Movie: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Direction: JJ Abrams
Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Max von Sydow
Music: John Williams
Cinematographer: Dan Mindel
Editor: Mary Jo Markey, Maryann Brandon
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Rating: ∗∗∗∗½
What is it about: This is a movie which is called “A space opera film” in the Hollywood and is been producing sequels for decades and this one landed a after a decade long wait. The movie serves as a sequel to the 1983 film “Retune of Jedi”. This time we have the great JJ Abrams directing the epic sci-fi film of our times.
Why it’s disappointing: A well-made movie, there is no room for disappointment.
What to watch out for: Hollywood is an industry where sequels are woven to a different level, they shoot them in an erratic order. But when they are put together it makes an amazing franchise leaving speechless the way it was derived. “Star Wars” is one such franchise which has been in the industry for decades and counting.
This sequel picks set 30 years after the “Return of Jedi” which involves Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron’s fight with the resistance which led by the veteran of Rebel alliance against Kylo Ren and the first order.
This sequel has quite a few new characters introduced to the series, kick starting another thread. Among them are “Rey” played by Daisy Ridley who has a great inclination towards the FORCE and discovers it to her surprise after she bumps in to “Finn” a storm trooper who runs away from the first order, later realizing destiny has different plans for him. “Finn” could be the new star of “Star Wars” in the upcoming sequels along with “Rey”.
The writing is impeccable which meticulously stiches the past and the present, keeping you in knots with surprises. J. J. Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan & Michael Arndt made a great trio in this department.
JJ Abrams stepping in to this franchise was a great addition as he’s been redefining the filmmaking in the sci-fi genre. He’s become the undisputed mark which creates a special space in the industry.
The actors can’t be compared to one another in this kind of movie, as everyone out performs each other with their diligence. Still the 2 new characters “Rey” and “Finn” make a good combo with their tender virginity towards the “Force” which will be devoured in the future brutally.
The other characters who reprised their roles were placed without confusing the audience. It works better if you have watched all the movies to follow this one.
The epic goose bump moment was the ruptured skull of “Darth Vader” shown with the most celebrated background score by John Williams.
The cinematography was top notch with Dan Mindel painting the space on to a different level which made the viewing experience a treat. The film was crisply edited with great precision by Mary Jo Markey & Maryann Brandon.
You don’t even have to mention the VFX part as it goes without saying, they created wonders when VFX was hard with technology and do we have to say what they will do with the advanced techs we have today. This film was outstanding with great VFX.
IMAX 3D was exceptional, it was nirvana for the movie buffs. In our city with everyone getting familiar with the technology were astounded by the grandeur depth of its clarity which literally left everyone in awe of it. It does really brings you close to the picture with mind blowing resolution not seen before, and with a sound surrounding all your senses.
With that being said the makers end the movie with a revelation to be continued and lost in space. This one ends with a hope for upcoming extravaganza as Episode VIII and Episode IX, wonder when they will hit the screens.
Verdict: JJ Abrams re-invents the franchise with new energy weaving a great sequel, which lays a strong foundation for the upcoming Episodes. The Force had great performances supported with brilliant visuals defining the viewing experience with simplistic direction laced with humour.
