Friday, December 18, 2015

Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens

No, I will not be posting major spoilers like I normally do. So you can continue reading.
This is a very good film, easily just as good as the original trilogy. And the acting is even better.
There is something for everyone in this film, though most of the humor in the beginning is lost as the film progresses.
Finn (John Boyega, with a great American accent), Rey (the amazing Daisy Ridley) and Poe (Oscar Isaac) are the good guys while General Hux (Domnhall Geeson) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) are the bad guys. Each are good though the good guys are more developed than the evil characters but Ren has an interesting backstory. Pay attention to that.
Yes, all of the old characters we know and love are back: Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill, who gets second billing for his puny role), Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). Sadly, all of the characters I just mentioned may not be alive by the time the film is finished.
Sure, a lot of the film seems old but new again, with different twists to the original film, some of which are refreshing such as having Rey being the main character and fighting for herself. My favorite line of hers is when she scolds Finn for constantly holding her hand. But she's also very lonely, having been abandoned by her family, left to scavenge for her food. Now, unfortunately, she is also the subject of the film's biggest plot hole, how in the world can she fly a spaceship so well? I would like to know, but it is necessary for the role and the film.
There are surprises both good and bad throughout this film and yes, it is exciting. The special effects are great, without making the first films look dreadful. There are also internal character struggles, something the first series largely lacked, which is great. My favorite scene was when Rey poured a mixture into water and stirred it, within seconds it puffed up and turned into fully cooked bread. I loved how this film paid attention to all the little details. Tragically, the film already did have a good ending in place, but then they tacked on another one, just for good measure. I understand why they added a second ending but I felt that it was unnecessary. Too bad, it was one of the only false notes in this film.
I could tell you more, but I can't. Please go see this film, you won't be disappointed. Grade: B+

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