Chris Kavan's Movie Review of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

The Force Will Be With You... Always
Chris Kavan - wrote on 12/19/11

I am an unabashed Star Wars fan - who knew that when you mix science fiction, mythological archetypes and Akira Kurosawa into one film, you can spawn an entire legion of geeks to your side?

Now is Star Wars perfect? No. Luke whines like a five-year-old who doesn't get any candy, the lightsaber effects are still in their infancy and dialogue (never a strong point for George Lucas) isn't exactly Shakespeare - however, despite the faults, there is absolutely no doubt this is one of the best sci-fi films out there.

Lucas took a gamble, but it paid off. The effects (the original, not the CGI extras they added) look amazing even though most of it is models and costumes. The Death Star trench run became an instant classic and is probably the most iconic image from the film. The casting, especially Harrison Ford as the cocky Han Solo and Alec Guinness as the wise Jedi hermit, works for the film. Even whiny Mark Hamill doesn't do too bad.

The music - has there ever been a better soundtrack? I honestly think if it wasn't for John Williams, Star Wars wouldn't be near as good - from that opening blast to the throne room celebration - everything just falls perfectly into place. You might be able to think of a better score, but for my money, this takes the cake.

Lucas borrows heavily from mythology and Kurosawa for his story - the wise mentor, hero journey, humorous sidekicks, even mystical powers (forget the midichlorian BS) - I can't say it's an original idea but it's presented in such a way that it takes on a power of its own. Some people consider Jedi a religion - now, I'm not that fanatical, but somehow this just struck a chord and it has stuck around.

The look - everything from the aliens in the cantina - the Nazi-esque "Empire" - the star ships (Millennium Falcon anyone?), the planets and even the choice of words - the Force, parsecs, wookies - plus my all-time favorite "evil" character - Grand Moff Tarkin (you know you're evil if you're willing to blow up an entire planet - a peaceful planet - just to get your way) all add to the mythos. It's amazing how some throwaway line could spawn an entire story line - at least in the expanded universe.

I'm of the opinion that you don't just watch Star Wars - you experience it. Not everyone will be as big a fan as I am - and yes, Lucas is way too focused on merchandising and tinkering with his own world - but you cannot deny this is a landmark film. It changed the way we look at science fiction and, along with Jaws, ushered in the era of the blockbuster. For better or worse, Star War is forever a part of pop culture and as far I see it, it's going to stay that way.