It is mere seconds into Star Wars VII that it becomes clear that J.J. Abrams is doing right by our beloved fables. The required orchestral brassy blast announces the Star Wars title and the screen crawl begins with the news that Luke has vanished. There is talk of an uprising of the Dark Side, The First Order and the Resistance. Bad guys are causing conflict, the good guys are fighting back and we need to find Luke. Simple and pure.
And nowhere is the taxation of trade routes to be found. No separatist movements. NO CLINICAL, STERILE COMPUTER-GENERATED DOURNESS OF THE PREQUELS.
For a film about nothing but aliens, The Force Awakens returns to the humanity of Star Wars Universe, revitalizing and awakening (sorry) what was so wonderful about this franchise in the first place.
Relationships are the focus. There is comedy to be found in the fabric of the film, solid laughs that counter the darker elements. We are treated to many characters- both old and new- that make up a true ensemble. There is an ease to the film and Abrams makes it look incredibly effortless createing another chapter set long ago in a galaxy far, far away.
Regarding spoilers: I have none for you. I was lucky enough to see the film with nothing ruining the surprises and I suggest you do the same. Here we have an opportunity to experience our own “I am your Father” moments. And there are a cool handful of them. Nothing forced. Nothing pandering. Just good ol’ reveals that make narrative sense.
I will say that the film parallels A New Hope in many ways. We begin on a desert planet called Jakku that mirrors Tatooine . There is an orphan, a reluctant hero, an ace pilot and a masked villain. There’s even a droid with a vital piece of information that must get into the hands of the Resistance. But then the movie makes the structure its own and updates the world with modern action sequences and performances that sneak into more realism than the preceding pics.
Adam Driver shines as Kylo Ren. He is pained, he struggles and he menaces. A wonderful baddie that is cut from the same stone as Vader. Daisy Ridley is perfect for our Rey (of Hope?), our eyes into the story that serves as our Luke this time around. Oscar Isaac needs more screen time but makes an impression and John Boyega is a welcome addition as Finn.
But it is an honest pleasure to see Harrison Ford back as Han Solo. It is, in many ways, his film and he rises to the occasion, taking the lead, and passing the mantle to the new blood. And it’s nice to see our Princess turned General Leia again.
At the time of this writing I am nervous that I may be clouded. It has been just over 7 hours since that orchestral brassy blast sent chills down my legs and I am still a little high from the experience. Full disclosure; I saw The Phantom Menace in the theaters 5 times before I realized it was shit. I believe I’m as easily persuaded as a moronic Stormtrooper being convinced that those were not the droids I was looking for. But to speak to the objective, Episode 7 is much better structured and paced than any of the prequels and does possess the guts and soul of the originals that made them shine.
My grade is a solid A and I will see the film again in a couple of weeks to make sure that stands and I am not being manipulated by the Force.