Five Star Film Reviews: ‘Star Wars’

This is the first in my new series on “Five Star Films” of all-time. I’m a self-confessed “hard critic” and have taken some heat over the years for not handing out “5 star reviews.”

So, first off, everything is subjective. I believe there are great films, award-winning films and ground breaking films which I would NEVER honor with 5 stars because I wouldn’t or won’t watch them again.

A “5 star film” for me is one that I truly enjoy watching over and over. That said, no film has had greater influence on my life and qualify as a “5 Star film” as Star Wars.

Award-winning, groundbreaking, revolutionary… all of that can be said, but if we could count that number of times I’ve watched this film – well, nevermind.

Sadly, the other films of the franchise falter greatly.

While I’ll confess that Empire Strikes Back is the ‘Best’ film of the series, I seldom watch it again because Luke’s training is so tedious and the film became more filler than entertainment once Vader’s secret has been revealed.

In fact, I watch Return of the Jedi more than any other film in the series, but I could never give the flick more than 4 stars.

1977 was a remarkable year thanks to Star Wars and the phenomenon that swept the country. From action figures to TV appearances to more toys and beyond – each time I watch A New Hope, I feel swept back to that experience.

I remember even watching the Oscars to see if Star Wars would win…”What’s Annie Hall?” I asked my mom. (10 nominations, 7 wins – no bad I think)

Call it luck or genious, I don’t really care. Star Wars was and is amazing and deserves to be the first honoree into my “Five Star Film” club.