Cinematic mythology

Rating: 10/10 (27 July 2014)

As it is inevitably with all movies, Star Wars (1977) has dated. But how could anyone think that the passing of the years has made it any less fun to watch?
Sure, it can be cheesy and the acting is not always top-notch. The effects may not dazzle as they once did (though the 1970s miniatures and puppets have held up much better than the wretched 90s CG added in the infamous special editions).
But there is a giddy energy to the whole thing, the way it takes old myths and archetypes and breathes new life into them, the way it evokes 1930s science-fiction serials that makes it so unique.
Though SW helped usher in an era of endless blockbusters, few of its successors have managed to be as fun or iconic. And even fewer have held up as well.