So, here Tis. My thoughts on SW7. How could I not, right? SPOILERS ahead. This is but a capsule review. No doubt there are scads of more detailed ones from my brethren.
Overall 6/10. Now I copped some flack for this from family. Let me break it down:
*8/10 for entertainment factor! But,
*It felt a bit stretched about the 3/4 mark. Some of the action went too long and started to drag. Frankly I got a bit bored and wanted the next scene to just start already!
*Kylo Ren was a great villain... until he unveiled himself. That creepy voice and stalwart height. But his little tantrums were foreshadowing his ultimate personality. After the unveil he was a petulant teenager (and seriously, when did they have him?? In their 50s???) but I suppose that fits with the Luke/Anakin attitude. But that just meant we lacked a truly sinister villain :( And I do love those!
I'll concede it was interesting watching a villain trying to pursue a darker side and struggling. I guess I expected more of a change after killing his father ie really come into his own. I get that he wouldn't get more powerful because killing his father isn't actually what would make him stronger. But I also didn't really buy his torment - after all, he had to narrate to a melted helmet to make it clear.
I just wanted a really strong villain :(
* I love love love Rey - especially as a role model for my girls. Great casting and she nailed it.
*Finn irritates me. Nuff said
*Poe was great (damn Oscar be short!) but totally saw comeback coming. If you were trapped in a crashed tie fighter would you be able to take off your jacket? No. He's a hell of a pilot though. Having flown a few tie fighters in Rebel Assault they are NOT built for combat (ironically!). [sigh] I miss that game.
*Was disappointed Luke (still my favourite) was just a McGuffin but understand why it had to be that way
*ADORE BB-8 (the thumbs up! GOLD)
*Loved and respected the fact that it looked and felt more true to the original trilogy i.e. creature shop not CGI
*And what the hell was with Domnhall Gleeson's character? I would've bought it had he been an older Tarkin-type but he lacked gravitas. Also he just seemed like such a dick I reckon some underling would've pushed him off a platform by now!?!?
*Can't believe I'm saying this but pleased Han Solo died. I couldn't see scope for further character development. And we all remember what happened to Indiana Jones when they tried to ressurrect that beloved character!! Better a quick death now than a loooong strung out death at the box office ;)
It was all these factors that dropped my rating down to a 6. I was on the verge of a 7 but the fact that they couldn't resist setting up a sequel shits me. The original film was self contained even though Lucas had a trilogy in mind!!! What is it with the money-men having to lock in that next audience...? Oh right, asked and answered. But this is Star Wars!! The audience IS already locked in and guaranteed to pay!
My sister pointed out that what I've said is it was too much like the original film but not enough like the original film? Yes, I'm exactly that contrary!
The film does seem better in retrospect due in great part to the interviews and tv spots I've since watched. But for me a film must be judged on its own, by performances and cinematic skill, and not by how much I like the actors as people or the marketing gimmicks and junket performances arranged for them! That being said, you must check this out:
And yes, I welled up as the crawl began to climb!
