Review - Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."
And with that simple phrase began one of the greatest sagas in motion picture history. We were introduced to a universe of heroes and villains...of robots and pirates...and most importantly, of the Force. "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope", or as most refer to it, "Star Wars", has become one of the classic examples of science-fiction fantasy. The movie was nominated for ten Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor), and won six Oscars. It is the second highest-grossing movie in United States box office history (only "Titanic" made more money at the theaters), having made over $460 million dollars.
The story revolves around two robots, C-3PO and R2-D2, who have been given a private and urgent message from Princess Leia Organa, a Galactic Senator from the planet Alderaan. They must locate Obi-Wan Kenobi, a former Jedi Knight...and possibly the only hope for the galaxy. Pursuing the droids and the Princess is the evil Galactic Empire...and its horrifying hunter, Lord Darth Vader...a master of the Dark Side of the Force. The droids come into the possession of a family of farmers on the remote desert planet of Tatooine, and most notably young Luke Skywalker. Luke and the droids find Obi-Wan...but in the process, Luke's aunt and uncle are murdered by the Empire's Stormtroopers. With no reason to stay on Tatooine, Luke and the droids follow Kenobi to Mos Eisley, a space port filled with smugglers and criminals. Seeking a transport vessel to Alderaan, they find Captain Han Solo, a seasoned smuggler and his co-pilot, Chewbacca, a seven-foot tall Wookie. The motley crew takes off...only to be pursued by the Empire. Can they deliver the message in time?
What made "Star Wars" so fascinating...and the reason it still holds such great fascination...is the simplicity of the story. It is a fairy tale, pure and simple. You have monsters, sorcerers, a princess, a young hero. A small force for good fighting an impossible battle against a vastly superior evil army. And yet...George Lucas weaves such an intricate and wonderful tale, you can't help but to be swept along with it. It reminds you of the old cliffhanger serials of the early days of movies. There are shocks...twists...turns...situations you think the heroes cannot possibly escape. And it keeps you twisting on the edge of your seat until the final frame rolls.
Another strong point for the movie is that it literally has something for everyone. There is the obvious science-fiction tie-in. There is action, romance, laughs, drama, scares, and magic. This movie holds just as much magic for me as the first time I saw it, many years ago.
There are movies that are called classics. And there are the very rare few that deserve the title. "Star Wars" is one of the rare few.
Starring - Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Sir Alec Guiness, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Anthony Daniels, and James Earl Jones. Directed by George Lucas.
Time - 2 hours, 5 minutes. Rated - PG (Science-fiction violence, mild language)