Foundations (Star Wars - The Force Awakens)

Rating: 7/10 (3 January 2016)

From the moment the opening credits filled the screen, childhood nostalgia was renewed and the magic of cinema was gleaming. There was a sense of hesitation to not get hopes high, due to the disappointments that were the prequels (excluding Episode III which in general, despite inevitable flaws, was a good movie). And by the time the end credits rolled, that hesitation was gone. On the whole The Force Awakens was a strong beginning to continuation to a much loved franchise. However it was not without its faults, it was in some instances too closely linked to the plot of the original Star Wars and is almost bordering on too nostalgic and not a work of its own. It was not so much a masterpiece, but it did lay the foundations for what appears to be a promising revival of the franchises and beginning of a great trilogy. The hype of this movie was very much due to the return of the original cast, whereas the standout performances of the movie had to be the new cast (Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver) who gave fresh, humerus and believable performances. Arguably the best villain of the franchise is seen in Kylo Ren who adds a deeper layer to the villain frontier, Adam Driver shines and undertakes the role perfectly. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega share a special dynamic on screen and bond beautifully and lead the audience through the exhilarating journey which spans the whole galaxy. A galaxy which J.J Abrahams has managed to beautifully relive with the return to favouring of practical effects and a darker tone and learns from the mistakes made previously and takes the best parts of the franchise to make the movie fans have been waiting for since Return of the Jedi. Chewie We're Home.