Star Wars, later subtitled Star Wars: A New Hope. The film that changed movie making and pushed the boundaries of science fiction films. As a person blessed to see all 11 Star Wars films in their original release forms A New Hope is still my favorite by a mile. Why? Because it is the single film that brings me back to my childhood.
As the movie opens, Princess Leia puts the plans for the Death Star (that she received at the end of Rogue One a Star Wars story) inside R2-D2 and was promptly held hostage by the sinister Darth Vader. R2-D2 and his counterpart C-3PO jettisoned the danger and landed on Tatoonie to set out looking for Obi-Wan Kenobi.
There was a small detour when a group of scavenger Jawa’s found the droids and sold them to Owen Lars, the uncle of Luke Skywalker. Eventually, R2, 3PO, Luke meet Ben Kenobi (Obi-Wan) and set out on a life changing mission.
The film really gets fun when the four characters arrive at the Mos Eisley’s space cantina. The creatures inside are wonderful and the Bith Band is fantastic. While inside Han Solo and Chewbacca are introduced and off they go to the Death Star.
Star Wars films are not about the scripts which are generally band. It is the combination of script, delivery and visual effects as well as characters that make Star Wars unlike any other movie franchise.
Creator/Director, George Lucas does not give up close tight head shots in any of his films. He likes his shots to be scaled back a bit to show some shoulders and some arm movement. Lucas, has visions for his films which has lead to tinkering with them years and even decades after they are released.
Han Solo, shot first! In the Mos Eisley space cantina Solo, is cornered by Greedo who is a linchpin for Jabba the Hutt. The two exchange words and Han Solo shot and killed Greedo. Later Lucas decided that Solo should be a good guy and changed the scene so Greedo shot first. Yet, he should have kept it. By Solo shooting first that shows the essence of Solo who did not have ties to the Rebellion or Empire at that time.
That is my only drawback with changes made on this outstanding Star Wars film.
Coming soon, The Empire Strikes Back. I am looking forward to diving into what is widely considered the God Father of Star Wars movies.
