WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Decision. Consequence. Repercussion. Aftermath. The legacy of things long gone and the path that the future has yet to unveil, all found within these weighted words. The road already forged has been paved in the sacrifices of those whose choices provided the way to victory, while facing tragic loss and an unassured destiny. Yet, in it all, there was hope. Thirty years after the events leading to the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the war has still not ended, and a new force has risen in the form of The First Order. Aiming to pick up where Vader and the Empire left off, the search is driven forward by General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and his right hand, Sith Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), to locate a self-exiled Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill).
Operating from hiding, the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), sends one of its best, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), to the planet Jakku to obtain information vital to their own search for Luke. When events begin to unfold, a young woman, Rey (Daisy Ridley), finds unexpected companions in Poe’s rolling droid, BB-8, and a First Order defector Finn (John Boyega). As they push to get the data BB-8 carries to the Resistance, they soon find themselves linked to rebel veterans Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). Constantly having to stave off Ren’s relentless pursuit plus The First Order and their newest super weapon, secrets are disclosed, new life paths are shown, and the fate of the galaxy once again hangs in the balance.
Next, my Mind:
The long wait for fans has come to an end and the seventh chapter of the storied “Star Wars” franchise has landed. As such, let this reviewer add his voice to the raucous chorus of positivity this effort is garnering, and most deservedly so. Coming off the disappointment that was the Prequel Trilogy, “The Force Awakens” enters under the deft and awesome directorship of prolific filmmaker J.J. Abrams, restoring the series to its pristine state with full effect. From the practical SFX being substituted for CGI where possible and a narrative that delivers the character-driven tone and execution of the original trilogy, this is exactly what was required to present a new, fresh beginning to this and upcoming installments. Exciting, dramatic, humorous, pathos-filled, and just plain entertaining visually, it will be no surprise should this effort take the number one spot on the all-time grosses chart.
Adding to all of this is an engaging, invigorating cast of new characters played by an equally fantastic debut group of actors who will more than successfully carry the franchise forward. Ridley’s feisty, energetic, yet heartfelt Rey is a treasure of possibilities just waiting to be delved into more beyond what is enacted here. Boyega’s Finn is also a fascinating individual thrust into circumstances far beyond his original desire to simply flee The First Order, and most certainly shows his loyalty to his newfound friends. Driver’s Kylo Ren is one of those villains you love to hate, and ideally will be a force to be reckoned with going forward. Gleeson channels some Grand Moff Tarkin as Hux, a fiercely driven First Order commander. Isaac likewise gives us a wonderful new hero to root for as Dameron, reckless yet amazingly adept in utilizing his skill sets.
Of course, seeing the original heroes in Han, Chewie, Leia, C3PO, R2D2, and Luke brings the nostalgia and joy back for those of us who remember seeing them first in 1977 and onward for chapters 4-6. Filled with epic space battles, the Falcon, light saber fights, and a new enemy, “The Force Awakens” is the integral, needed start to a whole new era of awesomeness in “Star Wars” mythology. THANK YOU, J.J.!!
As always this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
utter epicness!! great review!