Director: J.J. Abrams.
Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Peter Mayhew, Adam Driver, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis, Anthony Daniels, Max von Sydow, Gwendoline Christie, Simon Pegg, Kiran Shah, Harriet Walter, Warwick Davis, Ken Leung, Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian.
Taking a seat in the IMAX, visors on, I don’t think there has been this much anticipation for a film in a long time… Just as the trademark opening and perspective crawl text begin the audience cheer and applaud before settling down. “We’re home.”
The Star Wars you know and love awakens, and with such force, the opening isn’t the only time the crowd get so excited they cheer. Though not totally wholly unpredictable, the reintroduction of certain characters and heaps of junk spurs the inner child in you, akin to being reunited with a very old good friend.
JJ gets the thumbs up and a little flame torch! Clearly skirting away from as much CGI as possible, the characters feel more real, because most of them actually are, reminding you of the amazing yet clumsy puppetry. It’s what actually works, making it far more superior than the last (first) three. Actually impressed with the lack of filler, unnecessary scenes replaced with the swiping cuts. John Williams reprising his score in true Star Wars fashion. Nothing drastically new which made the film gel so well, with the occasional anthem ringing home and awaken that childhood feeling again.
History does repeat itself, but not in the prequel sense. Storyline, again with more incestuous paradoxes, the structural Empire with the similar gigantic, galactic weaponry. The scattered rebels, space piracy and an awesome assault which is highly familiar but not displeasing. It’s bold and I think brave which is what makes it so epic. The dogfights are excellently executed and not over the top which might have been expected. Certainly leaves you wanting to see more.
The balance of reminiscing and meeting new characters is perfect. You automatically find a fondness for the newbies whilst still having that massive feeling of admiration for the oldies. The first time you see the falcon had me grinning like a happy Jabba. I swear it’s built by Volvo. And there’s nothing cooler than a black X-Wing. The comedy relief is there but does not sway the seriousness of the story.
My only criticism is some of casting/acting mostly on Rey and Ren’s part but it’s nothing to put me off seeing this again, maybe three times. It’s epic and lives up to the hype. I actually left the cinema with my hood up and felt like Luke flying his X-Wing through the trenches when driving home. If you’re a Star Wars fan, go see it you must, ready are you not for what ahead lies. And not seeing it will only lead to the dark side. May the force be with you… Always.
Running Time: 8
The Cast: 8
Performance: 6
Direction: 9
Story: 7
Script: 9
Creativity: 9
Soundtrack: 9
Job Description: 10
The Extra Bonus Point: 10 for the tribute to the originals.
85% 9/10
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