# Star Wars (1977)

### reviewed by
DeWyNGaLe

STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE by DeWyNGaLe Rating: A+

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In 1977, something never though possible happened. The film Star Wars was released, with extraordinary, never seen before techniques of special effects. The film set a new standard for special effects in film. Not only did it set a standard for the special effects, it set a standard for film itself. The plot is one of the most creative I heard ever. The legend of Star Wars starts long ago with the Jedi. The Jedi were warriors who were wiped out by the dark side. Darth Vader is the leader of the dark side. Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi, played by Sir Alec Guinness, was one of those Jedi who is still alive today. Darth Vader was once a Jedi, until he turned to the dark side. Years after the killing of the Jedi, Darth Vader is still around causing trouble.

R2-D2 and C-3P0 are both what we call "driods", or robots that are of assistance to humans. While an attack on the ship that Princess Leia, played by Carrie Fisher, is aboard, she inserts a message to R2-D2, who is also on the ship. to Obi-Wan Kenobi pleading for help. The Princess is captured by Vader, but R2-D2 and C-3P0 get away on an escape pod that eventually lands them on the remote planet of Tatooine. The Jawas, or small creatures who sell droids, pick R2-D2 and C-3P0 up to sell. They are bought by Luke Skywalker's (Mark Hamill) family. While Luke is cleaning the droids, the message from Princess Leia is found. Luke finds this Obi-Wan Kenobi, and learns that Obi-Wan was a friend of Luke's father, who is now dead. Luke also learns his family was a Jedi.

After Luke's family is killed by tropps from the dark side, Ben decides to put Luke through training to stop the dark side and destroy them once and for all. Ben wants to create a new Jedi. First, the two must find Princess Leia and serve her. Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford, and his sidekick Chewbacca, played by Peter Mayhew, are consulted about providing a ship to complete the tasks necessary. After meeting up with Leia, the film really picks up. Luke continues his training as a pilot and to become a Jedi, Ben Kenobi confronts Darth Vader, and many other interesting events occur.

Star Wars is an amazing epic. The plot is so original and amazing, I cannot believe it. The special effects, especially for its time, are wonderful and realistic. The space scenes in particular are the most fun to watch. The ships flown by all are very unique and creative. The costumes are also out of this world. The scenery is so different from anything I have ever seen before. There are a variety of different very memorable set pieces that will stay with me forever.

The entire premise of Star Wars is amazing. The creatures and droids that we see throughout the film are one of a kind. Even the human characters are different. Every character is extremely likable and different from characters from other sci fi films. The acting on everyone's part is great, especially that of Sir Alec Guinness's.

Even though the concept is not realistic at all, it is pulled off very nicely. The acting, setting, effects, costumes, and sound make it work. If any of these were messed up, Star Wars would have come off as one huge joke. The ending works very well, and left it very open to the sequels that came afterward. In early 1997, a special edition of Star Wars was released. The film was re-mastered so it looked better than it did in 1977. A few creatures were added here and there, and even an entire deleted scene with Han Solo and Jabba The Hutt (seen in Return Of The Jedi) was added to the film. Think that's enough? On May 19, 1999, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace will be released, followed by two more films that will reveal what went on before A New Hope. With this, Star Wars is bound to become the greatest tale told in our time.

    The Bottom Line- One of the most original, fun, best movies of all time.

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