It’s been 10 years since the last “Star Wars” film was released, and even longer since fans of the films have been excited about the future of the franchise.
Finally, with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the series returns to its roots. Thanks to a combination of both the old and new, the film reignites the series.
In spite of concerns over director J.J. Abrams’ ability to distinguish between the “Star Wars,” and “Star Trek,” series, he has not only recaptured the magic of “Star Wars,” but improved upon it.
For those who haven’t seen the film yet, consider this your official spoiler alert. You’ve been warned.
Episode VII picks up 30 years after “Return of the Jedi.” Not surprisingly, everything has fallen apart…again. The First Order has replaced the Galactic Empire as the resident, intergalactic baddies, and they’re working hard to eliminate Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and the Republic.
Much of the events of Episode IV through VI have passed into legend, and a new generation is called upon to save the day…with some help from some older (and wiser) favorites.
The First Order’s search for the last Skywalker is going poorly. He’s been missing since his protégé, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), turned to the darkside. Unfortunately, the Republic, isn’t having much luck either. That is until their top pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), is able to track down some valuable info.
He runs into some trouble, but with some help from the mysterious scavenger, Rey (Daisy Ridley), and the storm trooper with a conscience, Finn (John Boyega), his adorable droid, BB-8, is able to deliver the info safely to the Republic.
The film has the expected and unexpected twists and turns you hope to have. However, I won’t be spoiling any of them here.
I will say that the film is gorgeous. Abrams, thankfully, abandoned the computer-generated hell that dominated the last three films. The combination of practical and computer animated effects blends perfectly with the original trilogy.
It’s a perfect marriage of the old and new. Fans of the original three will be thankful for a return to the original style, and fans of the newer films will appreciate the melding of the old with the new.
…just for fun:
