Hmm.. ever wonder what is so alluring about the star wars films?
Quite a bit, actually. I think they are part of the American psyche, and part of the mythology of the modern age.
Joseph Campbell did a lot of research on heroes and mythology, and used to say how Star Wars was a very modern retelling of the typical "heroes journey". You have all the classic elements of tales like The Odyssey and the Adventures of Hercules and other epics in this series: You have a young, initially reluctant, hero (Luke), taking off to seek the truth and exact revenge for the murder of his family. He is guided by a mentor, who teaches him things he needs to know. He is aided by others who apparently are fated to join in with him. During the course of the quest, all involved grow and gain something, and change somehow. In the end, the battle between good and evil takes place. Ultimately, as well, the battle between father and son happens.....and there is reunion of the two and the father renounces his sins and comes back to the good side (and is redeemed).
Man. Classical elements everywhere. I think that is part of the appeal--aside from all the special effects and other eye candy, it all boils down to the story. How many of us haven't wished at least once that we were actually the son or daughter of someone powerful, or that we were heir to a great legacy? And who doesn't like to see the underdog "grow up" to be something powerful that kicks a** in the name of the good and the right?
Sorry, didn't mean to be long-winded, but I think that is the chord that is struck with this movie series: It's a modern mythology, giving us heroes and villains that are more pertinent to modern times. We don't think of Jason and the Argonauts as "cool" much anymore, but we *do* like our Obi-Wan and the Jedi Council, no?
Peace--