Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
BY CONAN LYNCH, STAFF WRITER
One of the best things about Star Wars is the vastness of the fictional universe. There have been so many spin-offs and side stories that it can be hard to keep track. But there is a simple question that divides or unites Star Wars fans: What is the best Star Wars movie? It depends on who you ask, and everyone will have different opinions, but I would argue that the answer is easy. If you know who Anakin Skywalker is, then you understand which movie is the best in the franchise.
My favorite Star Wars movie is “Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith.” I am what some fans of the space opera would call a “prequel baby,” meaning I was growing up while the prequel trilogy was popular in the early 2000s. I know from personal experience that a strong rival to Revenge of the Sith is obviously “Episode V—the Empire Strikes Back.”
I understand why these two movies rival each other. They both include carefully choreographed action with lightsaber duels. It’s the emotional stake the characters have in the stories that make these movies so easy to fall in love with. Recently though, I had a friend tell me that her favorite Star Wars movie is “Episode II—Attack of the Clones,” an opinion I rarely hear.
I was shocked at first because I have not met many other fans who claim Episode II as their favorite. It was intriguing. When I asked why, she told me it was because of all the lore that Episode II gave us about the Jedi order during its peak and how they lost their way. This changed the way I look at that movie, but I still stand by Revenge of the Sith as my favorite. Seeing Anakin’s downfall and transition into Darth Vader was one of the more epic moments from my childhood.
From the cheesy dialogue, to the over-the-top combat action, to the emotional weight of the characters’ relationships, “Star Wars: Episode III” can’t be beaten in my mind. The prophecy of the chosen one and his downfall is too nostalgic to for me to dislike. I still find new things to enjoy about the movie every time I watch it. While Episode V is a close second, Episode III holds a special place in my heart as the best movie in the franchise chronicling a galaxy far, far away…
lynchcb19@bonaventure.edu
