George Lucas, who brought us those memorable kids in “American Graffiti,” is back with “Star Wars” — a film that would captivate the Mel’s Drive-In crowd as well as enchant the kid in all of us.
In “Star Wars,” the young filmmaker has brought all of the spectacle, humor, fun, adventure and innocence we found in classics ranging from the “Flash Gordon” sci-fi excitement, to “The Wizard of Oz” crowd and the chase scenes and predicaments of “Tom Jones.” And for the frosting on the cake, Lucas has assembled the most brilliant special effects and futuristic characters this side of “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
If I sound excited, it is only because I am. “Star Wars” sweeps you off your feet, defies all sense of gravity, and takes you onto the most enjoyable, brilliant intergalactic journey ever.
“Star Wars” is an escape into fantasy land in grand scale. It is a film where you can take along the children–but it is by no means a “children’s movie.”
The opening sequence is a receding logo — yes, just like “Flash Gordon” — which sets the time and place in the future, in the midst of intergalactic wars. Things haven’t changed, it would seem — wherever there are humans, there is a need to conquer one another.
Supremacy of the species remains as another human concern. Therefore, mechanical servants (“droids”) have been created to serve and mutants either are used for menial tasks or live in the wilderness like jungle animals.
“The Force,” a religion of the future, is all but wiped out as are the gallant, noble knights who served this belief that we draw our strength from the universe. Instead, a stellar combine has taken over most of the world with only a few rebel planets left to keep a balance.
Lucas wisely has cast skillful actors with little-known faces for his characters. In a masterful casting stroke, he also cast the brilliant Alec Guinness — the actor of so many disguises he has escaped over-exposure — as the last of the noble knights.
Carrie Fisher (who played the daughter in “Shampoo”) is here as the wholesome, courageous planet princess in distress; Mark Hamill is Luke Skywalker, the scion of a hero knight; Harrison Ford is Han Solo, a daredevil pilot who isn’t as mercenary as he initially appears.
This charming group of last resistance–our heroes–are aided by the most lovable hunks of steel you will ever meet. There is a gold robot, as adorable as the Tin man of “Oz,” and a tubby little machine–a sort of fire hydrant on feet–who whistles like a bird and squeals to express his feelings. Yes, this little “droid” not only has intelligence but feelings, such as loyalty, as well.
“Chewbacca” is another of the film’s futuristic, lovable and very funny characters. Not only is he stronger than King Kong and has a heart more courageous than that of the “Oz” cowardly lion, this “walking rug” is also bright enough to be a copilot of a spaceship.
With courage in their hearts, the Concorde of the spaceships and their command, the help of robots and laser-beam swords, the white hats go off to free the princess from her fate in the hands of the “Empire.”
There are stunning special effects and panoramic views of the galaxy and enough action to keep you riveted to your seat and induce you to clap in excitement even in our cynical times.
The dialogue is crisp and often very funny and the music is of the rousing adventure sort.
There also is menace to be found in the leaders of the evil forces. A knight in chilling black armor (who should have been dubed “The Breather”) has a voice to put fear in the bravest heart. (I am told the voice belongs to James Earl Jones.)
There are chases, escapes, near-misses and phantasmagoric explosions.
And, since all is well that ends well, “Star Wars” doesn’t disappoint you. The film concludes in a climactic, but happy and hopeful, not. What more could you ask?
