Students at CMU Talk “Star Wars” and “The Force Awakens”

When “Star Wars” first premiered in 1977, there was no doubt George Lucas had created an incredible media empire with this space opera.

People of all ages have fallen in love with these movies and even through all of the rough patches this epic saga has encountered, fans of the franchise will always hold the series in high regard.

With the premiere of “The Force Awakens,” J.J. Abrams’s take on the franchise, fans are excited for the nostalgic continuation of the “Star Wars” universe.

On the  campus of Central Michigan University, fans of the franchise have both similar and varying opinions on some “Star Wars topics,” leading to an interesting debate.

What is the best movie in the Star Wars franchise?

In this argument, most students prefer “The Empire Strikes Back.” 

This film consists of major turning points, such as Han and Leia’s budding romance, Bobba Fett’s bounty hunting skills, Yoda’s training on the Dagobah system, Luke’s battle with Darth Vader and the greatest plot twist of all time.

Another favorite on campus is “Return of the Jedi,” which contains Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatines’s final confrontation with Luke, Ewoks, Leia and the Death Star’s final destruction.

Other favorites amongst the students are prequels like “The Clone Wars” and “Revenge of the Sith” – both of which follow Anakin Skywalker’s transition into Darth Vader and an in-depth look at the skills and strengths of Obi-Wan, Yoda and Mace Windu.

All of these movies have traits that make them great in their own right and the fact that students on campus have such diverse favorites only solidifies the “Star Wars” legacy.

 

What is the best fight/battle?

Besides the amazing scenery and intriguing characters, “Star Wars” is also known for it’s well choreographed battles and fights.

The battle between Darth Maul and Qui Gon Jinn was an iconic battle that takes place on the Queen’s Starship. After intense battles between Darth Maul, Qui Gon Jinn and Obi Wan Kenobi, circumstances force Qui Gon to face Darth Maul alone which leads to an instance battle followed by Qui Gon’s death by Darth Maul and Darth Maul’s supposed death by Obi Wan.

Another great battle was Yoda verses Count Dooku, which portrayed the Count fighting his old master in both a lightsaber duel and a battle of objects being thrown at each other through Jedi mind tricks, ending with Dooku nearly crushing Obi Wan and Anakin as means to escape.

One of the most monumental battles is between Obi-Wan and Anakin, which further catalyzes Anakin’s transformation into Dark Vader. After an intense battle on the volcanic planet Mustafar, Obi Wan gains the upper hand by dismembering Anakin and leaving him to die. These battles illustrate the struggle between good and evil and how one’s morality can effect the outcome of a battle.

Would you join the dark side or the light?

Students at CMU have mostly chosen the dark side of the force, while few have chosen the light.

Those who have chosen the dark side base their decision on the trivial matters of what that side of the force has to offer – seemingly stronger defense system and a cooler look.

While those who have chosen the light side do so because of the incredible skills the Jedis posses and the winners on that side of the team.

While both hold great abilities and strengths, it is clear that one cannot exist without the other.

Did Han shoot first?

This question has brewed debate since George Lucas re-released the film on DVD and Blu-ray with the added CGI changes.

In the original infamous cantina scene when Greedo threatens Han Solo and the smuggler shoots Greedo. In the edited version, Greedo shoots at Han first prompting Han to shoot him.

The majority that claim Han was first to shoot admire Han for his boldness and his disregard for Greedo’s life, while those who say he didn’t shoot first are often criticized for their apparent lack of knowledge of the movie.

On campus most will agree that Han did indeed shoot first.

“Star Wars” is a franchise that unites everyone. All ages have fallen in love with its amazing content as this timeless franchise can be passed down from generation to generation.

It is an epic saga that brings together amazing scenery, action and characters with an underlying message that good and evil is not black and white – sometimes the most unlikely things can make a difference.