WARNING: SOME PLOT SPOILERS IN REVIEW
Yesterday, I watched Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
for the second time in the theater. I found that I liked it even more the
second time through than I initially did, and in my opinion, it is definitely
the best Star Wars film since 1983.
Writer/director J. J. Abrams took on the project after Star Wars was bought by Walt Disney studios. Many of the actors
from episodes IV, V, and VI, returned to be in the movie, and composer John
Williams returned to write the score.
This movie centers on a new
generation of characters. Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger from the planet Jakku
who is waiting for her family, Finn (John Boyega), an ex-stormtrooper, Poe
(Oscar Isaac), a resistance pilot, and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a Jedi
apprentice turned evil, all have their own motives in The Force Awakens. Finn helps Poe escape the First Order, the evil
government that has originated from the remnants of The Galactic Empire, and
when their ship crashes on Jakku, Finn meets Rey, and they steal the Millennium
Falcon, and encounter Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Chewbacca. A small droid,
BB8, has a map that leads to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who has mysteriously
disappeared. The team must fight the First Order numerous times in order to
destroy their massive weapon, and keep BB8 safe. When the audience learns that
Kylo Ren is Han Solo’s son, they will be alarmed. In the end, R2-D2 has the
missing piece of the map, and Rey goes to find Luke. The movie leaves many
hints that Rey is Luke’s daughter, because she is so strong with the Force.
Leia (Carrie Fisher) has become the general in charge of the Resistance.
I will say that this movie far
exceeded my expectations. Although there is nonstop action in the film, Abrams
succeeds in developing characters. Although Kylo Ren turns out evil, I am left
with a desire for him to redeem himself in a future movie. At the end, I am
left wondering what will happen to Rey and Luke. And I found myself truly
worried about Finn’s survival. I even enjoyed BB8.
The score was wonderful, as usual. I
liked how Rey got a new theme, and how the music around the First Order sounded
similar to the Imperial March from episode V. I liked how the CGI was minimal,
the sets were real, and the transitions were old school, just like those of
episodes IV, V, and VI. Episode I lost this feel, and Episode VII brought it
back.
I also liked the small throwbacks to
the original trilogy, such as “I have a bad feeling about this,” and “Do you
have a trash compactor?” I love how Rey uses a Jedi mind trick on a Stormtrooper,
and especially how she uses a lightsaber. I love seeing a strong female
character in Star Wars. I love Finn’s
humor element, and Poe’s heroism and his appreciation for Finn.
This film is rated PG-13 for action
and shooting. Depending on your child’s maturity level, I would say that some
10-12 year-olds will be ready for this, but I would recommend it for ages 10+.
You will see this movie.
