"Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" Film Review

"Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" Film Review

Rating: 5/5

By: Nathaniel Simpson

    Over thirty years after we saw Luke Skywalker defeat Darth Vader and the Empire, a new evil force has risen in the Galaxy. The evil First Order, run by the mysterious Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) serves as the main antagonist in J.J. Abrams' "Star Wars Episode VII - The Force Awakens". 

    The film opens with the knowledge that Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has disappeared. The last Jedi is gone, and all hope seems lost. Luke's sister, Leia (Carrie Fisher), is the leader of the Resistance that is tasked with taking down the First Order and bringing balance back to the force. Along the way, we meet the mysterious Rey (Daisy Ridley), whose parental lineage is unknown. She bands together with a stormtrooper on the run, named Finn (John Boyega). 

    They take the famous Millennium Falcon to escape the planet of Jakku, where they are then taken captive by Han Solo (Harrison Ford) himself. The journey then starts as they make their way to the Resistance to deliver the map put inside of a droid owned by Resistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) that will lead them to Luke's mysterious hiding place

    This film does follow a plot similar to "A New Hope", yet it plays out in such a way that is new and fresh. The characters are fun and interesting to watch; we are excited to have the opportunity to explore these characters and their backstory throughout this new trilogy. 

    Ford totally encompasses the role of Han Solo so well once again. Even though thirty years has passed since we have last seen him, it feels as if Han Solo didn't go away at all. Granted, I can't say the same for Fisher and Hamill; however they have a smaller role present in this film. 

    The fighting is intense and has the same exciting energy that was present in the original films. I also enjoyed the jokes that were cracked to help relieve some of the tension present in the scenes. "Star Wars" is known for being dark at times, but they are more well known for their jokes and famous one-liners. 

    J.J. Abrams really captures the same magic that George Lucas brought to the original trilogy. The characters are very engaging and capture your attention. This is the first "Star Wars" film since the Disney merger, and they are off to a great start for the new films in this franchise.