I've never been a Star Wars fan as much as an admirer. I've liked all of the films, including the prequels, mostly because I thought they were better than films released about the same time. But I do understand that fans have a higher standard and that the prequels didn't measure up, except perhaps Revenge of the Sith.
There is no mistaking that the first two films of the series, and the third to a lesser extent, set the standard. And while critical consensus seem to converge on the much darker The Empire Strikes Back as the pinnacle, I remain loyal to the film that started it all. Ironically, it's the only one of the seven I've never seen in the theaters. My parents didn't take me because I was three years old and one of three small children, plus I had no idea it was playing. Like that's an excuse!
I'm not sure what I can add to the discussion of Star Wars, a film that has been analyzed endlessly and every third line could be an internet meme. So I'll just share some reasons why someone who doesn't particularly like sci-fi can still rate this film so highly. And it starts with the action sequences... it's amazing how much they pack into a two-hour timeframe.
Most film lovers already know the story. Princess Leia gets kidnapped by the Empire but manages to send her droids (C3PO and R2D2) out to a desert planet to find Obi-Wan Kenobi. They pick up Luke along the way, who helps them find the old man. This happens just in time as the population gets decimated by the StormTroopers. Now Luke has no home to return to. Meanwhile, Princess Leia is doing her best to buy time as a hostage while still refusing to cooperate with a very intimidating Darth Vader. The first hour sets the stage for the entire series and it is told very well.
Han is introduced as a pilot who can take the guys across the galaxy. He's a great pilot but not entirely trustworthy. Luke and Obi-Wan don't have much choice. After he takes them to their original destination, the ship ends up being captured and the droids are reunited with Leia. Then there's the escape and the rebel attack. If there's a slow moment in this film, I don't know where it is.
The characterizations are excellent. Luke is naive but talented, Leia is no damsel in distress, and Han is a mercenary who somehow manages to come off as likable. Han and Leia bicker constantly, while Luke is overwhelmed with his new circumstances. The contrast between the nasty-tempered Darth Vader and the calm Obi-Wan Kenobi is particularly fun to watch. The light-saber fight between the two seems tame now, but we can only imagine how exciting it looked at the time. Actually it's a bit disappointing how little screen time Vader has, especially compared to what followed.
Probably the most salient aspect of the movie is the dialogue. Clumsily written, even for the time, but it remains endearing. They weren't going for Shakespeare. The final few scenes are also over-the-top saccharine... the reunion and the all-smiles ceremony at the end. And they certainly don't set the tone for Empire. Was this supposed to be the end? I've heard arguments both ways. In any case, it leaves on a high note and escorts patrons out of the theaters with fantastic music. It is a complete experience from beginning to end.
Will another Star Wars ever come along? I don't think so. The film industry grew in leaps and bounds over the first 50 years of its existence. Films like Gone With the Wind (epic in scope) and Citizen Kane (revolutionary camera work) were possible because there was just so much to learn. Star Wars belongs in the discussion with its advancement in special effects and we have not looked back since. Today most progress is incremental - films look slightly better from year to year, new actors are discovered, more stories to be told... but another film that changes the whole industry seems unlikely. We should just be happy that lightning struck once.