Under the helm of sci-fi mastermind J.J. Abrams, ‘Star Wars’ manages to awaken the force.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the war amongst the stars became a global phenomenon. From Luke Skywalker action-figures to Han Solo Halloween costumes, it was quite the difficult excursion to bypass the almighty power of the Force.
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Nonetheless, what I’ve come to notice is that it’s not just a new breed of hype. Rather, what George Lucas created over 35 years ago was a universally-understood storyline with courageous archetypes and a perfect parallel between the forces of good and evil. Sure, the environment might appear strange or out-of-this-world. Yet, the deeper cathartic meaning to it is nostalgically-pleasing, allowing the barriers of innocence to be broken down for such an ageless commodity.
Why is this all important, you might ask? Well, acclaimed-filmmaker J.J. Abrams has always found a soft spot for such storytelling techniques, and his recent attempt to revamp the definitive saga surrounding Luke, Leia and Han is nothing short of a crowning achievement. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a stunning reminder of the thrill and adventure that comes out of such a great story, even seven times later.
The Force Awakens carries about a spirit of the old and the new, even 30 years after the events of Episode VI (Return of the Jedi). It appeases to new generations of the Rebel Alliance, introducing characters such as the renegade fighter Finn, the dryly-lovable Poe and the immense presence of scavenger Rey. Meanwhile, each interplays with the symbols of hope that came before the older (yet equally memorable) trio that started it all. Together, this Alliance of sorts goes head-to-head with the bigger and badder Dark Side, held at bay by the likes of the sleek and conniving Kylo Ren. Hence, this battle of darkness and light puts an emphasis on the tug of war between consciences, an internal battle with the audience that seems as enforced and redundant as the homage to the franchise’s origins back in 1978 (watch and you’ll see).
Just ask Damian Dziedzic, a local movie patron and long-time fan the heroic chronicle. “Abrams’ new addition to the Star Wars saga provides just enough nostalgia from the original trilogy, yet at the same time brings the user to adore and love the new characters,” said Damian. “Not only does the film have a perfect harmony between the old and new, but it also brings old and new fans to experience the Force together.”
Many fans were enthusiastic. Even bigger fans were fearful. Nevertheless, The Force Awakens proves to its long-time followers that the Galactic Empire still has more narrative to express, more characters to meet and more of the Force to be reckoned with. It’s a non-stop thrill ride from opening to closing credits, with plenty of stops along the way, from Jakku to Takodana. Furthermore, it’s packed with some light-saber action, hilarious and memorable catchphrases, and plenty of inner-family drama. Most of all? It’s a mirror-image of what it was in its hey-day. So, don’t you fret young padawans. The Force is strong with this one.
Star Wars: The Forces Awakens is playing locally in and around the Montclair community! Theaters that have the film in both 2-D and 3-D (and some in IMAX 3-D) include AMC Clifton Commons 16, AMC Essex Green 9 in West Orange and Bow Tie Bellevue Cinemas 4 in Montclair. For a list of even more theaters and show-times, visit fandango.com today.
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