Room For Improvement

Rating: 7/10 (29 December 2015)

There seems to be a lot of negative, low rated reviews which are unfair and unjustified in my opinion. People focus only on the plot similarities of this films predecessors. They expect too much from a franchise which is desperately wanted. If you don't enjoy or appreciate the efforts to bring it back, it's very simple; don't go to see the next one! I know i will be going! We know history can repeat itself and the same logic applies to this story. Yes there's a lot of episode IV in here, but its ironic to love that plot, yet hate this one. The inspiration of The Empire is exactly what determined this. They could have brought some new ideas, but i think they're saving them for the next one. This was a good film. The quality of filming, special effects, music, editing and character development: all excellent. The casting was pretty good although Driver(Kylo Ren) just doesn't have that villainous feel to him and looks young for the role despite being 32. May sound harsh but he's too pale and skinny for me, he also needs a haircut. Too late to change now i suppose, maybe some Sith eyes would up his scare-factor. Abrams did disappoint me with the predictable death of Solo, and his inclusion of Leia was weak. Some parts did feel rushed and i thought they could've maybe dragged it out. Its more about the story for me and not all the action. They'll find it hard to make a good Star Wars film without Solo as his character just brings so much to the film, but i have faith in this team. People seem to have trouble with Ren being beaten by Rey so easily. Maybe you didn't notice his abdominal injury sustained by Chewies' crossbow blaster... however i do agree he was pretty weak and unconvincing. Struggling against a Stormtrooper in a lightsaber battle, It was not mentioned whether he's a Sith lord or not, but surely has training to that of at least a Jedi knight from Luke. Cannot vouch for Snoke as i have no idea of his understanding or teaching of the dark side. I have a suspicion about who he is though, won't say just in case i am correct. I am a big fan of Star Wars, even Episodes I, II and III. I read character bios and invest time and interest into understand the thoughts of Lucas and what he was trying to achieve, i'd like to think i know what i'm talking about when it comes to Star Wars. Hopefully they can make Ren more of a threat and beef up the plot to make the next one satisfying for all. They don't have to cram it all into one film, they should take their time and deliver what i suspect will be Reys training by Luke, Rens training by Snoke and the revival of the battle for balance of the force which the whole story has ultimately been about. By all means, demand more from Disney and Abrams, they can only get better with criticism, but remember credit where credit is due. Have faith, fear is a path to the dark side.