When it comes to a project as feverishly adored and, for many, particularly meaningful as "Star Wars," high expectations in regard to any sort of continuation can be a curse. This is the fate which befell 1999's wooden, frequently pandering "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace"—the first and least of George Lucas' controversial prequels—and one which could have easily encompassed the franchise's rapturously anticipated latest trilogy opener. This time, however, audiences need not worry. In the reverent hands of writer-director J.J. Abrams (2013's "Star Trek Into Darkness") and co-scribes Lawrence Kasdan (2012's "Darling Companion") and Michael Arndt (2013's "Oblivion"), "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" is everything fans could want in a 32-years-in-the-making sequel to 1983's "Return of the Jedi"—and maybe, for that matter, a little more. Abrams' love, respect and unmistakable nostalgia for the series shines through at every turn of his enticingly crafted narrative, but the filmmaker never loses sight of his own artistic eye and sensibilities.
When Jedi knight Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) vanishes, twin sister General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) enlists ace pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) for a secret mission to find him. A map to Skywalker's whereabouts Poe hides inside his droid BB-8 becomes the most coveted possession for not only Leia's Resistance, but also the nefarious First Order, a second rising of the Galactic Empire lorded over by Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) and masked apprentice Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Caught in a new fight to save the Republic from takeover are Stormtrooper-with-a-conscience Finn (John Boyega); savvy Jakku scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), whom BB-8 latches onto when she finds him in the desert; and smugglers-turned-heroes Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), the former holding a personal stake in locating not only Luke, but also Kylo Ren.
See Dustin Putman, TheFilmFile.com. for full review
