It's been 10 years since Star Wars Episode III hit theaters and to some its been even longer then that. Star Wars has been the foundation for blockbuster franchises ever since it became a mega pop culture phenomena after 1977. Though I have always been a fan of the movies (minus episode 2) It never occured to me why Star Wars in particular became the mega hit it did. I always assumed it was the worlds and the sci-fi, which were cool and all but I have seen many a cool concept or great movie come and go with time. Star Wars was always a huge phenomena and while I loved to be apart of it, I always found myself gravitating to stories of superheroes and darker sci-fi. Well after seeing the Force Awakens I get it! I get why Star War is so huge and I see why it stood the test of time. Its world and lore may be deep and diverse but its the characters that make Star Wars what it is. The Force Awakens carries this tradition proudly and that's what makes this movie triumph.
If character are the center piece then it makes since that I introduce them. The two major new ones are Rae, a scavenger native to the planet of Jakku, and Finn, an ex first order Stormtrooper. Finn and Rae are both strong and incredible realized characters, even in their weakest moments the come across and human despite their reluctance or fear. J.J. (the director) wisely chose to cast relatively unknowns, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, in both these parts partly as an homage to the original trilogies cast, and as a way to introduce these characters in a completely fresh skin. These two are also accompanied by Po who just so happens to be the most fly pilot in the resistance. Whats great about all three of these characters is that everybody I talked to seem to identify with them differently. I for example loved Finn and sympathized with his position. I was rooting for him the entire way through, however when I asked my friends about who they liked they responded with different characters. The core of this movie is in the hands of these newcomers and I can't express how much they knocked it out of the park.
Then their is the returning cast. At first when announced I was a little nervous the hear everyone was coming back; I really dislike it when a story seems to pander to particular characters when there really is no since for them to be there, yet this wasn't the case. The Force Awakens uses each of the returning characters wisely and conservatively. When Leia shows up it makes since, when C-3PO shows up he isn't around forever, and when Luke.............well maybe I'll skip on Luke for now. A special shout out should go to Harrison Ford as Han Solo. Believe me when I say that not only was he welcomed but this movie may not have worked as well without him. He brought humor when some was needed, heart in other moments, and a since of gravitas to the whole spectacle. Not bad 73year old Harrison Ford, not bad at all.
And what about the villain, Kylo Renn. Vader this is not ladies and gentleman but rest assured Kylo is still terrifying and vicious when he needs to be. His presence on screen is intimidating not because he is daunting but because he is human. Adam Driver did a fantastic job in conveying so much of Kylo's character just through the voice. He is fierce and driven but also sympathetic an conflicted. The rest of his story you'll just have to see for yourself.
Guys I don't have to tell anybody to see this movie because you already made up your mind already whether this was going to be for you. What I can reassuring you is what you'll think coming out. Your enjoyment and acceptance of this movie will come down to one factor, the characters. These characters effected me in a way where few movies have, movies like Lord of the Rings, or the Avengers, or even Harry Potter. Epics that tell grand tales but come down to a compilation of personal journeys. Star Wars the Force Awakens has been put in the running with these titians. Its not a perfect movie and there are still flaws to find but we have been set up for something special in the upcoming years. This may not be may favorite movie of the year but It is my favorite movie going experience and that's worth a five to me. Time will tell if the new Star Wars trilogy lives up to the mark it made.
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