Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire’s world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.
Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
Director George Lucas
Year 1977
Deck the halls with boughs of light sabers, pew pew pew pew pew, pew pew pew pew!
In light of the mania, I figured I’d review an epic classic in preparation for the release of The Force Awakens. This is so tough to review in a non-bias manner due to it’s weight in fandom pandemonium. I will state though a clear and honest dissatisfaction I have in my recent viewing. If you are so lucky to get a non-remastered/non-messed with version, then hip hip hooray for that! I guess I was watching a re-mastered version, due to it’s addition of CGI, that DOES NOT need to be there! It is very cheesy and inappropriate. It also messes with the integrity of originality and timely look. No one really wanted it, just saying… Had to get that off my chest…
For special effects, of course it’s older and it’s not going to have today’s look. I’m very much alright with that. For people that didn’t grow up with Jim Henson (I feel for you). You might never appreciate how many hours went into creating one creature or the imagination it took. Sure, The Muppets are back, but we have experienced the end of an era in terms of these special effects. I have to say, between these movies and the newer ones (prequels), I really adore the style and look of this series much more. It seemed more natural-feeling to me. Things look more tangible (in part because a lot of it was). With better CGI on the rise, we will get a good glimpse of what’s on the horizon with The Force Awakens.
As I digress, I guess most of all I love the simplicity of the story line and characters. I do appreciate the additional info and layout of the prequels, just for more depth. This series and movie in particular seems to flow naturally. It is easy to follow without thinking too hard, which is nice on occasion. Characters really shine, probably a really big contribution to it’s success. If George Lucas had not have found Harrison Ford to play Han Solo, would it have had the same success? I don’t mean to lay that on Han’s shoulders, but his character seemed extremely essential to the movie franchise. It’s hard to take a critical look into what we’ve been so ingrained to love and cherish. In closing, I’ll just say that I’m thoroughly glad that this is a thing. 😀
~ Watch Trailer ~ Tomatometer ~
I agree with you about Han Solo. From what I read, there were many variation on this character. At one point he was going to be a huge green monster. Harrison and Lucas even wanted to have him killed in Empire and Jedi. In the end, Han adds the much needed humanity to the story. He is someone for the audience to relate to. Where as Luke is put on this quest for a greater destiny (following in his fathers footsteps, homeland destroyed, Obi Wan’s leadership), Han is just in it for the money, it just a job for him. We all wanted to like Han but his selfishness and ego made him a tad despicable (but still awesome). That’s why when the Falcon comes roaring out of the sun following Han Solo’s trademark “Yeehoo!” during Luke’s solo Death Star run, I still can help but stand and cheer even though I’ve seen it 60 billion times! We love you Luke, but Han was the underdog hero of the original Star Wars.
This movie is really amazing. For so many reasons. I gives us all the ingredients of great classic stories; the heroes journey. Luke’s voyage from innocent farm boy to the kid who saved the galaxy can be compared to Frodo’s journey. Or any hero from classic literature. It’s that element of “finding the hero within you” that’s great. It makes us all feel like, regardless of where we are in live, maybe we can achieve greatness too! That, plus the effect are great. I agree with you April, the original effect still hold up today. A few of the new things look good in the end Death Star fight, but for the most part, it would have been best left alone. JJ Abbrams says they are using models much like they did in the originals for the “Force Awakens”, but from what I seen so far, I can’t believe that CGI doesn’t have a part in it also.
Long story short (and I could go on forever, as you could imagine), I love this movie. It changed my life. If I had to pick one movie to live on for the rest of my life it would be this one. I need to start my Star Wars Marathon!!!
Maurice,
This comment is the butter to my bread! BTW… Do you enjoy writing movie reviews in your HUGE abundance of free time, cause if so you’re in! (lol) 😀
Funny, I too agree that Han gives the story that fun personality we needed so it wouldn’t get dry. We can’t help but love that big jerk.
“Finding the hero within you” is right on target. Just watched Empire Strikes Back and rewound the part where Frodo lifts the ship out of the water. Just had to watch that again. Soooo epic… This whole series speaks to our inner hero and makes us want to go out and fight the good fight.
Thought you’d agree with me on the special effects. They still are a marvel to behold in my opinion.
I’m so glad you, of all people, commented. Think this movie might have been made just for you.
Man, I really wish I could be a fly on the wall when the Death Star blows up at your house. 😀
🙂 It’s hard to believe we have never watched Star Wars together! I could go on and on about. The funny thing is, from a film making point of view, it has flaws. George Lucas is really not a great director, Mark H. either did aN Oscar worthy job at being pathetic or he just fell into that role naturally. And a ton of mistakes were not edited out (stormtroopers banging there heads on doors and such). But still, it’s timeless!