Star Wars. Movies filled with memorable characters, scenes, and phrases that continue to be used today. There’s no denying that Star Wars has left a huge impact on movies, culture, and fiction.
I myself have a big soft spot for these movies. And I figured I’d take a look at one of these movies and see why people love it. If you’re wondering why I’m reviewing the fourth episode and not the first it’s because episode four was released before episode one.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away a war is going on between the rebels and the empire. The empire wants to rule the galaxy while the rebels want to stop them. Princess Leia, played by Carrie Fisher, is captured by Darth Vader.
It’s up to Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill, Obi Wan Kenobi played by Alec Guinness, Han Solo played by Harrison Ford, and his partner Chewbacca, portrayed by Peter Mayhew to save the galaxy. Let’s get into the flaws, which isn’t much honestly.
The light sabers were inconsistent how they behaved. In one scene Obi Wan chops off the arm of an alien threatening Luke. There’s blood and such.
Later on someone gets killed by a light saber only to have their bodies vaporize, leaving only their clothes. Shouldn’t they be cut in half? Also there are some weird logic problems that seem incredibly obvious, like when Obi Wan uses the Jedi mind trick to get past some guards at Mos Eisley. There are other guards right next to them and Obi Wan is only using the trick on one of them. How can’t they tell something weird is going on when one guy says one thing and the other guy repeats what he says exactly?
It makes the villains look stupid.
Now let’s talk about the good because there’s a lot of it.
The characters are unforgettable. Luke is nice, impulsive, and a good protagonist. Leia is a no-nonsense woman who is quick to anger yet is always willing to settle things diplomatically.
There’s the mischievous R2-D2, and The overly polite C-3PO, sometimes annoying but never too bad. And of course the witty, smuggler, Han Solo who had a scene showing off his calm and cool demeanor in deadly situations.
The main villains Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin are fantastic. Tarkin, played by Peter Cushing, is a cold calculating leader who has no remorse, shame, or pity to any of the terrible things he does.
Darth Vader with David Prowse physically potraying him, and James Earl Jones portraying his voice is one of the most famous characters in fiction. His look, his voice, even his breathing is iconic. Also, he’s just a great villain, James’ deep and powerful voice really gives Vader the kind of intimidation he needs.
The fight scenes are great. They’re action packed, chaotic, and it really feels like a war, especially with the superb soundtrack.
Also, the movie is so quotable. There is a huge selection in this movie alone from Obi Wan’s, “Use the force Luke,” to Darth Vader’s “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” Though there are many iconic moments, one of the most famous scenes from the movie is the Mos Eisley Cantina, just because the aliens there are so diverse and interesting to see especially since they’re real costumes. The spaceships are great too from the Millennium Falcons old, rustic feel to the sleek but evil design of the Tie fighters. Overall, there are flaws, but the fact that this worked so well diminishes the minor issues this movie has.
It’s epic, charming, and a movie you won’t soon forget.
“May the Force be with you.”
