If only I had more time (and mood) for whining...

Rating: 6/10 (26 December 2015)

With all the built hype around this new episode of the beloved space-opera, it is safe to say that if your expectations come near as immoderate, you shall assuredly meet with disappointments. First of all, I have to admit, that I am not a hater of the latest George Lucas trilogy, neither consider it as something special. These prequels were admittedly well made CGI feasts, very long and child- friendly at some point (The Phantom Menace), but also essential and very committed to the tale that had to be told: the morbid seduction of the dark Force. Within the years, these add-fillers to the saga, gave birth to a permanent lack of satisfaction for these movies and became the routine of an established complaint towards Luca's lost vision and doubt of his skills. Firstly as a storyteller and secondly as a filmmaker.
The fans anticipated and deserved something much better, but we all have to admit, that some people have lost their sense of proportions. We 'd better call the original movies (1977-83) great as cult sci-fi, but not, monumental filmmaking. They offered escapism to the masses and a mythology that Hollywood needed at the times. Their scripts were not so new or innovative, but cleverly managed to fell fresh through their structural growth and political intrigue. And the captivating use of technology made us forgive some amateurish dialogue and performances. Of course there was a landmark music score by John Williams, some brilliant ideas in the technical aspect (editing and the choreography of the action scenes) and many directors consider the whole experience as the most influential to their career. The Star Wars in a parallel universe, that has not so much to do with critical or artistic value, is a legacy surrounded with such special care and glamor, that anybody who will be honored to mess with this brand and take it to the next step, must proceed with "stratospherical" caution. Because, he could –until proved that he has the Force- ruin our fantasy of an ideal sequel. To an original, that qualifies for praise, but no to such gravity and seriousness.
Director / Co-writer J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Mission Impossible III) is an expert in reinventing damaged franchises that have lost their path to purity and entertainment. He's the right man to ensure a continuing rebirth, just by teaming the best and forgotten elements of the series. In this cinematic galaxy he constructs the remains of Star Wars with a clearly defined way. The fascinating air battles, the lost thrills and humor, they are all on board. It's the same philosophy, the same formula, you love and trust. The veterans Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) and friends are leagued with new blood (Daisy Ridley is exceptional as Rey) and the only thing that differs now, seems to be the motivation of their actions. Without spoiling anything, it feels like a more personal struggle beating in the heart of the movie, than ever before. The resistance is strong, the threat of the darkness is present, but the power that prompts for heroism comes from emotion and faults of the past. The protagonists seek freedom and justice, but you can't help identifying them as tortured souls who are always testing their fate. Because they are so afraid, to suffer alone.
By acquiring the rights from LucasFilms (a deal of $4 billion), Disney has not only closed a profitable investment but this might actually be also, the best possible way for the longevity of the franchise. I enjoyed the movie, its pace and action, but have to admit that the new droid (BB-8) stole my heart. Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) was quite good as pilot Poe and Adam Driver (Frances Ha) was nasty as the presence of the menacing Kylo Ren. Newcomer to the game John Boyega (Attack the Block) didn't stand out for me (he plays a trooper with conscience), Domhnall Gleeson (Ex-Machina) was wasted in a minor role and the appearance of the Leader Snoke (besides a performance capture by the master Andy Serkis) is not exceptional at all. If I had more time and mood for whining, I'd found more that I didn't like in this episode, but let's be fair. It's a satisfying package that delivers.