The Force Awakens made me care about Star Wars again.

Rating: 8/10 (19 December 2015)

My first experience of seeing the original Star Wars was on VHS during the 90's. And when I saw the Phantom Menace, I will admit I thought it was great but as I got older I started noticing the big problems and they got more noticeable through more prequels. After I watched the Revenge of Sith in theatres, which I consider to be one of the most depressing movies ever, I shunned Star Wars because I thought it ended on a bad term and no future movies would made. But then I heard JJ Abrams was chosen by Disney to be the new director and I started thinking about giving Star Wars another shot. And with each trailer I became more and more optimistic. And now that I have seen the Force Awakens, I can now honestly say I care about Star Wars again.
JJ Abrams was clearly the right choice from the very beginning. What separates him from the George Lucas who made the prequels is his ability to collaborating with a whole team of people like the Lawrence Kasden, writer of the original films Empire Strikes and Return of the Jedi, and producer Kathleen Kennedy. What JJ Abrams does so well is not only recapturing the same fantastical but yet gritty feel from the original trilogy but also making the old feel new. You can say after seeing the movie it almost feels like a modern remake of New Hope but Abrams shows those specific moments in a new way that keeps them from seeming like it's a straight copy.
The effects and directions are amazing but it is the characters that are what makes this movie so great. Daisy Ridley was the perfect the choice to be he franchise's first female lead Rey despite she never had worked on a movie before. From the first scenes you see her in you instantly want to root for her as she shows great sense of optimism, quick-wit and being to improvise in tight situations while still being anchored emotionally to her desert planet Jakku. John Boyega's Finn is probably the freshest type of character we have seen in a Star Wars movie. I became a fan of Boyega since I saw Attack the Block but he just takes it to a whole new level. He is a Stormtrooper who defects against the New Order and is constantly in crazy and confusing situations where his responses are totally unexpected but yet hilarious. And the film's new "R2-D2", BB-8, instantly steals the show with his puppy dog-like mannerisms and ability to express wide variety of emotions with just the turn of his head. Another character that surprised me was Kylo Ren played brilliantly by Adam Driver. Kylo Ren probably has the most interesting character arc. Ren is a villain who is very intimidating and ruthless like Darth Vader but he comes off as his own character. He tries so desperately to be like Darth Vader but is in constant struggle with a battle from his own conscience. When Ren does fail in a task his reactions are surprisingly hilarious. And Adam Driver gives all of this while wearing a mask that hides his entire face. But the big shout out should go to Harrison Ford. Unlike Indiana Jones 4, Harrison Ford actually gives a performance that doesn't feel hammed up but very sincere, believable and fun. His return into the role of Han feels so natural as you are reminded why we all loved him as one of the best parts of Star Wars. Yet, at the same time, you feel like this is a Han that has grown as a character since the Return of the Jedi. Also give huge credit to Oscar Isaac, Domhall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis and Gwendoline Christie.
I will say the light saber fight in the finale doesn't disappoint. In fact, it might be my favourite light saber duel in the entire franchise. While the Darth Maul fight is the best choreographed, this one came off as the most believable and brutal one ever. The battle is almost terrifying to watch as you are reminded what kind physical damage a light saber can do to a person.
I hate to get into this but there were a few negatives about the movie. It is a very quick-pace that moves from one scene to another quickly (but not too much). I would of appreciated if the movie had another 15 minutes just so get to explore some of the supporting characters especially Gwendoline Christie's Captain Phasma. I am a huge fan of her as Brienne of Tarth on Game of Thrones and it felt like she was wasted. Here is hoping she has more screen-time in Episode 8.
Overall, Star Wars The Force Awakens lives up to the hype but with a few bumps. Unlike the prequels it doesn't come off as feeling artificial, dull and boring. It is a movie that will have you laughing, cheering, and feeling tensed and surprised on certain occasions. The Force Awakens is movie worth seeing on multiple times.