Alright. First things first. Best pacing since Empire! Holy shit! The film grabs you and doesn’t let go. That’s a cliched statement, but I think it’s really true! Second, I loved every new character, and thought this was Harrison’s best performance in years! I see a lot of people harping on Snoke. I dug him, man! We saw just enough of him. I can’t wait for his role to be expanded on in the follow-ups. Finn, for me, was the stand-out newbie! Thought Boyega did an amazing job! Rey too. Those two were near flawless together! And Ben Larry Jacen Kylo Ren Solo… goddamn, man. I’m glad I didn’t waste $30 on this Kylo Ren mask, cause I love this villain! Phasma was very underused, unfortunately. But she’s coming back, so at least she most likely won’t be another Maul or Jango.
Okay, so yeah… it’s A New Hope. Almost beat for beat. I swear JJ is the most originally unoriginal filmmaker in Hollywood! My little brother turned to me a number of times just to say “it’s the same movie.” I regretfully have to agree. But honestly though, it’s the perfect First Act in this kind of ‘Hero’s Journey’ tale! If it ain’t broke! Plus, to be fair, even The Phantom Menace used almost the same template. ‘Two robots, on a quest for a member of royalty, meet a boy on a desert planet, longing for something more. The boy then joins the crew and helps stop a technological terror that has wreaked havoc on a planet.’ Phantom was just… more different and original than For– WHAT THE FUCK AM I SAYING??
Lot of callbacks and recycled tropes, but it not only worked as an incredible love letter to the Holy Trilogy, but it’s also the perfect bridge from the old to the new. Episode VIII has no excuse now not to go in a fresh, new direction! If it’s Empire Strikes Back v2.5 I will legitimately be disgusted. But this gets a pass from me. A pass with shining colors and stuff. I can’t wait to see it again!