It’s finally here. We have all been waiting for this for a long time, and it feels bizarre knowing that I’ve seen it. The new Star Wars film has had a tremendous amount of hype in the lead up to its release. So, did The Force Awakens live up to that hype? Yes, yes it fucking did.
(This review will be relatively short, sweet and most importantly – spoiler free. You guys are here to find out if it was good or not, I’m not gonna ruin it for you!)
Not going to say too much about the plot cause I’ll just ruin it. Basically, it’s set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, and a lot of shit has happened since then.
The film certainly recaptures the magic lost in the dire prequels (with the exception of Revenge of the Sith). J.J. Abrams has clearly tried to win over the fans with elements from the original trilogy, but the new additions to the franchise are its biggest strengths.
The new characters are all superb. Daisy Ridley as Rey, a scavenger from Jakku, plays one of the main roles, and really does show how far she’s come. John Boyega as Finn too was excellent, bringing back that humour and banter that ran through the original trilogy. Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, the incredible X-Wing pilot, is likeable from the get-go and is a great addition to the cast.
One of my favourite additions is the new lovable, adorable droid BB-8. By no means a cute gimmick, BB-8 plays a major role in the film, and I guarantee you’ll smile every time you see him – he steals every scene he’s in.
With new heroes obviously comes new villains. The main villain in the film is the spectacular Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver. The first time you see him, man does he have some impact. It really is excellent because I found him immediately iconic. Driver’s performance does add a lot of depth to the role, which I’m sure will surprise you. Also, how bloody cool is that lightsaber? Gees one!
Other villains featured won’t go without praise. I loved seeing General Hux and Captain Phasma on screen but we didn’t see too much of them. The villain I’m most curious about is Supreme Leader Snoke, played by legend Andy Serkis. Again, he wasn’t prominent in the film, but I am positive he’ll have a massive part to play later and I am incredibly excited by this. To criticise and say they’re underdeveloped is harsh. This is only the first of three films – there’s only so much one film can do.
Harrison Ford returns as an ageing Han Solo, but certainly hasn’t lost his touch. The character is still as loveable years on, and Ford has very much stuck to what has made Solo so beloved amongst fans. The excellent Carrie Fisher returns as General Leia, and I suspect there’s still more to come from her. Finally Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker – I’m saying no more.
In terms of the visual effects, they are sensational. Of course there’s CGI, but it is all done so seamlessly and perfectly. Combined with plenty of practical effects, I was thrown into the world of Star Wars, and I wish I didn’t have to leave. J.J Abrams’ style flourishes through the film, and thankfully there isn’t too much of his signature lens flare.
So to sum it up, the new Star Wars is absolutely amazing. Like wow, what a success. The feeling when that score blasted through the cinema speakers is like nothing I’ve ever felt. I loved everything I saw, whether it was the X-Wings, the characters, the lightsabers, the fights – everything. It is a truly sensational return to the franchise, which left me speechless for a solid hour. The film has plenty of nods back to the original trilogy, which makes it more enjoyable. There are unanswered questions, but that’s okay; I know there is more to come which makes me even more excited. I will be going to see this at least another twice, so clear any arrangements get to that fucking cinema.
Rating: PURE DYNAMITE!
If you have somehow been living under a rock for the past year, watch the trailer:
Have you seen The Force Awakens? Tell me what you thought in the comments, or send a tweet to @frew_cameron.
Cameron Frew
FrewFilm 