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| Star Wars- Episode IV: A New Hope |
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 (10/10)
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Runtime: 120 |
| Public Rating: 8.88 (119 votes) |
Director: George Lucas |
MPAA Rating:  |
| Genre: Science Fiction |
Year: 1977 |
| Writer(s): George Lucas |
| Distributor: 1 |
| Reviewed by: Greg C. |
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Every couple of decades, a movie comes along that changes the way we look at film. In 1941, the world was given Citizen Kane. In 1968, we were given 2001: A Space Odyssey. These movies erased the blackboard that held the rules of moviemaking and rewrote them.
Star Wars didn't just erase the rules on the blackboard. Oh, no. It erased the rules, then smashed the blackboard, shoved the pieces into a pile, burned the pile, and constructed a huge silver screen over the ashes. And, on that screen, these words came up: "THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE A MOVIE."
Star Wars is the movie that redifined the way movies are made. Studios became more centered around a movie's marketability (that's not exactly a good thing, but you can't blame this movie). Movies began using a bigger scope. And, most of all, Star Wars brought Science Fiction back to the Hollywood mainstream. Seldom does a year go by without a Science Fiction movie raking in big bucks, or breaking new ground in technology.
The plot, for those five people who haven't seen this movie, is what George Lucas calls a "Western in outer space." Luke Skywalker, a guy in his late teens/early twenties, dreams of leaving his desolate moisture ranch on a desert planet, and traveling the stars. He gets his wish when he purchases two new droids, C3-PO and R2-D2. Well, little does he know that these droids are wanted by the Empire (the bad guys), because in R2D2's little memory banks are plans detailing the weaknesses of the Death Star - the Empire's new deadly weapon that has enough firepower to destroy a planet. Luke discovers a message in R2, from a Princess Leia to one Obi-Wan Kenobi. Luke does not know of anyone named Obi-Wan, but he does happen upon a Ben Kenobi. Figuring that the last name "Kenobi" isn't very common, Luke hooks up with old Ben and they set out to find Princess Leia. They travel to Mos Eisley, where they meet space pilot Han Solo, who agrees to take them to Leia's homeworld.
Now, things can't go as planned, because, like I said, the Empire is after the droids, and they are headed by Darth Vader, a man who is a walking iron lung. Vader's voice is cold and mechanical, and he is one of the best villians ever put on film.
On their way to meet Leia (who, unbeknowest to them, has been captured by the Empire for being a part of the Rebel Alliance, people who oppose the Empire), Obi-Wan begins to teach Luke the ways of the Force, a mystical field of energy that requires great concentration to use. He also gives Luke a lightsaber, a energy-like sword. Now THESE are cool.
After discovering that the princess needs rescuing, Luke and co., well, rescue her and then join the Rebels for their strike against the Death Star.
The effects in this movie are truly astounding, and most of it still holds up today, 24 years later. The performances are excellent all around, with Alec Guiness and Harrison Ford (Obi-Wan Kenobi and Han Solo, respectively) standing above the rest. This is a film that everyone should watch, not just sci-fi fans. Followed by two sequels, a prequel(with two more of those on the way), and a special edition rerelease that has enhanced effects and added scenes. This is a movie for anyone who has an imagination. Go ahead. Take a trip into that galaxy far, far away.
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