Movie review: The Star Wars: The Force Awakens

SINGAPORE — It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. That is how this reviewer felt coming out of the first screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens (TFA) in Singapore.

Why? Because even though super fanboy director JJ Abrams managed to recapture the best of what Star Wars is (the simple heart and humanity of the original trilogy), he has also left us wishing he took more risks in executing his contribution to one of the most beloved film franchises of all time.

Ultimately, the man has no doubt managed to make the devoted Star Wars fan feel that the Force, which has been in quiescence arguably since 1983, has truly awakened.

The older folks in the audience will remember the thrill of watching the original Star Wars trilogy in its purest form, before George Lucas started meddling with them for the Special Edition in 1997. But thanks to social media and the Internet, this generation can never ever truly experience Star Wars “for the first time” with the same unadulterated discovery and magic as audiences did all those years ago, whether it was on the silver screen or, like me, on videotape.

Which is why the competently commercial Abrams, having been given the keys to the kingdom, deserves snaps for trying his darndest to recreate that magic for a whole new generation. Even if it’s a safe, glossy, polished, somewhat Disney-fied attempt.

Right from the now-famous opening crawl and John Williams’ iconic score, your goosebumps will unquestionably appear. Because in the hands of Abrams, you know exactly what you’re in for: An action-packed, lens-flare filled popcorn ride, with all the necessary nostalgic nods for those who worship at the altar of George Lucas.

Using his lauded reimaging of 2009’s Star Trek as proof, Abrams is truly the perfect candidate to bring this slightly trampled but immensely treasured franchise right into this millennium.

Be warned: Those who know the original trilogy will find that watching TFA will undoubtedly start the emotional flood of memories, whether it’s oscillating between bursting into tears or applauding when you see your greying heroes appear on screen; or trying to manage your nit-picking expectations as the new story unfolds with the inevitable twists and turns, shocking though they may be.

Princess – sorry, General – Leia (Carrie Fisher), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), heroic droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, and even the trusty Millennium Falcon - all your much-loved favourites once again find themselves in situations the audience will find so comfortably familiar.

Family dysfunction, conflict, guilt, shame, romance and regret – all the Star Wars tropes are here, snazzily gift wrapped with X-wing starfighters and whooshing lightsabers.

Abrams gives fans exactly what they want by paying homage with scenes or set pieces echoing some part of the original three movies. He leans heaviest towards Episode IV: A New Hope, choosing practical effects over digital manipulation and ticking every box, right down to an updated “swipe” between scenes.

We don’t want to give anything away but suffice it to say new characters Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) get thrown into action along with scene-stealing droid, BB-8 (its maximized cuteness designed for film merchandising) as they encounter our old heroes from the past. And because you can’t ride on nostalgia alone, Abrams cleverly enlisted the help of original trilogy veteran Lawrence Kasdan to co-write the script, so thankfully, the narrative progression flows easily (albeit at some points, too coincidentally).

In the vein of Lucas’ tradition of casting young fairly unknowns as leads, Abrams has hit the jackpot with his new squad. Boyega brings both moral weight and great humour to Finn while the expressive and spirited Ridley proves why she fully deserves her Rey action figurine that will no doubt be flying off the shelves as we speak.

Thespian Oscar Issac steps out of the quirker darker indie endeavours we are more familiar with to shine and swagger as Resistance pilot Poe Dameron. He steps up his Harrison Ford game and brings in in the swoon factor. Adam Driver brings about his creepy awkwardness and off-beat captivation from HBO TV series’ Girls to full effect as he inhabits his much-discussed role of Kylo Ren. He is equal parts compelling, complex and conflicted in his emotional scenes.

The legacy cast of Fisher, Ford and Mark “Luke Skywalker” Hamill were also a joy to watch, bringing surprising poignancy to roles they arguably sometimes used to gloss through. Harrison Ford especially, looked like he was having the most fun on screen in a long time, fully playing to the fanboys. But as fun and emotionally gratifying as it was to see the old gang, TFA belongs to Ridley, Boyega, Isaac and Driver. And yes, I daresay future generations will soon start to feel the same way about these new characters like fans once did with Leia, Luke, Han and Chewie.

Inheriting a franchise that not only has made an indelible mark on pop culture universally but also means so much to so many different people is obviously no small responsibility. And it’s clear in TFA that Abrams has chosen the light (both literally and metaphorically) side.

TFA may not have anything new to say and not much of that spirituality that Lucas felt so deeply about, but hey, it’s not a Lucas film. It’s a JJ Abrams film. Bankrolled by Disney. Abrams is fully aware of this and delivers.

The result? A present for fans that is dazzling but derivative. One that is strangely both reassuringly and frustratingly familiar. Too cheap and easy? How else should it be? The original Star Wars is comfort and succour (especially for those for a certain age) and that’s how people want it to be. No matter what they say.

Despite its flaws, the Force is strong in this one. Yes, Abrams has brought back the balance and will awaken a new legion of fans.

But let’s face it, none of what I’ve said in this entire review really matters. You, along with the rest of the world, are going to watch it anyway.

May the Force be with you – and with us all.