In 1977, the landscape of science fiction changed forever with the release of Star Wars. The George Lucas-created masterpiece became an immediate, worldwide phenomenon, introducing audiences to a fantastic universe in which the battle of good and evil comes into focus through timeless stories, iconic characters, and epic sequences. The first film in the Skywalker Saga led to two sequels, but it wouldn’t be until 1999 when the prequel trilogy arrived, shedding new light on the already established story. But who said that was the end? In this universe, there’s always room to expand, and expand they did. Devoted fans will always stay faithful to the original trilogy, but once Disney took hold of Star Wars, it opened up more storytelling opportunities and a sequel trilogy.
With some world-class visionaries writing and directing, the sequel series expanded upon the Skywalker Saga, while setting up new potential for the story to head next. Between 2015 and 2019, three films continued the Skywalker saga, and let’s face it, our expectations were sky-high. Alas, they weren’t perfect, nor were they complete and utter flops; merely, they were entertaining yet disappointing. Through the introduction of new characters and plotlines, as well as the return of some of the most beloved original actors, the three films kept our hope alive that the story would never end, while giving a new generation a chance to experience their own Star Wars trilogy. Of the three films, there’s only one that stands out as worthy. Though some fans may disagree, it’s time to head to our favorite galaxy far, far away and discuss the sequel trilogy.
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‘Star Wars: Episode IX— The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019)
Concluding an already disappointingly hyped-up trilogy was going to be difficult, so the odds were most certainly not in J.J. Abrams‘ favor. He tried to rectify the wrongs of the two previous movies and provide a satisfying end, all while keeping the door open for more should the opportunity arise. The ninth chapter in the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars: Episode IX—The Rise of Skywalker, follows Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as they lead the remnants of the Resistance in a final stand against Supreme Leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order, who are now allied with the resurrected Sith Lord, Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid). With more lore introduced that runs deeper than the connections we had previously seen, this film proves just how massive Emperor Palpatine’s influence was upon the entire galaxy.
The good: the final battle between the dark and light sides. Could Ben overtake Rey? Will he come to his senses? Who cares? It was sealed with a kiss, and like Anakin Skywalker-turned-Darth Vader, the story ultimately concludes that redemption is possible. Kylo Ren’s emotional arc allows the film to move beyond simple space-opera visual spectacle and into a fully rounded familial story. Unfortunately, that’s where the good ends. The Rise of Skywalker felt as if it didn’t want to end, so it wasn’t given a proper conclusion. The final film in this trilogy ran out of imagination, yet still tried to hint at the potential of more Rey in the future. However, by not giving her a finalized arc, we’ve become disappointed, and should she get her spin-offs, audiences would not be as excited to see them. The overstuffed plot did too much in too little time. Of course, the “twist” regarding Rey and Palpatine is engaging, but it certainly did not resonate like the Darth Vader daddy reveal; perhaps the reliance on nostalgia made the moment forced, diminishing the impact that Darth Vader’s sacrifice made in Star Wars: Episode VI—Return of the Jedi. If you felt unsatisfied by the conclusion of Lost, Abrams seemed to replicate it here, proving he can start a revolution without knowing how to finish.
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‘Star Wars: Episode VIII— The Last Jedi’ (2017)
Sequels are hard, especially when you’re the middle film in a series within a nine-story arc — you’re not quite the icon, but you’re certainly important to the plot. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, Star Wars: Episode VIII—The Last Jedi follows Rey as she seeks Luke Skywalker’s (Mark Hamill) aid in turning the tide for the Resistance in the fight against Kylo Ren and the First Order. As she seeks out a man who is reluctant to help, the rest of her allies, led by Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), attempt to escape a First Order attack on the dwindling Resistance fleet. Meanwhile, Rey and Kylo Ren form a Force bond, which leads to a confrontation with Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis). Lastly, Finn and Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) attempt to disable a tracking device, ending in an epic battle on Crait.
Listen, Luke Skywalker has gone through a lot in life. Do you blame him for just wanting to be a recluse after losing all those Jedi kids? The Last Jedi was filled with some fascinating moments, mostly in the Rey-Kylo Ren department, but for nostalgia’s sake, warming up to the new and not-improved Luke was rough. We’ve grown up with such great reverence for Hammill’s character that his characterization here almost reaches sitcom levels of absurdity, and suffice to say that this was not the Odd Couple reboot we signed up for. In a sense, The Last Jedi was merely a bridge film that got us from movie one to movie three. Luke’s presence is necessary as the key individual to spread his wisdom upon another. Of course, major reverence comes because it served as Fisher’s first posthumous film, and the heartbreaking moments between Luke and Leia add impact. The Last Jedi is visually striking, and it introduces another space critter that stole our hearts: the Porg. Not since the Ewoks have we been as enamored by a new furry space creature. If you’ve reached this far into this entry, wondering why there’s so much time discussed on a seemingly meaningless addition, it’s because The Last Jedi was lacking in content. Easily the slowest-paced film in the nine-part saga, Johnson focused more on subverting fan theories than on providing necessary substance, resulting in wasted plotlines.
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‘Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens’ (2015)
Whether you were alive to experience the wonder of the very first Star Wars film in real time, felt the magic when the prequel series debuted in cinemas, or were simply coming to Star Wars through the new Disney blockbuster lens, the sheer excitement for Star Wars: Episode VII— The Force Awakens was palpable. Had Abrams not reinvigorated the wonder within the Star Wars franchise, no Disney+ series, spin-off film, or other media content today would exist. The first film in the sequel series stands at the top because of the monumental impact. That said, could it have been better? Most certainly. Still, it gave us a new hope, pun intended, through the story of scavenger Rey, renegade stormtrooper Finn, and high-ranking fighter pilot Poe Dameron, as they team up with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) to protect droid BB-8, who holds the map to find Luke Skywalker. Aided by General Leia Organa and veterans of the Rebel Alliance, they battle the leader and warlord Kylo Ren and the First Order, a successor to the Galactic Empire.
A story of new heroes, old friends, and shocking revelations, The Force Awakens honored the past while forging a new future; it was the Star Wars we knew and loved with a shiny new coat. The biggest problem lies in its reliance on its similarities to A New Hope, feeling like a reboot rather than a continuation. That said, perhaps the message was that each generation must engage in the same battle until order is restored. Unlike its predecessor, there was always going to be more, so Abrams set up many key questions, like Rey’s parentage and Luke’s lightsaber, that would require future films to get answers on. Once again, our expectations for the first film were as high as the galaxy that’s out of reality’s reach; we expected perfection but got the closest thing to it. If you take The Force Awakens at face value, it’s a brilliant and important addition to the Star Wars universe. With high-quality production elements, nostalgia, familiarity, and reverence to legacy, The Force Awakens achieved its mission. Abrams successfully brought magic back into the Star Wars franchise that some feared was lost on the prequel trilogy.
