Star Wars: A New Hope Film Review

By
Darren J Tyson
-
Star Wars: A New Hope
Image Source: IMDB

The book of Bobba Fett (2021-) and The Mandalorian (2019-) successfully brought the Star Wars (1977-) universe to the forefront of the media industry again. A lot of people, including me, are rekindling our love for the galaxy far far away. With exciting new shows promised throughout 2022 and beyond! Including series based on fan favourites such as Kenobi (2022-) and Ahsoka (TBC). Star Wars is in the middle of a bit of a resurgence after the more than mixed reception the sequels had with both critics and fans. With all this going on, what better time to revisit the instalment that spawned an epic franchise. Leading to Disney purchasing the Star Wars IP for 4 billion dollars back in 2014. That would be Star Wars: A New Hope.

Star Wars: A New Hope

Synopsis Of Star Wars: A New Hope

The movie kicks off with an intergalactic siege with Darth Vader (performed by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones) breaching Princess Leia’s (Carrie Fisher) ship above Tatooine. However, before the Sith Lord can get his hands on her, she executes her escape plan. The princess records a distress signal, hiding it in an R2 astromech unit. Accompanied by C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), R2D2 (Kenny Baker) escapes the spaceship via escape pod and the two crash-land on Tatooine. We watch the two droids argue as they part ways, but ultimately are reunited when they are both captured by Jawas. A lonesome farm boy named Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) purchases the droids of the Jawas. Unbeknown to him, his long-forespoken destiny has begun.

The Quest

As when maintaining the R2 unit, Luke witnesses the message for help. In the message, Princess Leia asks for Obi Wan, puzzled to who this is. Luke estimates she could mean Old Ben (Alec Guinness) so decides to take the message to him. When the group meet up with Old Ben, he enlightens Luke about his heritage. How he like his father has what it takes to become a Jedi Knight. That Luke himself can learn the ways of the force. However, in order to do so, he would need to leave with Ben. With the help of two smugglers , Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), the group take flight in the Millennium Falcon. Setting off to Alderaan to find the Princess.

The Death Star

Suddenly, they encounter what appears to be a moon; however, it is a moon sized superweapon built by the Empire donned the Death Star. Our group of heroes are too slow to realize this and get stuck in the Death Star’s tractor beam, pulling them into the enemy’s lair. Luckily thanks to some smart thinking by Han the group escape custody, manage to knock out two stormtroopers and execute their improvised plan. Luke, Han, and Chewie go for the Princess, Ben goes to shut off the tractor beam’s power supply and the droids stay near an access point to help in way they can. Their missions all go successfully if not halted by some unforeseen obstacles.

Light vs. Dark

Yet the music intensifies, it is here we are greeted by Darth Vader, he, and Ben duel as the group of heroes escape back to the secret rebel base. Their Han decides to part ways, taking himself, Chewie, and the millennium falcon with him. Rebels scramble to act on the intelligence Leia had supplied, the whole base is a mass of scurrying people and droids. Luke himself prepares for flight in his own X-Wing with R2 right behind him. Tensions are high, stakes are high, the climax is truly underway as the fleets of rebel spaceships soar into space. Exiting hyperspace just far enough away from the Death Star to not be obliterated on exit. The ensuing battle is nothing short of a spectacle. Ultimately leading to the destruction of the Death Star and victory to the Rebels.

Analysis Of Star Wars: A New Hope

The true spectacle for the viewer of this space epic cannot be reduced to a single aspect alone. So, the original score composed by John Williams, which deservedly won an Oscar, is a delight to the ears. The mix of practical and digital effects amaze audiences today. The cast is phenomenal throughout with the talents of the traditional actors. Furthermore, the many talented people bring the aliens and robots of the Star Wars universe to life.

One can truly appreciate the scale and the scope that Lucas aimed for with his idea for Star Wars. 40+ years later, one could say he has far surpassed any expectations he had. The voice acting talents of James Earl Jones installs a fear in one that few villains have been able to achieve. So, I truly think Darth Vader vastly surpasses the likes of Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame) for the film’s all-time movie villain.

Overly Caucasian Galaxy

A New Hope is a fantastic cinematic experience. So, it’s a space opera that will have you invested in the jaw-dropping spectacles of spaceflight, hyperspace, the puppetry and the VFX. However, every film has its drawbacks. The film’s flaws apart from not having as much action as injected into later instalments for my liking, is its abundantly Caucasian universe. With all diversity coming from either; droids, aliens, or Darth Vader.

Summary Of Star Wars: A New Hope

So, Vader was ultimately revealed to be white. However, he was for all intents and purposes portrayed as a black character. So, in my opinion, these connotations of Vader’s race and having him as the villain are a gross representation. Furthermore, this just continues the gross stereotype of the time of black antagonists. Star Wars: A New Hope, despite its flaws, is nothing short of technical brilliance for its time.

Overall Rating: 9/10 – Outstanding

Star Wars: A New Hope Further Link

Star Wars: A New Hope is available to watch on-demand on Disney+.

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