5 things you need to know about Star Wars: The Force Awakens
It’s been 10 long years since the last Star Wars movie, Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith, came to cinemas.
After that supremely disappointing film, which prompted us to look to the heavens and scream “Noooooo” emphatically like Darth Vader, we’re pleased to report the Star Wars franchise has found its magic again with Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Director J.J. Abrams is a worthy successor to the Star Wars legacy, and he’s stuck so faithfully to the first Star Wars film that it’ll be hard to disappoint the fans. The majesty, wonderment and drama of the original trilogy is most definitely back.
Here are five things we learned after watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
#1: Girl Power Rules
The Force is strong with newcomer Daisy Ridley, who kicks some serious butt as Rey.
Scavenger Rey is so plucky and resourceful, she’s the new Princess Leia, minus the attitude.
We’re super impressed by how she fights off baddies with her staff, and proves herself a handy mechanic and pilot time and time again.
In fact, in a twist on gender stereotypes, it’s Rey who constantly rescues former Stormtrooper Finn (John Boygega), while he becomes the damsel in distress.
#2: It’s A Family Affair
One of the great mysteries of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the origin of villain Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) .
Hint: Kylo Ren’s fate is inextricably tied to the heroes of the original trilogy: Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa and Han Solo.
Just as all the Star Wars movies were ultimately a family drama set in a galaxy far, far away, the latest film continues with the themes of atoning for past sins, and families being caught in the struggle between the Light and Dark sides.
#3: Han Is King
When Harrison Ford made his first appearance as Han Solo during our screening, audiences let out giant cheers.
And no wonder, because the fans have missed his wit, sarcasm and handsome mug a great deal.
While we had young Obi-Wan Kenobi and young(er) Yoda in the Star Wars prequels, we didn’t have young Han.
Han fans will be pleased to know they’ll get plenty of the loveable rogue in this film, and he definitely shoots first on multiple occasions.
#4: It’s All About Luke
Though much of the movie follows the adventures of Han Solo and his newly-recruited allies, Rey and Finn, the question every viewer will have on their mind is: Where’s Luke Skywalker?
The movie plays like a giant “Where’s Luke” game, and fans will be glad to know their wait for the original Jedi hero will be ultimately rewarded.
#5: Droids Maketh The Movie
Star Wars just wouldn’t be the same without the intrepid droids that roll across the landscape.
This time, most of the rolling is done by new droid BB-8, or as some people know it, “the orange football”.
BB-8 is certainly the new R2-D2, talking in the same adorable boobs and beeps. He even has a similar sense of humour.
And never fear, original trilogy droids C-3PO and the R2-D2 are around for some nostalgia as well.
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