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Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
First of a sci-fi phenomenon, #4 in the series.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness :
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Sexy stuff :
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
Parents need to know this 1977 movie comes in two versions: the original and the one released on DVD in 2004 that's augmented with more effects. Either one is a good introduction to the series for kids (the effects don't add much) if you decide to view them in the order they were made rather than the chronological order in which they're marketed now. Parents may notice something they didn't the first time around: The human cast isn't all that diverse. Most are white males, and the princess stands out as the only strong female character. One bar scene features "space" drinking, smoking, and shady characters, resulting in the loss of one character's limb and the shooting death of another. Two supporting characters are killed fairly early on and shown as ash-like figures; a main character dies later. There are plenty of laser blasts and swordplay with lightsabers, although this entry is the tamest of the series.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the characters' choices and motivations. Why does Luke decide to fight the Empire? Why does Han? Why does Han leave, and why does he come back? What background do the newer movies give this story? In 1977 the audience didn't have this background -- do you think they missed out? If you watched the updated version could you tell right away when a scene was added? Why do you think the director added to his work? Do you think it's the sign of a good director to let his or her art stand or to keep revisiting past work?
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Our Members Say
See all 26 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in Ohio- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
Great for Young Kids
I recently watched this with my 5-year-old son. He's really into the Star Wars franchise, and this movie made a huge impression on me when I saw it at age 7, so I was anxious for him to see it. He probably would have gotten a bit more out of it had he been older, but he did really enjoy it. He wasn't scared by anything in it nor freaked out by the cinematic violence, but the plot nuances might have been a bit over his head. I don't believe that the violence in this movie is worth worrying about for the suggested age group, since it is pretty abstract (e.g. while people do get shot & killed, it's never graphic or distressing.) All in all, a great movie that stimulates the young imagination to no end.
- Lives in New YorkI rate this title on for age 7 and give it
the light side of the force coming to save us from all men that are a sith\
jedi most be strong they do not have guns they have somthing stronger then something that can kill evil and save all planets by starting battles and fight the dark side something that can kill the rulers of the world it is the light side of the force it is better then the dark side
- Lives in CaliforniaI rate this title on for age 4 and give it
Trolls are entertaining, but people who actually believe them are more so.
A classic - I first saw it when I was four. It didn't hold my attention very well, and I don't think some younger children would be interested in it enough to watch the whole movie when sitting by themselves, though. Umm... people who rate this movie as being 'bad for children' are probably trolls. (Have you seen 6's review for Robocop? Hilarious.) One of my most sheltered friends saw this as a child and loved it, so if her parents let her watch it, it MUST be kid-friendly.
- Lives in California
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