"Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker" Review: A Celebration of the Power of Cinema
I never have to park a quarter mile from the entrance of my local AMC, but this time was different. As I arrived at 7:03pm for my 7:00pm showing of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker I was not alone in my tardiness. As others ran through the lot to get to the screening, I took my time. The concession stand had double the normal number of regular staff. They worked quickly to fulfill orders, dancing around one another with an understanding of what time it was. After 42 years, the Skywalker saga has come to a close, and that’s a magical thing. The electricity in the air, the feeling of wanting to see how it all ends, the collective vibe that these movies mean something to all of these strangers in a dark theater is the essence of why cinema is so powerful. So while this latest installation may not be the greatest (it’s certainly not the worst), it’s a fitting ending to a franchise we all love.
The film opens with Rey (Daisy Ridley) training with General Organa (Carrie Fisher), Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) on a rampage to secure his spot of power in the galaxy, and The Resistance trying to take down the First Order for good. As not to give any more spoilers than trailers have already given, an old enemy has resurfaced, which gives both Rey and Kylo Ren a new challenge, missions are handed out, all hope seems lost- you know, the usual Hero’s Journey stuff. All that to say, questions are answered and old and new friends get a proper goodbye.
The first act of the film is a bit muddled in its direction. The real life death of Carrie Fisher can be felt in the film in the palpable way that writers Chris Terrio and J.J. Abrams tried to work around it without being too overt. It’s a difficult job, but they were able to give her character respect. Feeling more like a sequel to Abrams’ The Force Awakens, the movie really takes off in the second act and beyond as Rey’s past becomes less of a mystery and her future is in question.
This outing is infused with the original wonder of Star Wars in giving us vast landscapes, creatures we’ve never seen, worlds that are beautiful and threatening at the same time, and bonds amongst friends that we all hope to have in this life. With a nod to its beginning, the end leaves you with a sense of hope and wonder as to where the character may go. Ultimately, The Rise of Skywalker is not a pulse-pounding, deeply moving film with emotional resonance that you’ll remember where you were when you saw it for years to come. It’s a difficult job to bring something that means so much to so many people to a close. For that, the film has my respect.
Rating: C+
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Review
I wasn’t alive when the original Star Wars hit the big screen. I saw them all on VHS though! I was alive and in the theater when all of the episodes that will not be mentioned hit the big screen. *crickets* With the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens I finally know what it’s like to sit through a good, entertaining, albeit safe, Star Wars film installment in the theater!
Picking up 30 years after the last film, there is only one jedi left in the universe and he hasn’t been seen for decades. The First Order (basically the super power remanence of Darth Vader’s evil empire) is seeking to hunt down Luke Skywalker to kill him and secure an uneven balance to the force. The Order is led by Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) and his all powerful apprentice Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). After receiving a portion of a map to where Skywalker is located, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), the most skilled fighter pilot in The Resistance, manages to hide it in his BB-8 (the upgraded, rolling R2-D2) just as the First Order invades planet Jakku.
With that, BB-8 becomes the most sought after droid in the galaxy! We’re introduced to ex-storm trooper Finn (John Boyega) and scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), who both want to protect the hot potato that is BB-8. As they take action to do so, they run into Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewy (Peter Mayhew). It’s a smart move. By having the new characters link up with the old, a mentorship occurs on screen and at a franchise level, guiding it back to the original, fun and playful spirit of the films of old.
The script is very tight, moves quickly, and wastes no space. In fact, all of the above probably gets things under way within the first fifteen minutes. The rest of the space adventure follows that of "The Hero’s Journey" to the letter, introducing us to old friends and new ones.
It’s obvious that co-writer/director JJ Abrams absolutely loves and respects the franchise. His direction honors the past, and charts a way for the future. Yet in his adoration, he doesn’t step too far out of the box to create something fresh. The film, while updated from a technology point of view, is predictable at times, borrowing old themes and plot points. That being said, it is a gorgeous film and well directed.
For instance, in a scene near the climax, a hangar door opens high above a walkway, illuminating the walkway below and the characters facing each other on it. In a wide shot, most of the space in the frame is dark except for the light streaming through the door, down onto the walkway. It’s an epic frame that gives a moment for the audience to take in the emotional gravity of the scene. Abrams allows plenty of moments like this throughout the film, guiding us through the roller coaster of feelings of wonder and adventure that Star Wars of old used to give.
While most of the ensemble is well casted, Adam Driver is a sore spot. As long as Kylo Ren keeps his mask on, he’s a ferocious beast. Any time Driver’s face is on screen, you can expect the scene to slow down. Outside of that, even the bit characters do their thing!
Star Wars: The Force Awakens will renew your faith in the franchise! Not only that, it gives a little fuel to your faith in movies, because it is an experience. From the buzz leading up to this film, the chatter you hear while purchasing your popcorn, to the John Williams score blasting in the opening frame, the film entertains! It’s probably worth standing in line this weekend if you don’t want to hear spoilers, but a must see in theaters!
Rating: B+