If you haven't seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens I can only assume one of two things is going on with you. 1. The holidays have been really hectic and try as you might you just haven't gotten around to it. Or 2. You are kind of a lukewarm Star Wars fan who might get around to seeing it eventually.
I write this for neither of you. Get your priorities straight, and get back to me.
For those of us who know what is truly important in the world, let's talk Star Wars. My parents, who are way more diligent Star Wars fans, watched all three* original movies in preparation for seeing this new installment. This is really the way to go, especially if it's been awhile since you've seen the movies-- although I can't imagine it has. If your family is anything like my family Star Wars is a Christmas tradition.
The Force Awakens has had so much HYPE swirling around it that I have made a concerted effort to avoid and ignore. I wanted to know very little before I sat down to watch the movie. I watched the teaser trailer but not the theatrical trailer, I did not go snooping for the plot, or obsess over the cast lists--basically I did none of the things I usually do when I am excited for a new movie. This is primarily because I resisted being excited about this new Star Wars movie. It's not like... a Marvel movie which for the last... 10ish years has kept a relatively impressive track record (if we ignore Iron Man 2, where seemingly everyone forgot that they were banking on this being a successful, long-lived franchise). But I've been burned by Star Wars before, so I refused to be disappointed if things went south.
I'd like to think I have high standards for science fiction. Recently, a coworker was telling me about the film Ex Machina and was surprised that I hadn't seen it. In a momentary delusion brought on by the disappointment in my coworker's face I explained that I didn't watch a lot of science fiction. As I heard the words out loud I realized the extent to which I can confidently spew bold-faced lies. You've been warned.
I wouldn't say that I am a certified science fiction expert, but I'm not totally ignorant. I've mentioned here before my (relatively) new found love for Star Trek, I grew up on Star Wars (much like Kylo Ren and Rey, I consider Han Solo a father figure), and I am a card carrying cult member for the cult-classic Firefly. I've seen all the B-movie classics after an unfortunate phase in middle school wherein I subjected my family and friends to innumerable unwatchable films such as Plan 9 From Outer Space, The Blob, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Teenagers from Outer Space (best of the lot). The line gets blurred after that. Does Walking Dead Count? Do Marvel movies count? Doctor Who? I guess if I were a true science fiction fan, I would know.
When I say I grew up watching Star Wars I mean that seriously. I have very few memories of watching television or movies as a child and although I had a standard fleet of animated Disney flicks, my parents may be disappointed to know that the first concrete memories I have of watching movies are limited to four adult movies: Groundhog Day, Romancing the Stone, A Fish Called Wanda, and Star Wars. I also have very clear memories of staying up past my bedtime to watch 3rd Rock from the Sun with my parents. This may explain why I have such a warped sense of humor. In any case, Star Wars holds a lot of nostalgic value for me. I think this is true for a lot of people.
The stakes were high sitting in the movie theater a few nights ago. I knew that although I had kept my excitement on lock-down, I would still be very disappointed if the movie was a flop. Twenty minutes of trailers later, there was no turning back.
Long story short, I enjoyed myself immensely. This may have been due to my subterranean expectations, but I was impressed. The movie *felt* like the originals. It didn't feel like 38 years (yes, 38 years) had passed since A New Hope. I wish I had a more technical way of explaining how this was done, but I don't have much more to go on other than this feeling of continuity.
Part of this is undoubtedly due to the parallels between A New Hope and The Force Awakens. Although I would recommend being intimately familiar with the first three* before seeing The Force Awakens, honestly, they are so blunt with the parallels and head nods to the originals, that it would be hard to miss even if you haven't seen them in... 38 years. I liked some of the parallels but after a while I thought it was a little heavy handed. Movie makers are setting themselves at a disadvantage when they try to set up the same exciting twist over and over. This is, after all, why magicians don't do the same trick twice; they don't want the audience to see it coming.
The movie was funny-- truly laugh out loud funny several times, which quickly eased the tension I was experiencing in anticipation of a let down. I thank the nearly instant chemistry between all the characters for this. Finn (John Boyega) gets the award for funniest character and best comedic timing. I instantly felt at ease in his presence. BB-8 was also funny and cute which everyone already knows because BB-8 merchandise is everywhere now.
I will always be vocal about my desire to see lots of strong females in pop culture. It's been a pretty good year for female characters. I think the best advertised version of this was Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) in Mad Max: Fury Road. I would argue that Rey (Daisy Ridley) should be ranked among Furiosa as a really badass lady. In my opinion they should have a new Oscar category for Best Badass Lady in an Action Movie. This year, I nominate Charlize Theron and Daisy Ridley. I finally understand people who name their children Luke or Leia. I would totally name my daughter Rey.
I can't even handle Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) right now. He's too good at being bad and I always knew Adam Driver was amazing, and I have to stop now before I start crying.
It's an overwhelming movie and honestly, I can't wait to watch it again.
*a gentle, yet forceful, emphasis on the word three
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