We even have teddy-bears, in the form of Ewoks. Earlier science fiction is merrily plundered, particularly Flash Gordon , and Luke's flight into the Death Star is a little like Frodo's journey into Mount Doom. We have not only the legend of Robin Hood but echoes of every Robin Hood film. And then of course there's the pod race in Episode One , half Grand Prix and half Ben Hur . People are still arguing about this film as I write, but I find the main criticism, that the film is all eye-candy and no plot, rather irrelevant.
Plot is for novels, and novel-like films.
Genesis does not have a plot. Cinderella doesn't have much of a plot - it's not like a Jane Austin novel where you're waiting to see if Prince Charming will change his mind and marry one of the ugly sisters after all. Plot is as relevant to Star Wars as car chases are to Pride and Prejudice . It would also be unfair to criticise the film for lack of originality. Episode One not only recycles the usual myths, legends, fairy-tales and Hollywood classics, but also the other three films as well.