly, I could go on for days if not months. The Prequels are what I grew up with, and yes, I’m fairly nostalgic when it comes to defending them. But I sincerely believe they deserve a better assessment than many fans give them. They might not be the best Star Wars films, and they definitely have several noticeable flaws. But for fans of the series who can appreciate the larger scope of the universe, this trilogy is indispensable. It takes the narrow focus of the Star Wars franchise and blows it outward to the edges of the known galaxy. But ultimately, the Prequels aren’t as praiseworthy for their cinematic value as what they represent. They signaled the continuation of a beloved franchise. But more importantly, they paved the way for countless other fantastic stories to be told.

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Star Wars Timeline Explained-The Sequels

Braden — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:25:53 +0000

With its legendary characters, imaginative worldbuilding, and epic storytelling, the Star Wars saga has enthralled viewers for more than 40 years. But the chronology can become confused with so many trilogies, TV series spin-offs, and adaptations. In this article we talk about The Main Star Wars Timeline Explained The Sequels.

The Skywalker Saga

The Skywalker family is followed across three generations in the central Star Wars film timeline. There are three trilogies in it:

Prequel Trilogy: Episodes I to III
It takes place 32 years before A New Hope and depicts the Clone Wars, the destruction of the Jedi Order, and the descent of Anakin Skywalker into the dark side and eventual transformation into Darth Vader.

Original Trilogy: Episodes IV to VI
It centers on Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance’s struggle against Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire, set 19 years after the Revenge of the Sith. The Empire’s loss at the Battle of Endor marks the conclusion of it.

Sequel Trilogy: Episodes VII to IX
Thirty years have passed since Return of the Jedi, and the First Order, rising from the ruins of the Empire, wants to destroy both the New Republic and the Resistance. The trilogy centers on Han Solo and Luke Skywalker alongside new characters Rey, Finn, and Poe.

The Path to the Sequel Trilogy

Following the Empire’s loss at Endor, the New Republic is established by the Rebel Alliance. But the surviving Imperials flee to the Unknown Regions, where they stealthily regain power and eventually rise to become the First Order.

Over the years, Leia Organa has been in charge of the Resistance, a private military group supported by the New Republic that keeps an eye on the First Order’s operations. Chewbacca and Han Solo also occasionally assist the Resistance.

Struggling to revive the Jedi Order is Luke Skywalker. However, feeling responsible, Luke banishes himself after his nephew and apprentice Ben Solo turns evil and becomes Kylo Ren as a result of Supreme Leader Snoke’s influence. The sequel trilogy was put in motion by these events.

The Force Awakens
Thirty years after Endor, the First Order attempts to kill Luke Skywalker, the only remaining Jedi, by destroying the capital of the New Republic. When scavenger Rey meets defective stormtrooper Finn and BB-8, she learns she has Force abilities. Rey goes to Ahch-To in order to persuade Luke, who is reluctant to train her, to do so after Han Solo dies at the hands of Kylo Ren.

The Last Jedi
Rey studies Luke Skywalker to learn the mysteries of the Force. She is pulled to the conflicted Kylo Ren, though, and he kills Snoke to become the new Supreme Leader. The Resistance survivors manage to flee from the First Order on Crait. Even though Luke dies, his deeds give the Resistance a fighting chance and spread optimism throughout the galaxy.

The Rise of Skywalker
Rey resumes her Jedi training a year later while the Resistance is reconstructed. Kylo Ren is looking for a Sith gadget that can find Exegol, the hidden homeworld of Palpatine, who has returned, and his fleet of the Final Order. After discovering she is the granddaughter of Palpatine, Rey overcomes her ancestry. Palpatine and the First Order fleet are defeated by her, along with the help of reinforcements and the Resistance. In remembrance of her mentors Luke and Leia, Rey takes up the Skywalker name at the conclusion of the story.

