Pretty my impressions of each film as I saw them:
Return of the Jedi:
Saw it in theaters as a little kid. Actually missed all of Jabba's palace because we got to the movie late. Was blown away. Thought it was the greatest thing ever.
A New Hope:
Saw it on TV as a kid. Thought it was kinda boring. Needed more lightsaber fights.
Empire Strikes Back:
Saw it on TV as a kid. Thought it was badass. Didn't understand why it ended in a cliffhanger. Was dying to see what happened next--didn't know I had seen the ending already!
Bought the Special Editions on VHS. Loved them. Been watching them at least annually since the later 90s. Never understood the hate.
Phantom Menace:
Saw it in theaters. Fell asleep. Didn't like it. Bought it on DVD. Still didn't like it. Obi Wan was okay. Didn't really like much else.
Episode II:
Left the theater giddy! So much action! That Yoda fight scene!! Bought it on DVD. Still liked it. Never understood the hate until later on. The internet had to point out the flaws.
Revenge of the Sith:
Loved it. Still in awe of the way everything tied together. Now I'd watch the entire saga on DVD. Even began to appreciate Ep I.
The Force Awakens:
Went in with high hopes. Left underwhelmed by the new heroes...but hopeful.
Rogue One:
Underwhelmed. Mostly because I already knew how things were gonna go. Didn't like the cast. Oh well. It was just a side story.
The Last Jedi:
Couldn't see it opening weekend (had to work) but I heard the backlash. I thought it was just an overreaction. I walked in ready to love it. Walked out with no more hope for the franchise.
And that's my story. Thank you.
