Review Star Wars - The Force Awakens - A Newer Hope

Theatre - IMAX Forum. Banglore
Show - 7 PM, 24 the December
Status - Nearly full except 1-2 seats

Star Wars is the mythology that America as a nation lacked. We have our puranas, UK has the Arthurian legends, nordic countries have the viking saga and so on. George Lucas came up with Star Wars and captured the imagination of millions with its space fantasy. Gave America an epic universe. The legend of Star Wars extended further with two kick ass movies that wrapped up the original trilogy. The story of Luke, Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader.

Years passed by. Geoge Lucas milked the Star Wars franchise with books, comics, games, animations, and so on. The fans wanted a new trilogy and Lucas unleashed the abomination that was the prequel trilogy. The prequel trilogy followed the journey of Anakin Skywalker, the father of Luke and Leia. The movies were thoroughly panned by critics and fans alike. The first part was awful, second part more awful, and the third part was watchable and somewhat redeeming. Prequel trilogy showed that George Lucas was out of touch and the Star Wars universe would be better served by someone else.

Enter Disney. Disney acquired Lucas Arts and immediately after the acquisition announced the new Star Wars trilogy, set after the events of the original trilogy.

Enough history. Lets dig into the movie.

Force Awakens drops you in the middle of the story without too much exposition. The classic star wars opening with the warped text setting stage. Goosebumps for a Star Wars fan. A good thing in my book if they resolve all the loose ends in the next part. But the major problem is that the plot points mimic and mirror the first Star Wars film, A New Hope. Though pretty, racy, and packed with power packed performances, you just cannot shake that feeling of deja vu. But the ride is still fun thanks to competent direction from J.J.Abrams and skilled performances from the lead cast. The new droid BB-8 is adorable. Rey and Fin look convincing as the new protagonists. John Boyega and Daisy Ridley shows a lot of mettle and Harrison Ford, the grizzled veteran, puts up a great performance. Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill reprises their role and looks apt for the situation. Carrie Fisher's makeup does seem overtly loud though.

The writing is competent albeit with a thorough shadowing of New Hope in almost every turn. J.J Abrams has done a good job with the direction. DOP is beautiful with some good visuals but nothing iconic as the twin suns of Tatooine is on offer here. Fight scenes are really good, and hope the light saber duels will get better in the next parts. Coming to the light sabers, I also hope that the writers don't retcon some of the better stuff that the Star Wars extended universe has set regarding Jedi and the force. Not going into the details since that would spoil the story.

Technically, the movie is top notch with fantastic editing. The score by John Williams is great albeit derivative of other Star Wars films. Not a bad thing, since all the Star Wars movies have a signature tone. The movie all in all sets up the sequel making you long for more. The major gripe for me was the running time. The director could have easily added a 15-20 minutes in the movie to flesh out things a bit more. Then again, when you complain the length is too short, it often shows how much you want more. And I really want more.

TL;DR: Force Awakens is a movie worthy of the Star Wars name. Well shot and blended with good performances. Must watch for every Star Wars fan.

Rating: 8/10

If you are not familiar with Star Wars, watch the original trilogy before watching this movie. Although 35 years old, the movies are still engaging and fun to watch.

My pipe dream for Disney is to release standalones TV series similar to Fargo bases on Knights of the Old Republic. The stories of Revan and Malak and Exile would make compelling television. Not going to happen, but a man can still dream.

 

Thanx macha.!

Kaananam..!

 

Thx bhai

 

Thank you nryn

 

Thank you

 

laser 3d imax il kandu.. padam kollaam.. laser 3d kikkidu

 

thanks bhai,,,,,,