Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens

Spoilers ahead!

It's hard to believe it's been 32 years since Return of the Jedi. I was 3 years old and probably didn't see it until a Christmas or two later on the television (they knew how to keep you waiting back then)!

In the time since we've had Episodes 1 - 3. Three much-maligned episodes which were deemed inferior to George Lucas' original trilogy. For what it's worth, I like them. Even Attack of the Clones (my least favourite) has a few good things going for it.
The way the Emperor manipulated and ultimately overthrew the galaxy was a master-stroke. So too was the immaculate design and fabrication of everything in that time. One need only look at our own history to see what George was going for there (think the 1940's and 50's - then look at the years since, which has seen mass-production and mediocrity rule).
There's two very good films in those first three episodes. Much could've been jettisoned, leaving room for a further feature, set between Episodes 3 and 4 (who didn't want to see the young Darth Vader in action)!
Oh yeah, and regarding current theory - that which Jar Jar Binks is in fact a Sith Lord - it's doubtful, but I would've welcomed it. The theories are fun and utterly convincing!

The greatest element missing from those first three episodes is a lightness of touch. Some joy to go hand in hand with it's sense of adventure. Despite it's more serious notes, A New Hope, Empire and Jedi were a lot of fun - why risk so much if there's no joy or fun to be had in your world?
I would say this is the defining attribute of The Force Awakens. There is spectacle a plenty, but the film also delivers quite a few laughs!

One particular scene in The Force Awakens returns us to these previous sensibilities and confirms J.J. Abrams as the right choice as director.
Finn and Rey (our two, young new heroes) share a terrific moment together in the Millennium Falcon, after they've outrun their pursuers. They're elated, almost hugging one another - thrilled to be alive and complementing one another on their actions. The audience has been with them up until this point of course - and the jubilation is infectious!
Many other exchanges are made throughout The Force Awakens, making the film lively and energetic.
Abrams has given his actors plenty of physical creations to act against too. Understandably, if there's nothing for an actor to act against they should, by all accounts be able to "act". Yet The Force Awakens proves there's no substitute for physical sets and characters alike.

The story of The Force Awakens sees General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) leading the Resistance against new threat, the First Order. Desperate for her brothers help, she seeks possession of a map to Lukes whereabouts - with the help of famed Resistance pilot, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac). Helping Poe is former Stormtrooper, Finn (John Boyega) and scavenger-come-pilot, Rey (Daisy Ridley).
The First Order are lead by Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis), General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and the mysterious Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). With a planet-sized Death Star at their disposal, the First Order mean to finish what the Emperor started - by any means!
Han Solo and Chewbacca come to the aid of the Resistance of course - as the force awakens throughout the galaxy and within our group of heroes!

The Force Awakens is a terrific cinematic experience. Abrams and his cast and crew have successfully tapped into what made Lucas' original trilogy so enthralling.
The Force Awakens is nostalgic, but it doesn't rest on this attribute alone. It's a wholly captivating affair, exuding emotion at every turn. There are purposeful beats to mirror adventures past, but they are subtly done - with the emphasis on the future rather than the past.
Not a bum-note in site, the only real repetition occurs when the Starkiller Base is revealed (the Mega-Death Star). But really, if you're plan is to destroy moons and planets, you're probably gonna need something of that magnitude! Some may also argue that too many coincidences occur. But then these films are about a spiritual force which binds the galaxy together. The Star Wars mythos revolves around fate and destiny, prompting that which will occur has already been written!

We are promised at least five more films, to be released in consecutive years; Episodes 8 and 9 and three spin-off tales - beginning with Rogue One next year. A host of fabulous talent are driving these adventures, promising spectacle, integrity and a great deal more fun!
May the force by with you!

5/5


Poster image courtesy: http://www.cnet.com

Wanted to add this poster also - one of the best alternative posters out there, by famed comic-book artist Phil Noto

Creed

Directed by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station), Creed is the first official Rocky spin-off.

It tells the story of Adonis Johnson, Apollo Creeds illegitimate son - his life and rise to notoriety as a boxer.

Having spent several years in foster homes and juvenile facilities, Johnson is visited by Apollos widowed wife, Mary Anne. Mary Anne claims custody of Johnson and raises him as her own, in the privileged lifestyle left to them by his father.

Fast forward 17 years and Johnson is working for a reputable security firm. Outside of work hours however, Johnson is moonlighting as a boxer - playing numerous fights south of the L.A. border in Mexico. Having secured 16 knock-outs, Johnson sets about making a career of the sport - and his passion. Much to the disappointment of Mary Anne, who lost her husband in the ring, Johnson sets off to Philadelphia - home of some of the best boxers in the world, including Rocky Balboa!

Keen to make it under his own steam, Johnson refuses to go by his fathers name to win respect. His legacy is soon discovered however, meaning Johnson must come to terms with his fathers absence, his legacy and name. Thankfully he has Rocky in his corner!

Creed is a great, great film! Like the best Rocky films, it's gritty and supplies its leads with rich character arcs. It also has positivity oozing from every sweaty pore! 

Stallone has handed the creative reigns over to Coogler, who must be a fan of the original series (who isn't)?! 

Coogler gets Rocky; from the stunning choreography of the boxing matches and the under-dog sensibilities, to the rich characterisation and exquisite use of music - which in all honesty, should make you stand-up and punch the air!

Just as Stallone did it before him, Coogler utilises the nuances of his characters surroundings also - particularly the town of Philadelphia. Coogler understands that Philly is and always has been one of Rockys greatest co-stars!

Creed is without question an under-dog story, staying close to the formula of each and every Rocky film before it. Audiences may scoff at this, thinking they've seen it all before. However in this day and age one can't put a price on positivity - and Creed is genuinely positive and uplifting. 

Despite a few minor contrivances (the mid-section of the series), each Rocky film has explored different aspects and eras of Rocky and his cast of supporting characters. In Rocky Balboa, Stallone explored the retired sports star, learning to except the loss of those closest to him. In Creed Johnson is unable to escape his fate, despite his wealth and privilege. Johnson has to except the loss of someone early-on in his life and further explore the benefits of his birth-right, beyond wealth and what society seems fit to determine. Fundamentally Rocky is the average Joe who made good - happy to live out his golden years in humble surrounds. Rocky is a human story, meaning everyone can relate to him, little or much - and this extends to Creed.

Michael B. Jordan is terrific as Johnson/Creed. Coogler obviously recognises a talent when he sees one, having cast Jordon in his feature-film debut. Jordon comes close to matching Stallones physicality in this film - and shows great emotional depth to boot!

Taking a back-seat creatively, Stallone adds a lifetimes worth of expertise and experience as the infamous Rocky Balboa. Like 2006's Rocky Balboa, Stallone unearths even more depths to his creation. Come awards season it'll be friggin' awesome to see him pick-up a statue or several!

Creed is one of the few spin-off movies which actually works. Proving there's no substitute for a good script and great characterisation, Creed does the unimaginable and makes you care deeply for its mythos - and the make-believe characters who pass through it.

The Rocky saga is in safe hands with this particular team - and further adventures would be most welcome. Film of the year so far!

5/5

Poster image courtesy: http://www.shockya.com