Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens-2015

Director J.J. Abrams

Starring Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill

Scott’s Review #540

Reviewed December 8, 2016

Grade: B

As a youngster who grew up on the original three Star Wars films (admittedly, I cannot keep track of, nor care enough to learn, the franchise’s exact chronological order), the 2015 reincarnation feels very nostalgic.

Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983) were magical films for a kid.

I saw each one in theaters.

Sadly, The Phantom Menace (1999) was a rather forgettable endeavor and did nothing to draw new fans to the franchise or keep existing fans engaged.

Taking center stage in this installment are beloved stalwart characters Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

A slight gripe is the shamefully underused status of one of these characters.

The visual effects are impressive, the main villain is okay, and the action sequences are adequate, but the ode to history keeps longtime viewers engaged most.

In a way, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is aptly titled as it is a rebirth of sorts for the storied franchise.

Legendary actor Max von Sydow is shamefully underutilized, with a throwaway role in the film’s opening sequence.

He resembles the late, great Guinness, who was famous again in the 1970s when he appeared in the first Star Wars.

A coincidence?

Filmmakers are aiming for a modern reboot of Episode IV (1977).

The main character, Rey (Daisy Ridley), is meant to be the new Luke Skywalker, a Jedi hero known across the galaxy and missing for years. Rey has special powers and is accompanied by her sidekick droid, BB-8, a similar character to R2-D2.

The villain is Kylo-Ren, son of Han Solo and Princess (now General) Leia, and reminiscent of Darth Vader.

The film is a classic good-versus-evil tale as the evil First Order battles the good Resistance.

I enjoyed the good storytelling most of all, and prominent roles for Han Solo and Leia were good choices for the storied franchise. Newcomers Rey and her love interest, Finn, are appealing, as is fighter pilot Poe, played by Oscar Isaac.

Reportedly, this film kicks off another trilogy, so we will undoubtedly see more of these characters.

I could not help but notice the Nazi similarities of the First Order and their soldiers, the Stormtroopers. Possessing a red quality and a Nazi-like salute to their supreme leader, they even look German in appearance.

Kylo Ren, raven-haired, pale, and clad in a black cape, was clearly inspired by Darth Vader, especially in his masked appearance.

He almost could have been his son.

Set thirty years after the original Star Wars, the plot is similar, and I think this is a wise move: it introduces the franchise to a new audience while staying true to the rich history of the central characters and their offspring.

Han Solo and Leia discuss their love affair, past adventures, and their son, who has been hypnotized to the dark side. They struggle to concoct a way to rescue him and hope to persuade him that aligning with the Resistance is the only way.

Favorite scenes include the ultimate showdown between Rey and Kylo-Ren. Set in a snowy, wintry forest, the scene is visually gorgeous, with their glistening, glowing lightsabers, as are many scenes in one battle station or another.

The re-appearance of comical C-3PO is darling.

As with the original Star Wars, humor is mixed in to lighten the mood.

Han Solo and his dedicated sidekick Chewbacca gently spar, and when Han Solo takes the group to a saloon filled with interesting creatures, the scene is light and fun. 

The real drawback for me is that the film isn’t all that compelling, aside from the nostalgia. It is a classic battle of two wills, but nothing new and exciting.

Sure, there are a few new characters, but the plot is rather basic and what one would expect. 

I am not truly invested in the franchise, despite zillions of die-hard fans who are fanatics about the films and their intricacies, so this is more an opinion than a criticism of its merits.

Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) will undoubtedly please fans and introduce new ones to a galaxy and the “force.”

A satisfying trip down memory lane.

Oscar Nominations: Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects