Way back when Star Wars: A New Hope was being made, Lucas had originally envisioned a prequel and sequel trilogy. However, as time passed, he decided to focus instead on making six films and halted any plans for future films. Around 2011, Lucas was invited to meet with Bob Iger of Disney to discuss possibly selling Lucasfilm to Disney. A year later, Lucas announced his retirement, sold his company to Disney and appointed Kathleen Kennedy as the new head. Michael Arndt wrote the initial first drafts before veteran writer Lawrence Kasdan was brought in alongside co-writer/director JJ Abrams. Along with returning cast members Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, a whole new cast would be introduced. Many of the crew who worked on the previous films came back, including long-time composer John Williams. Ten years after the previous film, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens was released.
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Synopsis
Thirty years have passed, and out of the ashes of the Galactic Empire comes its successor, the First Order. Led by the Sith Lord Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), they’re seeking a map leading to the location of Luke Skywalker. Part of the map is hidden in a small droid, BB-8, and its master Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) is kidnapped. The droid ends up with local scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), while Poe is rescued by former Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega). Through a series of events, Finn and Rey end up escaping the First Order in the Millenium Falcon. They meet Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), who both agree to help get the droid to safety. While meeting Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong’o), the First Order attacks and kidnap Rey, who turns out to be force sensitive. Will the First Order find Skywalker, and will Rey discover her true abilities?
Review
After being disappointed by the prequel trilogy, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is a welcome return to form. While those films suffered from poor writing, lackluster performances, and CGI overload, this is an improvement on all fronts. Writing-wise, the film does borrow several elements from the original trilogy, but it’s understandable given this continues the story. Also, them reusing the original trilogy was probably done as a way to reintroduce audiences to the Star Wars universe. There are some unique elements, including a character being a former Stormtrooper, the lead being female, and a reckless villain. Acting-wise, every actor old and new gives a terrific performance, particularly Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, and Harrison Ford. Other Star Wars veterans such as Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, and Peter Mayhew also do a good job here. Mark Hamill is here, but he only has one scene at the end.
Going back to the acting, Daisy Ridley does a great job playing a strong but vulnerable female lead. John Boyega is terrific playing a character coming from a bad place who wants to do the right thing. Unlike Darth Vader’s cold and stoic nature, Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren is unique in that he’s emotional and has outbursts. To me, that makes for an interesting villain since he’s so unpredictable given how he’ll fly off the handle randomly. Other acting highlights include Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, and Andy Serkis, all of whom have their shining moments. Effects-wise, while the prequels almost fetishized CGI, this film perfectly incorporates CGI with really impressive practical effects. Though the recycling of material may seem cynical, there’s enough new material to complement the familiar tropes and plot beats. Overall, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is a perfect blending of old and new.
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