Star Wars: It's Good Again

Rating: 9/10 (18 December 2015)

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" brings Star Wars back to where it should be and mixes a good balance of what was great before and the convenience we have right now with the new generation. It delivers us a refreshing look at the world we were introduced to back in 1977 and brings back what we loved the most, while at the same time introducing us to plenty of new things to remember to love as well in the future.
It was great that before entering this film, no one knew that much as to what was the plot of it, and where the direction of this film would go with JJ's lead. The trailers didn't show as much and the film was rather secretive with the twists and turns it contained. This was a great way to market a film and it rose excitement without showing too much. As the film starts, it continues with the same Star Wars credits crawl and follows the same formula the original trilogy did. Right off the bat, the film starts like Episode IV and were brought to a universe which we've been to, but we're not quite sure what has happened in the span of 30 years. "It's like everything has changed, but nothing has changed" (as said by Mark Hamill) and yes, it does really feel that way. We're once again strangers to this universe and we're brought to the middle of something, much like Episode IV wherein we were introduced in the middle of the Rebels escaping from the Empire to save the rebel plans. Here in Episode VII, we're introduced in the middle of the Resistance trying to get something but are interrupted by the First Order. Little details like these make the film engaging and gives a sense nostalgia, which some of the fans will really like.
The characters in the film are unique and surprisingly likable more or less. Rey, Finn and Poe were all introduced quite briefly, but it effectively makes them relatable. Finn was introduced with only a few lines at the start, but you instantly get to know how he feels about a certain situation and therefore you can infer what his character is all about, he was a character who runs away. As for Rey, her character was also handled in a rather special way, she was a character who was waiting for something to come. Things like these make the film great as it shortens some of the development at the start and gets the action and spectacle going and develops them further as said action is going on. Unlike the prequels (which literally state the obvious every time in the lines of each of the characters). With that said, the new generation was entirely likable and had great chemistry with others. BB-8 was cute as hell and he was a unique and special droid to look at. But what about the original and past generation? Han Solo, Leia, C3- PO and R2D2. Surprisingly, they didn't take the center stage and the film didn't put as much emphasis on them. It was nice that the film focused more on the new cast because it was what the film really needed if they wanted to establish this whole new expanded story. The villain in this film which is Kylo Ren, is really menacing and intimidating. Although it was great to see that he was handled not entirely like a Darth Vader, and that his background for being evil is brought in with great exposition and development that makes his character so special and one to look out for in the future.
Now going on to the technical side of the film, this film is visually striking, with the great mix of practical effects and CGI. The cinematography in this film is also superb, with a mix of long shots from showing the scale of a battle scene to the environment and look of a certain location that makes the film feel massive and rich with so many little tiny details that deliver fascination to the audience much like the first Star Wars film did. The brilliant mix of practical effects also gave the film it's signature look, it doesn't look artificial and the minimal use of CGI makes the film look truly like what a Star Wars film should be, just like how it was in the old days but still appeal to the current age. The musical score from John Williams was also good, but not to the point of excellent as the old iconic themes granted the themes of Rey and Finn for example were pretty great. The music fixed the tone and said a lot about the characters too.
As for the flaws in this film, it's really hard to say without giving away spoilers that will most definitely ruin it for everyone. My only problems were a few minor plot holes, some things that felt left out, rushed and underwhelming. It also felt like everything that happened in the film was so convenient. Like it was convenient to have someone who knows how to do this and that to escape from a perilous situation and etc. (It's hard to go in detail without spoiling) Nonetheless, it was a pretty enjoyable film for all ages, new generation, old generation, or any generation you're in. If you're a Star Wars fan and you're worried it might end up like the prequels don't worry, it ain't a Jar Jar Binks
+The Marketing For This Film +Relatable and Likable New Cast, +Nostalgia, references, and call backs to previous films +Visual effects, +Engaging story and environment, +Everything has changed but nothing has changed, +A mix dominated with practical effects and CGI, -Some minor plot holes and rather unbelievable plot convenience
Verdict: 8.7/10