It's Still Just Star Wars to Me

Rating: 10/10 (1 April 2019)

While I will acknowledge its faults this is still one of my favorite films of all time. I remember see the film when it was released and despite have seen it many, many more times since, it still remains compelling and exhilarating when I watch it today. I have enjoyed all the films in the series and I know that many will argue that 'The Empire Strikes Back' is the better film but for me 'Star Wars' please don't call it 'A New Hope' has always been best entry in the series.
The film tells a story of epic proportions and creates a fascinating world (or several worlds if you like) while also delivering swashbuckling like action and a battle for the future of a galaxy. The characters to me are so effective and iconic; there is the mystery of Alec Guinness's Obi Wan Kenobi, the cockiness of Harrison Ford's Han Solo and the menace of James Earl Jones/David Prowse's Darth Vader. The hero of the story of course is Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) who isn't as effective as the aforementioned supporting characters but that's not unusual and he still easy to cheer for with the exception a few minor quibbles. We also have Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) who begins as the damsel in distress who shows she is more than just a damsel but still isn't given quite as much to do as in the sequels where her character would get more development. Finally I can't forget Peter Cushing as the chilling Grand Moff Tarkin.
The effects certainly look a little dated but either through the subsequent new editions or simply recalling how startling the original effects were over 40 years ago this does not affect my enjoyment of the film whatsoever.
For me an integral part of the film is the wonderful John Williams score, which remains my favorite score of his from a truly incredible career.
While I will freely acknowledge George Lucas has his faults and made some mistakes, I also feel he is a visionary filmmaker who was able to deliver some incredibly imaginative films.