There is no point in denying that I’m a big Star Wars fan. I’ve seen the movies countless times, read a lot of Star Wars books and played a lot of Star War video games. When Disney bought the rights for the Star Wars franchise from George Lucas I wasn’t sure what to expect. But when it was announced that J.J. Abrams would direct Episode VII, the next Star Wars movie, I was mildly optimistic. He had after all managed to breathe new life into the Star Trek franchise.
The story of Star Wars: The Force Awakens takes place 30 years after the events in the original trilogy. A fanatic group called the First Order has risen from the ashes of the Empire and seeks to destroy the Republic. Leia Organa leads a military force called the Resistance that tries to stop the First Order’s advance. Her brother Luke Skywalker has disappeared and both the First Order and the Resistance are desperately looking for him. The Resistance hopes to gain a powerful ally while the First Order wants to eliminate a dangerous threat. When the Resistance’s mission to acquire a map with Luke’s location fails a lone droid is once more on the run with information that could decide the fate of the galaxy.
The movies from the original Star Wars trilogy are among my all-time favourite movies. For over thirty years I’ve been waiting for a proper successor to Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. The prequel trilogy had its moments but was overall disappointing. Fortunately the long wait is finally over. Star Wars: The Force Awakens brings back the magic into Star Wars. There are no annoying muppets, no boy group members and no midi-chlorian. The movie is instead darker and more grown up. An ensemble of the old heroes and new likeable characters tell both a human story and a great adventure in this latest instalment of the epic space opera.
Silke and I both greatly enjoyed watching this movie. It was the movie we were both hoping for. If you already know Star Wars it is an absolute must. If not this film is a very good way to get to know this fascinating universe. I’m already looking forward to Episode VIII.