May 19th has a history throughout the galaxy, even the galaxies that are far far away. Two Star Wars episodes were released on this day, one 24 years ago and one 18 years ago. One is the greatest movie poster out of all the episodes (and maybe all movies) and one is the greatest episode in Star Wars! Both coming out on the same day. The force must be very strong on this day! Anakin Skywalker strong? It just may be… But I know you all are curious which is which, so let me break it down for you.
The Best Star Wars Movie Poster (Possibly the Best Movie Poster Ever)
24 years ago, this gem of a movie poster came out. It is so simple, yet unbelievably cool. We have eyes on the boy who grows up to torment the galaxy, and he was always in his shadow the entire time. It’s beautiful really. I can hear Vader’s music in my head right now. ICONIC! Just like the poster. And let’s be clear all Star Wars posters are awesome, but this one takes the cake. And to be clear, it’s not particularly close.
Now as far as the movie, it is definitely not one of the better episodes, it is pretty low on the totem pole. Aside from the last 10 minutes, the movie kind of sucks. But it does give us the second best (if you say it’s the best I understand) light saber battle in all the episodes. A shit covered diamond if you must. The dual of the fates that sets Anakin’s trajectory to become the Darth Vader figure in his shadow in motion.
God. What a fucking scene man. You literally cannot beat it. And it’s a phenomenal last few minutes of a movie to shape up everything that follows. Also, Darth Maul looks awesome of course. As awesome as the poster? I’m not so sure.
THE GREATEST STAR WARS EPISODE/MOVIE OF ALL TIME
I can’t believe our baby is 18 years old. All grown up, I could shed a tear. Not to mention its aged like fine wine if I say so myself (pause.) But seriously, I know everyone says Empire Strikes Back is the greatest Star Wars Episode, and it makes a strong case for number 2, but this will always be number one. We get to see Anakin become evil and twisted, all his decisions leading him to a point of no return. We’ve got Obi Wan battling with General Grievous. Order 66 gets executed, some of the greatest quotes in all of Star Wars, and the greatest, yes, GREATEST light saber battle that anyone has ever seen!
Also, I don’t know why they cut this in the video above but you need to all watch it just because.
It’s actually baffling to me that people hated on this movie when it came out, and hated on Hayden Christensen for his role as Anakin. Those people were probably the biggest losers in the galaxy. They don’t know cinema, and clearly aren’t strong with the force. Luckily, I am both. I remember being so fucking hyped when this movie came out, I had all the action figures, the Darth Vader helmet, anything I could get my hands on really. And if you’re argument is that this movie was made for “kids” then why has it aged so well compared to the other prequels?!? You have no rebuttal, I know this because I can feel it, using the force. Also, I’m glad Hayden Christensen is finally getting the recognition he deserves because he was awesome, and some real life Sith lords were real assholes back in the day.
We can get into the full Star Wars ranking another time. But for now, I suggest everyone go watch Revenge of the Sith, as a celebratory 18th birthday present. While the 19th of May, may not have always been kind to Star Wars, it has always been strongest with the force. Anakin Skywalker strong with the force.
