Uncommon Cinema Strikes Back

This week, just in time for Family Weekend, VCU students and family will be treated to all six “Star Wars” films in the order of their original theatrical releases. Starting Thursday, Uncommon Productions will bring us from “Star Wars: A New Hope” all the way to “Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.”

“A New Hope” is the original “Star Wars” film. This fourth installment of the series introduces such classic characters as Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca and the lovely Princess Leia. Luke travels with Obi-Wan around the galaxy improving his Jedi skills to the ultimate end of destroying the Death Star.

The story continues in “Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” as the rebel army flees their base in Hoth, and Luke finds his way to Dagoba, where he is tutored in the ways of the force by the master Jedi Yoda. Luke later finds that he and his arch nemesis Darth Vader have an unbreakable and horrifying connection.

“Return of the Jedi” is the sixth and final chapter in the “Star Wars” series. Luke and Leia travel to Jabba the Hutt’s palace to rescue Han Solo, who has been frozen in carbonite, and while Luke finishes his Jedi training, Solo goes to Endor to defeat the empire with the help of his new friends the Ewoks. Can the rebels destroy the new Death Star before it is completed?

“Episode I – The Phantom Menace” details a universe where the Trade Federation threatens the peaceful planet of Naboo. Queen Amidala is warned by a very young Obi-Wan and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn to leave as the federation invades her planet. The group travels to Tatooine, where they meet a slave boy who appears to be ripe with the force. This film introduces Anakin Skywalker and Jar Jar Binks (a disappointing character for many a “Star Wars” fan).

The second episode, “Attack of the Clones,” opens 10 years after Episode One. Padm