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.
