“May the Force be with you.” Lightsaber battles. Princess Leia killing Jabba the Hut with the chains of her own imprisonment. “Luke – I am your father.” Any of these scenes would most likely recall huge emotion in the heart of any Star Wars fan, young or old. Ever since Episode IV: A New Hope debuted on screens in 1977, this beloved space opera saga has captivated audiences with complex characters, intense battles, and a sci-fi mythology fans have spent years expanding upon.
The saga did not return to theaters following the original trilogy until 1999 when director George Lucas came back for Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, the first of three prequel films. In the years following, the franchise has come to span dozens of novels and games, TV spin-offs like Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: Droid Tales (both available through DTV and Disney XD), and comic book miniseries – and finally 10 years after we last saw the galaxy on the big screen, Episode VII: The Force Awakens hit theaters on December 17th to unwavering critical praise and audience adoration.
The Force Awakens takes place 30 years after the second Death Star was destroyed in Return of the Jedi and returns with familiar faces – Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill all return as Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker, respectively – as well as a few vital new characters. Leia, searching for her lost brother, is now leader of the Resistance military force. The Resistance is trying to go after the corrupt First Order and the mysterious former Jedi apprentice, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). With the help of fighter pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and redeemed Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega), the film’s lead heroine, Rey (Daisy Ridley), uses a map provided by droid BB-8 to find Luke Skywalker and take down the First Order.
Though The Force Awakens includes a new main trio, the parallels to the original trilogy are noticeable. Rey, a young woman on her own in the world, comes into her power as surely and shyly as Luke Skywalker did with his, and Poe’s cockiness in the cockpit reminds fans of a young Han Solo. And ever since the first teasers premiered, fans fell in love with the new rolling droid, BB-8, reminding them of loveable companion R2-D2. The young cast is undoubtedly talented, and they provide the same elements of humor and heart that the original cast did in the 1970s and 80s.
One of the biggest changes to this much-loved saga is the introduction of famed sci-fi aficionado, J.J. Abrams as director, co-producer and co-writer. Abrams, who directed the recent Star Trek reboot films, brings a faster pace to the Star Wars saga, keeping both the characters and the audience on edge for the duration of the film. He has an eye for dramatics and flash, two elements that have always thrived in the Star Wars universe. While the prequel films supported the Star Wars mythology, they ultimately felt too slick and computer-animated, a far cry from the practical effects used in the originals. The Force Awakens feels like an organic, well-planned addition to the saga – it wows the audience, but it doesn’t overwhelm with too much bang and not enough heart.
By introducing new characters, going back to practical effects, and blending fan-favorite Star Wars mythology with fresh, new storytelling, this film sets itself apart from the previous prequel movies and remains a worthy addition to the franchise name. The Force Awakens is just the beginning of a whole new saga of Star Wars stories. Two more films are planned for a sequel trilogy, and casting rumors and plot theories are already running rampant. This really is a new era for Star Wars fans, and The Force Awakens is a fantastic way to start it off!
Written by Maria Rosita
Maria is a writer interested in comic books, cycling, and horror films. Her hobbies include cooking, doodling, and finding local shops around the city. She currently lives in Chicago with her two pet turtles, Franklin and Roy.
Hey.
Here’s a quick theory for you: Snoke being Plagueis is widely rumoured. If so, is he also San Hill, seen briefly in AOTC and killed in Mustafar in ROTS? Certainly Snoke’s scar would fit him having survived Anakin’s lightsabre attack.
What say you?