Ephemeris of the Mind (Film Review) Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Time to read: 3 min read
Movie Poster
Rey? These are your first steps.
Past Star Wars film reviews:
- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
- Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Review
The story is very similar to that of the original trilogy; Leia is leading the Resistance against a powerful evil authoritarian regime (the First Order with their Starkiller Base instead of the Galactic Empire with their Death Star), a chosen one from the outskirts of the galaxy is tasked with aiding the Resistance and bringing back the Jedi Order (Rey instead of Luke), and the chosen one is aided by a band of friends as they adventure across the galaxy.
This film is clearly a parody of the original trilogy, it uses the same tropes, the same story, and even the same aesthetics. While by copying a well-established series the film probably won't be terrible, but it also won't be amazing; this is exactly what happened.
I Made This Meme
I liked many of the changes the film made, such as introducing a new cast of characters while still maintaining the older cast from the past movies and updated new character designs (I still remember being blown away by Kylo Ren's lightsaber). Harrison Ford as an older Han and Carrie Fisher as a mature Leia are also highlights of the film. The new cast of characters are so very likeable, I especially liked the originality of Finn's backstory as a Stormtrooper-turned-Rebel. The special effects, as with all Star Wars films, is incredible, especially the lighting near the end of the film. This film also has good fan service, making numerous references to Star Wars movies of the past.
My biggest issue with the film is that while trying to copy the narrative of the original trilogy, the film's story doesn't really fit in with the wider Star Wars story arc and the film just glosses over said discrepancy. I felt more should have been done to connect the film's story with the wider Star Wars universe.
Conclusion
The film's a bit repetitive (if you've seen the original trilogy) but adds enough new content to be entertaining. While certainly not an amazing movie, it's a pretty good film which builds on the Star Wars legacy.