Beyond the Skywalker Saga

The Star Wars universe is still growing on Disney+ and in theaters even though the Skywalker narrative is over. A galaxy far, far away is the setting for upcoming films like The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and others, which explore new characters and eras. The franchise’s creative options are virtually limitless as it heads into the post-Skywalker future.

The elaborate Star Wars tapestry may appear complicated, but at its core, it depicts an epic family narrative that spans three generations and is centered around friendship, adventure, and the never-ending conflict between good and evil. Fans will be able to rediscover these cherished historical characters and worlds as well as discover new ones for years to come thanks to the interwoven narrative across numerous movies and television programs. I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this “The Main Star Wars Timeline Explained The Sequels” article.

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Star Wars Timeline Explained-The Prequels

Braden — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:14:30 +0000

Star Wars has one of the most expansive and complex timelines in popular culture, spanning over 60 years of storytelling across films, TV shows, books, comics and video games. However, it all started with the prequel trilogy of films that kicked off the Skywalker saga – Episodes I to III which cover the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader and the Empire. In this article we talk about The Main Star Wars Timeline: Explained The Prequels.

The Phantom Menace (32 BBY)

This film kicks off the timeline, set 32 years before the Battle of Yavin and the events of the original 1977 Star Wars film. We are introduced to Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan (apprentice) Obi-Wan Kenobi, who are sent as ambassadors to negotiate a peace treaty between the Trade Federation and planet Naboo. However, they soon discover the Trade Federation has set up a blockade and invaded Naboo on orders from the Sith Lord Darth Sidious.

The two Jedi escape and rescue Queen Padmé Amidala, fleeing with her from Naboo to the desert planet Tatooine. There, they meet 9-year old slave Anakin Skywalker. Sensing Anakin is strong with the Force, Qui-Gon helps secure his freedom and brings him with them to Coruscant, the capital of the Galactic Republic. However, Darth Sidious dispatches his apprentice Darth Maul to track down the Jedi.

On Coruscant, Qui-Gon asks the Jedi Council to train Anakin but they refuse, concerned about the fear and anger in him. Returning to Naboo, Anakin helps the Queen’s forces defeat the Trade Federation army. However, in a climactic lightsaber duel, Darth Maul kills Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan then kills Darth Maul, and takes Anakin on as his own Padawan learner, as Qui-Gon requested. With Naboo liberated, there is celebration – but Senator Palpatine is elected Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, secretly the Sith Lord Darth Sidious himself manipulating events from behind the scenes…

Attack of the Clones (22 BBY)

Set 10 years after The Phantom Menace, Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker are tasked with protecting Senator Padmé Amidala from assassination attempts, believing them to be politically motivated. After another attempt, Obi-Wan sets out to track down the bounty hunter behind it, Jango Fett, which leads him to discover an army of clones being created for the Republic on Kamino.

Meanwhile, Anakin travels with Padmé to Naboo, and they soon fall in love. Anakin starts having visions that his mother Shmi is in danger back on Tatooine. Defying Obi-Wan’s orders, Anakin travels there but discovers Shmi has been abducted by Tusken Raiders. When he finds her, she dies in his arms. Overcome by rage, Anakin massacres the entire Tusken camp.

Receiving a message from Obi-Wan, Anakin travels to Geonosis where he discovers Separatist forces are preparing for war. Captured by Dooku, the leader of the Separatists, Anakin and Padmé are sentenced to death but saved at the last moment by an army of Jedi and the new clone army, marking the start of the Clone Wars between the Republic and the Separatists. In a lightsaber duel, Dooku defeats Anakin and cuts off his arm but is then forced to flee by Yoda. The film ends with Anakin getting a cybernetic arm and marrying Padmé in secret, while Palpatine oversees the clone army mobilizing for galactic war.

Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY)

The third and final prequel film is set 3 years after Attack of the Clones, in the midst of the Clone Wars between the Republic and Separatists. Anakin is now a Jedi Knight and hero of the Republic. After rescuing Palpatine from General Grievous, the new leader of the Separatists, Anakin discovers that Palpatine is in fact the Sith Lord Darth Sidious.

