OTF's Blue Publication May 2016
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a return to form in
grand style a few months ago, which was received enthusiastically by both fans
and critics. Despite some criticism that the basic plot is a bit of a rehashing
of the plot of a New Hope, the new movie nonetheless brings back a freshness,
energy, and spirit of fun to the Star Wars franchise.
With the release of The Force Awakens, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Ant Man, 2015 turned out to be a good year for science fiction aficionados.
The film really does feel like the natural continuation of the saga post-Return of the Jedi. The audience gets to “reunite” with some of the most beloved classic SW characters, two of whom---Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) ---get substantial screen time and play an important part in the adventure. Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) doesn’t appear as much but her amount of screen time is still satisfying. Since anyone who reads this has surely seen the film by now (is there anyone in the civilized world who hasn’t seen The Force Awakens?), I can also mention that the movie marks the return of Luke Skywalker in a dramatic ending which is undoubtedly one of the best of the entire series.
Alongside these Star Wars veterans are the new characters, who will be front and centre of this new trilogy. They represent the new generation, to whom the old guard is passing the lightsaber, so to speak. Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), and new villain Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) hold their own in the movie. The viewer gets to know them and like them, though various mysteries abound regarding particularly Rey and her origins, which will surely be resolved in the next two installments.
The special effects, as expected, are of course top-notch. The original score by legendary film composer John Williams is once again brilliant and memorable, and the cinematography is riveting and grandiose. The editing keeps the film going at a crisp, steady pace, with some scenes of exciting action but also some quiet scenes of character and relationship development.
By the time The Force Awakens ends, the viewer is eagerly anticipating Episode VIII, which is scheduled to be released in late 2017. Like most of you, I will be at the rendez-vous when the next movie is released in theatres. Until then, fans will be endlessly speculating about all the various loose ends yet to be solved.