‘The Force Awakens’ adds shocking changes to sci-fi’s expanding mythology

DAISY Ridley and John Boyega

OVER three decades after “Return of the Jedi,” characters from the first space-fantasy trilogy return, continuing the saga of the Skywalker clan minus the involvement of its original creator, filmmaker George Lucas. And, it’s no surprise that it’s an improvement.

JJ Abrams’ epic “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” brings back the film franchise’s beloved heroes as it introduces promising rookies and adds significant—sometimes shocking—lore to the established mythology, further developing relationships while starting fresh.

Post-Jedi, many tales were told (via books, comics, etc.) that elaborated on what became of Jedi knight Luke Skywalker, his twin and rebel
soldier Leia Organa, and others who appeared in the original trilogy.

But “The Force Awakens” is now a canon, distinctly showing the fate of the galaxy “far, far away.” Luke (Mark Hamill), Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) are now elderly—but still energetic leaders in a new conflict. And lasting peace seems impossible in the realm!

As “Episode VII” commences a new series of “Star Wars” movies, there’s greater focus on the newbies: Rey (Daisy Ridley) is a scavenger of reusable machine parts; Finn (John Boyega), an ex-Stormtrooper; and Poe (Oscar Isaac), an exceptionally skilled pilot. Then, there’s enigmatic villain Kylo Ren, long-dead Darth Vader’s biggest fan!

Unlike its unceasingly flashy and ornate prequels, the visually adventurous “Force Awakens” resembles much of the original 1977 film, mirroring key scenes from “A New Hope.” The déjà vu moments make story points easier to predict, but there are a good number of twists that keep the film from faltering.

PETER Mayhew (as Chewbacca, left) and Harrison Ford

Abrams injects humor into the film—not silly slapstick inanity like those seen in the prequels—and demonstrates how necessary (and much-missed) the flippant Han Solo is.

Ridley paces the charismatic newcomers; Rey is a capable modern heroine who refuses to be rescued, and her transformation is thoroughly absorbing.

The spaceship battles aren’t as exciting, however—they truly haven’t been as riveting after the first (“A New Hope”). But while the space strike mission isn’t as spectacular, the new X-wing Fighter crew is at least a refreshing sight to see.

The familial dynamics, though, are particularly tense and intense, promising more gripping and heart-rending encounters to come. “Star Wars” is definitely back—and The Force is truly something to reckon with!