After three disappointing prequels, it is hard to imagine a world where audiences are overly anxious and excited to see another Star Wars film. But…that is what J.J. Abrams can bring to a franchise. Fresh off the resurgence of Star Trek, Abrams is working hard to breathe new life into another popular sci-fi franchise with Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Returning all of the original (surviving) players, as well as a handful of notable (and some not so notable) fresh faces, Abrams works hard to pay tribute to the original while offering up a unique experience for fans both old and new. And while the film isn’t without its story flaws, I cannot overlook the impressive feat that all involved have successfully accomplished as The Force Awakens begins a new epic chapter of the saga.
The second the lights go down and the iconic theme music begins to play, you can’t help but be swept up with the nostalgic sense of pride and excitement. And while the special effects never prove to be as advanced as Lucas’ original foray into a galaxy far, far away, you cannot dismiss their profoundness all the same.
The film begins with Oscar Issacs’ Poe Dameron working to preserve a piece of the map that unveils the location of the last living Jedi, Luke Skywalker. He entrusts the information with a droid (BB-8) who finds himself on his own when his master is captured by the First Order. It is their separate paths that lead us to our gang of newbies…including a rogue storm trooper and a young trash finder on the plant of Jakku.
With a steady influx of wistfulness, Abrams is able to craft The Force Awakens in much the same vail as A New Hope. While the former hit theaters thirty-eight years ago, you simply can’t devalue a formula that works. And though there were instances of awkward similarities, there proves to be nothing wrong with returning to a point in time when a film’s story arc just felt right.
Our reintroduction with Hans Solo is epic, to say the least, as he quickly takes back possession of the Millennium Falcon from Rey and Finn. When he enters the frame alongside Chewy, you can’t help but be drawn in, comforted by their presence and excited for the antics that are soon to take place.
Han’s intro far outweighs that of General Leia. Her presence adds little to the film, though her involvement within the story is great as her past affairs help to shape the film’s final sequence. But her screen time is limited, providing that regardless of how strong the adventure was. Abrams was well aware that he needed everyone on board for the fans to appreciate it.
As planets explode and the true identity of our villain is revealed, it seems only appropriate that things play out as they do. The battle scene that helps place Rey as a potential Jedi isn’t too crazy and keeps things simple and straight forward. And it is this theme that helps keep The Force Awakens grounded. Abrams refuses to do too much, relying on truly spectacular choreography, brilliant acting, a well written script, authentic dialogue and unusually quick pacing to drive the story home in its simplest form. It isn’t the most groundbreaking film you’ll ever see, but it’s entertaining and fun…just as any great film should be!
