Director J.J. Abrams had what is perhaps the most enviable and unenviable task in cinematic history. If Star Wars: The Force Awakens failed to connect with audiences, he would forever live in prequel-level shame while ruining the mouse’s multi-billion-dollar investment.
Instead, he brought the franchise back to its roots by using its familiar beats to capture the wonder, and charm of a galaxy far, far away.
It is amazing that we live in a post The Force Awakens world. We have lived through years of anticipation and now we finally get to talk about what occurred in the film instead of merely speculating.
Ironically, the film answered as many questions as it asked to the point where we’re speculating more than we were before this film was released. How is Rey so strong with the Force? Is she Luke Skywalker’s daughter? Why didn’t Supreme Leader Snoke complete Kylo Ren’s training in the first place?
These and other questions helped augment an adventure that has become a true awakening at the box office with a record shattering $248 million domestic debut. Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker gracefully pass the baton to a new generation as Poe Dameron, Finn, and Rey are now the heroes of the story.
Success always brings criticism and The Force Awakens is no exception. Was Starkiller Base too derivative of the Death Star? Was a certain character’s death heroic or foolish? Why wasn’t Constable Zuvio in the film after I waited in line at midnight to buy his action figure?
Check out my spoiler video review of Star Wars: The Force Awakens after the jump and please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.
