A fantasy that can improve reality

Rating: 10/10 (29 May 1999)

So much can be said about the Star Wars movies and it's probably been said with greater eloquence than I can put forward.
The best thing I can say is the philosophy put forward in these movies can better people lives, if they would only take it to heart.
Just this week (mid-May 1999) a co-worker, annoyed with the negative criticism towards Episode One, remarked "What can they expect, it's just an effects fantasy; you're just supposed to look at it and be dazzled!"
When I remarked that the philosophy within it was as equally compelling (anger, fear, aggression, are the dark side...) he scoffed, "Oh that, it's so obvious!"
Obvious yes, but how often do you take it to heart I asked. "Oh. . . yeah," he finally said.
Maybe this series hit me at just the right time (I was 5 in '77), but I've constantly found ways to use examples Lucas has demonstrated in fantastic ways as a grounder in reality. It's really hit me lately, with hype surrounding the sequel, how as adults we lose sight of these simple principles. Now I'm an adult with adult problems, yet this "kid's" movie, both provides escapism AND helps me put perspective on life's problems. Anger and aggression are easy ones to find examples for; confronting your fears is the big one for me. It's easy to let it get the best of you. I've learned from the path Luke Skywalker tread that when I've had to confront my dark side (professors, then employers, then clients) I must prepare myself for the resistance and temptation that would come my way (I certainly didn't want my hand cut off).
Perhaps I'm reading too much into what I've seen, but the fact is I saw it and it helped me and I believe it can help anyone open enough to accept it. And what's more, it's just a really cool flik!
When's the last time a movie gave you all that?