A fun, satisfying plot but remarkable for the precedent it set for visual effects and sci-fi forever

Rating: 8/10 (13 May 2019)

Star Wars definitely didn't let me down, even if things have changed over the last 42 years of filmmaking. Honestly, it's pretty wild that this movie came out closer to movies like Citizen Kane than modern day, because the dialogue and visuals are quite clean and undoubtedly hold up as pleasing and entertaining. The characters and world building is all well introduced and pretty straightforward to follow, and the plot is coherent with a clear arc. While the visuals and commitment to a grand space opera series are notable, there are no crazy ideas in the movie, nor is it especially emotionally investing. Star Wars is a great movie because of its exceptional influence, present in almost all sci-fi media to follow as well as culture more broadly. It earns its celebrated status by working and being completely satisfying at a time when nothing like it had really been made. Is it unusually investing or an edge of your seat movie? No, but it's one filled with fun moments and groundbreaking visuals and effects.