Review: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ delivers on promise of greatness (Includes first-hand account)

It’s safe to say Star Wars: The Force Awakens is one of the most anticipated movies of 2015. For nearly two years, fans have waited to see what new adventures and threats Episode VII would deliver. Between teaser videos from director J.J. Abrams in support of the UNICEF campaign, enthusiastic fan events boosted by exclusive footage and very promising trailers featuring fresh and familiar faces, the countdown to the release could not move fast enough. And now it’s finally here and it’s everything fans could have hoped for and more.

Thirty years after the events of Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, the Empire has been replaced by the First Order, which is possibly the biggest threat the intergalactic heroes have ever faced. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) is the Resistance’s best pilot and he’s on a special mission related to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). But when he’s derailed, the responsibility is left to Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger, Finn (John Boyega), a reformed Stormtrooper, and BB-8, a small droid carrying vital intelligence. Meanwhile Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) are scorching the universe trying to quash Resistance forces under the direction of Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis).

Some of the best parts of this movie are its twists and surprises — all of which will remain unmentioned but should definitely be expected. The thrill of watching the narrative unfold is finally seeing everything that has been kept under wraps until now. The mix of old and new characters mesh seamlessly, interacting naturally, drawing on the past and combining their efforts for good or evil. The return of Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) provides a surge of nostalgia that immediately fills the theatre with a renewed energy. And it’s equally satisfying to see the space “junk” known as the Millennium Falcon is still a formidable piece of machinery. Rey and Finn have an entertaining and sustainable chemistry, while Poe is the new smart-aleck of the group. On the opposite side of The Force, Kylo Ren’s temper tantrums rival even Anakin Skywalker’s as the dark side nurtures his anger and petulance.

The script is intricately crafted to remain faithful to its predecessors (IV through VI as the prequels do not apply) while expanding the franchise’s universe to encompass new worlds and characters that will carry the narrative forward. Travelling from desert planets to lush green landscapes shows the diversity of the cosmos, and the reach of the First Order whose similarities to the Nazis are slightly less cloaked in this feature. The pace is excellent, altering between exhilarating action sequences, and developing the relationships and personalities of the individuals. It’s also very funny, injecting humour throughout the entire film that is effectively delivered by a number of different characters. Although it doesn’t feature the array of imaginative alien figures seen in other pictures, there is a bar scene that definitely allowed the special effects team to flex their creative muscles; and Lupita Nyong’o‘s Maz Kanata is a shining example of this ingenuity.

As the credits began to roll and the lights came up, there was one sentiment that reverberated throughout the theatre: “I want to see it again.”

Director: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac

In related news, read David Silverberg’s interview with R2D2 creator/designer Tony Dyson

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