So, what's this episode got in store for us? The helpful opening credits set the scene for a post-Vader et al. generation. You know how Luke Skywalker was the chosen one to bring balance to the force and peace to all and stuff? It didn't quite go that smoothly some 30 years later, and The Force Awakens becomes a long-winded but very epic game of Hide and Seek. New characters Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger, and Finn (John Boyega), a runaway Stormtrooper, are brought together in a series of Star Wars-esque circumstances; simultaneously, The First Order has risen from the formerly fallen Galactic Empire. See - no matter what you do, the bad guys always come back. This time, the mysterious Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his strange double lightsaber is definitely one of the bad guys. His conflicted being and secretive backstory make for compelling, shivering viewing. Throw returning Han Solo and Princess Leia/General Organa into the mix, with a cute new droid BB-8, and you know you are undeniably witnessing Star Wars magic.
Although the overall storyline is actually pretty simple - and somewhat formulaic - there is a lot to keep you occupied. The Millennium Falcon provides some nostalgic, edge-of-your-seat moments, the special effects particularly in Space are breathtaking, and there is enough to keep you guessing throughout until certain answers are timed and unveiled. From every detail, Abrams does not deviate wildly from the original - the importance of the bloodline, cheesy effect transitions, desert locations and crazy creatures, the dynamics of the score thanks to returning genius John Williams, the Obi-Wan voice, the credits font, even the sketch-style poster. Every detail has been carefully thought and deliberated over, and original Star Wars fans needn't worry.
Newcomer Daisy Ridley, who didn't even have a Wikipedia page when I first heard of the casting way back, is a force to be reckoned with. Female film power is so much so that you don't even think 'oh wow, she's doing all this and she's a girl' whilst watching. Brave and bold with the right amount of grit, able to convince with emotion, and very likeable, you find yourself rooting for Rey right from the word go. Alas, the Internet is now swirling with rumours about who she actually is, but I'll save that for another day I think. Her history is 'classified', so you can expect a full enlightening at some later point. John Boyega's portrayal was slightly less convincing for me - and I'm blaming that on the Londoner's American accent. I like him very much from Attack the Block so I am willing to give his character the benefit of doubt until his storyline and purpose is fleshed out properly. Other characters worth mentioning include Maz Kanata, a surprising role for Lupita Nyong'o since you can't even tell it's her, Domhnall Gleeson (who I last watched in the adorable About Time) who plays a slightly scary and ruthless General Hux, and Oscar Isaac's highly charming pilot Poe. They have done very well with the new casting and updated heroes, plus it's so nice to see such a big number of familiar faces...original actors and everything. Han Solo makes a very big impact in this film, owning the stage, screen and space - and the Chewie partnership is terribly sweet too; top props to Harrison Ford for a stellar transition to a softer, older (not necessarily wiser) Solo.
The film is not without its flaws, however... I remain quietly unconvinced over a few plot points, and many, many questions are left unanswered, but I suppose this is what films 8 and 9 are there for. I hope for more lightsaber sequences too - it's unfair to expect a martial arts masterclass when none of the characters are strictly Jedi.
The Force Awakens is visually engaging, and a delight to watch even if I did get a little emotional at one/several point/s... It is also hilarious, often subtly so. It brings back that warm, fuzzy feeling (perhaps this is the Force?!) - particularly great at Christmas time - and marks a return to the big screen that ought to be loved by old fans and new fans all at once. You get the welcoming familiarity, but I question whether it's too familiar? (But then again, isn't that exactly what we wished for, anyway?) Regardless of criticisms, you can't help but feel A New Hope towards the Return of the saga (and Jedi, for that matter.) This franchise is striking back with a burst of lively new energy. I'm so ready for kids to be dressing up in old white robes/cardboard R2D2 boxes and waving blue sticks in the air. The seeds have been sown for the next films, and the new bar has been set high. Let's see what else you've got, J.J!
- Monday, December 28, 2015
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