Dont Have Time to Binge Watch Star Wars Before 'The Force Awakens' Hits Theatres? Here's Our Quick Breakdown!

Odds are, if you’ve been out in public at all in the past few weeks, you’ve heard people discuss one of three pop culture topics: ‘Could Adele be more amazing?’, ‘Are we ALL Beliebers Now?’, and ‘OH MY GOD STAR WARS!!’

Star Wars: The Force Awakens serves as the first edition of the sequel trilogy. We’re going to break down each of the first three films of the original trilogy, so you’re ready to take in The Force Awakens when it hits theatres nationwide on Friday, December 18th.

“Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope”

ESSENTIALS: “A New Hope” is the title of the original Star Wars film, which can also be found under just the title “Star Wars.”  Released in 1977 by director George Lucas, Star Wars was a special effects marvel at the time of release.

WHO: As the first episode of the original trilogy, A New Hope introduces all the key characters including; LUKE SKYWALKER (the hero and key protagonist of the series). OBI-WAN KENOBI (Jedi Master, mentor to Luke).  PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA (Rebel Alliance Leader, captured and held captive by the Dark Side). DARTH VADER (Sith Lord on the Dark Side, key antagonist). HAN SOLO (Captain of the Millennium Falcon, smuggler, and member of the Rebel Alliance). R2-D2 (loyal droid to Luke). C-3PO (R2-D2’s loyal droid companion). CHEWBACCA: (Han Solo’s co-pilot, the most fun member of Star Wars to try to imitate).

IMDB SYNOPSIS: Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight (Obi-Wan Kenobi), a cocky pilot (Han Solo), a wookiee (Chewbacca) and two droids (R2-D2, C-3PO) to save the universe from the Empire’s world-destroying battle-station (The Death Star), while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.

NOTES: Leia is captured while stealing blue prints of the Death Star, the Dark Side’s planet-destroying space station — which will go on to destroy her home planet of Alderaan. “The Force” is an energy shield which grants super natural powers to those who can master it. Stormtroopers sent by Darth Vader to capture R2-D2 kill Luke’s aunt and uncle, as well as their farm. Obi-Wan is killed by his former pupil, Darth Vader, in a light sabre fight. After initially leaving Luke to destroy the Death Star alone, Han Solo saves Luke from Darth Vader, while sending Vader spiraling in to space. The film concludes with Luke successfully destroying the Death Star.

 “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

ESSENTIALS: One of the most beloved Star Wars characters, Yoda, makes his first appearance in The Empire Strikes Back. Han Solo is frozen in carbonite – which has been duplicated in notable memorabilia, including this beer fridge. The Empire Strikes Back is also the first time the feared bounty hunter Boba Fett appears, as well as Han Solo’s friend and Rebel Alliance supporter, Lando.

IMDB SYNOPSIS: After the Rebel base on the icy planet Hoth is taken over by the empire, Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO flee across the galaxy from the Empire. Luke travels to the forgotten planet of Dagobah to receive training from the Jedi master Yoda, while Vader endlessly pursues him.

NOTES: Luke and Leia kiss in this film – which is awkward because we find out later that they are twin brother and sister. It wasn’t just a little peck on the cheek, either. Luckily, we manage to forget this when the romance between fire cracker Leia and wise-ass Han Solo begins to bloom. Meanwhile, Luke discovers Darth Vader (aka Anakin Skywalker) is his father while in battle. Luke’s hand is severed during the battle. He decides to throw himself into a air shaft rather than join his father on the dark side. The film concludes with Luke being fitted with a prosthetic hand while Lando and Chewbacca set off to save Han Solo.

 “Obi-Wan has taught you well.”

ESSENTIALS: This is the film where the iconic gold bikini makes an appearance – you may have seen it in an episode of Friends. Of course, this also means the appearance of Jabba the Hut, whom Leia is briefly a slave to. Part of the film takes place on Endor, home to the cute but vicious Ewoks, who take the side of the Rebel Forces. Spirit guides make numerous appearances, including Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda.

IMDB SYNOPSIS: Darth Vader and the Empire are building a new, indestructible Death Star. Meanwhile, Han Solo has been imprisoned, and Luke Skywalker has sent R2-D2 and C-3PO to try and free him. Princess Leia – disguised as a bounty hunter – and Chewbacca go along as well. The final battle takes place on the moon of Endor, with its natural inhabitants, the Ewoks, lending a hand to the Rebels. Will Darth Vader and the Dark Side overcome the Rebels and take over the universe?

NOTES: Boba Fett and Yoda both die in this film. Luke attempts to bring Darth Vader back from the Dark Side – conversely, Darth Vader attempts to bring Luke to the Dark Side.  They both battle, and Luke severs Darth Vader’s right hand. Ultimately, Darth Vader saves Luke from certain death, killing himself in the process. Luke takes his father body and cremates it. The rebuilt death star is destroyed, bringing peace to the galaxy.

“The Force, it’s calling to you. Just let it in.”

SYNOPSIS: Thirty years after defeating the Galactic Empire, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his allies face a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his army of Stormtroopers.

Darth Vader and Stormtroop image courtesy jpegfactory/istock