In 1977, I went to see a film called “Star Wars” with an old boyfriend of mine. I figured I would go to this “guy flick” with him and I would choose the place for dinner. From the moment the first strands of John Williams score began to play to the scrolling of the words “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….” it was no longer a “guy flick,” it became one of my favorite films.
I was hoping that Star Wars: The Force Awakens would give me a little of the feeling that I had from the first film. My expectations weren’t high. However, when the music began and the words started to scroll up the screen, the tremors in my stomach let me know this was going to be a great and fun film.
The Dark Force is stronger and is training Storm Troopers from birth to be a part of their First Order movement. The Resistance, led by General Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) is keeping up the fight to stop the First Order from taking over other worlds. Both groups have a common goal, to find the last Jedi, Luke Skywalker.
Hat’s off to JJ Abrams and Lawrence Kasden for creating a film that was the rightful continuation of the first. Their script and direction pulled together the generations, not only in the film but those watching in the theaters, together in an easy familiar way.
By bringing back the old favorites we baby boomers love in Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca and the Millennium Falcon, Princess Leia, C-3PO, R2D2, and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and blending in the new interesting characters of the future, it is guaranteed that The Force will continue to fight against the dark side for many years to come.
Daisy Ridley’s performance of Rey is perfect. She’s a survivor who scavenges for metal. She lives alone but don’t get in the way of her staff that she welds like a Jedi lightsaber. She is pretty, compassionate, but tough and smart. Finn (John Boyega) was trained to be a storm trooper but just doesn’t believe in the fight so he escapes the Dark Force to reluctantly join the resistance. Darth Vader may be gone but the new Dark Lord Kylo Ren is preparing to take his place and rule over the Dark Force. Adam Driver is perfect in this role with his dark looks and piercing eyes. The young dark one throws tantrums, wields a mean mind force, and grows in power. Even the young android BB-8 is adorable.
All in all, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is action packed, nostalgic, funny, shocking, intriguing, and touches the heart. Yes, I did shed a few tears.
I say SPEND THE MONEY and see STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS in theaters. I can’t wait to see it in 3D!
