Star Wars: A New Hope (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'Star Wars' (created by George Lucas) kicks off by telling us that "A long time ago in a galaxy far away ..." -- and we're hooked! After this stylistic intro, we proceed to watch a tale about lowly farm boy named Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) whose quest is to join an intergalactic civil war in outer space. He doesn't want to be a bystander while the struggle for freedom goes on all around him. And, when 2 droids, C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) & R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) carrying a secret message about an engine of destruction from the beautiful rebel Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) fall into his hands, his chance to fight for freedom arrives.
Among the dunes of Luke's home planet of Tatooine, Luke meets the aging Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi (a great Alec Guiness), who teaches of the mysterious Force, a mystical energy field that binds all things in the universe. Obi-Wan convinces Luke to join the 2 droids & him on a mission to rescue said princess. Accompanied by space rogue & cynical smuggler, Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and his 1st mate, the hairy Wookie creature, Chewbacca {love him}, this motley crew of allies blasts off into space with agents of the corrupt Galactic Empire in hot pursuit. Their destination: the dreaded Imperial Death Star, and a climactic confrontation with the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader (deeply voiced by James Earl Jones).
Simply put, 'Star Wars' is one of the great crossover (pop/cult) entertainments of the 20th century. I can say that, and still acknowledge that I'm not CRAZY about it. But yes, writing about this film's many strengths will be easy. Starting with the script: though Star Wars tells a wholly original story, it borrows from many sources. i.e., adventures of Flash Gordon, Greek mythology, various Westerns, & the aerial dogfights from old WWII films. Within the story, Lucas creates some wonderfully iconic characters. You grow to love everybody, and quickly; even Darth Vader, who is one of the great screen villains of all-time. He's a terrifying figure who engages in some very visceral moments of violence. And as for the film's visuals, words like 'eye popping' come to mind ...
The cinematography, futuristic set designs, otherworldly costumes, & superb make-up creations are exceptional enough. But it's the special effects which truly wow. I recall 3 key visual scenes, of note: 1) when Luke & Obi-Won enter the city of Mos Eisley. 2) Han Solo's hanger bay meeting with Jabba the Hut (a hideous, yet fantastic creation). And 3) the big attack on the Death Star. It's spellbinding stuff. And yet, most scenes without said effects are still engaging. Another earth-shattering aspect about 'Star Wars' is John Williams' epic musical score. Few movie themes are as well-known, acknowledged & loved as that of 'Star Wars'. This evocative, grandiose score provides the perfect compliment to the story, characters, & visual experience that we are afforded.
Star Wars' blend of adventure, likable characters, & epic storytelling would go unmatched for the year 1977 (or for many other years before & after). Do I think it holds up to such classics as The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, The Sound of Music, Jaws? Personally, no. But then, this film is of an entirely different genre than those other films. And even though I was not quite as enamored with the characters or storytelling as other fanatics, I obviously recognize its appeal, impact, & legacy. 'Star Wars' is the best film of its year, & will rightly endure as a 'classic' forever.
Among the dunes of Luke's home planet of Tatooine, Luke meets the aging Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi (a great Alec Guiness), who teaches of the mysterious Force, a mystical energy field that binds all things in the universe. Obi-Wan convinces Luke to join the 2 droids & him on a mission to rescue said princess. Accompanied by space rogue & cynical smuggler, Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and his 1st mate, the hairy Wookie creature, Chewbacca {love him}, this motley crew of allies blasts off into space with agents of the corrupt Galactic Empire in hot pursuit. Their destination: the dreaded Imperial Death Star, and a climactic confrontation with the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader (deeply voiced by James Earl Jones).
Simply put, 'Star Wars' is one of the great crossover (pop/cult) entertainments of the 20th century. I can say that, and still acknowledge that I'm not CRAZY about it. But yes, writing about this film's many strengths will be easy. Starting with the script: though Star Wars tells a wholly original story, it borrows from many sources. i.e., adventures of Flash Gordon, Greek mythology, various Westerns, & the aerial dogfights from old WWII films. Within the story, Lucas creates some wonderfully iconic characters. You grow to love everybody, and quickly; even Darth Vader, who is one of the great screen villains of all-time. He's a terrifying figure who engages in some very visceral moments of violence. And as for the film's visuals, words like 'eye popping' come to mind ...
The cinematography, futuristic set designs, otherworldly costumes, & superb make-up creations are exceptional enough. But it's the special effects which truly wow. I recall 3 key visual scenes, of note: 1) when Luke & Obi-Won enter the city of Mos Eisley. 2) Han Solo's hanger bay meeting with Jabba the Hut (a hideous, yet fantastic creation). And 3) the big attack on the Death Star. It's spellbinding stuff. And yet, most scenes without said effects are still engaging. Another earth-shattering aspect about 'Star Wars' is John Williams' epic musical score. Few movie themes are as well-known, acknowledged & loved as that of 'Star Wars'. This evocative, grandiose score provides the perfect compliment to the story, characters, & visual experience that we are afforded.
Star Wars' blend of adventure, likable characters, & epic storytelling would go unmatched for the year 1977 (or for many other years before & after). Do I think it holds up to such classics as The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, The Sound of Music, Jaws? Personally, no. But then, this film is of an entirely different genre than those other films. And even though I was not quite as enamored with the characters or storytelling as other fanatics, I obviously recognize its appeal, impact, & legacy. 'Star Wars' is the best film of its year, & will rightly endure as a 'classic' forever.