My Childhood Awakens

This will be a spoiler-free review, specifically because my son hasn’t seen the latest Star Wars picture yet. I will also be reminiscing a bit because…well, because I can.

Approximately 30 years after the destruction of the second Death Star, Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi, has disappeared. The First Order has risen from the remains of the fallen Galactic Empire and seeks to eliminate Luke and the Republic. The Resistance, backed by the Republic and led by Luke’s sister, Leia Organa, opposes them while searching for Luke to enlist his aid.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens was the first Star Wars Film I did not see on opening day. I was only twelve when Star Wars (now rechristened “A New Hope”) hit the theaters. I saw the original three times that day.

To say that I am a geek or a nerd or a “Star Wars” freak would be accurate. My wife isn’t—but she loves me. So when she offered to take me to see the latest Star Wars movie…it was out of love.

She ended up liking it very much…and I’d like to start my review there.

JJ Abrams made a Star Wars movie—trust me I’ve been waiting 32 years for another good one—but he also wove a tale that a non-Star Wars Fanatic (I’m the fanatic, by the way) could enjoy.

Is it Shawshank Redemption great? No. But it’s fun, exciting and will have you cheering from your seat just like the Star Wars films of old.

The “new comers,” (Daisy Ridley , John Boyega, Adam Driver) are brilliant and a welcome addition to the universe originally created by George Lucas. Original cast members Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford are amazing—Harrison especially brings his “A” game to The Force Awakens. I cannot speak about Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker without some spoilers (but it’s why he’s not on the poster nor in any of the trailers).

The script by Lawrence Kasdan, JJ Abrams and Michael Arndt is spot on and is a balance between “epic fantasy” and the pure fun that is Star Wars (“Oh, YOU’RE cold…”).

The bottom line is this. It’s a brilliant Star Wars picture. It’s not perfect, but none of them were. I’d put it up there with The Empire Strikes Back.

Peace.  Or should I say “May the Force be with you…”