‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Review: Epic, Awesome and Perfect
The time has finally come. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is finally here. I saw the screening, not once, but twice yesterday due to a few power issues (the force was just not with the first screening). But I can officially say, I would fangirl out over it just as much if I saw three more times today. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the movie you’ve been waiting for, and it blends in seamlessly with everything that you love so dearly about the original three films.
The film takes place several decades after the defeat of the Empire. A new dark presence in the force has arisen, and our two lead characters Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) are the only hope to saving the rebellion and stopping the First Order. There are a number of familiar old faces that show up along the way, but you’re not going to get any spoilers here (because what happens in this film is something you want to stay spoiler-free for and see on your own).
The performances, where to start? Everyone was amazing. I don’t think it’s a secret that Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher are all back, since it’s on everything Disney has put out. Some of these names have a bit more screen-time than others, but they’re all incredible. Ford is especially outstanding. He may be in his mid 70’s, but his timing is just as perfect as ever. It’s also super easy to see how Ford got injured while filming as he was actually pretty active.
Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac are all characters you fall in love with pretty quickly. Ridley only has 11 small IMDB credits to her name, but she absolutely shines as Rey. Boyega isn’t a stranger to 24 fans, but if this is the first time you’re seeing him, you’ll be impressed not only with his performance but also by his amazing chemistry with Ridley. These two could not have been better cast.
Lupita Nyong’o and Andy Serkis aren’t two you’ll see physically in the film, but their talents are definitely noticeable with motion capture for the characters of Maz Kanata (Lupita) and the Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy). Adam Driver also does a fine job as Kylo Ren, and I’ll leave it at that for his character.
J.J. Abrams delivered a perfect and epic film for fans. It truly feels like a “by fans for fans” movie. A huge thank you to him for doing such an incredible job with something we fans love so much, and also to Lawrence Kasdan who co-wrote the screenplay with Abrams.
Overall, I would say the major takeaway here is to buy up all those BB-8 toys by Sphero in mass quantity before Thursday night’s midnight showing. This will be the must-have item for any kid that sees the film (Or for any 32 year old diehard fan such as myself – who just found out she has one coming to her for Christmas!!!).
Back to the film! Star Wars: The Force Awakens is everything that fans have been hoping it would be. Our favorite characters are back and laying the groundwork for new characters to take over. There’s plenty of humor, a little bit of romance, not too many lens flares from Abrams (surprisingly), all the classic Star Wars visuals are present (plenty of wipes), the soundtrack is breathtaking (John Williams can do no wrong), the effects are AMAZING, and there are tears that will be shed…. I could go on, but you just need to see it for yourself – multiple times. Stay away from spoilers and just go straight to theater!
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review
Grade: A+
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