Above: Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz), deep in thought in "The Empire Strikes Back"
Three entities lured me into
the world of movies—Charlie Chaplin, Spider-Man, and “Star Wars.” It’s true.
Mr. Chaplin’s films made me contemplate directing my own; Sam Raimi’s
Spidey pictures inflamed my love of writing reviews; and from the beginning,
“Star Wars,” that punchy space odyssey, thrilled, provoked, and even disturbed
me.
I’ve been a diehard fan ever since I saw the first film
(and no, you will never hear me call it “A New Hope”). And lately, I’ve been rereading the Star Wars Insider’s list of the first
trilogy’s greatest moments. They’re all
on there—Han getting frozen in Carbonite; Luke destroying the Death Star; and
of course, Darth Vader’s unforgettable revelation.
All fine moments.
But I have my own favorites, some of which are on the Insider’s list, some of which
aren’t. So here they are, just to get
the conversation started. These are my
favorite “Star Wars” moments. What are
yours?
“Star
Wars” (George Lucas, 1977)
Luke watches the Twin Suns set
Han asks Luke to leave the
Rebels
At the Battle of Yavin—Ben
says, “Use the Force”/Han returns/Luke destroys the Death Star
“The
Empire Strikes Back” (Irvin Kershner, 1980)
Luke meets Yoda
Luke’s vision in the cave
Yoda makes Luke’s X-wing fly
Luke leaves Dagobah
Han is frozen in Carbonite
Luke duels Darth Vader
“Return
of the Jedi” (Richard Marquand, 1983)
The battle at the Great Pit of
Carkoon
The death of Yoda
Vader and Luke reunite aboard
the AT-AT
Luke (almost) murders Vader
Vader kills the Emperor
The unmasking of Vader
Luke burns Vader’s armor
The celebration on Endor
Good list, here are some of mine:
ReplyDelete"Star Wars": Opening shot (Star Destroyer crawling across the screen)
Encounter with the Sand People
Luke receives his lightsaber
Arrival at Mos Eisely
"Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope."
Destruction of Alderaan
Han and Greedo in the Cantina
Han doubts the Force
The Millenium Falcon being pulled into the Death Star
Detention Level/Garbage Disposal scenes
Obi-Wan's duel with Vader and death
"Empire ": Luke, the Wampa's cave, and the vision of Obi-Wan
The Rebels find Luke and Han ("We've found them. I repeat, we've
found them!")
The Reveal of the AT-ATs
Vader talks to the Emperor
Lando is revealed to be a traitor (Vader in the dining room)
"Jedi": Opening scene ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am")
"Because he's holding a thermal detonator (C-3PO, Jabba's palace)!"
Leia unfreezes Han
Luke pitted against the Rancor
Destruction of the second Death Star