Though conflicted, Anakin informs Jedi Master Mace Windu, who confronts Palpatine. However, fearing the loss of Padmé who he has visions will die in childbirth, Anakin intervenes to save the Sith Lord, allowing Palpatine to kill Windu. With nowhere left to turn, Anakin pledges himself to Palpatine and becomes the Sith Lord Darth Vader. On Palpatine’s orders, Vader leads the 501st clone battalion to kill everyone in the Jedi Temple and wipe out the Jedi Order.

Padmé meets Obi-Wan and informs him of Anakin’s turn to the dark side. Devastated, Obi-Wan stows aboard her ship when Padmé travels to the volcanic planet Mustafar to try and turn Anakin back. Instead, Anakin believes she has betrayed him and uses the Force to choke her into unconsciousness. Obi-Wan engages Vader in an epic lightsaber duel across the lava rivers of Mustafar, eventually defeating his former apprentice by severing his legs and arm.

Badly burned, Anakin is rescued by Palpatine and encased in black armor kept alive by machinery and his rage, completing his transformation into Darth Vader. On Polis Massa, Padmé gives birth to twins Luke and Leia before dying. Bail Organa adopts Leia while Obi-Wan takes Luke to live with his aunt and uncle on Tatooine. Yoda orders Obi-Wan into exile until the time is right to challenge the Empire. The Republic has fallen, Palpatine reforms it into the first Galactic Empire with himself as Emperor, and Darth Vader leads his forces to wipe out any remaining Jedi. This brings the Star wars prequels timeline to a close, directly leading into the original 1977 film set 19 years later.

Themes and Story Arcs

George Lucas deliberately mirrored events and themes between the original and prequel trilogies. The prequels showcase the fall of Anakin from a prophesized hero of the Jedi to a tragic villain, lured to the dark side out of a desire to protect his love Padmé. It is the inverse of the original trilogy which follows his son Luke’s journey to becoming a hero by staying true to the light.

By showing the steady corruption of the Galactic Republic into Palpatine’s dictatorship, the prequels also act as a warning about how democracies can turn into tyrannies when citizens become complacent and willing to give up liberty for promises of security. Lucas explored ideas about morality, redemption, prophecy, political decay and more across the sweeping narrative of the six films.

Legacy and Impact

The prequel trilogy brought groundbreaking new digital effects to Star Wars, with extensive use of CGI allowing for epic scenes of planetary battles and cityscapes with countless visual effects elements that would not have been possible in the 70s and 80s. Each film was a worldwide box office smash hit on release.

However, the prequels have a mixed reputation among fans compared to the beloved original trilogy. While praised for their visual spectacle and mythic storytelling, they were also criticized for clunky writing and acting. Nevertheless, over time reassessment has warmed opinions somewhat and their worldbuilding contributions remain hugely influential on all Star Wars media that has followed. From the Clone Wars and Jedi Order to planets like Coruscant and Kamino, concepts introduced in the prequels now define what Star Wars is.

So while controversial, the prequel trilogy is an integral part of the Star Wars tapestry that together with the original films and sequels makes up the bold, operatic 40+ year Skywalker saga with its timeless themes about good vs evil, fathers and sons, hope and redemption. I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this “The Main Star Wars Timeline Explained The Prequels” article.

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The Best Disney Movies You Probably Never Think About

Braden — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:51:54 +0000

Say what you will about Disney, but the company boasts some of the most successful films of all time. And when one company has produced movies since the early 1920s, it’s easy to lose a few in the mix. Typically, when I ask people about the best Disney movies, they turn to the classics. They might point to films like Snow White, Peter Pan, or The Little Mermaid. But there are lesser-known movies from the early 2000s which deserve their place among some of the greats.

