Film Review: Force is With ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’

 

(Photo Credit: Walt Disney Pictures)

 

Who Has the Force: Good or Evil?

 

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No matter the genre, filmmaker or era, films usually have a few constants.


One constant is the struggle between good and evil.


In life, no idea is original but the presentation makes certain films stand out against the competition.


And as expected, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” stands out with pure awesomeness, from the special effects to the performances.


The legend of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamil) is still well known throughout the galaxy in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”


He led the Jedi resistance against the storm troopers but has disappeared from all view.


The presence of Jedi forces is needed to maintain balance between the people and the First Order.


If the storm troopers can find Luke and eliminate him, they can crush the Jedi movement and achieve total domination.


However, having a plan is different from having the ability to execute that plan.


The only way for the First Order to find Luke is to locate a map that contains his whereabouts.


But that task is made difficult when Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) gives the map to the droid BB8 before falling into the hands of his adversaries.

 

The storm troopers kidnap Poe with hopes of obtaining information about Luke’s location but to no avail.


However, their battle begins anew when he escapes captivity with the help of rogue storm trooper Finn (John Boyega), who looks like Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry’s little brother.


The resistance has to hope to find Luke, and hide his map from the First Order before total annihilation is inevitable.


With the help of Finn’s new friend Rey (Daisy Ridley) and some old heads, their mission might be accomplished or will it?


Set 30 years after the “Return of the Jedi,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” maintains the momentum of its predecessors while blazing a trail all its own thanks to a couple of great performances.


Ridley is simply bada$$ in her performance as Rey.  The force is definitely with this diminutive lady, who is able to stand toe-to-toe with any male opponent she comes up against.

 

Director J.J. Abrams evens educates “Star Wars” novices on the history of the franchise in true Jedi fashion.


As expected, Isaac is also great in his role in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”


He is becoming one of Hollywood’s best talents thanks to roles in “Ex Machina” and “A Most Violent Year.”


His star will undoubtedly shine brighter in the coming years with roles in “X-Men: Apocalypse” and “Star Wars: Episode VIII.”


However, it is unfortunate that Isaac’s talents are only seen briefly in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”  


Next to Harrison Ford, he is the most talented actor in the film and should have been given a little more screen time to maximize his shine.


Nevertheless, Abrams gives George Lucas and company another awesome masterpiece to add to the “Star Wars” vault.


Like its predecessors, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is a simple story of good and evil.

 

However, Abrams tells the story so well, good is too weak of an adjective to describe the end result.


REGAL RATINGS

FOUR CROWNS=EXCELLENT

THREE CROWNS=GOOD

TWO CROWNS=AVERAGE

ONE CROWN=POOR

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