Good but no classic!

Rating: Null/10 (2 April 2003)

* Terrible * * Below Par * * * Not Bad * * * * Good * * * * * Brilliant
WARNING *MINOR SPOILERS*
I like so many other people grew up with the Star Wars trilogy.So I feel a great sense of nostalgia when I watch this and it's two sequels. The movies influence are still seen today.Pop culture references about the movies have been made in the likes of the movies of Kevin Smith or on television shows like 'The Simpsons','South Park' and 'That 70's Show'.It was also spoofed in the funny Mel Brook's comedy, 'Spaceballs' in the late eighties. It's story and premise which were the brainchild of one George Lucas was a stroke of genius.
It's simply a story set in a far away galaxy where the Jedi Knights who were the keepers of peace in the universe have been all but wiped out.The galaxy is now ruled over by the evil empire.However, Princess Leia(Carrie Fisher) an agent for the rebel alliance has the plans to Empires ultimate weapon, the Death Star.A space station with the power to destroy entire planets.While trying to get to her home planet of Alderaan the space cruiser carrying her is attacked by Imperial soldiers lead by the evil Darth Vader.In an act of desperation she store the plans in a droid named R2-D2(Kenny Baker) and leaves a message to someone called Obi-Wan Kenobi.The droid and fellow droid C3-PO(Anthony Daniels) manage to escape to the planet of Tatooine where they are found by farm boy Luke Skywalker(Mark Hammil), who on discovering the message sets out to find the mysterious hermit named Ben Kenobi(Alec Guiness) who may know the where about's of Obi-wan.
Star Wars or Episode IV-A New Hope as it should be better known is a good two hour movie of pure escapism.It certainly a credit to the imagination of George Lucas.But having said this I can't help but think the movie is over rated.The fact that on more than one occasion it has been voted the best film of all time is something I find hard to swallow.Lets face it.There have been films a good deal better in my opinion that this.The Fellowship of the Ring,Groundhog Day,LA Confidential and Raiders of the Lost Ark are all better movies as far as i'm concerned.
Where the film fails to start with is that it takes some time to really get going.Seeing as there is a fair bit of back story and explanations to go through the first hour or so of the movie is mainly all talk.This is made up though when the pace quickens once the movies heroes eventually reach the Death Star.From then on it's action all the way.
Most of the acting is fairly average.Mark Hammil is capable enough as the idealist free spirited Luke Skywalker.But his performance is simply acceptable.Carrie Fisher doesn't live up to full expectations and is a bit miscast.She is not the beautiful woman that Princess Leia is described as by Luke in the film.I personally can't understand what all those young prepubescent boys saw in her.Nathalie Portman as Padme in the prequels is a far more attractive woman.
The performances that do work well are those of old master Alec Guiness as the Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and Harrison Ford as the space scoundrel Han Solo. Ford is perfect in the roll as the cynical smart arse.You can't help but love his roguish charm and pure cynacism. It's what makes him the best character in the movie.
Guiness lends the right amount of wisdom and sincerity that makes Obi-Wan an endearing and memorable character.He adds the serious weight to what is otherwise a fairly light weight movie.It's a shame though that this is the film that he only ever seems to remembered for.Especially when you consider his incredible body of work that spanned an amazing career in film.

The script though is no as tight and well written as it could of been. The dialogue is fun but cheesy and no where near as good as the likes of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film's.Sure the dialogue in LOTR is cheesy but it is so well written that you don't really notice it. It's dialogue is brilliantly delivered by an amazing cast of ensemble actors.

On the plus side there are great and genuinely lovable supporting characters.R2-D2 and the stuffy,cowardly C3-PO are great and would appeal to the under fives.Chewbacca is a brilliant character in his simplicity.A creature called a wookie, he looks like a cross between a gorilla and an old skanky carpet.He is certainly less irritating than the misjudged Jar-Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequels.
Over all Star Wars Episode IV is an entertaining time waster.The movie certainly isn't as good as some would have you believe.It's a damn sight better than the latest eforts that Lucas has given us. But considering the fortune Lucas has made I don't think he'll care what people such as my self think.
Robs Ratings:* * * *