The Force is Confused

Rating: 6/10 (17 December 2015)

J.J. Abrams gave us so much, and if we had been paying attention, we would have noticed that most of the cheers emanated from our recognition of the old guard and our affection for what once was a welcome return to old fashioned fun. It looked like it was impossible, but Episode IV transitioned into "Empire (Episode V)", and one of the best films ever (of any genre) came forth. After the disastrous trilogy that we were subjected to a few years ago, it was encouraging to see how the best elements of the original trilogy was about to make an appearance.
There was very little in the previews to come up with a definite idea of what the new film was about. It appeared as if there was a crisis in that universe, one that required the return of some of the original characters to come back and power the rebellion against the new and improved new criminal order.
Following a familiar mold, we are introduced to the new heroes; sometimes being a little too faithful to the introductions in "Episode IV". What it lacks in originality, it more than makes up with the casting of some of the new actors. Rey (Railey) is an instant star, a girl whom the camera loves because she's attractive and dynamic, and she embodies the personality of someone who has special qualities or powers. There's no overacting here. Here's someone playing a bigger than life character and looks as normal as anyone. Fin (John Boyega) is a perfect blend of bravado and comic relief. Both are characters that we want to see over and over. In supporting roles, Phasma, Poe, and Hux, are played very well by Christie, Isaac, and Gleeson. Then the miscast of the century, which stings badly because just like the baddie in the original trilogy made quite an impression in the opening scenes if "Episode IV", and we only heard his voice (Jones), the new baddie leaves the worst possible taste in our mouth, and not because of his impending threats to the new heroes but because the acting derails what could be the development of one of the best villains ever. At this moment, I started praying that Abrams pulls a "Stoltz" move, and we are spared from more suffering, as we grind our teeth in frustration when everyone around here shine like diamonds, and there's this huge crack which mars the impact of the drama.
Otherwise, be prepared to enjoy the adventures of the familiar faces, triggering nostalgia in us and handing the baton to the new generation. It's a familiar affair, with enough mystery left to develop more stories in the next films. Who is related to who? What is the bond between the two people in these couple? How did things go so bad that the bad guys made such a comeback? How does Luke fit into this whole new universe?
Finally, nothing would work if the spirit of Yoda wasn't channeled back, and in a tribute to the most mysterious and mystical crew member of the Next Generation, we are treated to one of the vocal performances of the year. Fresh from her Oscar winning role, where she used her face in an expressive way to communicate pain, she is back, confident and wise, and for such a young lady, Nyong'o positively steals her scenes, proving that she is not a one-hit wonder but a talented performer.
Yes, the Falcon is back, and by the end the line up will have shifted quite a bit. Let's just hope that corrections are made, so that the new entry shines the way it should. If once Fox saved that classic, we're hoping someone can restore order and balance to the force because as it is right now, the threat is not coming from the ideas but from the poor execution by one of the central performers.