I don't know if you all know this, whether you're first time readers or regulars, that I'm a massive fan of Star Wars, like I absolutely love the film franchise, but I guess now you know. So guess who finally watched the new edition to this epic series... No one?... Not any guesses?... Okay yes it was me. And boy oh boy did it leave an impression on me. I'll be honest, the film wasn't perfect, there were both pros and cons of this film in my eyes.

Here's a little background on the film, I won't be revealing any spoilers so there's no need to panic, I'll be as vague as possible, it is not a trap. Plus if you've never seen any of the films before, which I am judging you for, you will have no idea what I'm even talking about, it will basically be a bunch of gibberish that goes in one ear and out the other.

Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens is set approximately 30 years after the Episode VI Return of the Jedi and is based on the events that occurred thereafter, the film will then be followed by two more episodes. The First Order has risen from the remains of the fallen Galactic Empire and seeks to eliminate Luke Skywalker and the Republic. The Resistance, a military force led by Leia Organa, opposes them and is joined by the likes of Han Solo, Chewbacca, C3-PO, R2-D2, as well as new characters that are introduced throughout the film.

As always, there is the iconic introduction with musical accompaniment. Every Star Wars films begins in the same way with the opening line of "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...' which then fades and reveals the Star Wars logo in dramatic fashion and retreats, turning into a pitch black screen with stars beaming in and out. Then you are introduced to the opening crawl which is a little prologue for the film, that serves as a little reminder as well as a summary of events that have occurred and are happening at the present time.



Once the introduction hits you, you're immediately pumped up, or you're like me and had goosebumps and the film's storyline goes on. Without spoiling it for you, there's just enough action to keep you intrigued, and that's a major thumbs up from me. I'm probably the only one who doesn't need a load of action and enjoys the plot of the film. I'm definitely a fan of explanations in the films and the tremendous detail too. I might also be the 1% who actually enjoyed the prequels to the original films purely for this reason.



When it comes to The Force Awakens, I can definitely say that 'the force' was more prominent in this film which is used in many different ways and by both the light and the dark side, there are many technicalities with 'the force' so I won't even get into that. However, there are both good and bad things about it being featured in this particular film. At first you're like 'The force is so cool, omg yus, use the force, may the force be with you! FORCE! FORCE! FORCE!" and then you're like "Wow why is the force being used in such an awkward manner, your staring is so intense, you're making me anxious, stop trying so hard, stop shaking, stop breathing like that, just stop using the force for the love of God." So basically there are moments where the films effects depicting 'the force' are impeccable and the acting just lets it down a little bit. I definitely felt that 'the force' was used better in the previous films, even the prequels.

There were so many positives about this film, like it was action packed, the storyline was super easy to follow so anyone who hasn't actually seen the films properly or at all would easily be able to keep on watching without losing track of what's actually going on. There's no confusion and you're intrigued through the entirety of the film. One thing I loved about The Force Awakens was the humour cleverly embedded into the script, so you were amused even at the most tense moments.


So there were funnies, but there was also an emotional side to this film. Although it was good have a little bit of cry or blubber everywhere like a little baby, the moment when you do get all emotional is overshadowed by other events and that bothered me a lot more than it should have. I feel like the particular scene I am referring to but shall not reveal its contents deserved way more screen time or something, there just needed to be something!

Usually, I'm all about the lightsaber battles but the Force Awakens was definitely outdone by its preceding films. For one, the lightsaber that is used by Kylo Ren or as I like to call him, Darth Vader wannabe, is my least favourite thing. I'm not sure why but it just doesn't tickle my fancy one bit, it's just a bit pointless to have a cross-guard lightsaber, but whatever floats your boat I guess. Another negative regarding lightsabers is the fact that a normal person in the film can use one... Erm, I swear only Jedis, or those who turned to the Dark Side, can wield a lightsaber but okay then?

I was pleased to see the easter eggs in the film that referenced the previous films, however there weren't many prequel references which I personally found odd. Although I highly rate this film, I'll be completely honest and say don't expect all your questions to be answered. There are many things left unanswered, and I guess that opens up the possibilities even more for the following films, however, I am impatient and need the answers now!

Overall, the film delivered everything I ever wanted but of course no film is ever perfect. I loved seeing the original characters and the original cast members playing them or voicing them. It was also a breath of fresh air to see the introduction of new cast members. I will say this though, when Kylo Ren's face is revealed, I was completely underwhelmed and a little bit disappointed, it was not who I expected to see. I also thought it was a bit early to reveal him, the mystery of who was behind the mask would've been a lot more better than just revealing him just because the film can. I personally wished that he kept the mask on even though he didn't really need it but yeah you feel me. Speaking of underwhelming, the ending of the film was a little bit eh for me too, there was definitely too much hype about one individual that didn't delivered the closure in the way I expected. You could definitely tell that the film was cut which annoyed me because you want a film to flow without noticing that sort of thing, so I'm hoping the cut scenes will be apart of the DVD release.

I need to congratulate the films marketing team, releasing teasers and trailers that didn't reveal too much of the plot was absolutely brilliant. It made you want to see the film even more. There are some marketing teams that need to take some notes *cough* Batman VS Superman marketing team *cough* *cough*.

As I said, the new cast members are quite refreshing. It was good to see females dominating in the film and cancelling out those stereotypes, I would've loved to have seen more females though. Absolutely loved Daisy Ridley as Rey in the film and a big thumbs up also to John Boyega as Finn, they both stole the show, even from the Star Wars veterans themselves.

If you're not a Star Wars fan, start being one now, you won't regret it.

May the force be with you.