"You must learn the ways of the Force."

Rating: 8/10 (1 January 2011)

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope was a landmark in the realm of sci-fi fantasy, special effects, and cinematic quality. I will not deny that I am a loving fan of the Original Trilogy. However, this film seems to be put on too big a pedestal, and people tend to ignore the pacing and sometimes rushed tone to it all. A good example of reference is Family Guy's Blue Harvest, a feature length special in which Family Guy spoofs the entirety of Episode IV. Haven't you ever noticed the truth in some of its particular jokes?
"You don't believe in the Force, do you?" - Chris Griffin/Luke Skywalker
"Oh you mean that thing you just found out about like three hours ago and are now judging me for not believing in it?" - Peter Griffin/Han Solo
Huh. He has a point. I understand that Star Wars is space opera, and some grounds are allowed for a more exciting pacing and a little over- the-top dialogue, but in recent years its begun to stick out to me. Obi- Wan Kenobi in the Original Trilogy to me was memorable, but not very integrated as well as he could have been. His and Luke's relationship is only geared towards vaguely knowing one another and Luke's aunt and uncle's deaths convinces him to tag along with this questionable man.
This allows for Obi-Wan to introduce Luke to a new world he would have never been able to see for himself before. Though it seems a bit unrealistic when you think about it, but this IS space opera, so arguing realism is pointless anyway. The point I'm making is that I know too little about Obi-Wan and he has such little an impact on me as a character that his "death" at the hands of Darth Vader leaves me shrugging.
Anyone who knows me in terms of my taste in film and literature, knows I am a fan of dystopian fiction is presented correctly. For all the backlash the Prequel Trilogy receives I quite enjoy the dark elements in Revenge of the Sith.
The special effects are state of the art, but that's mostly what people refer to in terms of film quality. Star Wars in and of itself is a living homage to films of the past, regarding different times and genres in the same way that Indiana Jones was influenced by the B-movies and action serials of the black and white days. Cinemassacre's review of the franchise explains it in greater detail.
The score by John Williams is fantastic. I don't know one person (fan or not) who wouldn't recognize certain scores from the film, such as the track played when Luke is staring at the twin suns. The universe is vast and interesting, and the tone works (although a little too fast at times). Star Wars is a great example of cinema, but greatest film of all time? Eh... not really. Especially compared to Empire Strikes Back.