There are some stories in this world that are kind of hard to believe. Take the Star Wars franchise for instance. No matter the fact if you love it or hate it, I think nobody can deny the fact that it’s incredibly popular and makes a ton of money. But did you know that director George Lucas had an incredibly hard time to even get a funding for the first movie in that galaxy far, far away? After writing a 13 page treatment for it, he went from studio to studio, but pretty much no one believed that this was a movie that would attract an audience. After getting declined numerous times, Lucas finally got a green light from 20th Century Fox. But he only got a very small budget with which to make the movie. After many hardships during filming, including suffering a near heart attack, Lucas managed to complete his film. When the movie was finally released in 1977 it blew everything that had come before it completely away and became a huge success. It never fails to make me smile when I think about this story, as it is proof that pretty much everything is possible as long as you keep believing in it.
Now 40 years later, Star Wars is still going strong with no end in sight. This week the eagerly awaited eight installment of the franchise will be released. I have already got my tickets, although I still have to wait a few days, as I will be seeing it on saturday morning. Which means that I have got to avoid social media the upcoming days in order to not come across spoilers. It’s only fitting to conclude my Countdown to the Last Jedi feature with the movie that started it all, Episode IV, A New Hope. Probably most of you know the story of this film by heart, but for the few unlucky souls that have never seen this one, let me break it down for you. In a galaxy far, far away an evil Empire has grown that holds everyone in an iron grip. With the creation of a new weapon, a planet killer called the Death Star, it seems the Empire is ready to snuff out the final rays of light. But there is always hope. A rebellion has grown that has managed to steal the technical plans of this new terrorweapon. The plans are currently in possession of Princess Leia, who is racing home to try and find a weakness in the Death Star. But the Empire’s brutal enforcer Darth Vader is in hot pursuit with the sole purpose of extinquishing the rebellion once and for all….
I was one year old when this movie came out, so I never saw it in the theatres when it was released. I of course did see it at a later age, when the special editions came out and the movies were brought back to the cinema. But the experience could never rival what movie audiences at that time must have felt. These days we are not easily surprised anymore by special effects. But imagine the reaction people must have had when that Star Destroyer came into view for the first time in 1977. Movies that featured that level of special effects were completely unheard of at that time. And in that way it pretty much changed the movie industry overnight. Rival companies were trying to play catch up and released science fiction movies that tried to copy what Star Wars did. With a few exceptions, most of these attempts failed. So what exactly made this movie so special, and why has it captured the hearts and minds of so many people?
Yes, the special effects were mind boggling, and even though they are now showing their age, they still hold up very well even today. But for me it’s the story and the characters that form the main reason why I love this movie so very much. It’s the ultimate epic tale of good versus evil. Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, and of course the classic actor Alec Guinness as Obi Wan Kenobi, all of them did such an amazing job in creating wonderful and heartwarming characters. When you look at this movie now, it’s amazing how young they all look. I don’t know if this makes me old or something, but it’s just incredible when you realise that time seriously is flying by faster than the Millenium Falcon on lightspeed. But let’s not get off track here. For another reason this movie is so memorable is it’s main villain: Darth Vader. The first time he enters the screen you can’t help but feel intimidated. He is the very personification of evil, and it oozes out from him in every way. For me he simply is the best villain in movie history.
When it comes to Star Wars it is really hard to stay objective. I have been a fan of this franchise ever since I saw that memorable opening crawl on my television screen for the first time. It is also hard to believe that after 40 years we will again see Mark Hamill reprise his role for which he has been famous all his life. No one yet knows what is in store for Luke, but I will be awaiting with anticipation that is bigger than a Womp Rat, I can tell you that. For those of you that have not seen this first film I can only say that I envy you. To experience a movie like this for the first time is something truly amazing. And yes, in case you were wondering this really is the movie you should start with first. I know it’s called Episode IV, but this was the very first installment. (Even though Episodes I-III were released much later, but that is a story for another time). A New Hope is an amazing piece of cinema, and a movie that you simply must see at least once in your life. And so we have reached the end of this feature. I leave you with the original trailer for the movie, and for those of you that are going to the cinema the coming days to see Episode VIII: May the Force be with you!
