Star Wars: The Force Awakens previews

Despite what some people may believe, The Force Awakens finds the perfect balance between paying homage to the original trilogy while being its own film in its own right. Some familiar faces return and the new cast bring renewed energy that lifts The Force Awakens above and beyond the much maligned prequel trilogy and back to familiar ground alongside the original trilogy. The force is strong in this one!

Alrighty, so I painstakingly waited 4 days AFTER release and without internet as to avoid spoilers because the next IMAX session that was playing with good seats was 4 days after release. So, was it worth it- Hell yeah it was, and here's why.

First off, the characters. I think Daisy Ridley is the best part of this film because she is so likeable and funny and intriguing and she absolutely stole the show in The Force Awakens as her performance of Rey was absolutely pitch perfect. John Boyega nails it as Finn who once again is a funny, likeable and also relatable character who provides he audience with natural comic relief. I was surprised, however, at the direction his character took which I'm not going to spoiler but I liked it. Now… Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, I'm just gonna go out and say it, he's better than Darth Vader. Now now settle down, I know we haven't seen the whole trilogy yet but comparing his character to Darth Vader's from A New Hope there is no denying that there is just more development and understanding of his motivations where as Darth Vader was more of just a menacing (a really good menacing) guy. Oscar Issac as Poe was the definition of cool with has swagger and amazing piloting abilities and really funny humour that was perfectly timed. The returning cast is great, Carrie Fisher was good and Harrison Ford as Han Solo was incredible because you could tell he actually wanted to be there cough Crystal Skull cough. So yeah, overall the characters are fantastic and I absolutely cannot wait to see them in the next films.

Now the actaul filmmaking. This film is shot beautifully. We get incredible wide shots of landscapes and SPAAAAAAACE that truly capture the essence of space and just Star Wars in general (holy bajeesus that opening shot). Also we get these tracking shots that start out with some small officer or something saying something to someone and the camera then swivels around to the person they were talking to without cutting aand then THAT person will carry on the message to someone else and the camera swivels around and begins to follow them which adds this sense of constant movement and energy and fast pacing that makes The Force Awakens one of the most entertaining films ever made. Also, the practical effects in this film are so goddamn awesome! There are some obvious CG characters which stand out like a sore thumb but luckily they aren't in the film for that long but it honestly didn't bother me that much because the amount of practical that is used is mindblowing. I actually can't wait for the blu-ray to watch how this film was made. Actual goddamn sets, none of this blue/green screen garbage, that is a f***ing desert my friend! There are obviously times where CG is used but it is incredible CG and all special effects used will no doubt get this film the oscar for best visual effects.

The plot was something that I knew nothing about thanks to the genius marketing that didn't reveal anything at all. The story is fun and has a sense of ‘oh damn we're about to go on a adventure fellas’ that is also mature and intriguing and adds layers to the characters involved. I won't say anymore as to spoil anything but yeah, it's great.

Overall, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is amazing. How the in the hell did this movie live up to the hype I honestly did not think it was possible but J.J. Abrams you magnificent beast you've done it. It is a fun, thrilling, intriguing, old-fashioned, sci-fe action adventure that is one of the best Star Wars films. I can't wait to see this again in theaters and I think everyone will too because mark my words this will be the highest grossing film of all time. Get outta here James Cameron.

P.S. HOLY S*** I have lost faith in the internet once and for all, people are actually complaingin about how this is too similar to this and too similar too that and ‘oh this one tiny detail wasn't explained probably 0/10 episode II was better’ I have finally realised that the internet will just hate on everything and should never be trusted.

I went to the cinema and watched it twice it was just as good the second time and well worth the wait after the not so great episodes 1 2 3 that were a let down with Lucas loosing his focus compared to the originals.

Looks like some good quality extras on this BR release.