Star Wars returns to form with The Force Awakens

Making a sequel can be a tricky part of movie franchises. Even more difficult is reviving a popular film series, and Star Wars is no exception. The brainchild of George Lucas began in 1977 with A New Hope, continued with The Empire Strikes Back, and finished with Return of the Jedi. Nearly fifteen years later, a prequel trilogy focused on the events leading up to the original movies. Following the purchase of LucasFilm, Disney has teamed with director J.J Abrams at the helm to continue the story in the seventh installment of the series, The Force Awakens. 

Thirty years after the events of Jedi, the galaxy is in a continued state of unrest. In the wake of the Emperor's death, the New Republic has been established, but the Galactic Empire has splintered into several groups, one of which is the First Order. Luke Skywalker, one of the last surviving Jedi knights, (Mark Hamill) has been missing for some time, and his current location is a mystery to everyone, including his twin sister General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), now a leader of the Resistance. On a secret mission to Jakku, X-Wing pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Issac) is attacked by the First Order stormtroopers and taken prisoner by the sinister Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), an original member of the Knights of Ren and an admirer of the late Darth Vader. Poe has hidden information of Luke's whereabouts in his droid companion BB-8, who comes into contact with a young scavenger named Rey (Daisy Ridley). Meanwhile, unable to commit murder, stormtrooper FN-2187 (John Boyega) decides to leave the First Order and frees Poe from confinement. While working to escape, the two men quickly form a friendship, with the pilot bestowing the name "Finn" on the deserter.

After a crash landing that apparently leaves Finn alone, he meets up with Rey and BB-8, declaring himself a member of the Resistance while remaining silent about his background. Pursued by First Order troops, the trio steals the Millenium Falcon and comes into contact with the vessel's original owner Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his co-pilot Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). Solo is initially unwilling to help them, but he is won over by Rey's technical knowledge and their mission to find Luke. Following an ambush by disgruntled smugglers, the group escapes to the planet Takodana in search of the Resistance. Rey has to come to terms with her troubled origins and a connection to the Force via Luke's recovered lightsaber, while Finn is determined to go off on his own. Ultimately, a surprise attack by the First Order brings to light the dangerous power of the Starkiller Base, a planet-sized weapon that is larger and more dangerous than the original Death Star. Han, in particular, is forced to confront one of his past failures in the form of Kylo Ren.

The Force Awakens is a "passing of the torch" movie, in which the original cast members pass on their knowledge to a younger generation of newcomers. Harrison Ford brings an endearing as the elderly Solo who is recognizeable as the cynical smuggler/war hero of his youth. Carrie Fisher provides an older, weary presence as Leia, and her interactions with Ford are one of the film's highlights. Mayhew also brings a welcome turn as Chewbacca, while Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker deliver supporting cameos in the film's third act. As Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill is more of a plot device than a character in the story, but fans will not be disappointed with certain revelations about his past.

Boyega does a fine job as Finn, and he holds his own alongside Ridley and Issac. His arc from a mere stormtrooper to Resistance fighter is one of the film's most meaningful story arcs. Adam Driver's Kylo Ren is a compelling figure with his conflicted state of mind and unwavering devotion to completing Vader's mission. He is very strong with using the Force, but his status between the light and dark makes him unpredictable and dangerous. Having shot to fame in the last few years, Oscar Issac gives a solid performance as Poe Dameron, and it is regrettable that he is relegated to a supporting role for most of the film. Domnhall Gleeson proves to be a worthy antagonist in General Hux, a slimy First Order leader who vyies for power over the galaxy. Indeed, his menacing demeanour brings to mind Peter Cushing's Grand Moff Tarkin. Andy Serkis makes the most of his screentime as Supreme Leader Snoke, a sinister character whose role will no doubt be increased in the sequels. Gwendolyn Christie's Captain Phasma is an interesting female villain but disappoitngly doesn't have much screentime.

To his credit, Abrams continues to prove himself a solid filmmaker, doing triple-duty in the directorial, producing and writing capacity. Co-written by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan, the plot consists of a solid story that furthers the Star Wars universe. While Disney has introduced a new canon for the series, the prodcuers have used certain elements of the Expanded Universe, such as the creation of the New Republic, different factions taking shape in the post-Empire era, a Sith-inspired sect, and Luke forming a new order of Jedi. In contrast to the prequels, the film uses a large amount of sets and physical locations that add to the original trilogy's grounded "used space" approach. Dan Mindel's cinematography is beautifully-shot and includes many breathtaking scenes, such as BB-8's wandering, Poe and Finn's escape, and the Millenium Falcon chase. John Williams' film's orchaestral score harkens to the original trilogy, but it includes several cues and motifs for the new characters.

That being said, the film is not without its flaws. Fans have noted the plot of The Force Awakens has several similarities to the story of A New Hope: some examples include a surprise attack opening the film, a droid containing top secret information, the use of a desert planet, a chase involving TIE fighters, the twist revelation about the villain's parentage, and the demise of a beloved character. However, Abrams' intention was to reintroduce the series for new generation by acknowledging the past and take the story in a new direction. Nevertheless, the incorporation of new characters such as Phasma and Snoke feels incomplete, as they are not given much to work with.

Overall, The Force Awakens is a fine addition to the Star Wars franchise. While it does feel reminiscent of A New Hope, the film offers compelling characters, a gripping story, and amazing visuals. One cannot help but envision where Disney will go with the eighth installment of the series. Three-and-a-half stars out of four.