I give Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope a 10 out of 10 score.
I think this just might be my favorite posts of yours Michel! I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this but I lost my best friend, my dad, when I was 16. And one of my fondest memories I still hold on to is going to see this with him opening night. I was 12 years old and we were both so excited to see this. My mother and older sister had no interest, so it was just the two of us. And what an incredible night it was. Star Wars more than lived up to,our high expectations. It is indeed the ultimate battle between good and evil, and I believe it’s this theme that has attracted so many millions of fans. It’s the same thing with the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Harry Potter. I didn’t have the happiest of childhoods thanks to my abusive mother, but that night was a rare shining moment. Thank you for reminding me!🤗
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This really has been a day on WordPress that has left me speechless for quite a few times now. First Dani has some beautiful but also heartbreaking comments, and now you place a comment that also really manages to put a tear in my eye. Thanks for sharing such a personal story on my post. It really means a lot. I’m sorry to hear about your not so happy childhood. One of the things that I am truly blessed with are two amazing parents. So on that front it really has been wonderful. But reading this it also reminds me how truly glad I should be because of that.
I’m happy that this post managed to remind you of such a wonderful moment: I’m not lying here, it really puts a smile on my face 😊 It’s one of the best things that only truly amazing films are able to achieve: managing to make you forget everything for a few hours. Thanks again for this truly amazing comment: as Dani would say: you Rock 😊
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I’m so glad you have such wonderful parents Michel. And my childhood could have been worse. I had an amazing dad for 16 years. And it was because of my childhood that I fell in love with books and had a wonderful 26 year career as a children’s librarian. You could even say it’s why I started my blog after becoming disabled.
But, back to this wonderful post of yours. I have the first three Star Wars movies on DVD, and you’ve made !e so nostalgic I think I’ll be watching them this weekend.😊
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I’m glad that you have been able to find such a wonderful hobby in books. It really helps to have something that can transport you away at times, and is able to make you forget things. At least for a while. A 26 year career ad a children’s librarian? Wow, that really is amazing. I said it over on Dani’s blog, it’s been quite a while since I last visited a library, because these day I buy the books that I want to read. But it was always nice to have a weekly visit there 😊
I’m so glad that you liked this post so much. Thank you for the incredibly kind words: it means a lot. Have fun (re) watching the movies 😊
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Awww… I just read your comment after reading Kim’s and I’m all teary eyed. You guys really do ROCK!🙌🎸✌😎 Sending lots of hugs!💖💜💝💙💖
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Thank you, this week I have been crying a lot on WordPress (yes I know I am a man, but I don’t care to admit that I cry about things like this 😊😊). And never forget that you really ROCK just as much Dani. You are truly without a doubt one of the kindest people that I have ever met in my life 😊😊
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Awww…💖💖💖💖 What does being a male have anything to do with it??? Gender has nothing to do with you expressing your feelings and if anyone says different, they are ignorant.😘
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Haha, true enough: I never care about that either. If I want to cry, I cry…and I have been doing that way too often lately 😢 But it isn’t always bad to cry, sometimes the cause of this can also be something very beautiful 😊
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I agree Michel!!! Crying cane be a very liberated and healthy thing!😊
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I agree Kim about this being my favorite post!😍 You are such an inspiration and you have been through so much! I’m so glad that you have that happy moment to shine on! I’m so sorry about your dad.😭 I know how difficult that must have been and then having to deal with your mother. Thanks for sharing your experience on Michel’s page. This just makes me look up to you more. You have been through so much yet you are so amazing! Keep on shining Kim!😍
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I could not have said it any better Dani. I was pretty much at a loss for words when Inreas her comment. It was so heartbreaking, brave, but very beautiful all at the same time. Kim truly is an incredibly inspiration. And like you I’m just glad I met her 😊😊
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I couldn’t agree more Michel! Just beautiful, heartbreaking and courageous! She is the bee’s knees for sure!😘
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😊
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I loved this post. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Pure escapism and fun are what I most associate with Star Wars. They are unbeatable on that score and transporting us to another time and place. Ace work that you should be proud of.
