You never forget your first time

Rating: 9/10 (27 February 2020)

The first Star Wars film showcases the best aspects of the film series right from the start. It's not hard to see how it has evolved into such a huge franchise.
The first time you meet Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca and old "Ben" Kenobi, you'll fall in love with them easily and right from the start. Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin loom as the villains of the film and you won't forget them easily. The concepts behind these alien worlds and space stations is impressive. The dialogue is fun and memorable. You'll be humming the music all day.
It has aged as a film - the battles don't hold up compared to later films. Kenobi vs Vader looks like two old men poking each other with sticks compared to even just the very next film. Some of the lines and actions are questionable (only imperial stormtroopers are that accurate). The plot of the film is very simple and has a much less epic feel and scale that you expect from the following films. But this all adds to a warm small scale feeling that you're watching something very special.
On its own, the film is probably more of a 7 star affair, but the nostalgia and the iconic feel and nature of the film boost it as a viewing experience. Hearing those lines said for the first time that everyone can quote on the streets nowadays with everyone smiling when they hear them is a thrill like no other.