Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

 

Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.

Competently produced and highly entertaining continuation of the Star Wars saga, again proof that the recent productions are superior to the previous trilogies concerning characters and character development, - and diversity; Daisy Ridley's Rey is arguably the series' most agreeable hero.

On rewatching:  Although visually stunning in some sequences, this episode is in fact more generic and less entertaining on a second watch.

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The surviving members of the resistance face the First Order once again, and the legendary conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its peak bringing the Skywalker saga to its end.

This final Star Wars episode  has a heavy load wrapping the whole saga up in feature length and unfortunately packs too much in to make this a thoroughly enjoyable sci-fi adventure; however, along its convoluted way, there are lots of sets of breathtaking visual appeal.

Midnight Ride (1990)

A house wife just left her cop husband, when she picks up a hitchhiker she'll wish she never did as she's plunged into a nightmare and the grip of a psychotic killer.

Mediocre slasher drama consists mostly of a long drawn out chase;  casting Mark Hamill as a psychotic teenage killer is a nice touch, though.

Return of the Jedi (1983)

After a daring mission to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the rebels dispatch to Endor to destroy a more powerful Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke struggles to help Vader back from the dark side without falling into the Emperor's trap.

Entertaining conclusion of the Star Wars trilogy is more of the same (exciting action, some humour, great special effects, simple story).

Halliwell*: "More expensive fantasy for the world's children of all ages, especially the undemanding ones."

Maltin***1/2: "Third installment in the STARS WARS saga is a sheer delight...Some routine performances are compensated for by ingenious new characters and Oscar-winning special effects. More sentimental and episodic than its predecessors, but carried out in the best tradition of Saturday matinee serials, from which it draws its inspiration."

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

After the rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader.

Second installation of the series has all the production quality one expects, but despite all innovative specials effects this remains an old-fashioned sci-fi swashbuckler, still as dated as on the day it was released.

On rewatching:  maybe a bit more entertaining than the first part, since it has more hrills - and humour.

Halliwell***: "More exhilarating interplanetary adventures, as mindless as Star Wars but just as enjoyable for aficionados."

Maltin***: "Smashing sequel to STAR WARS manages to top the original in its embellishment of leading characters' personalities, truly dazzling special effects...and nonstop spirit of adventure and excitement."

Star Wars (1977)

Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.

The legendary very first movie of the Star Wars series has always been a silly, but quite effective space opera.

On re-watching: Entertaining sci-fi epic that offered spectacular special effects for its time successfully recreates the excitement and fun of the early space opera serials - and on the same intellectual level.

Halliwell****: "Flash Gordon rides again, but with timing so impeccably right that the movie became a phenomenon and one of the top grossers of all time. Good harmless fun, put together with style and imagination."

Maltin***1/2: "Elaborate, imaginative update of Flash Gordon...It's a hip homage to B-movie ethics and heroism in the space age..."

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.

Competently produced and highly entertaining continuation of the Star Wars saga, again proof that the recent productions are superior to the previous trilogies concerning characters and character development, - and diversity; Daisy Ridley's Rey is arguably the series' most agreeable hero.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

A spy organization recruits an unrefined, but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

Entertaining homage/parody of the James Bond spy spectacles is very well produced, but definitely a bit too long.

Guyver (1991)

 

 

A young man discovers a mechanical device that merges with his own body, turning him into a cyborg superhero.

 

Deliberately silly - and gory - spoof with some quite fantastic monster outfits; entertainment value limited to fans of the genre.

 

Maltin*1/2: "Clumsy clumps of humor only make the contrived plot seem even more foolish."

 

 

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises as the First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.

Successful rejuvenation of the Star Wars saga marrying its original antics with a modern view and a great, likable cast of new young heroes.

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

After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.

Second installation of the series has all the production quality one expects, but despite all innovative specials effects this remains an old-fashioned sci-fi swashbuckler, still as dated as on the day it was released.

Halliwell***: "More exhilarating interplanetary adventures, as mindless as Star Wars but as just as enjoyable for aficiandos."

Maltin****: "Smashing sequel to STAR WARS manages to top the original in its embellishment of leading characters' personalities, truly dazzling special effects...and nonstop spirit of adventure and excitement."