After episode 1-3, Star Wars series seriously lost all its steam and momentum that A New Hope, Empire Strike Back, Return of Jedi had set earlier.
The Force Awakens kind of set a new hope to continuing the series.
Believe me, after Lucas poor outing with the prequel and Disney buying over Star Wars franchise, I have my doubts over episode 7. However, seeing what JJ Abrams did to Star Trek (plus having Lost in his CV), and the bombardment of write ups before the movie screening, again I see a glimmer of hope.
The Force Awakens follows the adventure of Rey and Finn, a scavenger and former storm trooper respectively. How they fit into the story of Hans, Luke, Leia will be slowly revealed in the movie. Without much spoiler, the whole movie is written to retain the feel of episode 4. The opening in a dessert planet, a deep secret stashed away in a droid, young chap trying hard to accept his (or her in this case) destiny to control the force, the death star (except in this movie, its a death planet), plenty of X-Wing vs TIE fighter and a glimpse of Star Wars world of weird creature. It is like watching A New Hope all over again. The casting is good, both the new character is rather likable, seeing Hans and Leia again reminded me of the good old days. Introduction to a new droid BB-8 seems like a Disney-like decision, to introduce a small cute character. Smart move, considering they can do many marketing merchandise on it.
So, with all the new technology and bigger budget does this movie make the franchise proud? Still too early to say. Like a New Hope, if watched as a stand alone movie, did not make much impact, but it set the stage ready for Empire Strike Back (which is my fav) and finale in Return of Jedi. As a part of the original trilogy, it is great. Force Awaken served as a bridge to a new story arc and to introduce some new character. As a stand alone movie, it is just average at most. But it could be part of a great new trilogy. The other thing this movie lacks is a legendary villain. Darth Vader did it almost instantaneously when he appeared in the Death Star. Kyro Ren here, as require by the story line, still has much more to be develop into the new Vader.
Many reviewers gave this movie such a high review that it actually raised my expectation. Not a good thing to do before going into the cinema hall. It is definitely a good movie, but we shall see whether it set the stage for a legendary story arc.
ratings: 3 half poink~!
comments: if you love episode 4, this will entertain you exactly the same.
