Star WarsFrom ToyReview
[edit] Brand History Star Wars is a collection of fictional space fantasy films created by the talented George Lucas in the 1970's. The first episode entitled 'A New Hope' released in 1977 was actually the 4th episode in order of events, therefore it wasn't until episode 3 was released in 2005 that certain answers were unveiled (for example how Anakin became Darth Vader). Episodes one to three (1999 - 2005) were filmed decades later than episodes four to six (1977 - 1983), something that no other director has successfully pulled off since. The unbelievable success of the two Star Wars trilogies led to numerous spin-offs including video games, books, comics, television series' and thousands of toys, all relating to the film out that year. Set in the future in space amongst battles, magical forces and evil, following wars between the Republic (later known as the Rebels) and the Dark Lords and the Empire, Star Wars was one of a kind and gripped audiences all over the world. The themes also enabled unique fantasy type toys to be produced; such as action figures, spaceships, transforming vehicles, play sets and a recent popular invention – Darth Tater (a Darth Vader Mr Potato Head)! [edit] Toys and GamesStar Wars toys are produced by Hasbro, a world renowned manufacturer also responsible for products such as My Little Pony, Play-Doh and Transformers. Their creativity has not yet disappointed Star Wars fans as new popular toys continue to be launched. Many of the latest toys relate to the most recent film - Revenge of the Sith including a realistic Volcano Play set from the battle at Mustafar. Because there are so many characters from the Star Wars trilogies, Action Figures are the main toy created, however Hasbro have been very adventurous and also created vehicles, lighsabers, soft toys, puzzels, games and Transformers. The have even partnered with M&M's to create some cheeky characters! [edit] What are Transformers?  Star Wars Tranformers are models that can be changed into completely different toys! The images to the left show the Star Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi Jedi Starfighter transform from a starship to a robot fighter. The instructions with these toys are extremely clear and show you step by step how to change the toys from one shape to another. The toys are very cleverly crafted so that by twisting and opening certain sections you can create a completely different look. Inspiration of the product comes from original Transformers – Robots in Disguise! [edit] Star Wars Episode Summaries[edit] Episode 1 - The Phantom MenaceIn a distant galaxy the Trade Federation is planning to conquer Naboo; a planet owned by Queen Padme. To her rescue come Jedi Master Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan Kenobe who warn her about the plot and encourage her to leave the planet. With the help of friends, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan rise up against the evil Trade Federation led by Darth Sidious. They travel to the planet Tatooine to repair their ship and it is here that they meet young Anakin Skywalker who is a slave on the planet. Jedi Master Qui-Gon recognises a strong presence of the Force in Anakin and asks him to help them in the war against evil. After the battle the Jedi Masters name Obe-Wan a Jedi Knight and allow Anakin to become Obe-Wans assistant. The cast includes Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor (Obe-Wan), Natalie Portman (Queen Padme) and Jake Lloyd (Anakin). Film Released 1999. [edit] Episode 2 - Attack of the ClonesIt has been ten years since the battle at Naboo and the galaxy is once again under threat of a war. This time the culprit is a Jedi called Count Dooku who has been building a new droid army with the help of Nute Gunray. They have also ordered that Senator Padme must be executed. Meanwhile, after an attempt to kill Padme, Obi-Wan Kenobe and Anankin Skywalker are sent to protect her. Anakin now aged 19 is left in charge while Obe-Wan travels to investigate the recent events. He learns about the Republics clone army after landing on Kamino then follows Jango Fett (the original clone) to Geonosis. Anakin learns his mother was kidknapped and rushes to rescue her but she sadly dies in his arms. Obe-Wan manages to warn Anakin of the droid army before he is captured enabling the Jedi Council, Anakin and Padme to get to Geonosis in time. As the battle looks bad for the Jedis, Yoda and the clone army arrive to save the day. In the battle against Dooku, Anakin loses his hand and Obe-Wan cannot match his strength. Yoda then fights Dooku. When back on Padmes home planet of Naboo, Anakin and Padme get married in secret. Film released 2002. [edit] Episode 3 - Revenge of the SithThree years after the clone attack the galaxy is in total chaos and war is everywhere. Obe-Wan and Anakin have been ordered to assassinate General Grievous and rescue Chancellor Palpatine who has been captured. When Anakin returns, his wife Padme tells him she is pregnant and they make plans for the future. Troubled Anakin worries about Padme as he dreams she will die during childbirth. Anakin forms a close relationship with Chancellor