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Yet, in a pop culture world of full of "Empire Strikes Back" darkness and antiheroes, it was nice to see true-blue heroes having fun at the cineplex again. Some fans may even complain that it's too jokey or not as deep as "Empire Strikes Back" - the consensus pick of fans for best in the series. It's too self-referential, and if you're not a fan you may find yourself enjoying the film, but wondering what all the fuss was about. "The Force Awakens" isn't a perfect film. This choice more than any other is what allows the new film to make the overindulgent special effects prequels a complete afterthought. Like the 1977 original, "The Force Awakens" has the gritty look of space that's been in use, and a plot that starts already in progress rather than a boring origin story.Īlso, not enough can be said about Abrams' limit on computer-generated effects. The best part of Abrams' direction isn't his camera angles or shot selection but rather his feel.
Especially Ford who at 73 years old still has the boyish charm he did over 30 years ago.īut the biggest credit for awakening the series belongs to director J.J. Related: More CNN coverage of "The Force Awakens"įan favorites like C-3PO, R2-D2, Princess Leia, Chewbacca and Han Solo also all fit into this new chapter surprisingly seamlessly. I can take solace knowing that the series is in good hands with her as one of the franchise's new stars.
I will only say that the new cast of Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac and even the little droid BB-8 are stellar - especially Ridley and Driver.ĭriver's Kylo Ren doesn't reach the evil heights of Darth Vader (how could he compare to one of cinema's greatest villains?), but Driver does a good job adding fear and anger to the film.Īnd Ridley is a true stand out.
I won't ruin any of those surprises here.
If you add in the buzz surrounding the film along with our spoiler obsessed culture, it makes sense why "Force Awakens" is more guarded than the plans to the Death Star. "The Force Awakens" is full of big twists and turns that should be enjoyed as surprises in the theater. It felt more like a secret meeting than a screening for the press. The event was shrouded in secrecy (I couldn't even tell people when and where I was going to see it and my phone was confiscated during the show). I, and what I assume every other entertainment and media reporter in New York, saw the Disney film on Tuesday night.