Timeless classic (major spoilers)

Rating: Null/10 (26 March 2004)

It is hard to believe that what is really a humble, conventional space opera has become nothing short of an international phenomenon. Spawning two sequels, a trilogy of prequels, countless merchandising spin-offs and a rabid fan culture, "Star Wars" has developed a mythology all its own. Yet, in spite of all the hype, looking back on "Star Wars" makes it very easy to see why it has become so popular.
To begin with, creator George Lucas' plot was ingeniously simple, incorporating character types and other elements from old Saturday matinee serials. The result is an enjoyable storyline with easily identifiable characters. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), a farmboy from the desert planet of Tatooine, becomes embroiled in a rebellion against the evil Galactic Empire. He teams up with Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), the last of the Jedi, a near-extinct breed of guardian warriors; Han Solo (Harrison Ford), a reckless, apathetic mercenary; his hairy sidekick Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew); and finally C-3PO and R2-D2 (Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker), a pair of bickering robots. Together they must rescue Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) from the clutches of the evil Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones). Later, Luke must face up to his destiny as a Jedi as helps the Rebellion in their attack on the Death Star, a planet-destroying superweapon...
The plot could not be simpler, or more enthralling, than that. The characters are very easily identifiable (the earnest young hero, the wise old mentor, the cynical mercenary) and the embracing of story conventions contributes to the story, instead of detracting from it. Much criticism has been made of script-writer Lucas' lack of flair with dialogue and to some extent this is true.
It is to the credit of the actors who embellish their characters with a depth and a presence. Hamill is possessed of a fine mix of enthusiasm, bravery and youthful naivety as Luke, and Harrison Ford is wry, smart and likeable as Solo. His cynical, couldn't-care-less attitude to the chaos all around him stops the film from taking itself too seriously. Carrie Fisher is also excellent as Princess Leia, giving her regal character a strength and a backbone. Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker are a lively and funny source of comic relief and here, unlike in the sequels, they actually contribute something to the plot.
Of the villains, James Earl Jones lends an all-knowing powerful air to the voice of Darth Vader, who is given a strong physical presence by David Prowse. Although Vader was to become the main villain of the series, here he's really more of a henchman. Keeping him in line is Grand Moff Tarkin, played with ruthless authority by British actor Peter Cushing.

The special effects were revolutionary in 1977, giving the many fights and space battles a style and a sparkle that had never been seen before. The lightsaber duel between Vader and Kenobi, and the final attack on the Death Star, are the main highlights here.
In a way, "Star Wars" has become the victim of its own success. Rumour has it that Lucas will revise "Star Wars" and its sequels yet again in the upcoming DVD releases, to ensure they dovetail exactly with the recently released prequels. This does makes sense to do this, yet the danger is that Lucas will lose the spirit and verve that encapsulated the original film.

P.S To really enjoy "Star Wars", make sure you see it in a large, packed cinema. I guarantee this significantly increases the already high entertainment factor.