So much better many years ago. Now the dialog seems just dumb. The special effects, particularly the alien creatures, is unsurpassed. ( )

MOVIE | Star Wars: Episode 4: A New Hope [George Lucas]

Plot Summary: After rebel droids C-3PO and R2-D2 fall into the possession of farmer Luke Skywalker, he joins forces with Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, smugglers Han Solo and Chewbacca, and Princess Leia Organa in their mission to destroy the Death Star, the dreaded planet killer of the Galactic Empire.

Review: The role that the original Star Wars film plays in the grand scope of cinema is undeniable, and its recognition as one of the greatest films of all time is deserved. Now, I may be slightly biased (the Star Wars saga is my favorite fictional story of all time), but all three films of the original trilogy are nearly flawless. It is my least favorite of the entire trilogy, but that's more a testament to how good Episodes 5 and 6 are as opposed to being a dig at this film. Watching the film in 2022, amidst the blockbusters coming out yearly, can lead to a bit of the FX being picked apart, but looking at it through the lens of film history allows you to see just how much of a milestone this film is in cinema. The acting is also very solid, with many stars (both from the established and rising varieties) making impacts in their roles, from the main trio of Luke (Hamill), Han (Ford), and Leia (Fisher) to side characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi (Guinness), C-3PO (Daniels), Darth Vader (Jones/Prowse), and Grand Moff Tarkin (Cushing). One of the greatest films ever, and one that everybody should see.

Content: Nongraphic violence is a constant throughout the film, with characters getting shot and falling down in numerous battle scenes. Lightsaber violence is also present, with the most graphic scene coming from the dismemberment of an alien's arm, with a pool of blood added for detail. There are also 4 uses of vulgarity within the film (2 "h-ll," 2 "d-mn").

*July 6, 2022* ( )

Acting: 5.0; Theme: 5.0; Content: 4.5; Language: 4.5: Overall: 5.0

Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.

Light saber and gun violence. Four uses of vulgarity.

***July 6, 2020*** (Watched with Jonathan and Kristin) ( )

Je pouvais difficilement rester une vie entière sans savoir à quoi ressemblait le premier opus de la Guerre des étoiles, l'OVNI cinématographique truffé de références, qui a bouleversé le 7ème art et l'imaginaire intergalactique, nourri les oeuvres de science-fiction et probablement l'univers entier des jeux vidéo. Bien calée dans mon fauteuil (pour un peu, j'aurais attaché ma ceinture), j'étais prête à recevoir le choc qui me ferait peut-être aimer tout de go la science-fiction.
Bon, le verdict ?
Aïe, quel dommage ! Comme d'habitude face à ce genre de film, je ne comprends pas grand-chose et reste à quai, lestée par mes valises de questions trop terrestres. Encore un décollage raté. Comme avec les maths, ça se résume à une sorte de langue étrangère sans dictionnaire et sans attrait.
Ma résistance (mon incompétence ?) est telle que je n'y vois qu'une suite d'enfantillages sans queue ni tête, une caricature de bons et de méchants qui s'agitent dans l'accomplissement de missions gigantesques sans objet et sans intérêt (car totalement invraisemblables).
Il y a pourtant quelques plans et trouvailles que j'ai trouvés réussis et assez impressionnants, surtout si l'on essaie de se mettre dans la peau d'un spectateur en 1977. J'ai assez bien aimé, par exemple, l'enregistrement capté par le robot qui restitue visuellement une scène en miniature.
J'ai détesté les ajouts façon Jurrasic Park, parfaitement ridicules à mon (humble) avis.
Inutile de préciser, dans ce contexte, que je préfère le spectacle d'étoiles par un beau ciel d'été paisible. ( )

By the time I read this in 1977, after I had read E E 'Doc' Smith and Isaac Asimov, it was a bit thin and flat.
But I was pleased to have photo stills from the film. ( )