What feels like almost a light cycle in itself (I mean do we all remember last November when the first 88 second teaser was unleashed into the world?) – well I sure do. I sat there in ritual re-watching that small little glimpse of footage like it was my job. Because, if those glorious time lapses were all I was going to have to go off for awhile..I needed to cherish every moment. That being said I give you, STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS in all it’s glory and it is everything we need it to be. Emotional, rich, thrilling and, for all those TRUE enthusiasts out there, a step in the right direction. JJ Abrams, who has kept the plot of this film SECURELY under wraps (which..after seeing the final product you will be eternally grateful that he did) outdoes himself yet again. He basically accomplished what he did with Star Trek back in 2009. By taking a franchise that barley has a pulse (not the originals – strictly the prequels, damn you Jar Jar Binks), yet has amassed a legion of diehard fans willing to cut the throat of any who thwart their favorite characters. Rest assured wookies..Abrams does no wrong here. In fact he does everything right.

I will do my best here to tiptoe around the bushes as to not reveal much. Gosh to say I didn’t sink into my chair in utter amazement as the opening logo un-spooled across the screen is an understatement. While of course that lovely tinker tape was in Episodes 1-3..for some reason, it feels oddly different here. Actually, after waiting eons for this film..it rather feels like a reward. I digress (something that might happen often in this review – you’ve been warned). Regardless – in this new clash of good vs ‘the dark side’ our heroes: Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac – in this generation’s new Han Solo – more on him later) – the hot shot pilot who has been tasked by General Leia (who is leading the attack of the republic) to hunt down the whereabouts of one missing Jedi, you may have heard of him, Luke Skywalker?. John Boyega is Finn, an AWOL Stormtrooper who catches himself questioning his loyalty, causing him to switch sides. Daisey Ridley is breathtaking as Rey, a scavenger with some useful techniques she is not quite aware of yet. We also can’t forget BB-8 a new little Droid who is as crucial to the plot as any – and in the process will become a new fan favorite, even more so than R2-D2, trust me here.

On the dark side is Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux, a baddie whose intentions I will keep a secret. Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, a distressed young man who seems to be cut from the same cloth as Darth Vader, complete with a metallic muzzle that digitizes his voice. This leaves us with a very CGI Supreme Leader Snorke (played by motion capture performance via Andy Serkis) who is basically a much stronger alter ego of General Palpatine crossed with an alien from one of Steven Spielberg’s movies.

To reveal any more than that would leave me to be the grunt of many loyal readers, who just need a perspective on one of their greatest childhood memories. Continuing on, I find it awfully hard not to commend these performances as they are all so well endowed, specifically Harrison Ford who steps right back into the iconic role of Han Solo as if he never left (his first shot in the film will leave you grinning, while causing rapturous applause for your (likely) to be sold out showing). It’s one of those moments where you just need to embrace your surroundings, I constantly had to tell myself “yes you are here” – from a fan’s perspective – it’s that intense.
​
Then of course, there are some minor flaws. For one I felt Captain Phasma, a character so prominently teased in the marketing was hardly utilized (I’m told she is being saved for the next two episodes). Equally. most of this plot is a fairly reminiscent homage to the original adventure, while also keeping in touch with the legacy that made these movies special. Of course, this is really nothing where for the films quick 138 minute run time, you are caught up in the force itself, which keeps you enticed until the end. Which, by the way, has one of the best FINAL SHOTS of any Star Wars film, ever. It’s the type of well earned cliffhanger where you scream in excitement, but are also sad as you have to wait another few years to see where this saga will go. Judging by this film’s case, the only place to go is up. So grab your loved one, hold them tight, and sigh a big relief – the wait itself is finally over. The Force Awakens is Abrams baby that is finally being released to the masses, Disney executives can also probably wipe the sweat away, as they delivered on what they promised. So whichever critical stance you would like to take my review in, so be it, honestly this is just one fans deep perspective (some critic is gushing out), but I truly believe this is the Star Wars movie our generation deserves. Grade: A

By: Nate Adams (@TheOnlyCritic) On Twitter & Instagram