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