![]() ![]() Abrams-directed seventh entry in the franchise, the first part of a new sequel trilogy, contains a great deal that is familiar from George Lucas’s foundational 1977 text A New Hope. Star Wars: The Force Awakens gives the legions of fans of the franchise what they want – exactly what they want, in so far as anyone can be certain, and a lot of it. Fans better strap themselves in, because there's plenty of exciting adventures yet to come.Spoiler alert: this review outlines plot points including the last scene of the film. Just as A New Hope provided audiences with a much-needed distraction from the recently concluded Vietnam War, we need modern day legends such as that offered by a galaxy far, far away to reinforce hope for a better future. You don't see this kind of misty eyed devotion for any other series. That fans across the world shed tears at the sight of Harrison Ford in full Han Solo get-up, standing next to Chewbacca on the Millennium Falcon is a testament not only to the enduring appeal of the series but to how deeply embedded it is in hearts and minds and which transcends language, culture, and generations. While some are relieved that George Lucas had nothing to do with the new film, nor the direction that Disney is taking the series, there's simply no avoiding the fact that there would be no Star Wars without him. ![]() Nearly forty years on from the original release of Star Wars, the franchise is bigger than ever, and thanks to The Force Awakens, its future is secure. But make no mistake, Force Awakens isn't mere fan service, there are plenty of bold choices that elicit genuine surprise to even the most hardened and spoiler-aware fans. They're not just rolling the dice on this film's $200 million budget, but that of the other five Star Wars films in active production, the $4 billion series acquisition, and not to mention the whole merchandising empire it spawns. Naturally, Disney is cognizant of the need to tread carefully. Look deep enough and there are enough plot holes to fill a Death Star trench, coupled with leaps in logic and adherence to established formula that isn't ready to be shaken just yet. ![]() Serving as co-writer and director, Abrams is thoroughly successful at balancing new and old characters, the past and future story exposition, and visually exciting and kinetic battle sequences. Abrams has a somewhat fractured relationship with the sci-fi community, particularly for dumbing down the Star Trek reboot before completely jumping the shark with its sequel Into Darkness, the lifelong Star Wars fan has proved an excellent choice to breathe new life into the franchise. Bolstered by the re-appearance of Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie and Darth Vader (albeit in the visage of a post-funeral pyre charred helmet), an emphasis on analog visual effects (Real sets! Rubber suits!), more dramatic storytelling (the thankful absence of tax disputes and political shenanigans), not to mention a keen awareness of what fans actually want to see, I'm pleased to report that J.J. While expectations are sky high for the relaunched Star Wars saga, the benchmark for success has undoubtedly been dramatically lowered by the standard set by its prequel forebears. Equipped with an immensely powerful super weapon and flanked by the unpredictable, yet powerful Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) who's determined to complete Darth Vader's former mission, the resistance is in dire need of a rebalance of the Force if it's to survive. Resembling the Empire, the militarized First Order is intent on destroying the last vestiges of the Galactic Republic and the rebellion it tacitly supports. In his absence, a new threat has emerged - neither Sith nor Dark Jedi but born out of the power of the dark side of the Force. 30 years from the events of Return of the Jedi, which saw the annihilation of the Empire, the last Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has fled into exile.
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