Flash Review: Star Wars (Episode IV – A New Hope) [1977]
In my mind, the day when I’d eventually watch Star Wars for the first time would be a big event, a turning point. It wasn’t. I present my thoughts in a Flash Review because of time constraints, but also because I don’t have a lot to say about this film. I didn’t hate it (I had a strong feeling I would), and I definitely didn’t love it. Lucas’s biggest contribution, in my opinion, is the visually striking universe he has created, but when it comes to the actual movie, it’s a little too cheesy for my taste and, frankly, a bit boring and repetitive. Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher are pretty good in their roles, and Episode IV looks terrific on Blu-Ray, but in the end all I could think of was “is this what all the fuss is about?”
You probably would have liked it more 30 years ago.
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Yeah, probably.
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If you’re trying to understand that all the fuss is about, you really need to put yourself in the context of the time. That movie was unlike anything that had ever been seen… Perhaps you’re a little jaded now, coming at it for the first time after being exposed to so many of its progeny. 😦
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Yeah, maybe. The fact that I have no emotional or nostalgic connection to the film had a lot to do with how I felt about it, I think, also.
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Ouch! I think it’s fantastic from start to finish. Now I don’t deny that nostalgia does come into play for me. But I think it’s just great.
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I think nostalgia is a huge factor into why these films are so beloved. I have to say, I sort of understand why people love these so much, but they’re just not for me, it seems.
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Well, I’m glad you saw it, and I bet–even if you don’t understand the hype (at all)–you must be too. I love the film because I grew up with it. Of course I wasn’t alive in 1977, but my father was. It was a mind blowing time at the movies, he always tells me (he was 10 years old), and I just had to see it immediately (I was six or seven). I’ve seen it several times since, and I still love it to death, even if it’s cheesy.
I know you probably won’t take my recommendation, but I’d move on with the trilogy. It goes further with the characters; how it has, has probably been spoiled for you, if not several times, but it’s still exciting (to me, at least). Great review. And honest. 🙂 Thank you for this one.
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Thanks, Alexander. I feel relieved that I finally saw these. And yes, I do plan on continuing with the trilogy.
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Nice review. I do love the original, but I haven’t seen it for a long time. I do owe it another watch.
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Thanks!
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I feel the same way. I was never a fan as a child.
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It’s always interesting to hear this sort of stance on Star Wars. It will be interesting to see what you make of Empire 🙂
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Thanks. I think I’ll be checking that one out soon.
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I honestly can’t remember what really went on in this movie, ahah. I must’ve seen it as my brothers were huge Star Wars fans, but generally I share the same sentiment… “is this what all the fuss is about?” 😀
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LOL, thanks! Glad I’m not alone 🙂
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I am sure the movie loses something when you are not watching it at the theater when you are six years-old.
You saw it on Blu-ray? Maybe you would like it better if Han shot first like it was originally 😉
A few other folks mentioned wait to you check out Empire, that one is my fav.
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Yeah, I think nostalgia plays a big part in the “Star Wars” cult following.
I don’t get the “Han shot first” thing. What am I missing here?
And yes, I’ll eventually check the other 2 movies.
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am a bit sad you didn’t enjoy this as much.
i think Star Wars is exceptionally fun, thrilling, and imaginative to say the least.
BUT, am glad you didn’t give it lower than 3 stars, which means you were entertained.
ps. i like your new blog header.
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Yes, I was somewhat entertained, It lost my attention in parts but it’s fun, I just didn’t think it was anything extraordinary. Like I’ve said before, it probably has a lot to do with the fact that I just didn’t grow up with this movies. I still love the Star Wars universe, though, just not the biggest fan of the story.
Glad you like the new header!
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