#13 Stars Wars- A New Hope

Title: Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope

A.F.I. Ranking: 13

Director: George Lucas

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, David Prowse, James Earl Jones

Release Year: 1977

Brief Synopsis: Oh come on we all know the story. Winey, naïve, farm boy Luck Skywalker gets plucked up from his aunt and uncle’s farm to take on an evil galactic empire with his friends, human and not. Their mission, save Princess Leia from the evil clutches of Lord Vader and destroy the Death Star.

My Thoughts: Everybody in this country knows about Star Wars and falls into one of two categories. You either love it or you don’t get the hype. I would fall into the love it category, but I am a late in life bloomer. Growing up I remember my dad watching these weird movies on TV, but not really knowing what they were and who the scary guy in the black helmet was. I often got Star Wars confused for Spaceballs.

I didn’t begin to love and appreciate these movies until my senior year in high school. The year as 1999 and Episode 1 was about to be released. My younger sister was obsessed and Star Wars was all over the place in our house. That is when I finally sat down and watched the entire series and fell in love. Sure the special effects that were revolutionary at the time, carry with them a bit of cheese today, but come on its Star Wars. How do you criticize such a beloved part of our culture? I feel this movie is so powerful because of its detailed story (you can never know everything there is to know about Star Wars even if you tried), it’s true to heart good vs. evil theme, it’s humor, and of course the best on screen duo of all time. Now you are wondering which duo I’m talking about aren’t you? There is more than one great one in this film. Anyway, if you are like I was and a late in life Star Wars fan, shall I recommend taking a weekend and watching all of the movies in the series.

“Traveling through hyperspace ain't like dusting crops, boy!”

Rating: Top of the List!