STAR WARS VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS
Ok in all seriousness, I would just like to talk about where this movie is coming from, what it hopes to accomplish, and some recent backlashing about some flaws it possesses, but honestly I am getting TIRED of it! Yes, the Prequels are bad. Yes, this movie feels a lot like it's marketed to fulfil the purpose of apologizing to the bitter fans. All of this baggage could be expressed literally everywhere else, so I don't feel I should delve into it very much.
However, one criticism is worth noting about THE FORCE AWAKENS is the director, JJ Abrams. Now there is criticism about Abrams as a director, but the biggest two are his supposed "mystery box" marketing for his movies, and the fact that said movies are little more than just remixed versions of other movies (SUPER 8 being ET, STAR TREK being mostly TOP GUN, etc.) Now in my standpoint: yeah, some of his marketing, while sounding good on paper, doesn't really pull off yet. For example, his movie CLOVERFIELD (not necessarily his movie, but was written and produced, so it is close) it was marketed to be a mysterious monster attacking New York. We kind of got an idea what it was and the trailer was promising much more, and when we see the trailer... it was exactly what we thought it was, and looking back now, hoped it wouldn't be
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| Yep, just a giant reptile monster. Kind of lame... |
Yeah everyone everywhere has been criticising this movie and it's over-reliance on the original movies' story beats and elements, and not without reason - though since we already know who is directing it, it shouldn't be a surprise. A droid is given plans that hold information meant to be away from the enemy hands, a mask-wearing overlord, Stormtrooper-ish soldiers fighting Rebels-ish soldiers, another desert planet, another family member reveal, and yes, another Death Star.
To be fair, it is both the films strength and weakness. It feels, sounds, and looks like the true Star Wars movie we have been waiting for, but the events ripped wholeheartedly from the other movies feel less authentic and more mandated. For example, there isn't really an explanation as to why the First Order (which to be honest could've had a better name) formed after all these years, who is this all-powerful sith leader (who reminds me of that damn Cloverfield monster again) why there is another Death Star, and why destroying it doesn't feel impactful outside of the notion "because it's Star Wars".
But despite all that... Goddamn do I like this! Yes, after watching it THREE times now, I definitely appreciate it a lot more! Impressively made and surprisingly complex, this movie goes its way into growing into its own and not just straight-up fanfiction.
The action looks great and engaging without relying much of bloated skepticals like the Prequels; instead, much like the original trilogy, they rely on dogfights and chase scenes that focus on how the characters get into a situation and how they work around it.
Despite the First Order just being a rehash of the Imperial troops, they do feel more menacing. You see them tear down villages, manage to be accurate with how they shoot, and also manage to destroy five planets at once with their new pimped-out third Death Star attempt. All of this makes it all the more engaging to have the Resistance kick their asses in the third act.
Then there are the characters, which is definitely the films biggest strength. Whether or not you like JJ Abrams is a good director in your book, his biggest strength is making compelling characters that fit in the environment and situations of the films universe. The best example of this is Finn, a rogue stormtrooper who wants to get away from the wrath of the First Order only to finally come to his own and fight against them. Rey (played by a SMOKING Daisy Ridley) is a scavenger trying to make ends meet in the rural lands of Jakku - or Not Tatooine - who manages to be strong and capable without pandering to PC complainers. Poe Dameron is the likeable and skilled pilot without much to do, but still make a great impression, thanks to Oscar Isaac! The returning cast from the old movies return as well, both serving the story and giving enough of a distance for the new cast to shine.
And then there is Kylo Ren. I realized that there has been a LOT of snarking and ridicule from both my friends and the internet, most of it just being a weaker, whinier version of Darth Vader. To that I say, true, but that's kind of the point! He wants to be Darth Vader, but instead of the commanding, intimidating image, Kylo is juvenile, easily enraged, and always want his way. In my opinion, and the opinion of other critics, he is more of a self-aware Anakin Skywalker from the Prequels. But what makes him work here is that we definitely see a light side in him, but how torn and compelled he is to deny that just makes it more interesting. Right down to when he removes his helmet, he looks just right. He looks like the man who wouldn't belong to evil but his denial shines through, thanks to Adam Driver nailing it in this role. Honestly, he is probably the best part in this movie, and I would like to see him get explored more in the upcoming movies
Now if there is some real problems - outside of the obligatory checklisting of Star Wars iconography, a lot of the characters and scenarios are setting up to be explained later a la AVENGERS-style continuity, and some plot points arranged by coincidence - is probably the lightsaber fight at the third act. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE it. It looks real, it's compelling, and the part where they split Rey and Kylo away from each other to prevent it from being too bloody is perfect. However, the way Rey just so happens to kick the ass of a probably trained sith within three minutes really doesn't make sense. Now the force mind trick battle she had with Kylo Ren prior to this works fine and the way that Rey is set up to be one with the force is really poignant, there was no indication of her evolving into a jedi ass-kicker like some sort of Pokemon. It is more or less the result of occasional cheap writing, and NOT the whole "Mary Sue" argument, so you guys can drop that already!
So overall, if all the film wanted to do is retread the original trilogy while adding some tweaks and revisions to the extent of making it to its own, it succeeds! With all the gorgeous production design and standout characters, STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS is full of the wit, heart, and charm of what we aching for. Sure it is contrived and convenient for the most part, and it overall feels like a big epic tale is being teased in this movie quite numerously, but honestly, This feels like a perfect start of a potentially great series. I recall from the Nostalgia Critic from his opinion in his current review: that it may be A NEW HOPE all over again, but it may establish that this franchise has been resurrected into something more in the future. And as it looks, Episode 8 might prove that, what with the master of cool Rian Johnson at the helm (BRICK and LOOPER).
But as this movie stands, it is solid enough to have us declare what we should've declared years ago...
Rating: 8/10
Credits (for certain points)
Devin Faraci review
Doug Walkers Review
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