Saturday, April 9, 2016

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

It took me four months to watch the biggest film of 2015—Star Wars: The Force Awakens—and here are a few haphazard thoughts from my first, late-to-the-game viewing last night:

What a strong actor Daisy Ridley (Rey) is in every scene. All the youngers are marvelous but this lady has serious acting chops—looking forward to watching her in material beyond a space opera. And for the returning veterans: Great to see Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewie (Peter Mayhew) though Carrie Fisher seemed stiff as Leia—uncomfortably so. And, hey, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han sure could have used you a little sooner. (I’m sure that will all be explained in further detail but talk about sitting this one out, right?) That being acknowledged when we do see the last of the Jedi’s, this fanboy, was seven-years-old again, it was 1977, in Dryden, New York, and I was watching the original with my mom and dad at a drive-in. The Force Awakens is what ‘going to the movies’ is all about.

Minor nitpicks: Believe this point has been voiced in numerous fandom circles: found it amusing that Luke, Han Solo, etc., are myths after only thirty odd years. But, who knows, sands through the hourglass may move faster this galaxy far, far away. And I would have liked to have seen more of Chewbacca in a couple of key scenes.

When talent, writing, and direction is packaged fresh, it’s almost eye-opening and awe-inspiring how a plot that has so many borrowed elements from Star Wars: A New Hope can seem born again. J.J. Abrams deserves a ton of credit for paying homage and also providing a fresh direction.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a whole lot of fun that I recommend to everyone … especially us old scruffy-looking nerf herders.

7 comments:

pattinase (abbott) said...

When compared to the last three, it is sheer genius.

David Cranmer said...

Well put. Now to see where it goes.

Oscar Case said...

Although the reviews have been good for this movie, I have no plans to watch it. I enjoyed your review,though.

David Cranmer said...

If space opera isn't your thing, Oscar, probably the right decision.

Jay said...

Spot on review. Were you as puzzled as I was from the lack of interaction between Leia and Chewie towards the end?

David Cranmer said...

Yes, Jay. Saw where Abrams admitted that was a mistake. Leia should have walked right up to Chewie instead of Rey.

Charles Gramlich said...

Fun is a good description of it.