Like many old franchise sequels that came out (Jurassic World, Terminator Genisys, Creed etc…), Star Wars: The Force Awakens has definitely been the most awaited movie of 2015. JJ Abrams took on the beast for that seventh episode and offered us probably the best sequel of the year!
I absolutely loved Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Judging by the previous trilogy, I wasn’t expecting that level of awesomeness on a silver screen, even if I never doubted Abrams’ ability to produce a great movie.
What first struck me although the film, is the relationship between the old generation, represented by Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Luke (Mark Hamill) and the new and young generation represented especially by Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe (Oscar Isaac). It feels like the new generation is really saying, “we’re here, we can handle the rest and take over your legacy.” Sort of passing the torch through the generations.
The storyline was nothing new, it really mirrored the first trilogy. I’m wondering if it’s going to take a path very different from the second trilogy. Are they starting with elements that we know and are familiar with, and with the remaining movies, creating something entirely new?
Because Star Wars: The Force Awakens had some very predictable moments. I mean, as soon as we know that Kylo Ren is Han and Leia’s son, you must know there’s going to be a showdown, and even the possibility of Han dying.
A second thing that struck me and kind of made me feel awesome, is the fact that the main character is a woman. Rey is the central element of the intrigue. I’m not sorry… How AWESOME is that?
Finally a woman as the lead of a highly awaited billion dollar franchise! It’s working so well and breaking all records. Even more, not one of the main three new characters is a white man! What a time to be alive, guys!
Daisy Ridley and John Boyega are revelations, bringing a new dynamic without being a copy of Leia and Han (even if there are some similarities). Oscar Isaac is ever so handsome and incredibly good as the rebel alliance pilot Poe. His duo with Boyega had me really excited (just as excited as I am for BB-8, so cute!).
As for Adam Driver, I still want to see more, I can’t really make an opinion out of him. His character is mysterious and is attracted by the light in some ways (unlike Anakin).
I’m wondering if we’re not misjudging the character? He is really on the Darth Vader path or is there something more behind him killing his father… (Star Wars and Daddy Issues, you don’t break a winning team).
Talking about Daddy Issues, it’s still a recurring theme here. Between Kylo’s parents, Rey’s family, and Finn’s identity crisis, there’s no doubt you’re in the Star Wars universe. That also raises so many questions that I just hope we’re going to get the answers to soon.
On a lighter note, let’s talk a little about the cameos, cause that made me laugh a lot. We have a master list here, but I’ll mention some of my favorites. Did you know Simon Pegg, Bill Hader, Ben Schwartz and Daniel Craig were all in some ways in the film? Stormtrooper, vile merchant or BB-8 voice consultant, they don’t physically appear but you definitely heard them!
And of course, my favorite cameo out of all is the fact that Lin-Manuel Miranda, of Hamilton fame, made the cantina music! For some reason, I felt very proud to see his name in the end credits!
George Lucas said that the retro elements in Star Wars are killing the film, I think they are saving it. They create a bond with the audience and is enhancing the film.
The problem with Episodes I, II, and III are that the story links with the previous films come very late into the saga. What I’m hoping here, is that the new trilogy starts on something we know and end in a totally new way.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is an introduction. A promise that this new generation can do better. I just hope they’re going to take on the challenge and do a second film that lives up to that promise.
WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS?
Check out our other Star Wars themed posts! We have rewatches (I, II, III, IV, V, VI), Instant Reactions of The Force Awakens, a Podcast review of The Force Awakens, some Star Wars fashion, and we asked an important question about Boba Fett!
OH and just get ready because our next event will be Star Wars Week! The first week of May. :)
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