A Glorious Reunion with Old Friends and New Ones

Well done J.J. Abrams, you’ve successfully resurrected the Star Wars franchise with some much-needed energy and former glory. Believe the hype, The Force Awakens is spectacular.

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It’s the movie event of the year and the wait is finally over! The Force Awakens is finally here and believe the hype, this is the best Star Wars film since The Empire Strikes Back. The true praise and applause goes to the man in the director’s chair, J.J. Abrams (Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness). Sweeping the franchise out of a black hole from George Lucas’ Star Wars Prequels. So, the saga continues 30 years after Return of the Jedi with a fantastic reunion of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca, C3Po and R2D2. Abrams even introduces us to new characters: Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) BB-8 (a witty new droid), and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).

If you thought that the Galactic Empire was defeated in Return of the Jedi with Ewoks dancing on Stormtrooper’s, then think again. Abrams and co-writers Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine) and Lawrence Kasdan (he co-wrote The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi) bring forth a new force of evil called the First Order, led by a young villainous Kylo Ren. Ren is continuing what Darth Vader started and has built a new Death Star that makes the old one look like a pipsqueak. Ren also reports to the new Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis by motion capture), a mysterious new leader holding all the cards.

On to the good side of the story; it’s been three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire and only a rag-tag group of heroes can stop the First Order, along with the help of the Resistance. Rey is a desert scavenger abandoned by her family on Jukku; while Finn is a Stormtrooper with little taste for killing and goes rouge. Poe is a pilot working for Leia, a princess turned general who now leads the Resistance. Together is group of heroes kick ass and will send fanboys cheering in their seats. The Force Awakens is heavy on nostalgia. Ridley is a woman with heart and mind; this is her show as she steals multiple scenes throughout.

Ford, Hamill and Fisher’s presence have never felt so surreal. Bravo for Ford who sends Han soaring sky high throughout the film. He’s never been better! Along with his faithful friend Chewbacca as they also team up with Rey and Finn on the good ol’ Millennium Falcon, that hunk of junk is still flying. As Leia’s scenes show heartache and struggle; The Force Awakens sends an emotionally charged message throughout. It will probably be one of the biggest movies of all-time and it has every right to-do so. Yes, The Force Awakens recycles old material from A New Hope, pleasing old-time fans and introducing new ones to the Saga. Spoilers are a burden so I won’t say anymore, just that as a fan and film lover you won’t be disappointed this Christmas.

You’ll shed a tear when you hear Han confidently say, "Chewie, we're home.” Ain't that the truth Han, ain't that the truth.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is rated PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned). For sci-fi action violence.