A brilliant first chapter to an massively influential series

Rating: 10/10 (17 November 2005)

Now, I'd just like to say, I was born in 1990. So no, I'm no long-time devotee to Star Wars, at least haven't been for nearly thirty years. I witnessed the masterpiece that is Star Wars at the tender age of four or so, I was amazed at the coolness of the lightsabers, Darth Vader(David Prowse) menacing attitude and voice(James Earl Jones), not-to-mention the heroic escapades of Luke Skywalker(Mark Hamill) and his allies.
I laughed at the jokes, the pessimism of C-3PO and Han Solo's sarcastic comments towards the situations. The entire movie had me thoroughly entranced and drawn into the Star Wars world, needless to say, I was hooked. So later I saw The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and the three newest chapters to the story. Looking back though, this is the one that really did it for me, as sad as it may sound, I don't think I'd be the person I am today without Star Wars.
The acting is quite good, the whole cast really seems to fit their characters nicely, especially Obi-Wan(Sir Alec Guinnes) and Darth Vader, both of whom set up a nice set of questions for you: What's the connection, the Clone Wars, what does Darth Vader look like? The rest of the cast also deliver equally stellar performances, I remember feeling a real connection to Luke, possibly even more-so today, seeing as I am reaching that age that is so strike-out independent. This Star Wars also manages to be the most light-hearted and generally, funny of the six, and it's perfectly kid-friendly.
The special effects also look surprisingly good for being thirty years old; the opening scene especially looks quite cool. And though the camera on the original uses a rather odd filter and retains a definite 70's feel, the movie is without a doubt: watch able.
Anyways, just go see Star Wars if you haven't already. The whole series is phenomenal and perhaps the greatest cinematic achievement of all time.