The Force Awakens - SPOILERS!!

The following was typed out on a plane while traveling to Costa Rica on February 22nd 2016. To prove my often slothful behavior I now put it in the cyber record. 

In keeping with the spirit of all commentary on this film, BE FOREWARNED! MAJOR: 

Seems utterly ridiculous to say that now, but a few months ago, it was a very big deal. I recall someone saying, “I’ve grown up on these films, I’ve always known what happened and knew where the prequels were going. I finally have a chance to watch a Star Wars film without knowing what’s going to happen.” This rings true for many fans of the saga in their 30s or younger. And perhaps this is truly what made the hype around this film so big. I previously posted on redemption for the franchise, but now I see that anticipation of the unknown and delight in novelty drove fans to theaters. I think JJ Abrams understood this and was the perfect fit to shroud the new film in mystery; making us salivate like dogs for the big reveal.

Perhaps this was the greatest genius of the film. Take something people know and love (bankable) and then take it to a new level (fresh). Those two words are solid gold for making a profit and stirring the imagination of the masses. Proving the capitalist ideal that when filmmakers provide goods and services the public demands, both profit and maximal utility is delivered to the people.  The success of Star Wars may not be what Adam Smith envisioned, but he would surely weep with joy at the results.

Did I cry during the film? No. But the first round was awfully emotional. I was just soaking it all in and trying to catch my breath. Round two was much more satisfying from a viewing perspective. First time was regular 2D and the second was 3D which was surprisingly… okay. I was going to see it in IMAX, but didn’t want to overdo it and get bored with the film by the time it is released on Blu-ray. So nearly two months later, here is the stuff that stuck to my ribs:

• First line of dialogue, “This will begin to make things right.” [YOU’RE DOG GONE RIGHT THEY WILL!!!]
• The re-hash of episode 4. This kinda bugged me towards the end, but whatever… You have to give these guys some sort of reason to have huge battles. At least Starkiller base was sexier than taxation of trade routes. 
• All of the new characters seemed natural and fit seamlessly into the new story. Well cast and executed. Loved them all. Especially Rey. As a father of 3 girls, what a breath of fresh air to see a woman kick butt, be good looking but have that play virtually no part of how her character operates. 
• The Easter eggs and throwback humor was great. There are 45 minute videos about this on YouTube so I’ll spare you the details, but I couldn’t peel the grin off my face for half the movie. 
• Kylo Ren is AWESOME. I know some people like to whine about his looks, temper tantrums and getting his butt handed to him by Rey at the end, but consider this:
• He is not your typical Bond villain. Evil is not just created, it comes from corruption. Hardly anyone sets out to be the bad guy and Kylo embodies this. He struggles, has weaknesses and worries, but can still stop laser bolts and read people’s minds. This guy is going to open a can in the next film. Mark my words and to me he will be all the more compelling to watch as his chapter descends further into darkness
• Let’s remember he was arguably mortally wounded and trying not to Kill Rey and fresh off killing his Father. Give the dude a break. He will come back strong. 
• More questions than answers. The whole thing left me wanting more and my imagination is still free to wander and ponder the possibilities.
• Happy Harrison Ford finally got to kill off Han Solo. But he really should have shot first. 
• Somebody get Carrie Fisher outta there. She’s had so much work done I can hardly understand it when she talks. KILL OFF WET BLANKET GIRLFRIEND. PLEASE!!
• Snoke. Probably Pelagius, no shocker there, but I can’t wait to find out how he survived. 
• NOT NEARLY ENOUGH BACKGROUND ON THE RESISTANCE OR THE FIRST ORDER. Dude. I get that we are “moving forward” but for pete’s sake and a stack of pancakes, gimme some grits to chew on!
• Daniel Craig Stormtrooper. Awesome. Heck, those costumes are like 10,000 Easter eggs waiting to happen. Would I have to give up a kidney for a cameo in a Stormtrooper suit? 
• TR-8R. You. Rock. Bro. But get out your gun next time. 

• Mark Hammil made 8 million to pull back his hood. Disney may as well give him a printing press to make money.
• I’m still not entirely clear on EXACTLY what the “awakening” of the force is. I have general ideas about Rey, the dark side, the light, etc. but can’t wait to get more detail on this. 
• I could go on, but I’m guessing only one reader has made it this far and I thank him for it and look forward to his take. 

My final thought. Generations. The story is multi-generational and about a family. Taking my kids to see this was priceless. Watching them discover the galaxy and sharing it with them was one of the best Christmas presents ever. Until December 2018… I’ll just have to learn to savor the anticipation.