We did it, everybody. We made it to Episode VII. Around the world, it was as if millions of geeky voices cried out at once, and were suddenly silenced (by the opening crawl, that is).
First things first, there are NO SPOILERS in this writing, in keeping with ol’ Uncle Mark’s request. Loose lips sink starships, as the saying goes. The video at the end, however, contains ALL OF THE SPOILERS, so read safely, watch with trepidation. The following is just a summary of my impressions, without any plot points revealed.
Here we go.
Wow. Just, wow. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a positive impression following a film, especially after any sequel. This was the redemption fans have been waiting for; a justification for their obsession.
The biggest compliment I can give to Mr. Abrams and to Disney about this film is how little I thought about them while watching it. Yes, there are clearly directorial choices made here and there that feel like some of Abrams previous work, and the occasional influence of the Mouse, but overall, the result was a Star Wars film. Just that. I was able to put all authorities and pre-conceived assumptions aside and enjoy the film as a fan.
Performances all around were fantastic, from the veterans of the galaxy to the newcomers, and very little felt like it took any extra effort to be believable. The character choices made all added to the overall story. The interactions were fun and surprising. The pace of their dialogue was on track. Largely, a stellar presentation for such a wide range of talents.
References to the previous six films ranged from so natural that you almost didn’t catch them, to so tongue-in-cheek that you couldn’t help but be amused by them. There’s something for everyone, with little gems for the die-hard fan to catch and enjoy. Moreover, the references did an excellent job of carrying emotional weight, tying old and new together seamlessly.
The soundtrack was John Williams. I need say no more.
Then there’s the story, which for a Star Wars film, needs to deliver. And it did. Again, NO SPOILERS, but the, “twists”, as it were, came to be in a well-delivered package. Some things I half-expected. Some things I didn’t see coming at all. But nothing felt incorrect, or without proper motivation.
So here we have it, my friends. A film with as much staying power as the original trilogy, and a firm foundation from which to continue building on. I am thoroughly excited to see this thing again (and again and again), and can’t wait to see where it leads us.
May the Force be with us all.
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For those of you who have already seen the film, or those of you who don’t mind ALL THE SPOILERS, feel free to watch our more in-depth review, featuring overly-enthused and overly-exhausted folks in the DAPs Studios. And remember, spoilers, sweetie…:
