Directed by J.J. Abrams, Episode VII of the epic series stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, and Oscar Isaac. Set thirty years after Episode VI and the defeat of the Empire, a new regime, the First Order, threatens the galaxy. The small but mighty Resistance, led by General Leia (Fisher), must find a way to keep the First Order - led by the Vader-esque Kylo Ren (Driver) - from finding a map to fugitive Jedi Luke Sywalker (Mark Hamill) contained in a droid called BB-8. Han Solo (Ford), runaway stormtrooper Finn (Boyega) and orphaned scavenger Rey (Ridley) are enlisted to defeat the First Order and find the elusive Skywalker, perhaps the only hope of ensuring an enduring peace in the galaxy. The film, in general, plays it very safe. The plot is quite unoriginal, and mirrors the plots of Episodes I and IV in many ways. However, I can probably understand why Disney, having just acquired the rights to the franchise and in the position to shape the aftermath of the original trilogy, decided not to veer too far away from the original trilogy's tone or premise. I loved the mix of familiar and new characters, with the new characters being very solid additions. There is especially much to like about Ridley's strong female character, as well as the actress's fantastic debut performance. The special effects were outstanding, as was the score by the returning John Williams, a legend. However, because it felt so safe, the film wasn't particularly innovative or exciting, either. Without a doubt, it was thoroughly enjoyable, and inspired much more confidence than the beginning of the other recent trilogy, but The Force Awakens also wasn't the spectacularly original tour de force it could have been. The question, then, becomes: which would have been better? An undoubtedly faithful addition to the series that surely didn't alienate any fans or a more daring, but perhaps more divisive, story?
Should you see it: Yes
Grade: A-
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