Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) – Encore Review 3

“[to Kylo Ren] You. You’re afraid. That you will never be as strong as Darth Vader. ” – Ray

Number of Times Seen – 4 (17 Dec 2015, 13 Jan 2016 and 20 Apr 2016 and 1 Nov 2016)

Link to original review – Here, Here and Here

Brief Synopsis – The best pilot in the rebellion is sent on a mission to recover parts of a map that will lead to the secret hideout where Luke Skywalker has secluded himself from everyone for years.

My Take on it – I am not ashamed to say that I am a HUGE fan of just about anything Star Wars related and waited (like everyone else) with bated breath for years for this film to come out and continue the adventures of the characters from the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy.

J.J. Abrams was a great choice to write and direct this film because he is such a fan of the series that he was able to add so much to the ambiance of it all in order to take us all back to the feelings we first encountered on our previous excursions to a galaxy far, far away.

The cast is superb because they are able to take the three main characters of the original trilogy add three new main characters and have them mingle throughout the film.

I really liked the way that they did this because it felt like a more genuine way to “pass the baton” (or lightsaber) over to a new generation.

The score by John Williams is so perfect and complimentary to his previous Star Wars work that it helps us once again feel like we are back to being in the same world as the original trilogy.

The special effects are amazing and in some ways because of technological advanced over the past 4 decades, things look clearer and even more real.

There are so many unanswered questions about parts of the past, present and future of these characters and situations that we are left wanting more and more in order to fully understand everything that is going on.

The fact that we are following familiar and newly familiar characters on journeys through uncharted waters makes it even more special to watch unfold.

This movie leaves me with such an amazing feeling that when it was over, I immediately wanted to watch it again.

That, to me , is clearly the sign of an amazing film.

Bottom Line – Abrams is able to bring back the same kind of feelings that one use to get watching the original Trilogy.  Great cast both new and old.  Liked the way that they had them mingled together throughout so it didn’t  just feel like a passing of the baton (lightsaber) 🙂  Amazing special effects make this feel even more real that parts of the previous six films.  Leaves us wanting so much more because they are taking familiar characters to completely uncharted waters.  Loved watching it again and as soon as it finished, I wanted to start all over again.  Amazing score by Williams is so complementary to the original scores and really helps take us back to the nostalgic feelings of the original trilogy. Highly Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia –  In an interview, J.J. Abrams said about internet rumors, “Some are true. Some are false. I’m not saying which are which.” (From IMDB)

Rating – Oscar Worthy (no change from original review)

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