Too each his own as they say. In remembering that 1978 was a long time ago in a Hollywood far far away there is a lot to be said for the then ground breaking effects.
But as the illustrious Mr Lucas said, "I make these films when the technology is good enough for me to make the film". I am paraphrasing here but the point is technology especially in this series counts for so much of the films content that it is the core of any criteria.

Technology makes for an enhancement to some movies but to this franchise it is integral. However there has to be more to any film than a wow look at me factor.

Story as we all know is king. Just look at Skycaptain and the world of tomorrow for lack of it. All bells and whistles but no engine room.

In dramatic terms, character development, plot and strong acting coupled with an excellent special effects in CGI I think that episode three shaves it.

The idea of free will and action versus consequence make a more dramatic plot line.
It is the dualism of Christianity so well encapsulated in this movie which is pitched to children and adults alike to remind us of our failings such as contempt, vanity, against the virtue of self denial, spiritualism and a path to learning that offer no short cuts leading to our own destruction is a powerful message delivered on many levels to all of us.

Star Wars of course is now much more than just a series of films. Games , cartoons, a TV series in the offing and of course the countless merchandising of this brand could lend one to easily be over critical of the movie. I hope that I have not been guilty of this in selecting my own top trump.

Learn more about this author, Peter Davies.
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