Approaching the debut of a new film, now’s a good time to look about at how George Lucas’ creation has shaped movies—and more.

What science-fiction films were like in the year before the Force first awakened.

It’s insular, inaccessible, and takes itself way more seriously than it deserves.

How much are you really willing to spend?

In memory, everything is fine.

Finally, a female character who isn’t living up to a lofty moral code.