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Thank so much. I really had fun writing this post. When it comes to Star Wars my enthusiasm always gets the better of me lol. But you describe it beautifully that really are a few of the biggest reasons why Star Wars appeals to so many people. Thanks for the very high praise 😊😊
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Oh the praise is all deserved. And never apologise for being enthusiastic, it’s what makes you cool. You’re an amazing writer.
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Thank you again, it is really kind of you to say 😊
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All the truth.
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There’s something truly special about the original Star Wars film and I know it was one video that my sister and I wore out with the number of times we rewatched it. It was great reading your review as you really capture the love so many of us have for this film.
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I still have the original videotape. I of course can’t play it anymore because I don’t have a working videorecorder anymore, but even if I did it probably would not be working anymore because of the amount of times that I saw it 😂 It really is a very special film, and it will always be so. Thans so much for these kind words, it really means a lot 😀
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Reblogged this on By Hook Or By Book and commented:
Any Star Wars fans have to read this wonderful nostalgic look at a cinematic masterpiece. Thank you Michel for reminding me why I love this so much!
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Aww man, this is such a kind thing to do 😊😊 Seriously I’m becoming more shy here by the minute. Thanks so much for the reblog, this really is seriously amazing 😀😀
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This is such a wonderful post, I was hoping you didn’t mind if I shared it Michel. I’m sorry I didn’t ask you first. I usually do.
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You are kidding right? Seriously it was an honor to be featured on your blog. When I woke up this morning and saw it, I really could not believe it. It was such an incredibly kind thing to do. So really, no need to say sorry at all. I did not mind it at all, and it has really made my day: so really thank you so much for this 😊
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Yay!😙
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Wow that’s a really inspiring story for the making of star wars- I didn’t know any of that! It is really amazing how the special effects still stand up today- but yeah that’s not what makes it special- I so agree: it’s the characters, the good vs evil plot and yeah, it’s Darth Vader! (he’s definitely the best movie villain for me too) Awesome review! Hope you enjoy the new movie when you see it and may the force be with you 😉
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Thank you very much for these kind words, I really appreciate them😊 George Lucas seriously created a wonderful movie franchise, and even though he got a lot of hate for the prequels and the things he changed in the original, people tend to forget that without him there would have been no Star Wars. But yeah, so true it really is a very inspiring story and an amazing one at that. Just imagine if Fox had also said no: we moght not have even had a Star Wars movie in the first place. Thanks again for your wonderful comment 😊
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You’re very welcome 😀 I totally agree with you there- I’m not personally a fan of the prequels (not even a little bit lol) but I really respect what he did here and you’re right- without him it wouldn’t exist! Ah that’d be crazy! You’re welcome again 🙂
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I was not 1 in 1977, I was 25, and already married. I went to see this at the cinema, as it arrived in a whirlwind of hype. Darth Vader was by far the best thing about it, I thought back then.
You may be aware that it was inspired by a much earlier film, Kurosawa’s wonderful ‘ The Hidden Fortress’, from 1958. If not, I recommend watching it, and you will see the connection. Here’s a link.
http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20160104-the-film-star-wars-stole-from
Best wishes, Pete.
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I am a huge Asian cinema fan, and I definitely was aware of this story. Lucas has always said that Kurosawa was a really great inspiration for him, and that’s really awesome. Kurosawa was a truly amazing director that has made some classic pieces of cinema.
