Star Wars: Machete Method for Beginners
Ok. You've never seen the Star Wars movies. That's fine. *eye twitch* I guess you don't get some of my references.
I'm sure it seems daunting and a little confusing. 4/5/6 was first? But then 1/2/3? What's up with the naming system? And now we are on 7/8/9? Spinoffs or something? There are how many movies planned? (It's forever amount, that's how many).
I'm here to help.
The Machete Order was introduced a number of years ago in this post. BUT DON'T READ THIS ARTICLE YET. It contains spoilers for most of the movies in defending the new order. I'll take you through it spoiler-free and then after, in a separate post, spoil lots by making it more confusing with the spin-off anthology movies.
So, the Machete method of watching is the following: Star Wars: A New Hope (IV), The Empire Strikes Back (V), Attack of the Clones (II), Revenge of the Sith (III), Return of the Jedi (VI). 4/5/2/3/6.
Wait, you say, there are movies missing. Stop interrupting me, I say, and I'll get to it.
This skips an entire movie in the first 6 : The Phantom Menace (I). Now, the article above explains, story-wise, why we can legit skip this mistake of a children's movie, including that all major characters and plot points we need are re-established in II, but I will add another point to why we should. It will save you approximately 133 minutes of your life. You're a busy person. Very important. You only have time for what you have time for (including reading this). You need to get up to speed before the Star Wars train leaves you behind.
No, there is no train, you nerf herder.
This order, I believe, keeps the story concise while still being entertaining. It's still the Skywalker Family Saga, but told in a way that keeps the focus where it should be. It also retains the Major Reveal in the best way for the most impact. And you can still go back and watch 1 after if you so desire. I just don't recommend it.
I do recommend watching with a fan that owns the blu-rays in case you have pressing questions. But don't let them spoil anything. Also, don't let them go off on what's new and updated until after you finished. No #HanShotFirst debates until after you're done so you can experience it for yourself.
Aren't there more movies? You say. Jeez, I say, don't you have enough to do to watch the first 5 before biting off another 3+ movies? We will get to those in the follow-up post as well.
Ok, stop reading and go watch. Hope you enjoy and #FindYourFandom!
