4. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Star Wars was finished after the release of Revenge of the Sith in 2005. Disney shocked the world with the announcement of their acquisition of Lucasfilm, and again with a new trilogy of films.
The House of Mouse chose J.J. Abrams to kick-off the trilogy. In 2015, The Force Awakens brought Star Wars back to theaters.
Abrams brings his trademark visual flair to the film, complete with lens flairs, crash zooms, and mystery boxes aplenty.
He maintains the signature Star Wars feel however, opting for heavy usage of practical effects over digital; a refreshing change of pace from the prequels.
Maybe there’s a little too much of the original Star Wars in it. The plot is almost a copy and paste of A New Hope.
Abrams attempts to bring elements audiences are familiar with, whilst still creating something new and exciting. It’s a balance he doesn’t quite achieve, and the similarities are distracting.
What originality he does bring is very welcomed additions to the Star Wars lore.
Stormtroopers had only been faceless cannon fodder before Finn came along to give us a look under the mask. The action sequences are terrific, with Abrams frenetic camera never slowing down.
The plot may be recycled, but Abrams does a brilliant job here of reintroducing Star Wars to a modern audience, solidifying its place as one of the most steadfast franchises in history.
