A Tribute to Film Posters

Star Wars

Lightsabers, R2-D2, and Yoda…

These are terms that bring up nostalgic memories for all Star Wars fans.

From the very first Star Wars film in 1977 to the release of the pre-quel 22 years later, fans have been mesmerized and captivated by this make-believe world of action, adventure, and Jedi Knights.

The highly appraised Episode III, in the summer of 2005, wraped the six-series film and satisfied the curiosity and imaginations of young and old Star Wars fans alike.

Some of my favorite Star Wars characters:

FILM SUMMARIES

Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Year: 1999

Cast:
• Liam Neison as Qui-Gon Jinn
• Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi
• Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala
• Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker
• Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine
• Pernilla August as Shmi Skywalker

Storyline: This episode chronicles the childhood of Anakin Skywalker (aka. the future Darth Vader), as well as the beginning of the rise to power of Senator Palpatine.

Jedi warrior, Qui-Gon Jinn, and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, embark on a mission to save the planet after the evil Trade Federation has plotted to take over the peaceful planet of Naboo. Accompanying them on their journey is the young Queen Amidala, JarJar Binks, and Captain Panaka. Together, they travel to Tatooine and Coruscant to save their world from Darth Sidious and Darth Maul.

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Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Year: 2002

Cast:
• Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi
• Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala
• Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker
• Christopher Lee as Count Dooku
• Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu
• Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine
• Pernilla August as Shmi Skywalker
• Temuera Morrison as Jango Fett

Storyline: Ten years following the events of Episode I, Padme Amidala is now a senator who is in danger of assassination by the evil Separatists. Since there are not enough Jedi to defend the Republic against this threat, Chancellor Palpatine enlists the help of Jango Fett and his army of clones. All the while, a growing romance ensues between Amidala and the Jedi-in-training, Anakin.

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Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Year: 2005

Cast:
• Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi
• Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala
• Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker
• Christopher Lee as Count Dooku
• Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu
• Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine

Storyline: The main issue explored in Episode III is Anakin's betrayal of the Jedi Knights and his fall to the Dark Side.

After two years of battle, the Jedi Knights have forced the Separatists back to the planet of Kashyyyk. In a rush to end the battle, the young Anakin Skywalker, who is now a full-fledged Jedi Knight, and Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent in. Meanwhile, the separatist leader Dooku has plotted to destroy all the Jedi Knights and to bring down the senate.

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Espisode IV: A New Hope

Year: 1977

Cast:
• Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
• Harrison Ford as Han Solo
• Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia Organa
• Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin
• Alec Guinness as Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi
• David Prowse as Darth Vader
• James Earl Jones as Voice of Darth Vader

Storyline: The story of this first Star Wars film follows the life of a simple farm boy, Luke Skywalker. An evil emperor has overtaken the galaxy and has constructed a Death Star that is capable of destroying whole planets. Skywalker and his newly met allies (Han Solo, Chewbacca, Ben Kenobi, C-3PO, R2-D2) are on a mission to rescue rebel leader, Princess Leia, from the captivity of the Empire and to save the galaxy.

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Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Year: 1980

Cast:
• Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
• Harrison Ford as Han Solo
• Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia Organa
• Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi
• Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
• David Prowse as Darth Vader
• James Earl Jones as Voice of Darth Vader

Storyline: Darth Vader is helping the Empire gain ultimate domination of the universe by crushing the rebellion determined to stop them. When their troops arrive on Hoth to wipe out the rebels, Hans Solo and Princess Leia escape to Cloud City. Furthermore, in an attempt to strengthen his knowledge of the force, Luke Skywalker turns to Yoda for training.

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Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Year: 1983

Cast:
• Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker
• Harrison Ford as Han Solo
• Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia Organa
• Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi
• Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
• Sebastien Shaw as Anakin Skywalker
• Ian McDiarmid as The Emperor
• David Prowse as Darth Vader
• James Earl Jones as Voice of Darth Vader

Storyline: Luke Skywalker and his allies are still trying to save the universe from domination by the Empire. Meanwhile, Han Solo has been imprisoned by Jabba the Hutt, and R2-D2, C3-P0, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca attempt to free him. The final determining battle takes place on the moon of Endor, and its inhabitants, the Ewoks, lend a hand to the rebels in their fight.

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