I really wish I could travel back in time to experience the film back in those days. Thanks so much for your wonderful comment 😀
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I wasn’t even nearly born when this film came out. Yes I agree with you that the special effects were not perfect but it certainly spectacular at that age. To think they’ve already come up with such technologies is just awesome. Even the story was just amazing. Darth Vader is really the best villain of all time. The first time I saw him, I already like him and I rarely like villains. I would miss Carrie Fisher very much. Even the thought of seeing her for the last time in The Last Jedi later would make me choke. She’s really an amazing actress. Anyway, great review, Michel! Can I call you Michel? I think I’ve never mentioned your name before. I’ve always enjoy reading your reviews! May the Force be with you ☺️
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Of course you can call me Michel, really not a problem at all😊 It really is very sad that Carrie has passed away. It will make the scenes in The Last Jedi with her only more meaningful, but at the same time very sad as well. The special effects for this film were unheard of in 1977. It was one of the main reasons the film made such an impact back in those days.
I always enjoy reading your reviews as well. I have been following your blog pretty much from the beginning when I started blogging, and it really has been a joy to read it. Thanks very much for the kind words and your wonderful comment 😀
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Me too! I always enjoy reading your reviews too. And you’ve been so kind so to me. Looking forward for your other reviews 😊
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Your review is spot on! That movie will always be special, and is definitely the one new viewers should see first.
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Thank you so much! It will always be a very special movie for me, no matter how many times that I have seen it. It never fails to bring a smile on my face. Thank you again for the kind words and your comment 😀
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Hope you enjoy the Saturday screening. Star Wars is truly and excellent film and Vader is one of the best movie villains of all time. It’s hard to believe how a franchise that struggled with funding in the early days is so profitable now.
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I hope so too. With movies one always has to wait and see, especially a movie like this that has been hyped to the max of course. But I don’t know, it will simply be amazing to see Mark Hamill in action again. That alone is worth seeing it for 😊
But yeah it really is amazingly hard to believe that this franchise really had trouble getting funded. But as I mentioned that really is truly a very inspiring story. And nothing can beat Vader, that’s for sure😊
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Movies like this one change people, culture, industries, the world…
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So true, could not agree with you more 😊
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Thanks again for the pingback: appreciate it 😊
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Great review! We probably won’t be seeing the new one this weekend since it gets pretty crazy lol! But I am going to go see The Shape of Water!
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Thank you very much. Yeah I expect it to become pretty crazy alright, that’s for sure. But I’m really looking forward to it nonetheless 😊 Ooh, the Shape of Water really looks very cool. Hope you are going to enjoy it: have fun 😀
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I fell off the Star Wars wagon long ago as I think we’ve discussed before, but I still have a great deal of respect and fond memories for the original trilogy. At least one of the three was pretty much always on television around Christmas time, so in the ’80s and early ’90s it was always very much a “family” thing to do to gather round and watch Star Wars.
I also have some fond memories of some of the earlier Star Wars games, particularly X-Wing and TIE Fighter on PC. Fantastic games, and proper space sims are a genre we don’t see a lot of any more!
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Yeah, I’m both feel excitement but also a bit of anxiety to what the new film is going to bring. I’m really hoping it to be good, but there is always that chance for it to really be a disappointment. Whatever it will turn out, I agree that it will never come even close to the classic trilogy, that is simply a written fact.
I also love the clasic games. One of my favorites was the first person shooter Dark Forces. Truly a great game with a great storyline as well 😊
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Oh, Dark Forces was superb! Absolutely loved that game. Great music, fun levels and a really interesting story. I love first person shooters from that era; a time before they all wanted to be Michael Bay movies!
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Haha: yeah that is so true. Dark Forces reminded me a lot of Doom…just plain fun, without really having to think hard about stuff. And the fact thst it was situated of course in the Star Wars universe made it even better 😊
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Absolutely love your enthusiasm for Star Wars, and I share it! A New Hope is one the greatest movies of all time. Like you said, it’s the story and characters that created such a rich and memorable experience that is truly unique.
