Now that the nights are getting darker and the days are getting colder, there’s nothing cosier than a weekend spent with a movie marathon on the sofa.
This weekend ITV is offering not just one but three Star Wars films for you to make your way through.
As the film franchise has grown into a cultural phenomenon, this Saturday and Sunday you’ll be taken on a journey right from 2015 to 2019 with the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
The saga is divided into three trilogies – the original, prequel, and sequel, but fans can be excited for the sequel this time around.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Appearing first up on ITV1 this Saturday at 4pm is the 2019 action film, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. This blockbuster hit acts as the third and final instalment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, as well as being the final episode of the ‘Skywalker saga’.
This film sees the resistance fight to stop the returned Emperor Palpatine and his fleet from ruling the galaxy. They’re willing to do anything to stop him, which means finding a hidden sith wayfinder on the planet of Pasaana.
While this is going on, Kylo Ren, who we know has a connection to Rey through the Force, is seeking to destroy Palpatine himself. Although, he gets manipulated along the way and ultimately sides with the evil emperor
A Rotten Tomatoes review from a fan claims: “The Rise of Skywalker may be chaotic at times, but it’s also one of the most emotional and visually spectacular Star Wars films ever made. From the first frame, the movie moves at hyperspeed, filled with energy, nostalgia, and heart. It feels like a love letter to the entire saga.”
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Next up appearing on screens this Saturday is Star Wars: The Force Awakens, on ITV2 this time at 7:35pm. Taking us back to 2015, this film introduced a new character to the saga, known as Rey.
She is a scavenger living on the desert planet of Jakku when she finds herself caught up in a conflict between the Resistance and the First Order. With her allies, she enlists the help of legendary freedom fighters Han Solo and Chewbacca to help transport a droid with information leading to the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker.
They need it to reach the lost Jedi before it lands in the hands of Kylo Ren and the First Order. Multiple plans are in place to fight against the First Order as the secret information on the droid is slowly but surely making more sense.
One fan of the film said: “The visuals, story, effects, and characters are still all great ten years later. It’s poignant and thrilling throughout. Pure goosebumps/chills. As George Lucas said: “If there’s an emotional connection, it’s art.”
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Lastly, on Sunday you can watch The Last Jedi on ITV2 at 6:00pm, the 2017 release that sees Rey take on new challenges. A thrilled viewer described the film as “one of the best Star Wars movies I’ve ever watched”.
They wrote: “It was definitely incredible, with a complex plot that I liked since it brought back Luke Skywalker. Not only that, but it brings back aspects from previous movies like galactic casinos and ice planets, and it feels like the perfect sequel to The Force Awakens.”
The film follows Rey as Luke Skywalker’s peaceful existence is upended when they meet, and he notices she holds strong signs of the Force. She wants to learn the Jedi ways, and in doing so, Luke makes a decision that changes their lives forever.
But as they’re joining forces, Kylo Ren is leading the First Order alongside General Hux. They carry out an all-out attack against the resistance for the ultimate ruling of the galaxy.
