Countdown to 'Star Wars' Day: 'The Force Awakens' is a thrilling joyride and the best film in sequel trilogy
May 4 is just a handful of hours away and MEA WorldWide has been counting down to the 'Star Wars' day by examining each of the nine films. And so in that cheery spirit, we take a look at 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens', which is a joyful ride, with its share of absurdities. Yet, one of the reasons the film is a delight to watch, is that we get to see the older cast playing alongside the new ones. JJ Abrams film also sought to redeem the flaws of George Lucas's storytelling, as well as his decision-making, by placing actors of color in the lead roles. This touch was what the stagnant franchise needed.
Abrams returns to the classics and cuts through most of the clutter. The new characters are just as fun and compelling as the previous, and so it's easier to gloss over the normal stereotypes and flaws of the film. However, this does not work in 'Rise Of Skywalker'.
Though 'The Force Awakens' is seventh, and is the first of the sequel trilogy (that sounds overtly complicated, true), but picks up years after where the 1983 film 'The Return Of The Jedi' left off.
Instead of the stellar trio of Luke (Mark Hamill), Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Hans Solo, we have Rey (Daisy Ridley), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega). The three characters are refreshing variations of the previous holy trinity. There's a gender swap as Rey is the new Luke Skywalker, and Poe is the pilot, suggesting he's the milennial version of Han and Finn is an ex-stormtrooper. And then there's angsty Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), who is uncannily similar to Anakin Skywalker's brooding mannerisms. Of course, he has a tiny bit of good in him, but is it enough to stop him from going to the dark side? Well, it isn't. But Kudos to Driver, for playing such a miniature Darth Vader, as his intensity as the character is electrifying.
The premise of the story is quite straightforward: The war is still on, years after Darth Vader chucked Palpatine down an elevator shaft. Luke is AWOL and the New Republic, headed by Leia Organa is trying to discreetly finance the rebellion against the remnants of the Empire, now termed as The First Order. The remnants are getting ambitious, as they've fashioned a Death Star that's in another planet and the new Imperials seem more deadly than usual. There are usual trademark cutesy creatures, new names and trivia that adds further to the 'Star Wars' lore. And of course, this film has its own set of paternal struggles. Yet, this isn't a film just for the obsessive 'Star Wars' fans, this is for everyone. It's got your share of thrills, nostalgia, with the graceful touch of love and humanity.
To be fair, this was the best film in the sequel trilogy and is a delightful form of escapism that you need. 'The Last Jedi' was a great adventure too, and then it all went downhill with 'The Rise Of Skywalker'.