New Acquisition: THX 1138 (1971)

 

Star Wars (1977)

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

After three years of fighting in the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker concludes his journey towards the Dark Side of the Force, putting his friendship with Obi Wan Kenobi and his marriage at risk.

The birth of Darth Vader concludes the trilogy as a bombastic interstellar opera.

On renewed viewing I still think that Anakin Skywalker's metamorphosis to Darth Vader a bit unconvincing; much of the fun comes from the supporting characters and diverse aliens.

Maltin***: "Long, uneven, but meticulously crafted entry...has some of the same faults as its immediate predecessors, but delivers an emotional wallop as it brings the prequel trilogy" to a conclusion. Yoda dominates every scene he is in - and gives the best performance in the film!"

Return of the Jedi (1983)

After a daring mission to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the rebels dispatch to Endor to destroy a more powerful Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke struggles to help Vader back from the dark side without falling into the Emperor's trap.

Entertaining conclusion of the Star Wars trilogy is more of the same (exciting action, some humour, great special effects, simple story).

Halliwell*: "More expensive fantasy for the world's children of all ages, especially the undemanding ones."

Maltin***1/2: "Third installment in the STARS WARS saga is a sheer delight...Some routine performances are compensated for by ingenious new characters and Oscar-winning special effects. More sentimental and episodic than its predecessors, but carried out in the best tradition of Saturday matinee serials, from which it draws its inspiration."

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

After the rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader.

Second installation of the series has all the production quality one expects, but despite all innovative specials effects this remains an old-fashioned sci-fi swashbuckler, still as dated as on the day it was released.

On rewatching:  maybe a bit more entertaining than the first part, since it has more hrills - and humour.

Halliwell***: "More exhilarating interplanetary adventures, as mindless as Star Wars but just as enjoyable for aficionados."

Maltin***: "Smashing sequel to STAR WARS manages to top the original in its embellishment of leading characters' personalities, truly dazzling special effects...and nonstop spirit of adventure and excitement."

Star Wars (1977)

Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.

The legendary very first movie of the Star Wars series has always been a silly, but quite effective space opera.

On re-watching: Entertaining sci-fi epic that offered spectacular special effects for its time successfully recreates the excitement and fun of the early space opera serials - and on the same intellectual level.

Halliwell****: "Flash Gordon rides again, but with timing so impeccably right that the movie became a phenomenon and one of the top grossers of all time. Good harmless fun, put together with style and imagination."

Maltin***1/2: "Elaborate, imaginative update of Flash Gordon...It's a hip homage to B-movie ethics and heroism in the space age..."

New acquisition: Stars Wars Trilogy

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

A skirmish in Shanghai puts archaeologist Indiana Jones, his partner Short Round and singer Willie Scott crossing paths with an Indian village desperate to reclaim a rock stolen by a secret cult beneath the catacombs of an ancient palace.

The second installment in the series manages to keep up the high standards set by the first movie; this time around with a more focused plot and comedy, but still as thrilling.

Halliwell**: "Slow-starting adventure romp with much ingenuity and too much brutality and horror. In the US it caused the creation of a new censor certificate: PG (13)."

Maltin**: "Headache-inducing prequel to RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK...has a weaker story and wimpier heroine. Re-creates (and outdoes) a bunch of great cliffhanger stunts, but never gives us a chance to breathe...and tries to top the snake scene in RAIDERS by coming up with a variety of new "gross-out" gags."

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis.

Highly successful homage and rejuvenation of the old-fashioned adventure movie genre, complete with all its antics (and a silly story), but upping the ante concerning speed, wit, and professional handling in all departments.

Halliwell***: "Commercially very successful, this attempted wrap-up of the Saturday morning serials of two generations ago spends a great deal of money and expertise on frightening rather than exciting us. Second time round, one can better enjoy the ingenious detail of the hero's exploits; still, there are boring bits in between, and the story doesn't make a lot of sense."

Maltin****: "A roller-coaster ride of a movie, rekindling the spirit of  Saturday matinee serials but outdoing them for genuine thrills and chills...Perhaps a bit too much at times, but why carp?"

Steven Spielberg & George Lucas