Chances are you’ve heard of some of these films, or might even have seen them. But for some reason, they don’t immediately come to mind when someone brings up Disney. In fact, whenever I’ve reminded people of these films, they often pause and think for a minute. Then, they say something like, “Wait, that was a Disney film?” Well, the answer is yes — they are, and here’s why you should watch them again.

Five of the Best Disney Movies from the Early 2000s

Dinosaur (2000)

Cover for Disney’s Dinosaur on a blue gradient backgroundImage Credit: Disney

One of the first Disney films released in the 21st century, Dinosaur follows the harrowing journey of Aladar, an Iguanodon from the Cretaceous period. After a horrific natural disaster scorches the earth and leaves Aladar’s homeland uninhabitable, he and the surviving creatures must travel far away to find a new place to live. Alongside the lemur family who raised him and new dinosaur friends, Aladar faced tremendous peril, from starvation to carnivore attacks. Backed with a beautiful soundtrack composed by James Newton Howard, Dinosaur is a great film for anyone who loves these amazing reptiles.

Unlike previous computer animated films produced by Disney, this was the first created completely in-house. The result is a gorgeous feature that combines dynamic landscapes with richly detailed characters. Due to several sequences which could scare young children, this film carries a PG rating. However, it is easily appropriate for kids over the age of five.

Emperor’s New Groove, The (film) (2000)

Cover for Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove on a yellow gradient backgroundImage Credit: Disney

Featuring the iconic voice talents of David Spade, John Goodman and Patrick Warburton, The Emperor’s New Groove is a humorous film set in a fictional South American empire. Of course, the kingdom is an obvious homage to Incan and Mayan civilizations. But this adventure is nothing so serious as all that. The self-centered and prideful Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama when his evil adviser, Yzma, attempts to dethrone him. Ironically, the one person willing to help the young emperor find his way back to his rightful place is Pacha. A man who’s home Kuzco planned to bulldoze in order to set up a private resort.

The pair’s dangerous trek through South American jungle pits them against nature, humans and even themselves. But that’s only the start of the journey. A film beset with the moral teaching that arrogance leads to downfall, this is a must-see for Disney lovers. And because of its G rating, it is the perfect comedy for people of all ages.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Cover for Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire against a blue gradient backgroundImage Credit: Disney

This film set in 1914 takes viewers on a whirlwind adventure alongside the young Milo Thatch, a museum cartographer who claims to have learned the way to the lost city of Atlantis. Though his theories are decried and rejected by the rich museum patrons, he finds a believer in his late grandfather’s friend, Preston Whitmore. Funded by the eccentric billionaire’s fortune, Milo and a cast of quirky yet lovable characters set off for the sunken city. And when they finally find it, nothing is as they expected. As with Dinosaur and other films, the score was composed by the brilliant James Newton Howard. So, perhaps this list is as much a recognition of his accomplishments as the movies themselves. Rated PG, Atlantis is perfect for children of school age. However, younger kids might need the discretion of a parent or guardian before viewing.

Treasure Planet (2002)

Cover for Disney’s Treasure Planet against a green gradient backgroundImage Credit: Disney

An obvious adaptation of the famous novel, Treasure Island, this movie throws viewers on an action-packed adventure through space. And just as in the book, young Jim Hawkins searches for the lost treasure trove of pirate captain, Nathaniel Flint. As the only person capable of accessing the map to Treasure Planet, Jim is suddenly thrust into a world of wonder and mutiny alike. Joined by a crew of strange aliens, the angsty teen must learn how to navigate the stars and life at the same time.

Apart from Pirates of the Caribbean, this is the best Disney movie for anyone who loves a good swashbuckling story. And to be honest, Treasure Planet is my person favorite. Though not only because of the beautiful and vibrant animation. But yet again due to a score by — you guessed it — James Newton Howard. The soaring and dynamic track, 12 Years Later, is still one of my favorite songs from a Disney film. A coming of age story, Treasure Planet does explore some more mature themes than other movies produced by Disney. But holding to its PG rating, it is a lighthearted and exciting journey for kids of almost all ages.

