Star Wars: The Force Awakens (J.J. Abrams, 2015): USA

Review by Phill Hunziker. Viewed at the Regal Cinemas Transit Center 18 & Imax theater.

Balance. The original trilogy focused on restoring balance to the force. The prequel trilogy completely botched its attempt, both within the narrative and from a filmmaking perspective. This new trilogy’s greatest challenge is restoring the franchise’s cinematic magic. To do so, the filmmakers needed to strike the perfect balance between the old and the new. All people wanted was a return to form. The filmmakers took that 100% literally, essentially remaking the original Star Wars and revitalizing it for a new generation.

The narrative draws an incredible amount of comparisons to the original Star Wars (IV: A New Hope), for better or worse (mostly better). Taking place 30 years after the destruction of the second Death Star, the First Order takes place of the Galactic Empire and continues to clash with the Resistence. The former, led by Hitler-like General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and Darth Vader-idolizer Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), relentlessly searches for the self-reclused legend Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The latter, led by General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), does the same. On the planet Jakku, Resistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) obtains a map that may lead to the location of Skywalker. Ren and his stormtroopers attack the village he received it from and capture Poe, who is able to give the map to his escaping BB-8 droid. After some force-induced interrogation by Ren, Poe reveals the location of the map. BB-8 comes along scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), who reluctantly takes the droid under her watch. Meanwhile, Poe is broken out of custody by stormtrooper FN-2187 (John Boyega) and they escape in a tie-fighter and crash-land on Jaaku. Newly-dubbed by Poe, Finn meets up with Rey and the real adventure begins. Without giving anymore of the plot away, lets just say a few new characters such as First Order officer Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) and Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong’o) join the party. Additionally, fan favorite Han Solo (Harrison Ford) makes more than just an appearance, kicking ass and displaying a pleasing level of character growth

The film had the challenge of introducing and developing the new generation of characters without forcing them down our throats or rushing through it. Additionally, they had to leave room for the classic characters in a way that felt like they belonged in this new world. They succeeded far beyond my original expectations. Kylo Ren’s character arc is handled beautifully, establishing him as one complex and powerful villain. Ray and Finn’s relationship develops smoothly, regardless of the ex-machina-type circumstances they experience. Each of those characters revealed enough about their moral dilemmas to captivate us, but each is shrouded in a certain level of mystery that leaves us eager to find out where their journeys take them. The classic characters get their fair share of focus as well. Han Solo is back, hustlin’ and kickin’ ass. Leia has evolved into a patient, wise, tactical leader of the resistance. Luke….well, you’ll just have to find out. I will say though that the narrative focuses heavily on the legend of the Skywalkers. What made the other six films so great has not simply been thrown away, rather it has been built upon.

The most important aspect to the film’s success, as mentioned in the opening paragraph, is its execution of balance. The previous paragraph elaborated on the character/narrative aspect of this, but there is so much more to it for this franchise. The film’s blending of practical and CGI effects was its greatest achievement. The practical effect-heavy original trilogy awed audiences then and still stands the test of time. The CGI-dependent prequel trilogy provided some inspiring moments, but those films have aged quite a bit with every scene clearly incorporating a green screen. Fans were hoping, praying that J.J and his team would bring the franchise back that old-school magic; they did not disappoint. There is a plethora of actually built animatronic characters. There are awe-inspiring monumental structures that instill overwhelming nostalgic feelings while also bringing in a fresh air of innovation. CGI is utilized wonderfully. The filmmakers harnessed CGI that worked with those practical effects, rather than dominated them. Aesthetically, it builds off what Abrams’ Star Trek has accomplished.

An additional element to the film that required balance was its design. There needed to be enough nostalgia to please the old and enough innovation to appeal to a new generation. A test passed with flying colors once again. The stormtrooper design is so slick. The revamped x-wings and tie-fighters are gloriously crafted. Kylo Ren’s design is dark, clean, menacing and ultimately worthy to be compared to those of Darth Vader, Darth Maul, etc. The newly crafted style for this new trilogy took everything great from the original and added the correct amount of necessary innovation.

The buildup for this film could have ended up absolutely ruining its impact. Every sequence, scene, line and movement would be under intense analyzation. The aforementioned balance is what the film needed to avoid such scrutiny. Yes, there will be those who feel that this film does not live up to the hope or the original trilogy (I’m sure nobody will say the same for the prequels). Everyone should, though, recognize that the filmmakers’ hearts were in the right place and they truly put in all the work they possibly could have. The result, to me, is a sound, well-balanced film that fires on all cylinders when required. Heart-stopping moments are mixed with refreshing humor and inspiring imagery, just like the original. The magic is back and, in many regards, better than ever.