Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Movie Review: Star Wars - The Force Awakens

I had to go see Star Wars: The Force Awakens just because. This wasn’t just a movie. It was a life event.  I did not grow up enamored by Star Wars – I don’t think I’ve actually seen the original one from start to finish. It’s more of a cultural thing for me – I know the key players, and the whole “Luke, I am your father” thing. Just to participate in water cooler chat, I had to see this movie. And I did see it – I paid matinee price of $4.75 for regular digital cinema. I did not pre-buy. Instead my husband and I walked up fifteen minutes before show time on the opening Friday, and purchased seats. Theater ended up full enough but not packed. Folks stayed hushed, and I was entertained. Has my life changed? No. Will I need to see this again and again? No – once is enough. Could I participate in work conversation on that Monday? Yes, and I brought a different perspective for the young men who had such high expectations.

I understood the plot line without knowing the previous six movies. I enjoyed Harrison Ford as Han Solo – he seemed amused himself, like a kid who could lighten up and ultimately collect a large paycheck. General Leia (Carrie Fisher) has lived her nine lives and more. Our new heroine, Rey, played by Daisy Ridley is excellent. She has energy and chutzpah. Stormtrooper, hero Finn (John Boyega) is interesting as a conflicted warrior. Chewbacca growls. The new droid, BB-8, is very cute and a star. I won’t go into the story – it’s the old good vs. evil interplanetary style.


One problem, according to my guys at work – Adam Driver as Kylo Ren is a weenie. He’s in all black with a helmet and the breathing voice thing, but he’s NO Darth Vadar. Yes, there’s a light saber fight that’s shocking, but then what?

 Ultimately, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is not overpoweringly new film making. J.J. Abrams, the director, stayed true to the franchise and delivered a solid meal, but not a flight of fancy. It has potential with Rey and Finn, and maybe it can fly in some new directions. But for now, after all these years, it awoke, yawned, and stretched but did not soar. 

P.S. I realize I am not the target audience. The box office $$$$$$$$$$ are making Disney very, very happy. 

17 comments:

  1. It's not for everyone. I loved it, but I've watched them all, and it was lovely to get that slipping-on-a-favourite-jacket feeling. I loved all the references to the original triology, loved that the audience cheered and applauded (UK audiences are usually much more reserved, and that the cinema had stormtroopers roaming around before the showing :-)

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    1. and I appreciate how excited folks were - it was a party atmosphere and cool for a whole family. That's fun

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  2. I haven't seen this yet, and I have watched only three of the previous six. Maybe someday I'll get around to watching them all...or not. Who knows. I think I'd enjoy them, but like you, I don't think it will change my life to see them. :D

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    1. and you can see this one without having seen previous ones or in order. My guys at work even agreed that you get the overall idea.

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  3. Hi Joanne - I haven't seen it and am unlikely to! Interesting what Annalisa mentions about the Stormtroopers roaming around - the Brits aren't like that ...

    But wonderful you so enjoyed it - and had your take on it ... and thoughts about the process ... I gather Daisy Ridley is good ... cheers Hilary

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    1. I think the buildup for my guys at work was the most fun - anticipation

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  4. I was disappointed.
    I was told Spock died.
    What a gyp.

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    1. and you are banished from the galaxy.
      (Heresy at my workplace - wars vs. trek)

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  5. I was entertained since it took me back to seeing the first one in the theater so many years ago. And erased the last three movies.

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    1. you could have enjoyed the day long chat with my guys at work after seeing it. Indeed they were young lads again

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  6. I didn't go, but my husband and daughter went together. They liked it...

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    1. no doubt you would have enjoyed it too. It was fun

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  7. My young son was Luke Skywalker for every dress up event following the original movie. Like his Mama, he collected every Trooper and Star Fleet gizmo right down to a Vader Watch. Now at 43 he took his six year old to see Harrison Hans once more, but his young son opted to see the Minions...despicable! BTW he still has most if not all of the original Star Wars stuff...it's value has skyrocketed on eBay. The Force Awakens within me...guess I'll watch it when it comes out on the Flix.

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    1. I do think this is a film for the full big screen movie theater experience. Go - let the Force take you

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  8. Yes over here in the UK, my son of 21 and I took ourselves off to see its opening at midnight (not dressed up although others were and my son would have tried to stuff his man size head into his Darth Vader helmet (bought age 7) if he could). I loved the original one age 10 and thought this new one will hook the next generation for sure - Disney knows what it's doing!! Special Teaching at Pempi’s Palace

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    1. I do think it has been a generational event. Glad you and your son had fun!

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  9. I haven't seen it... YET... but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it. :)

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