Oh, but this movie is so much fun. Everything you’ve heard about it is true. It was worth waiting for. If you’re a fan, you don’t need to read any further. You’ve already seen it – multiple times – and you’ll most likely see it again. If you’re not a fan or – gasp! you’ve never seen the other ones – parts can be complex and confusing and you may be totally lost in space trying to keep track of all these characters and their affiliations. It’s sometimes campy, occasionally corny, but definitely classic – just like the original. But if you just love entertaining movies, this is one to see. J.J. Abrams, who directed and co-wrote this one just knows his way around galaxies and superheroes of all kinds. He directed two Star Trek movies and Mission: Impossible III. The first line in the movie – spoken by Max von Sydow as Lor San Tekka – is meaningful in more ways than one. “This,” he says, “will begin to make things right.”
Yeah, Abrams helps to erase the memories of the last three mis-starts in the Star Wars series and to bring back the imagination and genius that started this whole franchise. While there are huge sets and bigger battles, impressive new planets and an even bigger Death Star, what finally drives this movie – not only forward, but into our hearts – is its sense of humanity. Balancing the effects-driven plot are two intertwined stories of family. The well-known characters are back and they’re all cause for celebration. They provide some wonderful – and even emotional – moments and make the movie very special. And that new beeping droid – BB-8 – with his roly-poly body and puppy-dog charm, is an especially delightful and loveable addition while the other new human characters – especially Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) – bring a new dimension to the story and interesting possibilities to future movies. But this is Harrison Ford’s movie. And it’s just so good to see him back. He’s got a plan and a plane – the Millennium Falcon – and a new co-pilot (Rey) to help him fly. Everything’s in good hands. It’s not only the force that has woken up – it’s this whole amazing franchise.
LOS ANGELES FILM REVIEW 