There's been so much written about Star Wars since it first lit up the big screen back in '77 that there is literally nothing I could say that hasn't been said in fan discussions, college papers, books, magazines... It is literally a cultural touchstone, a cinematic masterpiece, a sci-fi work that everything that has been made since is compared to.
And look, I'm a Star Trek fan at heart, but even I feel the stirring in my chest when Luke stands out watching the twin suns set and John William's score kicks off.
In the decades since, with prequels, sequels, books, comics, cartoons, and everything that has come from this first movie, it's impossible to watch it with the innocence of someone in 1977. Can you watch Alec Guinness and not think about Ewan McGregor? (or James Arnold Taylor?) Can you watch and not think about Chewie knew Yoda, or how Vader is Luke and Leia's dad?
That said, I tried my best.
A New Hope stands the test of time. The special effects are still special, the music is AMAZING, the acting is better than a silly sci-fi romp deserves, and there's little that needs improvement. I have watched both the original versions and the improved ones, and honestly... Some of the improvements are actually improvements. I like the extra characters in Mos Eisley, and the slightly expended landscapes.
But one thing that absolutely needs to be said: HAN SHOT FIRST.
That said, A New Hope is wonderful... though i kinda wish we could have gotten something a little closer to this fight.
So many famous lines and memorable scenes. "I've got a bad feeling about this."
ReplyDeleteI saw that lightsaber remix video. I thought it was well made. My preferences steer away from the wuxia-flavored high-energy ballet that was brought on by the prequels. I always appreciated the simplicity of the lightsaber duels from the OT. If you ever watch Seven Samurai, that's how I sort of imagine it working. You cut a man once and the battle is over.