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Star Wars: A New Hope poster
Star Wars: A New Hope

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Star Wars may have partly displaced organized religion for its fans.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:30:48Read transcript
  • A correlation between declining organized religious engagement and Star Wars mythology is proposed as a provocative interpretation, not established causal research.
  • A childhood restriction on watching the film illustrates how its religious imagery could be viewed as competing belief; toys are compared with devotional objects.
Star Wars: A New Hope poster
Star Wars: A New Hope

Producer review

The producer recalls casual enjoyment and an intimidating depth of lore.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:34:37Read transcript
  • Only a few early viewings left him less attached, and expert gatekeeping can make a casual fan feel excluded.
  • Obsessive Star Wars talk can alienate others, like NHL fans challenging somebody who does not watch Oilers games or sports fans quizzing a stranger about the Niners quarterback.
Star Wars: A New Hope poster
Star Wars: A New Hope

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

A nearly perfect movie may also have damaged the movie business.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:37:22Read transcript
  • The film is argued to have shifted mainstream priorities from adult stories toward children and corporate franchise profits, despite its own excellence.
  • Others question whether expanding audiences, distribution and home video would have produced similar changes anyway.
  • The argument for expansion is that more movies get made and a six-year-old and thirty-six-year-old can be obsessed with the same thing; the effect on smaller films is debated.
Star Wars: A New Hope poster
Star Wars: A New Hope

Half-Assed Internet Research

The production combines rights gambles, technical invention and an unexpected hit.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:11Read transcript
  • Fox’s deal, Lucas retaining sequel/merchandise rights and the studio’s closed effects department are described as key circumstances leading to the film and ILM.
  • Dykstra, Mirren, Tippett and Johnston’s warehouse work, motion-camera development, animation and model photography are praised through the Light and Magic documentary.
  • The Falcon approaching the rebel planet and the detailed, fully focused opening destroyer still seem convincing; handmade models give ships physical credibility.
  • Limited marketing, valuable early merchandise, a May release strategy and a reported2.5-percent profit swap with Spielberg are recounted.
  • Lucas reportedly vacationed during the unexpected success and developed Raiders with Spielberg in Hawaii.
Star Wars: A New Hope poster
Star Wars: A New Hope

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Han Solo versus Indiana Jones as Ford’s greatest role.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:45Read transcript
  • Indiana Jones is considered more iconic or enduring by several speakers, while others identify Ford most strongly with Han’s charm and freedom to play.
  • The likely obituary emphasis is imagined as Indiana Jones, while Han remains personally central to this film.
Someone to Watch Over Me poster
Someone to Watch Over Me

Most Rewatchable Scene

Opening, cop party, apartment and high-society outing are nominated.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:31:21Read transcript
  • The opening credits and Sting’s then-high singing range are praised.
  • The extended cop party establishes the promotion and a warm, teasing social world.
  • Getting lost in Claire’s apartment and her manner of handling the intrusion are memorable.
  • Tie shopping, wealthy friends fishing for information, the Guggenheim setting and chase are a favorite sequence.
  • Ellie learning about the tie and the last-day drink are nominated; the lovers’ connection is understood as present-tense escape rather than shared life histories.
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