A Monument to a Legendary Franchise

Rating: 10/10 (29 March 2016)

What was it that captivated so many back in 1977 when Star Wars was first released? Was it the revolutionary advancement in practical and CG effects? The idea that space was so large and new, yet we care for these amazing characters like they were our neighbors? Was it the lightsaber? Or was it the simple line between good and evil, the Dark Side and The Light? To me, the answer is all of the above, and then some. After a shift in ownership, and a 32 year wait for a true sequel, Star Wars returns to the world in the form of Episode VII - The Force Awakens (TFA), and returns the legendary name to its rightful glory.
The main plot of the film echoes from a time of simpler storytelling, that line between good and evil, a story that is easy to grasp while being able to invest deeply into the events that transpire in and around it. The pacing of the film is terrific, leaving room for breathtaking action sequences while bringing the speed down to give you time to digest and invest in everything. Director and writer J.J. Abrams overcame every ounce of skepticism by delivering a true Star Wars story, comprised of powerful themes, incredible dialogue, and exhilarating action while traversing your mind through the endless boundaries of the Star Wars galaxy. While there has been negative feedback regarding the film's similarities to Episode IV, the feeling of nostalgia and a new adventure come together to appeal to every generation of Star Wars fans. The overall story of Episode VII is genuinely amazing, from the simple premise to the deeper roots of each and every character, it's a nod to what made Star Wars so wonderful to begin with, and there's no better feeling than getting lost in a Star Wars story that has you on the edge of your seat.
At the core of The Force Awakens, is the outstanding cast of characters, both old and new. We get to see Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and even Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) for the first time since 1983, and their return to the franchise is just the start of a much greater path for Star Wars, paving the way for a new generation. Not a lot has changed since the original trilogy, in the fact that Harrison Ford steals the show in nearly every scene he's in.
Maybe even more important than the original cast, we are introduced to the new faces of Star Wars in the form of Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), Poe (Oscar Issac) and the lovable new droid, BB-8. These new characters are exceptional, with each one bringing life and depth to the Star Wars universe, with each and every actor displaying magnificent emotion in their role, almost forcing you to care for them and their story.
Kylo Ren is an exciting and ravenous new villain, and although he resembles Darth Vader almost too much (yes he is a Vader-worshiper so to speak), Kylo Ren is now a household name due to his fierce nature, relentless motives, eye-popping costume and his instantly recognizable fiery, red cross-guarded lightsaber. Ren is a welcomed new antagonist to the Star Wars lore. Among the other new characters we have Rey, the strong, beautiful and incredibly likable scavenger, the new lead character in Star Wars. Rey is a spectacular example of how you can relate and so easily be captivated by Star Wars characters, with her mysterious origins, tough demeanor and willingness to do whatever it takes. Daisy Ridley was phenomenal in the role, and she will only continue to grow as an actress and with this role.
John Boyega is arguably the most invested in his role as Finn, a fantastic new addition. BB-8 rolls around and grabs your heart, making you laugh and love him throughout the film, and while Oscar Issac's Poe isn't given enough screen time or development, he's a blast to watch when he's up on the screen. Along with the main cast there are several other smaller characters, both new and old, that help make TFA feel like a real living, breathing story. There's always been the epic space setting and iconic weapons, but what makes Star Wars so indisputably amazing is the characters that fill the space, and Episode VII gives long time and new-coming fans spectacular characters to love.
The Force Awakens wasn't nominated for 5 Oscars for no reason, those Oscars involving sound mixing, editing, and original score along with visual effects and film editing. Much like "A New Hope" back in '77, TFA brings Star Wars back to the forefront of technological advancements in film, with jaw-dropping CGI, the return of stunning practical effects, and the simply majestic score of John Williams, who without, Star Wars would't be the same. The visual effects help make every action scene enthralling, as iconic lightsabers clash and you watch the Millennium Falcon soar on screen like never before through gorgeous set pieces and atmospheric beauty keeping your mind lost in the film. Episode VII is a visual and audible masterpiece, simple as that.
Monuments are erected to pay tribute to someone or something, to preserve a legacy and to carve a path for the future of all that see it, and dream to accomplish what it did. That is Episode VII. A monument to the original Star Wars saga, a piece of art that brings total justice to the illustrious Star Wars name, and a beacon of hope and assurance for the future of the franchise. The Force Awakens pulls your heart and mind into its world with an engaging story, sensational characters, heart-racing action and visual, audible and practical effects that leave you breathless. It's old and new, coming together to craft a generational milestone. Star Wars is back, and I couldn't be more overjoyed.
9/10