Wonderfully entertaining spectacle, an adventure for all ages

Rating: 6/10 (26 November 2007)

The science-fiction film of all time has to be "Star Wars". This epic space adventure continues to dazzle audiences even after sixteen years.
The cast (including Carrie Fisher, Sir Alec Guiness and Peter Cushing) do a marvellous job amongst all the machinery and technical wizardry of George Lucas. Yet it probably has to be said that they are not only outshone by the technical special effects (still eye-popping even now) but also by the very funny antics of droids C-3PO and R2D2, who really steal the show.
Its a movie that has something for everyone, including romance, adventure, action, chivalry and good versus evil. A great spectacle for the kids, and a marvellous adventure for all us adults. Wonderfully entertaining.
Thursday, July 22, 1993 - Astor Theatre
The landmark sci-fi movie of all time, "Star Wars", remains the most amazing journey into the imagination of writer-director George Lucas.
It's visual splendour and special effects genius still has a marked impact almost two decades on, as does the old fashioned story of home grown heroes up against dastardly villains in its dazzling futuristic setting.
Sir Alec Guiness and Harrison Ford almost match the show stealing turns from C-3PO and R2D2, but not quite. While finally, John Williams magnificent score is a treat. A real must for the young at heart.
Saturday, February 19, 1994 - Video
Twenty years on and the "Star Wars" trilogy is back, bigger and, some say, better than ever. For mine I'm not so sure. I have two schools of thought about "Star Wars" at the movies.
a.) If you've already experienced the big screen adventure of the rebellion as they unite against Lord Vader's evil Galactic Empire and his awesome Death Star, then the new "Special Edition" may not have a great deal to offer you. Yes, Lucas and his whiz-bang team at I.L.M. have touched up the whole show, adding some new creatures and effects - most notably Han Solo's scene with Jabba the Hut - as well as digitally re-mastering the soundtrack. But often I got the feeling old George may have just been a little carried away, and sometimes he seems to be trying too hard to impress us. However, I guess if I was given the opportunity to digitally enhance my favourite baby after twenty years, I would be inclined to let things get out of hand too. Perhaps it's just me though, griping about changes to the original, even if very few things have changed. In short, if you've seen "Star Wars" at the flicks before, then you'll only be seeing it again. But I reckon that's a good enough reason.
b.) If you've never seen "Star Wars", or only viewed it on video, then I would definitely recommend you go out right now, find a huge, loud, packed cinema and experience for yourself the groundbreaking science-fiction film which has been infinitely duplicated and whose special effects have only been surpassed in recent years by "T2" and "Jurassic Park".
Sure there are some awful lines - the whole movie is targeted at kids folks (they'll love R2D2 and C3PO and so will you) - but for pure adventure, heroism and good versus evil, you can't go past "Star Wars".
Saturday, April 5, 1997 - Hoyts Cinema Centre Melbourne