My Spoiler Free Star Wars The Force Awakens Review

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Movie Review by Brian Wezowicz

 George Lucas created perhaps the single most recognized piece of pop culture in Star Wars (Now subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope) in 1977.  For almost 40 years it (and its subsequent sequels and prequels) has shaped the lives of millions of fan boys and fan girls across the globe.  With that being said, George Lucas has spent the past 40 years taking a Jabba sized dump on his most prized (and lucrative) creation with his endless tinkering of the original trilogy, and his widely panned prequel trilogy.  Even the most loyal prequel supporters (I'm including myself) can fully admit that they were a huge disappointment filled with already dated CGI and wooden dialogue and acting.

We all breathed a sigh of relief when he handed the reigns over to Disney and their chosen director JJ Abrams.  BUT I think a lot of us were concerned because we didn't know what to expect.  I, personally, shied away from any spoilers and reviews before I saw this film.  I wanted to experience it with fresh eyes and ears.  I can tell you that my already sky high expectations were blown away.  RejoiceStar Wars fans! The Force Awakens is an epic masterpiece.

Now Disney and Lucasfilm have spent considerable time and energy into keeping the plot to this film under wraps, and I know there are a large amount of people who will kill me if I ruin anything for them.  So I'll list what I loved about this film.

 - It feels like a Star Wars movie.

The prequels suffered because they were dragged down by unnecessary plots featuring trade negotiations and Senate procedures.  In its simplest form, a Star Wars film is about good vs. evil... set in space.  This film feels right.  There's a new Empire (now dubbed The First Order), and its up to our band of rebels to take them down.

- It sounds like a Star Wars movie.

John Williams' score is omnipresent throughout this movie and it adds a layer of excitement, wonder, humor and realism to every scene.

 - It looks like a Star Wars movie.

JJ Abrams insistence on focusing on practical effects is extremely effective.  This movie looks GORGEOUS.  Whereas the prequels felt like you were watching a video game, this film looks real because it IS real.  Actual sets, makeup and costumes go a long way in painting the picture of this Galaxy far far away.

- Our old friends are back and better than ever.

Han, Chewie, Leia are other favorites all back and these famous actors infuse their characters with life, humor, and wisdom that only 35+ years of experience playing them can do.  I was worried that JJ was going to focus too much on nostalgia, but that's far from the case.  Harrison Ford, in particular, knocks it out the park in his most famous role.

- The familiar plot feels fresh.

No spoilers, but this movie is basically an updated version of A New Hope.  However, at the same time, the script sets up an entire new battle between good and evil, while not boring us with the details.  The First Order is set up without spending an hour explaining us how they rose to power.  We'll get to that in good time, so just sit back and enjoy this ride.

- The Lightsaber battles are out of this world, yet totally plausible.

The thing I most disliked about the prequels (besides Jar Jar) was how crazy the Lightsaber battles were.  There were too many flips and flops that didn't seem organic within this movie franchise.  The saber battles in this film seem to have been grounded (quite literally... there aren't any flips) in reality.  They seem more like the samurai battles were were originally mimicking.

- It leaves me thirsty for more.

I'm REALLY excited to see where this franchise goes.  The Force Awakens has a nice self contained story, while opening the window to a wider world that we'll get a better look at down the line when Episode VIII comes out.

Rejoice fans and non fans alike.  The Force Awakens is the movie event of the decade.  It's an epic masterpiece that will truly stand the test of time.  4 out of 4 stars.

See it now, see it often, and bring friends.  Congratulations JJ Abrams.  This is your finest work yet.  You even managed to keep the lens flares to a minimum.