I didn’t see the originals in theaters either, but when I discovered these movies as a kid I fell in love with them and was completely obsessed. So many wonderful memories thanks to this great franchise 🙂
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Thank you 😊
Yeah I don’t know how many times I have seen New Hope, but it would not surprises me if it is about 40 or 50 times. I remember that I saw it as a kid on videotape (we rented it, and I immediately watched it a second time after it finished). It really is an alltime classic that will probably never get old. Not even in another 40 years from now.
Whatever the new movie will bring, I know it will never come close to these classics, but I’m still hoping to have an enjoyable experience with it 😊
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Spectacular post from a big fan right there !! I think you perfectly sum up what thrives us to always come back to this big franchise and how it survives so many years ❤️ This is one dedicated post !!
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Aww, thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it😀😀 Yes, I have been a Star Wars fan for pretty much all my life. I’m really excited to see the new movie (I just hope it won’t disappoint 😂).
Thank you again for your great comment and the kind words 😊😊
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This has to be my favorite post of yours Michel! Not only is it because it is written by my amazing cyber crush, i’s because of Kim’s comment and your enthusiasm over Star Wars!😍 It makes me even more over the moon about you that you love Star Wars so much! I absolutely adore this movie and the rest!!! Your review was absolutely fantastic and reminded me of why I love Star Wars so much. Of course I already knew a lot about the stuff with George Lucas because I am a fanatic but hearing it all from you made me happy dance!💃💃💃I had a rough day and you always know how to make it brighter!😍
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Like you, I always notice it when something might be wrong, and I already had a bit of feeling that you might have had a bit of a rough time. I really am sorry to hear that. If you want to talk about it, you know where to find me 😊 Never worry about bothering me or something like that, because really you don’t 😊
Thank you again for these amazingly kind words. This post has really been generating a lot of positive feedback, and I am so happy about that. I really do love Star Wars, it’s a terrific franchise that has been a part of me for a very long time. And it probably will for the rest of my life. Kim’s comment was equally amazing, and it seriously did bring a tear to my eyes.
Thanks again for your incredibly kind words, and please take good care of yourself and feel better 😊😊
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Aww thanks so much sweetheart!😍 Honestly, I don’t remember where I wrote down your email so when you get a chance go to my page and on the top just shoot me one!😊 Well it’s daniellepirok88@gmail.com if its easier just to write it down somewhere but I am such a mess it will be easier if you email me then I save it from there if that’s okay with you but all is good either way. It’s almost 4am here and I’m on WordPress rambling on. Lol 😂 Your words made my night. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness!😍
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Haha, as I have said so countless times: you never ramble, not at all..so really no worries: ever 😊I will sent you on a email after I am done with answering all the comments for today. As my email adress also contains my last name abd it’s Dutch, it’s quite difficult to remember anyway. And of course you are welcome 😊 You are simply way too kind yourself, just so you know 😊😍😊
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I got your email!😍💖
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I got yours as well, will reply to it a little bit later this morning (yes it’s morning again over here 😂😂).
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It’s technically morning here! 2:30 in the morning. Lol.
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Lol, that is really early in the morning, but you are right, it is morning 😂😂
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Yay I win!🙌
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Lol, congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉
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Fantastic, faaaaantastic review, Michel. Loved the intro that contextualized the franchise. It is honestly crazy how it all began. I actually haven’t seen any Star Wars till last year when I thought it would be a nice time to finally go through every movie in their release order. I’m not a die-hard fan of the series as I still find some of the movies a bit too wack… and some of the acting quite bad, but I still love the franchise for what it brought to the movie industry and all its scifi glory. I’m gonna watch the Last Jedi tonight too! I hear Disney has plans on to make a Disney movie every year for years to come or something too hahah I don’t think this is a franchise that will ever die, but hopefully the quality will only get better! Thank you for sharing this, sir. 😉
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Aww man, seriously thank you so very much for your kindness and your awesome comment. It really means a lot 😊
I can definitely understand not liking everything about Star Wars. Even though I am a diehard fan, there are also things I really don’t like (Jar Jar being one of them lol 😂😂).
