Disney Refreshes Star Wars Franchise

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2016)

Disney has a track record of producing movies with plots that are fundamentally sound, although sometimes lacking in creativity. Good Disney movies, of which they are many, make up for any shortfalls in creativity with excellent execution. In this sense, Star Wars: The Force Awakens continues this Disney trend. There is nothing in the plot of The Force Awakens that will shock or surprise hard-core Star Wars fans, or those just discovering the franchise. Indeed, for those familiar with the original movie masterpiece, it is hard to ignore the similarities between the original and The Force Awakens as the latter races towards its climax. But movies are all about the suspension of disbelief, and because The Force Awakens delivers the goods in terms of brilliant special effects (particularly if you see it in 3-D), edge-of-your-seat action sequences, intriguing, likable characters, and structurally a sound plot, it is easy to forget that deep down you know how it is going to end. It won't tug at your heartstrings, but it is a great way to kill two hours.