It has been called a "fantasy," a combination of an Abbot and Costello comedy and a Romeo and Juliet story, a movie for children, "the best picture of the year," "superb," a movie for everyone, a "fairytale" and much more.
Crowds have to be turned away in every city it has played in. Many say that they will see it two or three times.
So far it has made more money in its first week than any other movie in history, including "Jaws."
The movie is "Star Wars," and the stock in 20th Century Fox had soared in value since the picture has been released.
"It was like a sleeper," says the manager of Briarwood Movies, Steve Klyun where "Star Wars" made its debut last night. "It wasn't expected to do real well."
"Star Wars" is a movie that appeals to everyone from your ten-year old daughter to your eighty-year old next door neighbor.
Both science fiction fans and the people who hate the stuff swear by the movie.
At Briarwood, people could only buy their tickets a half hour before show time to avoid the long lines. Many had to be turned away, or get tickets for a later showing.
"We saw the commercials on TV and knew it would be great," says "ex trekkie" Randy Foley. "People I know went all the way to Southfield to see it," he says.
Another waiting in line, Doug Clinksrales, said he heard so much about it and could hardly wait to see the movie. "I'm filled," he explained.
"Star Wars" is a movie about good and evil, and it doesn't leave you in doubt about who the good guys are. They naturally wear white and the evil ones wear black.
The plot is simple enough. The heroes must rescue the Princess and save the universe from Lord Darth Vader and his evil cohorts. The hero is a cross between Flash Gordon and Prince Valiant and the Princess departs from the traditional princess role by doing battle herself instead of screaming in despair.
The movie is a fantasy, and creatures of every shape, color, size and origin imaginable appear, some speaking with accents, some just grunting or bleeping.
Throughout the movie, the audience clapped, cheered and hissed and when the heroes got into a tight situation, the audience was pulling for them, at the edge of their seats in anticipation.
"It was fun, it was delightful," responded Edie Williams about "Star Wars." "We will have to bring our five-year old daughter," she said.
Another viewer, Cindy Briggs, who was wearing a "Star Wars" tee shirt, responded, "It was really good. Every scene was something new." About its universal appeal, she said, "You can be relaxed and entertained. They have conquered the world."