When one thinks of fandoms, what comes to mind? Perhaps the Trekkies of decades past, or Potterheads that have sprung up with J.K. Rowling's novels. For me, there has been one consistent fanbase that shows the most devotion, vigor, and stability for so many years: "Star Wars" fans. And I consider myself one of them.
Flashback to 1997, when news came out that there was to be another "Star Wars" movie based on the upbringing of the infamous Darth Vader. Fans were beyond thrilled to bear witness to the movie event of the lifetime...until they actually saw the movie. In the years that followed, devoted fans who could quote Yoda both forwards and backwards were treated to subpar prequel films that ruined the good graces of the original trilogy. Much worse, the same movies that they loved as kids were being re-re-re-released with CGI alterations (and the much chagrined audio addition in "Return of the Jedi").
So when fans heard that there was to be another "Star Wars" film released, this time under the distribution of Disney, they were, understandably hesitant. Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on George Lucas. Trailers were gradually released, Mark Hamill teased fans about his role in the movie, and extremist fans (still miffed about the "Extended Universe" being considered non-canon) threatened to release spoilers. However, on opening weekend, I walked in, sat my popcorn down on my lap, and began watching.
Ladies and gentlemen, this movie was worth the ten year wait. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is exactly what I expected a new era "Star Wars" film to be. JJ Abrams of "Star Trek" fame helmed the director's chair this time, and he proved to be a valuable asset to the movie. He persisted that the movie relies on more practical effects than CGI (something Lucas chose not to do in the prequel trilogy), and his good judgement paid off. Set pieces looked authentic, and while two minor characters had subpar CGI authenticity, the rest of the props looked good. The script, although it became a "one liner" fest halfway through the movie, was much improved over the last three films we got.
But what of the story? Well, here's where some fans may get divided. The main premise revolves around the disappearance of Luke Skywalker, where the Resistance (shades of the original trilogy's Rebellion) and the New Order (Empire sympathizers) are looking to find out just where he ran off to. Here we have two new protagonists, a stormtrooper-turncoat called Fin, and the scavenger Rey, who become immersed in this conflict almost immediately. Familiar faces, such as Han Solo and Leia Organa, appear in supporting roles, yet they are essential to the plot for a variety of reasons (that will not be discussed here).
What makes this movie divisive among fans, despite how well-done it is made, is that the plot is a retelling of "A New Hope". The same story beats are there, and while there are enough deviations to make this a standalone film without needing to see any of the other six movies, some fans may find this to be a shortchanging of their patience to have a familiar story given to them once again (similar to how Abram's previous movie, "Star Trek: Into Darkness", did the same with "The Wrath of Khan").
That said, when you see this image appear on screen:
You know that the legacy of "Star Wars" lives on. Maybe that's the most prominent theme throughout this movie: legacy and mythology. The heroes of the original lore are treated as folk legends across the galaxy in the eyes of Fin and Rey, and fans such as myself look at the entire production of the movies in the same light, discussing why certain elements were changed, or how the first film was such a landmark achievement for its time. Suffice to say, this movie extends that legacy on both fronts, awakening the love of a childhood franchise in all of us.
Like it, love it, want more of it? Comment below or on Facebook, and May the Force Be With You!
