It's easy to say that a movie made you laugh and made you cry and that you were at the edge of your seat for every action sequence but there are very few movies that tether your heart to memories and and make you sentimental, (they remind you of your parents or of a younger you, 'a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away) and one of those (or probably the only films) is the Star Wars movies.
I was one of the lucky few who got to attend the Philippine Gala Premiere last Tuesday, December 15 at the IMAX at SM Megamall. At least two days before it's local release and watching it in a movie filled with genuine fans, grown men and women in Jedi robes and Stormtrooper armour is one of the most surreal experiences I've ever had. Until now, it all feels like a dream.
Before I continue on, this would be my spoiler-free review, as it is still a few hours before the local release and I want to keep my blog, newsfeed and social media sites spoiler free. Will probably post a spoiler filled discussion, in a few weeks.
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| No Lens Flare in 'The Force Awakens' but we have amazing sequences like this! |
So without further adieu-
A long time ago, in a galaxy, far, far away...
We all know that familiar opening sequence and Director JJ Abrams and Star Wars veteran co-writer Lawrence Kasdan (who worked on the original Episode V and Episode VI scripts) certainly kept what fans loved about the original movies rich and present in Episode VII: The Force Awakens in some ways, it felt like a re-telling of Episode IV: A New Hope but still provided new characters, themes and conflicts that you wouldn't feel like you were watching a reboot.
Something Old
My father was a big fan of Star Wars, so I feel like I grew up with all of the original characters. Just like the audience, I felt like crying every time I saw a well loved character (in a sense, an oldie but a goodie walk to the screen). Seeing them on screen again and reprising their role was like catching up with old friends. Even the familiar opening sequence alone was already enough to make me (and even grown men) tear up,
Every time something remotely familiar came up on screen, the people howled and cheered. It was great to see the movie, with some of the biggest Star Wars fans, we were all oohhhing and ahhhhing at the right moments.
Needles to say, JJ Abrams, did a great job, he has high respect and regard for the original trilogy and you can see this throughout the movie, in fact you can feel it. It is Star Wars. It is the sequel that fans have been waiting for, and more.
Fans already know that Harrison Ford, Carrie Fischer and Mark Hamill are reprising their iconic roles, to what extent is something left to be seen.
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| Fan Favorites: BB-8 and Rey share some screen time. |
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| The Stormtroopers in the film, get more than just new armor, they get personality and better aim. |
The Force Awakens is not just a trip on memory lane, it injects fresh new characters, themes and conflicts that it takes a life of it's own. It brings back the humor and comedy that was dryly lacking in the horrid prequels. There were so many (well placed, mind you) jokes that I still crack up when I think about them. Of course, just as The Force needs balance so to does humor and drama which the film keeps in check.
The Stormtroopers (who lately, seem to be on every possible merchandise) who are probbably the rare fan favorite baddies are elevated in the new film, giving them more personality and character, shining a light on them, thus new comer John Boyega's very interesting and fresh character, Finn. A reluctant Stormtrooper who finds himself doubting his current occupation. It should be taken into account that the film even improved the aim of the Troopers!
Something New
With The Force Awakens comes a new set of young stars, who will surely find themselves catapulted in the limelight, just as Hamill, Ford and Fischer did, almost 30 years ago.
We have Daisy Ridley, who plays the scavenger Rey, who seems to have more in her than her scavenging skills and mechanical know-how. Ridley carries a big weight on her petite shoulders but easily finds her footing among an ensemble cast.
Oscar Isaac, plays the handsome and talented pilot Poe Dameron. Wish to have seen more of him on screen though :P
Adam Driver, is Kylo Ren, a younger lightsaber wielding Dark Lord, who is more than what he seems. Ren has some anger issues, using his lightsaber to destroy whatever is in front of him, when receiving bad news. Driver delivers an amazing performance of a struggling villain, living up to his obsession with yes, you guessed it, Darth Vader.
Can we take a moment to talk about those amazing set pieces?! Back in the 1980's the cast and crew had difficulty during their location shoots but with new technology (and an endless budget I bet) there were so many beautiful locations and set pieces, each one as breath taking as the last.
Of course, JJ Abrams successfully maintains that dirty, worn-out and lived-in look which the original movies were known for. You know that you really are in a galaxy, far, far away. Nothing new and shiny here, it's grimy and it's dirty when it needs to be and that's the way that we like it.
The Force Awakens brings all the familiar themes and conflicts that were present in the original trilogy, the internal struggle in all of us and the unending battle between good and evil to another level. You will love seeing the old characters, as memories start flooding back, you will love falling in love with the new characters and without realizing it, your Star Wars filled heart will grow bigger, when you thought that was not even possible.
It is an overwhelming experience, which words cannot express. It is something like the Force, you don't really understand it, but you know it's there and that it moves you and it stirs in you. The same goes for the film. It feels like Star Wars because it is.
Opening across the Philippines on Thursday, Dec. 17, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Star Wars in the Philippines, namely, (FB) StarWarsPH, (Twitter) @starwarsph and (Instagram) iamstarwars_ph and use the hashtag #TheForceAwakensPH.
Additionally, the film has just been given a rating of PG by the MTRCB -- Parental Guidance, all ages admitted.
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