Granted, without the jaunty humor and cynicism of the other principals, his stout resolve might seem corny. But the total package enables the trilogy to soar in the realm of space opera, as opposed to science fiction. Face it, there's not much science in this fiction. A wild scene on an airless asteroid is inherently impossible, and Luke's small X-wing ship isn't meant for the vast interstellar flights he makes. Effects and gadgets don't carry this story.
People do, with timeless human concerns.
These films aren't about a science-driven world toward which we are headed. By meshing that timeless struggle with timeless otherworldliness, Lucas has created the most commercially potent movies of all time. That feat says much for his filmmaking savvy. The bottom line here isn't flashy visuals or all the bells and whistles Lucas can muster. Far more important, with the Star Wars trilogy he has delivered a ripping good yarn.