Brother Bear (2003)

Cover for Disney’s Brother Bear against a grey gradient backgroundImage Credit: Disney

This film tells the story of Kenai, a Pacific Northwest native living just after the last ice age. When Sitka, Kenai’s brother, is killed by a bear, he sets out on a quest for revenge. Instead, he finds himself turned into bear by the Great Spirits. And after befriending a much younger bear cub named Koda, Kenai learns that his other brother, Denahi, is hunting him. As with most of the films on this list, Kenai and Koda set out on a grand adventure. In this instance, their journey takes them across the vast and beautiful wilderness of North America.

Brother Bear features songs by the notable musician, Phil Collins, who previously contributed to films like Tarzan. This is one of the best Disney movies because of its central message of forgiveness and understanding. And since it carries a G rating, it is appropriate for children of all ages. In essence, it’s the perfect film for understanding the concept of treating others the way we want to be treated.

More of the Best Disney Movies

If you paid any attention to this list of films, you probably noticed certain themes:

They are all animated films
Most of them had notable music
These movies are mostly appropriate for audiences of all ages
They were, of course, from the first few years of the 21st century

But there are hundreds of other Disney movies, some better than others. There are many notable live-action films made during the same era as those listed here. And some contain more mature themes that earned them higher ratings. So, while these hidden gems are some of the best Disney films in their genre, there are plenty of others worth watching. But more than two decades later, one thing is true. These five movies are still beautiful films that have important moral themes woven throughout. And for that alone, they’re worth watching again.

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The Main Star Wars Timeline Explained The Originals

Braden — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:42:17 +0000

The Star Wars saga has captured the imagination of generations since the first film’s release in 1977. With intertwining storylines across movies, shows, books, and more, the expansive Star Wars universe can seem daunting to newcomers. To provide clarity, In this article we talk about The Main Star Wars Timeline: Explained The Originals.

A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away…

The Star Wars saga takes place “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away,” giving it an epic, mythical feeling. We’re not provided an exact year the events occur, but are shown an ancient battle between good and evil amongst the stars. The timeline explained here focuses on the events of the Galactic Civil War depicted in the original trilogy films directed by George Lucas.

Before the Clone Wars

While we don’t see these events unfold, history preceding the Skywalker saga provides context. The galaxy was once protected by an ancient order of guardians with supernatural abilities called Jedi Knights. After a millennia of peace, the Jedi Order was destroyed by the Sith – their mortal enemies who use the dark side of the Force – after secretly infiltrating the Galactic Republic. Only a few Jedi managed to survive the attack, going into hiding across the galaxy.

The Clone Wars

The Republic continued to rule for another thousand years until conflict emerged again. After attempts to leave the Republic, some planetary systems were forced to comply, leading Jedi Knight Count Dooku to leave the Order and form a Separatist movement with the backing of corporate giants. Tensions rose for over a decade culminating in the Clone Wars – a conflict between the Republic’s new military clone army and Separatist battle droids.

During the war, the Sith return after a thousand years in secrecy. A young Jedi Knight named Anakin Skywalker becomes a war hero but is slowly seduced to the dark side by Chancellor Sheev Palpatine. After Anakin informs the Jedi Council of Palpatine’s true identity as the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, Mace Windu attempts to arrest him. Wanting to save his wife Padmé Amidala, Anakin intervenes allowing Palpatine to kill Windu. Anakin then pledges himself to the Sith, becoming Darth Vader.

Palpatine issues Order 66, turning the clone troopers against the Jedi Order. Only a few survive the purge, such as Grand Master Yoda and Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. Palpatine then transforms the Republic into the Galactic Empire, naming himself Emperor with Vader as his chief enforcer. After a climatic duel on Mustafar leaves Vader severely injured, he must rely on a black armored suit to survive. Meanwhile, Padmé gives birth to twins Luke and Leia before passing away. The children are then hidden from the Empire.

