War in the Stars

Helena Jenkins Reviews The Force

Photo courtesy of sciencefiction.com

Photo courtesy of sciencefiction.com

Helena Jenkins, Staff Writer

After many years of waiting, the public finally received a new Star Wars movie on December 18th of last year. Titled “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” it begins a new trilogy in the series, focusing on a new generation of heroes. Eschewing the blandly repetitive casting recent blockbusters have used, TFA gave several young stars their first major role.

The new characters are: Finn, Rey, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren, played by John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver respectively.

Finn was a true delight; he is kind and bubbly, while holding himself to a strict set of morals, yet still bound by fear at times. A renegade stormtrooper, he gives a sympathetic face to a previously entirely inhuman group of soldiers.

Rey is everything that was needed in a new heroine (and Jedi). She is brave, loyal, and a great problem solver. She’s also allowed as a character to be lonely and scared, but still ferocious and protective of her few friends. I was especially glad to see that the new Jedi of the series is a woman, considering the sore lack of ladies in the six previous films.

Poe Dameron shows up the least out of the new trio. He is witty and flirtatious, but completely devoted to the Resistance.

Kylo Ren is a much different villain than Darth Vader or Palpatine. He is emotional, angsty, and full of self-doubt. He wishes to follow in the path of Darth Vader, and seems to be forcing himself to stay on the Dark Side of the Force.

The plot is somewhat rote; those who have seen the old films will find it strongly reminiscent of A New Hope. Don’t let this dissuade you from watching, however! The new characters and their interactions and development take center stage without a heavy plot to battle with for screen time. The music score, the cinematography, the costumes, the CGI; all were absolutely perfect.

The only thing I will say I disliked about the movie is it pandered a fair bit to older audiences. The first few times the old movies were referenced were funny; the next twenty times, not so much. Remembering that this is meant to reassure older viewers that the older movies of the franchise won’t be ignored somewhat alleviates the feeling. Although, it bears repeating, this is the only thing I didn’t like.

Whether you’re looking for a faithful continuation of the old series, want something new, or have never seen Star Wars before and just want an enjoyable way to spend two hours, this is the movie for you.