STAR WARS EPISODE VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS review

(Reviewed by Melody Werner)
The Force Awakens is the 2015 live-action installment of Star Wars, and the beginning of the third Star Wars film trilogy. Starring Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford, and Adam Driver, directed by JJ Abrams. A divisive film, met with ardent defenders and zealous detractors. As someone who has never given much of a shit about Star Wars films (though I enjoy comics and video games) due to the rabidity of Star Wars fanboys souring me on them. But since this isn't a film where people will skewer me should I dare even mumble a word of dissenting opinion, I decided to give it a go and actually share my opinion of it on the Internet (still a bad move probably). After having sat through it, I have to say... it's fine. Decent. Alright.


As to be expected from such a titanic franchise, the visuals in TFA are immaculate. Every set piece is stunning with tons of visual flair. There are some unique and impressive alien designs, though they only really appear for split seconds and relegated to window dressing, unfortunately. It's nothing like Mass Effect, where the interesting looking aliens are put center stage. BB-8 has a neat design, simple but effective. The music is fantastic, though much of it is only basking in the quality of original scores. The acting is decent enough, nothing sprung out as very inspired or like dynamite. Ford slips into his old role well, but none of the other performances felt nearly as engaging. The action sequences and dogfights are spectacular and where the meat of the film lies. The opening text scroll is moronic and a waste of time, as they have always been.


The narrative is stupidly basic, and even then there are plot points which made me laugh at how dumb they were. Not to mention the cringe-inducing deus ex machinas which are so obviously cynical, lazy, and ill thought out. It retreads so much water and is overly reliant on fan service scenes which are naturally ineffective on any non-Star Wars fan. But if you're unlike me and love SW, then you'll probably adore the nostalgia trip, if that's your fancy. Which is fine, I'm not saying anyone who thinks it's a good story is moronic, that's just toxic. When I criticize the narrative, that is all I am mocking, though I have no qualms about lambasting genuinely insipid, craven Star Wars evangelists. The characters are mostly dull (though I enjoyed BB-8, Kylo Ren, and Rey), with no substance to them. After finishing, I can't think of any real character traits for any of the characters. Who is Rey? Uh, a strong-willed scavenger? Who is Finn? Uh, a disillusioned storm trooper? Poe? A bargain basement pilot. The character development fares worse and is nonsensical. Completely unnatural and unbelievable. The comedy is pretty good.


All and all, TFA is a fundamentally okay "turn your brain off" space opera. Ignoring its connection to the Star Wars universe, it's a shell of a film akin to an amusement park attraction which carts you between impressive sets. And if that's what you're looking for, you'll likely enjoy it. If not, you probably won't. It's nowhere near as good as other recent sci-fi pieces such as Arrival and Black Mirror, but it's enjoyable enough for what it is. I give The Force Awakens a 7/10.

Decent

Summary:
Despite its many failings, The Force Awakens is an alright action-adventure due almost entirely to its  tight action.

(originally posted: 6/21/2017)

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