Hey Everyone,
Please only read this if you have seen the film, otherwise this is not for you.
SPOILERS, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
First thoughts on this movie: Absolutely awesome!!
From start to go, we are treated with some amazing scenes, real character moments and massive amount of nostalgia. I think JJ Abrams really made a solid Star Wars film (although after viewing the recent Star Trek trailer, I'm slightly annoyed he isn't finishing his trilogy).
I think finally the Stormtroopers have been made to be feared again, because let's face it, in the Original Trilogy, they were a joke. The first scene with them gunning down the village in cold blood was spine trembling and genuinely scary. You could see the fear in every scene whenever the First Order were being talked about. Maz Kanata's line about 'the beasts have arrived' only shows they are a genuine threat. Plus they have some cool upgrades like the LightStick (Anti Lightsaber Weapon).
Kylo Ren, his design is simple yet elegant at the same time and it works. He carries a presence whenever he is on screen, you could tell he is not one to be trifled with. Comparisons with Vader are inevitable, but that is not a bad thing at all. Is there really a shame being compared to one of the biggest, most recognisable movie villains of all time? And that lightsaber is a joy to watch on screen, it feels powerful and the crossguards are very useful. Obviously, we are told within the first 40odd minutes that he is the son of Han Solo and Leia 'Organa' Skywalker, named Ben (after Obi-Wan). Its not so much the reveal of his lineage , but more the impact it has on the rest of the film.
Rey is a superb addition to the Star Wars universe. She instantly comes across as strong and yet caring at the same time. We first find her on Jakku, finding junk in wreckage and selling it for food. Daisy Ridley, being a newcoming actress, had a lot of pressure undoubtedly, but she delivered. Her lineage is left a mystery for now, her young self is shown being stranded on Jakku. She is force sensitive, but is a reluctant jedi in the making. She learns her powers on her own (minor gripe) and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her.
Finn, or FN2187 for the First Order, was a very enjoyable character to watch, he was often the comic relief of the film (being protective and very charming towards Rey). I think for me, he was the standout character, a conflicted Storm Trooper who just couldn't commit atrocities like gunning down innocents in cold blood. I personally loved the line 'because its the right thing to do'. Although he simply wants to run away from the First Order, he is also never one to shy away from a fight. Here's hoping, once he is healed, he gets more lightsaber action, because he has some good moves.
Poe Dameron, played by the talented Oscar Isaac is instantly likeable as the 'best pilot' in the resistance. He builds a strong relationship with Finn (giving him his name) and he is our POV in the space battles. Im hoping for more screen time in the next one.
Han Solo and Chewbacca, everyone's favorite intergalactic smugglers. What is there to say about them. Han is brillaint all the way through and is a scene stealer. If anything, this was a brilliant swan song for his story. For all the smuggling he did throughout the galaxy, he couldn't smuggle his own son back to the light side, his failures as a father ultimately cost him. I'm sure many a tear was cried during THAT scene. Chewy as usual was a presence and often the pong to Han's ping.
Leia, only in for a few scenes to show us the relationship between her and Han, the chemistry is still strong between the two even if they are both aged. She is still commanding troops into battle. Leia is the one who convinces Han to try and reason with Ben Solo as a father and it would be interesting to see how this guilt plays out in the next films.
Fans of Luke Skywalker, our main hero from the Original Trilogy, whose story from orphan to Jedi we followed and loved by millions, will be disappointed at the lack of Luke. After the RoTJ, Luke takes it upon himself to bring about a new generation of Jedi, beginning with Ben Solo. However Luke looses Ben to the Dark Side and Snoke. Luke goes into exile after his failure and that is what triggers the First Order to come about. He only shows up in the movie right at the end with not a single line delivered.
I want to see more of Supreme Leader Snoke, he very much seems the 'Emperor' of the new trilogy. Who is he? How did he come by the Dark Side of the Force? And why is he a giant? Gerenal Hux is very Hitler-esque in his scenes, especially when he is delivering his speech before the Star Killer destroys the Republic. Captain Phasma, was a let down. She looked very cool, but I feel a waste of Gwendoline Christie's talent and a bit miscast. She towers over other characters, but I find Gwen's voice to seem too 'nice'. I'm hoping she didn't meet her trashy end and we get to see more of her.
BB-8 is a worthy addition to the droids of Star Wars, its very much centred around it. I'm sure kids will be buying BB-8 figures for Christmas. C3PO enters the same time as Leia. Im disappointed that there wasn't hardly any R2D2 in the film as he is in stasis for 99% of the film.
Overall, I loved the film. The new characters are ones we would enjoy watching over the new trilogy. JJ Abrams, I thank you for bringing Star Wars back. No pressure, messers Johnson and Trevorrow.
Discuss what you thought about the film below. Did you like it? Who was your favourite character?
Thanks for Reading.