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:
When compared to the last three, it is sheer genius.
Well put. Now to see where it goes.
Although the reviews have been good for this movie, I have no plans to watch it. I enjoyed your review,though.
If space opera isn't your thing, Oscar, probably the right decision.
Spot on review. Were you as puzzled as I was from the lack of interaction between Leia and Chewie towards the end?
Yes, Jay. Saw where Abrams admitted that was a mistake. Leia should have walked right up to Chewie instead of Rey.
Fun is a good description of it.
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