Frankly, given the mediocrity of Episodes 1,2 & 3, one couldn't help but wonder whether all the hype around the new movie was just setting us up for further disappointment. But at the premiere of Episode 7 we could all agree - The Force is strong with JJ Abrams! Bringing his unique style and understanding to the story, Abrams is able to revive the excitement that has kept generations of fans riveted. In keeping with the original trilogy, Abrams uses CGI sparingly to bring back the look and feel that made those movies so epic. He also manages to re-imagine the famous battle scenes in the most spectacular fashion merging modern technology and great choreography.
The Force is also very present in the character of heroes Rey (Daisy Riley), Finn (John Boyega) and of course, what is said to be the best villain in Star Wars since Darth Vader, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Riley and Boyega's great on-screen chemistry coupled with Star Wars legends Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and yes, Mark Hamill make for the perfect combination of old and new. The cast blend seamlessly to make for a multi-layered storytelling experience with just the right amount of humour and action to keep you riveted.
As you can probably tell, this fan was bowled over by not just the mind-blowing imagery and effects, but also the well-received fan service and obvious care that has gone into this new installment. In my opinion, Episode 7 is the beginning of a great journey that brings us closer than ever to this far, far away galaxy that we all love.
