Some have been waiting 32 years, others 10, and many only a few years since the 7th instalment to the great sci-fi opera was announced back in October of 2012. No matter how long the people sat next to me had been waiting the biggest sense I could feel when that explosive opening score lighted up the screen was relief. Relief that finally, the wait was over. Star Wars had been awakened, not like it had ever gone to sleep though? Like the Force, I felt connected to the people around me, we all shared the same eagerness, shock and amazement as the events unfolded.
It was lovely to see that classic introduction line of ‘A long, time ago in galaxy far, far away’ and then that silence. That defying couple of seconds that prepares you for an off-world experience into a thrilling heart wrenching ride into that unescapable void of happiness. The scroll text followed the originals where some words were capitalised to emphasise that all important information. The first scene was spectacular, it paid full homage to the opening scene of A New Hope without copying it. Eclipsing that planet created that overwhelming sense of power and dominance of the First Order as felt in the original trilogy.
The first act was thrilling. Viewers got to see that the First Order were more merciless then the Empire and sought to destroy any type of resistance. The raw and unrefined power of Kylo Ren could be grasped as he somehow holds a laser bolt mid-air while he interrogates Poe. A surprising element which was very strong throughout the whole film was a sense of humour which started in this first act when Poe confronts Kylo Ren. I think this certainly took people by surprise and some didn’t even register it as comedy due to the stark contrast between seriousness and satire. Eventually I felt people warm to the idea as there were many laughs to be heard onward.
Heading back to Jakku really brought it all home. The life size props, physical creature costumes and literally explosive action. Rey played the role of the independent and strong in shadow role of Princess Leia perfectly and lived up, even exceeded expectations alongside the great John Boyega who was a class act throughout. Considering these two hadn’t starred in such a mainstream silver screen headliner such as Star Wars before they carried out their roles flawlessly.
BB-8. Now I really thought he would be a Jar Jar. Kids would love him and adults would despise him for making a mockery out of the films. How I was so wrong. He was full of character, he delivered humour and most importantly, he was loved by all. He wasn’t over focused on and didn’t try to steal loads of screen time. He brought a light-hearted essence to the screen. He has most definitely not replaced R2 but has definitely earned his place at his side. Despite Harrison being that bit older he reprised his role like a true A list actor. It felt like he had never left the galaxy far, far away and had only aged in experience of being a smuggler. Chewbacca then of course stuck by his side through thick and thin like a tradition and the duo performed an excellent show. Congratulations are in order to the visual effects studio Industrial Light and Magic as I know they have put their all into the project. Maz Kanata came out seamlessly looking just as realistic as the real characters. Supreme leader Snoke also looked rather terrifying with the immense amount of detail which had been included in his facial scarring and appearance. As for the physical props you couldn’t even tell they were props. To me, they looked like they had been forged by the Imperials or scavenged on Jakku.
I do feel that Captain Phasma was over hyped a bit too much and was tried as the new Boba Fett. The thing behind Fett’s rise to fame was that the fans hyped him. He wasn’t mass advertised as a super tough badass that everyone should look up to. It was Boba’s overwhelming silence and posture that inflicted fear in the galaxy and interest in the fans. But none the less I’m sure she plays a greater role in the next one. To be honest I did not think Domhnall Gleeson was going to fit the lead of General Hux. However I must say that he filled the gap very well and brought a fantastic emotional portrayal as the patriotic First Order empathiser.
Overall after a third viewing and taking some time to gather a straight line of thoughts I thought it turned out to be success. Just look at the Box Office takings which are overwhelming and if that’s not enough then just word of mouth. 99% of people that I know who have seen it thought it was spectacular and even went back for seconds. Seeing as the whole team who made it happen had so much to include and account for I think they did a wonderful job in creating and carrying out the 7th Instalment of the greatest Sci-Fi opera of all time that is Star Wars. Massive congratulations to the team and here’s to Rogue One!