There seems no use in reviewing a Star Wars movie as the series has been critic-proof. Even with poor
spin-offs, the Star Wars brand has enabled the series to make millions. It’s then left for the reviewer to
examine if another instalment deserves to make buckets of cash.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens more than earns this right. The seventh film in the franchise and continuing
over thirty years on from Return of the Jedi, it is the movie fans have wanted. That it manages to wipe
away bad memories of the dreadful prequels is a credit to all involved in restoring the series’ missing
lustre.
After defeating the agents of the dark side of the Force, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), his sister Leia
(Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) have been hailed as legends. When acolytes from the
previous evil regime aim to restore their glory, their wicked scheme affects many including Rey (Daisy
Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega). Re-arming themselves for battle against the sinister new threat, Rey and
Finn call on help from lost legends willing to enter the fray once more.
One doesn’t expect to see amazing acting in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Whilst the original trilogy had
great performers, the special effects were really the stars. It’s therefore a pleasure reporting the acting is
just as good as the spectacular CGI. The mix of old and new characters works, with the wisdom of
previous conflicts guiding the energy of new ones. The cast do a great job in providing emotional depth
amidst the space battles. They are well served by J.J. Abrahms’ confident direction showing his love for the
series and careful craftsmanship in moving the saga along.
At over two-plus hours, Star Wars: The Force Awakens never feels slow. There’s always something to
maintain interest as the Skywalker family dramas play out. Events zip at a brisk pace with the action and
pleasingly practical effects dazzling the eyes. Although there are many references to past adventures, Star
Wars: The Force Awakens feels like a new entity with unexpected freshness. We aren’t simply seeing a
‘greatest hits’ package like the prequels but a worthy continuation to a near forty-year story.
Not much more can be said of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Delivering on the promise of the
advertising, it is a fun, exciting, dramatic and the worthy follow-on everyone has wanted. Successfully
capturing the gritty epic feel of the initial instalments, it whets the appetite for more. This is high quality
commercial film-making of a scale not seen since the first Star Wars movie came out in cinemas far, far
away.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 10: 9
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