A New Hope Awakens

Rating: Null/10 (27 December 2015)

Three decades after the events of 'Return of the Jedi', it is up to a young scavenger and a former storm trooper to save the day as the Evil Empire threatens to rise again in this seventh 'Star Wars' film. Whereas 'The Phantom Menace' and 'Attack of the Clones' suffered from pacing issues and underdeveloped characters, this entry is a well paced, exciting ride and the new characters are excellent. John Boyega is superb the former storm trooper in question and even with his helmet on, his emotions come through his actions as he gradually decides to rebel and flee. His mixed emotions when fleeing are great too; part of him wants to be a hero for once, while the rest of him is humanly scared. Daisy Ridley is even better though, emulating all the youthful enthusiasm of Mark Hamill in the 1977 original and more as her character, Rey, comes to realise unknown powers within her. Promising this sounds though, the plot more often feels like a reboot of the 1977 film than a sequel to it. The trials and tribulations of Luke and Rey are near identical, including coming into possession of a droid with a secret message. Adam Driver also seems uncomfortable playing the equivalent of Darth Vader in black mask no less. He has some unintentionally funny moments as he lets his anger get the better of him, destroying expensive equipment with his light saber (he comes across as a bit of a spoiled brat). For all its drawbacks though, 'The Force Awakens' is difficult not to like. There is a fun new droid on hand, the film includes winks at the prior entries without ever being too cute and the final shot is solid, if an obvious set-up for the next 'Star Wars' to come. Great special effects and spectacular sets do not hurt either.