For today's advent, I decided to review the Force Awakens while being as spoiler free as possible.
For one thing, the Force Awakens is wicked fun. But it's not Empire Strikes Back- perhaps not only the greatest Star Wars film ever, but the best film of all-time- period. True, I have seen Episode V over 200 times and I might be a little biased. Multiple viewings of this film, which I am sure will be occurring in the next few weeks, will help me to really place this film at second or third place over A New Hope and Revenge of the Sith.
The acting was quite good. It was great seeing Han, Leia, Chewie, and some other friendly faces. But how did the new characters do?
Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron, the best pilot in the Resistance is cocky, fierce, and a little wild. But he's quite likable. The mysterious orphan Rey played by Daisy Ridley is a star in the making. I take that back, her performance as the scavenger from the planet Jakku is proof that a star is born. Another mysterious character is that of Kylo Ren, who plays a Sith Lord for the First Order. Played by Adam Driver- he's a creepy dude who I actually do not like at all (though his voice when helmeted rivals James Earl Jones' Darth Vader.)
One thing about Episode VII that quite different from the other 6 movies are the villains. Unlike the Empire, the troops of the First Order don't strike me as evil. But they are baddies nonetheless. But whereas I love the bad guys characters of the Empire like the Emperor, Boba Fett, and, of course, Lord Vader, I hate these guys and hope that the resistance hands them their just desserts by the end of Episode IX.
Oh, I almost forgot one more character- the controversial Finn played by John Boyega. When he was first cast last year, some folks lost their freakin' minds over a black stormtrooper. The biggest argument was that the clones used as the original Stormtroopers were not black. Well, this is the second or third generation of stormtroopers made up of recruits and conscripts. So, haters: STIFLE!
Boyega was the comic relief of the Force Awakens. But he wasn't annoyingly stupid like the notroious Jar Jar Binks. In fact, sometimes, his character of a conflicted stormtrooper played the straight man to an elderly Han Solo, who had some very funny moments as well. Still, Boyega's character was play with such heart and such charm that I openly welcome him into the Star Wars family. (On a side note, Boyega's Finn is rumored to be the son of Lando. If that becomes true, I'm totally fine with it because they both have that dapper swagger and a way with the ladies.)
So, should you see Star Wars? Absolutely! The few trailers and commercials for the film haven't spoiled anything. In fact, expect some misdirects. JJ Abrams did a great job in making you think that Character A was going to turn out to be a Jedi or a villian, or someone's kid only to have it be Character B. (And yes, as I've been predicting a couple of characters from the Journey to the Force Awakens books do appear in this film. But do you have to read those books to understand what's going on? Not really, though Smuggler's Run does offer the most insight into the goings on in which we first are reintroduced to Han and Chewie.)
Lastly, here's a couple of tips for seeing the movie this weekend.
1. Get there early for seats but don't expect to see the film immediately at showtime. My tickets last night were for 7:30. It wasn't until 7:55 that the commercials and trailers finally ended.
2. Cosplay is okay. But thanks to the a-hole in Denver, expect bag checks, head coverings and fake weapons to be banned, and regular appearances of ushers checking the emergency exits.
3. There was a rumor of a secret scene at the end of Episode VII. If you hate staying through credits, go ahead and leave, there isn't anything waiting for you at the end of the movie except your car.
4. Check your theatre for problems. I heard that one screening in Cary, NC was cancelled because their copy of the film was damaged. There were lots of upset folks last night.
So there you have it. I hope you'll go out and see Star Wars this weekend. There are some many showings, you shouldn't have any troubles getting to see the Force Awakens. Was it a perfect movie? No, but even A New Hope had it's flaws. There were 2 moments that upset me and only 1 of which really pissed me off. Episode VII was a journey back to the Star Wars universe and JJ Abrams was the right man to do it. I hate that he's not directing the next 2 films. With lots of easter eggs, tributes, and original trilogy thrills, this is the next chapter of the House of Skywalker that we waited 32 long years for.
The Force is strong with this one...
Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
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