The much awaited Star War movie is now here in the Philippines silver screen! With your beloved characters like Chewbacca, Princess Leia Organa, Hans Solo, Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, C3-PO, you will definitely love the new characters in this new film.
The new film is a continuation decades after The Return of the Jedi storyline. The time wherein The New Republic was born but at the same times a militant group, formed from military leaders of a now leaderless empire, is picking-up the ashes and wishes to destroy the still active Resistance. Using variations of the original stormtroopers, the First Order, the new active militant junta, also employs Force-sensitive individuals, thus Kylo Ren is brought into the picture – a very temperamental character.
New force users, new droids, new villains, new environment, everything is new but at the same time links back to what we know decades ago. The scene of Maz’ bar reminds me of scenes in Episode 4. The X-wing scene reminds me of scenes from Episodes 1 and 4. The planet Jakku somehow is also a reflection of Tattoine. Simple things but would definitely connects you back to IV, V and VI. Leia, Hans Solo and Chewbacca are factors also that must be considered in the connectivity.
How is the new episode? Is it at par with its predescesor?
Episodes IV, V and VI are legends! It created its own fan base that has crossed generations. Episodes I, II and III simply gave background to a major character and the history of the jedi order. Episode VII, in my opinion, is designed to generate a new generation of Star Wars fan that will continue the drive born out of the 1st three that was created, thus explaining the continuity effect. The new characters still lacks certain flair and essence – something that I will look forward in VIII. The effects are not shabby. There is something about the droids, new and old, that will twick your fancy and even raises some quiries if you are truly observant and analytical.
I like the new film because of its continuity sense but there is also something in it that is a little off for true Star Wars followers/fans. Who is Rey? Why was Leia not yet recognized as a jedi but already has a grown child? What will Fin play in the future? With those small queries, it showed a missing timeline or the whole film was simply condensed; I don’t know.
One thing is for sure, Episode VII definitely showed promise of a better and exciting film continuity to come. It also has the appeal that the 1st three has and was somehow lost in the prequel series. The lightsaber duel may not be that exciting but the aerial fight echoed what it predescesors have. The character Rey showed promise and was able to twick interest as to how her future story shall unfold. The magic between General/Princess Leia and Han Solo was somehow maintained but thankfully this one doesn’t have any strong lovestory plot to look at. Kylo Ren’s development is something that I will look forward too since his fear led him to the darkside, something that is prevalent in their family line (watch the film to know why I said that line).
Episode VII, The Force Awakens is truly a film worth the wait despite the sadness some Star Wars fan may feel. It has the continuity, the element of generating new followers and that promise of something better come Episode VII.
This is a 7.5/10 for me. Worth the wait, worth your time and not just hype.
Star Wars VII – The Force Awakens, is now shown here in the Philippines starting December 17. Get your tickets and May the Force be with You.