FILM: AFTER THE HYPE, THE REVIEW - STAR WARS CAUGHT AT CINEWORLD MK

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Director: J.J. Abrams.

5stars-Excellent-genius-a-classic 

Synopsis

Luke Skywalker (Hamill), the last Jedi, is missing.

In his absence, a new evil named The First Order threatens the galaxy. The whereabouts of Skywalker’s location is hidden within a BB-8 Droid whom meets up with a rogue Stormtrooper named Finn (Boyega) and a scavenger named Rey (Ridley).

The three team up with Skywalker’s friends Han Solo and Chewbacca (Ford and Mayhew) to get the droid and his information safely to The Resistance, all the while battling the sinister leader of The First Order; Kylo Ren (Driver).

Review by Claire Durrant

Just under two and a half hours, Star Wars ended and the credits began to roll. I turned to my brother to ask him what he thought.

He simply said that he was getting the DVD.

That’s how he gives his greatest compliment; if he wants to watch it again and again, he loves the film. So Jamie gives Star Wars VII his top marks...but what do I think?

Firstly, the nostalgia factor for fans of the original trilogy of films is strong.

The dynamic between the original characters is still well played and there are some touching moments.

But familiarity can breed contempt: by focusing too much on being similar to the original trilogy, the story seems very familiar. This unfortunately causes the film to lack a sense of shock appeal. Even at the film’s most emotional and surprising moments, I was never taken completely away in shock. 

Another strong point is how well the new characters assimilate into the running of these 'samey' events. Ridley's 'Rey' is sure to become one our greatest and strongest female leads in film and Boyega, as a storm trooper unhappy with his profession, makes this conflicted psychology instantly relatable. 

A solid adventure and the perfect way to end 2015.

For full review: http://ow.ly/WbF0Y 

For a list of screening times for this film and others at CineWorld MK: http://www1.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/milton-keynes

Cast & credits

Producers: J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Kathleen Kennedy. Writers: J.J. Abrams, Michael Arndt, Lawrence Kasdan. Camera: Daniel Mindel. Music: John Williams. Sets: Rick Carter, Darren Gilford.

Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Max von Sydow, Peter Mayhew.