A flawed classic

Rating: 5/10 (18 January 2017)

Set nostalgia aside, here are my main criticisms of the film after watching it now as an adult:

Princess Leia is a non entity in this film. She shoots her gun a couple times, but for the most part she is the object of Luke and Han's attraction. Like one of the biggest characters in the entire series does nothing for an entire film.

Mark Hamill really could've taken some acting lessons before taking Jedi training with Yoda. When Vader says "Luke I am your father" Mark's reaction to it is hilariously cheesy and bad. I lol'd. Also - the yoda training scenes, so many unintentionally funny moments.

There were lots of times in the plot where I had no clue why anyone was doing what they were doing. Couldn't figure out the motivations for large chunks of the film. Like why don't the fliers go out in their planes to get Luke when he was out in the snow? And instead they let Han Solo do it? They are valuable assets to the rebels and would likely freeze to death. Why doesn't Vader just go to the Yoda planet and find Luke there? Or Kill Yoda? Jedi problem over.

Anyway, the film is beautiful. Technically I'm sure it was innovative for its time. Sure parts are a bit dated, but I like the journey it takes. It's a classic and I have deep respect for the filmmakers. Just think it should be seen more as an achievement of its time instead of a timeless classic.