Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Movie review: Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Thirty years after the Empire was defeated by the rebels the Empire rises again as The First Order once again determined to rule the galaxy. With help from the Resistance, a small group of rebels is determined to retain freedom for the galaxy.

Harrison Ford (Han), Mark Hamill (Luke), Carrie Fisher (Leia), Adam Driver (Kylo), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe), Andy Serkis (Snoke), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO).

Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens was definitely a surprise. Because we have seen it before in 1977. The evil Empire builds a Death Star, or in this case a bigger Death Star. More like a Death Planet. A map to Luke, rather than the Death Star, is found in a droid. The Resistance executes a plan, involving driving an X-wing fighter to the core of the Death Star, I mean Death Planet, and blows it up. In the process Luke, I mean Rey, starts on a path toward being a Jedi trained by Jedi Master Luke. Sound familiar? Despite all of that, and the fact this film really did nothing to move the plot forward but was simply character replacement, it is still fairly enjoyable.

Acting was top notch with many of the original cast returning once again. Ford pulled his role off nicely but sadly it seems, for the last time. Driver was an interesting choice for nemesis and almost pulled it off. Ridley was enjoyable and shows good promise for growth. Boyega and Isaac did well and fit the film nicely. The remainder of the cast did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are big, impressive, and well done as would be expected from this franchise. CGI of course was extensive and also good. Animation work with BB-8, and others, was very well done. Dialogue was solid even if it felt recycled from the original film. Sound and soundtrack were nice.

Despite this film being a disappointment from the storyline perspective, Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens is a pretty good reboot and does a nice job of replacing an aging cast and introducing new actors. Fans of the franchise will probably have mixed feelings about this one.

With some violence and potentially disturbing scenes, this should be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 7.22.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Adventure, Blockbusters

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel
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