“I have a very bad feeling about this.” —Luke Skywalker
Today’s quick review: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Before she is captured by Darth Vader (James Earl Jones), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) sends a message to Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) asking for his help. The message is found and delivered by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). With the help of smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Luke and Obi-Wan set out to rescue Princess Leia and warn the Rebellion about the Empire’s new superweapon.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is a classic sci-fi adventure that follows Luke Skywalker and his friends on a galaxy-spanning journey. A New Hope takes the conventions of the action adventure genre and gives them a fresh coat of paint. The story is a timeless battle between good and evil set in a unique sci-fi universe. Iconic characters, memorable dialogue, and exciting action scenes cement A New Hope’s place near the top of the genre.
A New Hope has countless individual pieces that fit together to form the whole. Chief among these are the characters, who have clear-cut personalities, bounce off each other well, and benefit from solid performances across the board. Just seeing Luke, Leia, and Han go on an adventure is enough to give the movie a simple and enduring appeal. The high-stakes battle with the Empire and galaxy full of robots and aliens are just icing on the cake.
A New Hope also delivers when it comes to action. Dogfights in space, lightsaber duels, daring escapes, and a dash of mysticism give the movie plenty of action to work with, and nearly every scene leaves a lasting impression. Skillful work on the models, puppets, and sets helps bring the setting to life, while a top-tier soundtrack from John Williams ties the whole thing together. A New Hope shows a high degree of craftsmanship everywhere that counts.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is a must-see for fans of the science fiction genre and an enjoyable pick for anyone else. The film combines creative world-building, likable characters, and a solidly constructed plot to make for a thoroughly satisfying experience. Not everyone will enjoy the type of adventure A New Hope embodies, but those willing to get into the spirit of the film will find it to be an unusually accessible and rewarding watch.
8.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.5 for memorable adventure executed with true skill.