Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review

Rating: 9/10 (4 October 2016)

One of the most highly anticipated movies of 2015, more than lived up to the hype. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is a film that has brought the Star Wars cinematic franchise back to life. With the prequels disappointing most fans and movie goers, this film had high expectations to return this iconic franchise, back to its glory days. Director J.J Abrams not only met these expectations, he hit them out of the park. Abrams had a high bar to meet with this film such as, introducing the Star Wars brand to a new generation of fans, expanding the Star Wars cinematic universe, making up for the disappointment of the prequels, engaging the longtime fan base, and of course making an exceptionally good movie. Abrams did not disappoint with any of these objectives. Put on your nostalgia goggles because Abrams brings back some of the most iconic aspects from the original trilogy. Any fan of Star Wars, or anyone who has seen the original trilogy will appreciate what Abrams accomplished in this film. It will be hard not to have a smile on your face when some of the original trilogies most beloved characters return. Characters such as, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, C3PO, R2-D2, and Luke Skywalker, will make fans giddy when they appear back on the big screen. Abrams did not forget about the classic props form the original trilogy either, showing massive crashed star destroyers, imperial walkers, X-wings, and of course the Millennium Falcon. Seeing these classic props will make any fan of Star Wars excited. Abrams makes all of these props more visually stunning then ever before, no Star Wars movie would be complete without these stunning visual effects. With realistic special effects as well, Abrams creates an outstanding galaxy making each set feel real. With these outstanding visual and special effects Abrams makes the galaxy that is far far away feel like it is right next door. Following in the original trilogies footsteps the acting was exceptional. Harrison Ford returns and delivers once again as the heroic Han Solo. Ford is as compelling and charming as ever. He dives deeper into his infamous character, which allows viewers to see a new side of one of their most beloved heroes. Ford connects with his audience more than he ever has before, and his role makes a major impact on not just the plot of the film, but the other characters as well. Daisy Ridley debuts in her role as the main character Rey. She is a fresh new face, that Star Wars fans will enjoy. Ridley plays a desert orphan waiting on the desolate planet of Jakku for her parents to return to her. As the film progresses and Rey starts to grow as a character the film becomes more and more compelling. The main villain Kylo Ren is played marvelously by Adam Driver. Never has Star Wars seen a villain with so many layers. A former Jedi in training, Ren turned to the dark side. However, Ren still feels the pull to the light, which is a quality that a villain in the Star Wars saga has never had before. Each of these actors bring a personal aspect to their characters in ways where the audience can connect with them, and allows this film to stand out from the rest of the films in the Star Wars saga. Fans and movie goers will be pleased with the job Abrams did with this film. "Star Wars; The Force Awakens" is much more than a sequel. It is a riveting film filled with great acting, classic props, and stunning visual and special effects. This is not only a great addition the Star Wars saga, but it is also an outstanding stand-alone film that rivals the franchises original trilogy.