Palpatine but the Jedi Masters are wary of the Chancellors intentions. Palpatine tells Anakin he knows how to become immortal, he also reveals to Anakin he is the Sith Lord Darth Sideous and has been manipulating the Republic. Anakin leaves to tell the Jedi Masters what he has discovered and Mace Windu arrives to kill the Sith Lord. However, Anakin realises that Sideous may hold the key to saving Padme and attacks Windu to save Darth Sideous. Sideous names Anakin Darth Vader and turns him against the Republic ordering the assassination of all Jedi. Vader obeys his new master and is led to Mustafar where he ends in battle with Obe-Wan. Obe-Wan slices off Anakin’s arms and legs then rolls him into the burning volcano lava. Later, Darth Sideous comes for Anakin and transforms him into Darth Vader. Padme is injured and dies but her babies are saved. They are named Luke and Leia. Film released 2005. [edit] Episode 4 - A New HopeA New Hope – the first film created from the two Star Wars trilogies begins with the Rebel Alliance and their plot to find the Death Star. This powerful weapon has the potential to destroy lives and even whole planets if used to its full power. Meanwhile Princess Leia (daughter of Padme and Anakin) and her ships crew are captured by Darth Vader followers as she tries to find Obe-Wan Kenobi and the rebels. Leia manages to get a message to R2-D2 to pass to Kenobi just before Darth Vader takes her in for questioning. R2-D2 and companion C-3PO escape to the planet Tatooine to find Kenobi. It is here that Obi-Wan tells Luke Skywalker (Padme and Anakins son) about his Jedi days and pretends that Darth Vader killed his respected father. They see the message from Leia (through R2-D2) and they head out to Leia's home planet Alderaan by hitching a ride with Han Solo. Obe-Wan teaches Luke the ways of the force the way he taught Anakin and sees Luke's potential, meanwhile Vader destroys Leia's home planet and sucks in the ship they are traveling on. Princess Leia is rescued by the ships crew and Obe-Wan battles with Vader. The ship escapes returning the Death Stars plans to the rebels but then returns to the Death Star to fight the Empire. After a large battle the Rebels manage to destroy the Death Star but not Darth Vader. This Trilogy stars Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Leia) and Alec Guinness (Obe-Wan). [edit] Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes BackEpisode five follows the journey of the three heroes from 'A New Hope' – Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and their pilot Han Solo. They are still on board Solo's ship The Falcon, but it has proven to be somewhat unpredictable as they travel through space trying to escape the clutches of the Empire led by Darth Vader. As the film begins we are introduced to the ice covered planet Hoth where the Rebels have set up their new base. Luke Skywalker is hit whilst on guard in his Tauntaun and wakes up to find himself in an icy cave. After an argument with Leia that results in a passionate kiss, Han comes to Lukes rescue but the bitter cold almost kills them both. Whilst out in the cold Obe-Wan's spirit visits Luke and advises him to go to Dagobah to train with Yoda. Rebels find Luke and Han and take them back to their base to recover. As Luke's condition improves, Leia gives him a tender kiss to make Han jealous (they still don't know they are brother and sister). Darth Vader and the Empire chase The Falcon across the galaxy into an asteroid belt where Han is able to hide them in a crater. We also see the return of R2-D2, C-3PO - droid servant to the Rebels and Chewbacca (Han's best friend). Film was released in 1980. [edit] Episode 6 - Return of the JediThe Empire have possessed a space station more powerful than Death Star and plan to destroy the Rebellion. Meanwhile Han Solo has been captured and taken to the planet Tatooine by Jabba the Hut, an evil gangster who also wants to destroy the Rebellion. Luke, Leia and the crew travel to the planet in attempt to rescue Han and send in their servant droids with a message from Luke to release him. Jabba refuses so they go in to get him themselves. This results in a large battle, various monster attacks and eventually the killing of Jabba the Hut. Luke arrives back at Dagobah for training with Yoda but Yoda is ill and knows he is going to die. Yoda explains the missing pieces in Luke's puzzle; how Leia is his twin sister and Darth Vader is actually his father, and as the last Jedi, he must defeat him. Yoda dies peacefully. Luke faces Darth Vader and attempts to convert him back from the dark side but fails. Battle commences everywhere and the plot takes on three storylines. On the Death Star Luke and Vader battle after Lord Sideous tries to turn Luke to the Dark Side. Luke manages to slice off Vaders arm but refuses to kill his own father. Sideous then almost kills Luke using his lightening force and Vader realises he doesn't want his son to be killed so kills Sideous instead. Vader is badly hurt and asks Luke to take off his black mask, Anakin's elderly, wounded face is revealed and he dies. [edit] Star Wars Reviews
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