That said: Disney is now going to release a trilogy movie every other year. And a standalone movie (like Rogue one) on the other years. Next year we are going to have a movie about the young Han Solo which quite honestly I care very little for, as there is only one Han Solo for me and that is Harrison Ford. But who knows maybe we will be pleasantly surprised. I really am soo looking forward to the Last Jedi. Just a couple of more hours and then I’m finally off to the theatre! I hope you will enjoy the movie, have fun, and thanks again for your awesome comment 😊
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Glob I love this movie 🙂
Excellent review. All your facts about this film, were so interesting. I didn’t know half of them.
Hope you enjoyed the new film 😀
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Thank you so very much for the kind words as always. Yeah it really is a story thst is quite amazing if I am being honest. Star Wars almost would not have even existed, which is strange if you think about it.
As for the new film, you can expect an entirely different review for that one: I absolutely hated it. In fact it might be turn out to be one of the most negatively written reviews that I have ever done since starting my blog.
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You’re welcome 😀
Now that I think about it, it would be very strange. Imagine, all those little funny moments, where other shows and movies make references to Star Wars, would exist either. 🙂
Sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy the new film, as much as this one. Looking forward to reading your thoughts on it, though. 😀
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Yeah, I’m really sorry too. For something that I have been looking forward to for so long now to be such a let down is really quite depressing. Well, my post for it has become the first rant in the history of my blog unfortunately, but I guess there is a first time for everything 😉
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nice
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Thank you very much 😊
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You are welcome…:-)
and you can visit my blog too…;-),
inspiringdude.wordpress.com if you find something intrusting then Don’t Forget to follow my Blog…:-)
Keep in touch…:-)
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Great Post, Michel!
During th 70s, th New Wave of film-making brought not only a new realism to movies, but a more brutal style.
Star Wars came at th right time, offering th chance to ESCAPE from all that – its magic, and sense of wonder, revived th traditional ways of onscreen storytelling, and it’s these qualities that have ensured its everlasting appeal.
Amazed that Mark Hamill is OLDER now in Th Last Jedi than Alec Guinness was in A New Hope! (Possibly th only amazing aspect of this “new film.”)
Many thanks for this – can always make time for nostalgia
Here is my take:
The Force Will Be With You
Always
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Wait…there was an amazing aspect in the new film? I totally missed it, guess I will have to rewatch it lol 😂
All jokes aside, Mark Hamill still gave a great performance in The Last Jedi, even though I hated what he had become.
A new hope though will always have a special place in my heart for introducing me to a galaxy far far away, and that I will always keep loving no matter what 😀
Thanks for this great comment and the kind words, appreciate it 😊
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Good to know that The Last Wotsit hasn’t spoilt your affection for th original classic
Th problem is that we get A Luke S, not THE Luke S.
Glad u appreciate th kind words – plenty more to come!
Cheers!
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It’s weird to think of a time when the people involved with making a Star Wars film weren’t counting on it to be a major deal. In fact, going into the film, I believe Alec Guinness’s was the sole recognizable name.
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Yeah so true. I remember reading a story where George Lucas and Steven Spielberg were crossing the streets and seeing this huge line in front of the theatre. They didn’t realise it was for Star Wars 😀
I think the other recognisable name might have been Peter Cushing, but that’s about it really.
That’s why I just really think it’s an amazing thing for a movie to have grown like this 😊
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The Star Wars film I’ve seen more than any other.
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Strangely enough, mine too. Why strangely enough, because as much as I love this film, it’s certainly not my all time favorite Star Wars movie. But…for a long time it was the only one that I had access to , so that’s why I have seen it so many times 😊
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