The Force Awakens works on many levels. It is a great action/adventure epic. It is also an amazing sequal to one of the most important franchises of all time. And, most importantly, it is the film that we all needed as fans. Here is the movie we can finally and happily say is a true addition to the canon that we all deserve. There is a definite sense of the impact of the previous films that is beautifully explored in this movie.
I was instantly engaged in both Finn and Rey's stories. They are both wonderful characters that are this generation's "everyman", like Luke was for us. And how can you not love BB-8? This droid is a fun and cool addition to the family, especially with his humanizing tones and "expressions". Seeing Rey live and forage amongst the wreckage of past battles is exactly what I wanted to see. Having her emerge as our heroine from her meager life as a scavanger to go on to pilot the Falcon is perfect. She is what young Anakin should have been. As Finn comes into being his own person instead of a mindless Stormtrooper, he has the fun and excited spirit that reels us in as viewers. Poe is obviously the new Han Solo figure...an element that was sadly missed in the prequals. His cocky attitude and witty banter helps to counter Finn's naive sense of wonder. And while he is no Vader, Kylo Ren has a lot of potential to grow into becoming a true villain as this new trilogy continues. His backstory already has a great start. I look forward to seeing the Sith he will become. Now that we have met this new cast and tagged along with them, I am anxiously awaiting their continuing adventures.
How amazing must it feel to be J.J. Abram? Not only do you have the successes of your own films, like Cloverfield, and shows, like Lost, but then to get the honor of re-energizing not one, but two of the most important sci-fi series of all time! Simply amazing work. My hat is off to you, sir.
The extra features teach us who the true hero of this movie (and the future of the franchise) is though; and it's Kathleen Kennedy. She had worked with George Lucas since the early days of Lucasfilm. As Lucas stepped down to retire, he handed the keys to the kingdom over to Kennedy. Her passion and experience guided The Force Awakens from concept to the big screen. It's wonderful to see her get the credit she deserves on this Blu-ray set. I can only hope that more women in the industry will be acknowledge like this in the future...and that seeing her in these interviews may inspire some young girls to want to work behind the camera too.
As for the extras, my favorite was a small piece about the first table read with the full cast and crew. For the first time in years Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels and Peter Mayhew sat in the same room.On top of that monumentous occassion, the new cast members (Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac) were able to be a part of the Star Wars Universe for the very first time. Its beautiful that the day was captured on film. Aside from that one piece, there are ample behind the scenes looks at how the magic was created. Lucasfilm discs always do a fantastic job highlighting the work of all the artists and technicians that make the films look and feel like they could be reality.
Ok. I'll stop gushing. Basically, every Star Wars fan, every science fiction fan, every action/adventure fan, every movie fan...any person with a pulse should own this movie!
And may the force be with you!
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