A New Hope

Nineteen years pass under the oppressive rule of the Empire. The Rebellion emerges to challenge Palpatine’s authoritarian regime, engaging in a covert civil war. Princess Leia Organa, adopted daughter of Senator Bail Organa, secretly serves in the Rebellion. She manages to steal secret Death Star plans that reveal a weakness in the Empire’s new planet-destroying space station.

Leia’s ship falls under attack from Vader’s Star Destroyer. She hides the plans in astromech droid R2-D2 and sends him to find Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi on Tatooine with protocol droid C-3PO. The droids come across young farmer Luke Skywalker who meets Obi-Wan, hiring pilot Han Solo to take them to Alderaan. However, the Death Star destroys Alderaan. Captured in a tractor beam, the group rescues Leia only to watch helplessly as the Death Star obliterates Leia’s homeworld. Luke begins learning the ways of the Force under Obi-Wan’s guidance as they escape. After analyzing the plans, the Rebels launch an attack on the Death Star, and Luke destroys it in one shot after turning off his targeting computer and using the Force.

The Empire Strikes Back

Three years after the Death Star’s destruction, the Rebellion continues battling the Empire while establishing a hidden base on the remote ice planet Hoth. Vader becomes obsessed with finding young rebel pilot Luke Skywalker, who he learns is the son of Anakin. The Empire attacks the Hoth base, forcing an evacuation. Han, Leia, Chewbacca and C-3PO escape aboard the Millennium Falcon unable to reach a rendezvous point. They later seek refuge at Bespin’s Cloud City overseen by Han’s old friend Lando Calrissian.

Meanwhile, Luke travels to Dagobah seeking Jedi Master Yoda to complete his training. After a crash landing, he receives a disturbing vision his friends are in danger. Against both Obi-Wan and Yoda’s advice, Luke abandons his training to rescue them. Upon arrival at Cloud City, he falls into Vader’s trap. After a fierce lightsaber duel, the Sith Lord severs Luke’s hand and reveals his true identity as Luke’s father. Han is frozen in carbonite and taken by bounty hunter Boba Fett to crime lord Jabba the Hutt. As the Falcon escapes, Luke is rescued by Leia’s telepathic powers.

Return of the Jedi

Luke constructs a new lightsaber aboard a Rebel medical frigate. After R2-D2 and C-3PO are dispatched to crime lord Jabba the Hutt, bounty hunter Boushh (a disguised Leia) infiltrates Jabba’s lair and frees Han from carbon freeze. Jabba later captures her, Han and Luke to execute them but they overpower their captors.

The Rebels learn of construction of a second Death Star orbiting forest moon Endor. Luke insists Vader can still be saved and surrenders to Imperial troops to confront him. On Endor, Han leads a team to destroy the Death Star’s shield generator. After initial conflict, the native Ewoks help the Rebels attack the Imperial base.

Aboard the Death Star, Luke tries appealing to the good still inside his father. The effort proves futile; Vader threatens to turn Leia if Luke refuses to join the dark side. Furious, Luke attacks and nearly kills Vader. Realizing this path leads to the dark side, Luke refuses the Emperor’s offer of power and proves himself a true Jedi. Enraged, the Emperor attacks Luke with Force lightning. Unable to watch his son die, Vader turns against his dark master and destroys him, sacrificing himself in the process.

As the Death Star II explodes, Luke escapes to Endor and cremates his father’s armor. The Rebels celebrate the fall of the Empire as the galaxy looks towards a hopeful future now that freedom has been restored.

The Star Wars Legacy

While the Skywalker saga has concluded, the impact of these iconic films continues today through new stories told in books, comics, video games and future film projects currently in development. By exploring the timeline of events focusing on the original trilogy, the expansive, generation-spanning Star Wars epic is more easily understood and appreciated. The timeless themes of good vs evil, freedom vs tyranny, and belief in redemption mean Star Wars will undoubtedly continue capturing imaginations for decades to come. I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this “The Main Star Wars Timeline Explained The Originals” article.

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