The Force has Finally Awaken

Rating: 9/10 (29 December 2015)

The long awaited saga continues, led by familiar faces and new allies. The Force Awakens sets the tone for the next chapter of a new regime of both the Jedi and Sith. J.J. Abrams takes the torch as we once again journey to galaxy far far away. Of course there will be mixed reviews from both the critics and the Star Wars faithful like myself, most of which have been favorable. However, as expected there are several perspectives and outlooks. For this review, I'll share my initial thoughts. Overall J.J. Abrams does a great job as he begins to carry the weight of almost a 40 year franchise that Lucas fans would show no mercy if failed. I believe it was smart of Abrams to give the storyline "New Hope" parameters. There were clear Episode IV parallels, like the mission centered on information carried by a droid, a rescue driven by purpose and love (initially) (Finn & Rey, Leia and Luke/Han), and the sacrifice of a leader (Han and Obi Wan). For some this was Abrams playing safe, but I think it was good for us to make connection to the past; it strengthens the purpose of the Star War principle. The screenplay is packed with great balanced of the characters we've come to love, along with new personalities to grow into like Finn's spontaneous comedic courage, and who can forget the adorable BB-8. My biggest issue would be Kylo Ren's screenplay. The childish tantrums he throws are absolutely unacceptable for a potential Sith Lord, it completely disrespects someone like Darth Maul, which we all know was gone too soon, but that's another story. I would also add, the premature revealing of himself with Rey was not smart, I almost would say it kind of devalued his character, especially seeing he's going with the whole Vader inspiration thing. I was somewhat OK with Han requesting for it to be off, but I'm really not a fan. I mean even Adam Driver's face looks teenage, so that doesn't help. Furthermore, there seems to be an accelerated plan for Rey's use of the force. For some Rey's engagement with the force might a little advance for only a brief talk with Maz, Luke wasn't nearly as advance in New Hope and he had Obi Wan's help. Nevertheless, it's not the ideal based on what we've seen in past experiences. Despite some of my slight issues with the film, I feel very confident in Abrams' direction for the remainder of this saga. The Force Awakens was a great film, worthy to be endorsed by the Star Wars faithful and those unfortunately new to the galaxy's greatest story. No one's perfect, so no one should expect Abram to be. I had my doubts, but Abrams pulled through, and he earned every bit of my 9 out of 10 rating, which I rarely give out as a respected critic. Besides we all know Lucas's eye isn't completely turned away from the project. He's a "Blackbriar" consultant for JJ. Thoughts?