Before we get into our collective discussion about Star Wars: The Force Awakens, be warned that this WILL INCLUDE SPOILERS! If you haven’t seen the movie yet, bookmark this page and advert your eyes for now.
We, The Nerd Stash are huge fans of the Star Wars universe like many of you, so we wanted to share our collective thoughts on the newest installment in the franchise and sound off on some of the key plot points in the film. As always, let us know in the comments how you felt about the movie and do you agree with our thoughts and feelings?
Overall, what did you think of Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
David Pietrangelo:
I had a blast watching it. It was funny, action-packed, and just overall a great time a the movies. In reflecting after the fact there may have been some small misses, but overall it felt like Star Wars, looked like Star Wars, and The Force Awakens was just a ton of fun to watch.
Alex D’Alessandro:
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a very competent and direct movie. Take that how you will. It’s the kind of movie you’d expect to do well today; strict dialogue interspersed with a ton of action. Star Wars: The Force Awakens ended up feeling very lukewarm to me — the actions from one moment to another made the universe feel small and unimportant.
Chris George:
I thought it was fantastic. The humor, the action, the practical effects, the heartfelt moments were all there. It wipes away the tarnish from the prequels. For me, it was certainly worth the wait and has me very excited for the coming films.
Brian Cowan:
It was easily the best Star Wars movie I have seen since The Empire Strikes Back. I went into this movie with really high expectations, and I was worried that I would be disappointed. When leaving the theater I could barely contain my excitement about how awesome the future of Star Wars could be.
Some criticize it as being too similar to A New Hope. Do you agree, and do you think that’s a negative point against the movie?
David Pietrangelo:
As I sat there watching the movie I noticed a few hints of similar plot details and character progression, but honestly, it didn’t take me out of it at all. Though I could’ve done without the “larger Deathstar.” Also, some familiarity is not a bad thing, plus newer generations will not make that connection and will probably care even less, and that’s who I feel this movie is really for.
Alex D’Alessandro:
Too similar? Not really. There was enough difference in the main characters and their motivations to see that it’s a story that can stand on its own. That doesn’t mean that there weren’t some really obvious callbacks to A New Hope. It felt like some of the choices were directly pandering to the audience and their fan loyalty. Droid with an important message, plucky young go-getter with a heart of gold, a cantina where key information is revealed… the similarities are apparent, but the difference is in the leads and their journey.
Chris George:
I saw the similarity, but it didn’t really bother me. In fact, it brought back those fond memories and feelings I had the first time I saw Star Wars. “A New Hope” came out in 1977, that’s 37 years ago. It’s not as if they’re rebooting something that came out a few years ago. Not to mention the saying goes “History tends to repeat itself.” Having this familiar tale to me links the old generation and new generation of fans in moving forward.
Brian Cowan:
I noticed many similarities between the two while viewing the film, so it’s a fair criticism. I did feel like in some places the plot played it a little safe to make sure that it pleased fans of the original trilogy. This isn’t really a weakness though, as it did nothing to take away from how much I enjoyed The Force Awakens.
What did you think of the callbacks to the originals? Any favorites?
David Pietrangelo:
“Trash compactor!?” Some of the one-liners and references to the original trilogy were great. It didn’t feel too forced (ha!) or like overkill either. These were the moments of fan service and I think as most of it was done in a humourous way, it was a lot of fun.
Alex D’Alessandro:
Trench Run! Trench Run! Trench Run! Not half as good as the original but, at least, there was a similar scene in this movie. Also, absurdly large death planet.
Chris George:
The callbacks were awesome and to be expected. It helps the audience feel engaged being able to say “I remember that.” Not to mention after the movie is over to talk about it with family and friends and see who saw what. I did that with my kids and friends who saw it extending the experience long after the movie was over. Seeing Vader’s burnt helmet and anything to do with the Millennium Falcon were favorites of mine. Like Han pointing out it made the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs, not 14.
Brian Cowan:
Overall I really enjoyed them, even if they were a bit frequent. I really loved the scenes with the Millennium Falcon. All the little details from previous Star Wars movies scattered throughout the film are going to take multiple viewings to discover.
Han didn’t make it, how do you think that was handled?
David Pietrangelo:
I think it was pretty telegraphed the moment Kylo Ren was on that walkway, but it was still sad to see him go. Unlike many, I had no idea a character was going to die, I’d steered away from all trailers and news since the first teaser trailer. All I could think of is “oh no, no more Han Solo, ever!?” It wasn’t as emotional as I thought it would be, but it was still sad to see such an icon die. Like much of the movie, it was just another way to hand the keys to the Star Wars universe (and the Millenium Falcon) over to the new kids in town.
Alex D’Alessandro:
There was a lot of speculation before the film released that there would be a major character death, so in a way, I was somewhat prepared for the death of Han Solo. It was still certainly shocking to see such an iconic character like Han Solo die, but I was okay with how it played out. It was certainly a powerful scene.
Brian Cowan:
Going into this movie I pretty much knew that one of the original characters had to die. My money was on Han Solo, so it wasn’t a shock when it happened. That being said, it was still an emotional moment to watch one of my childhood heroes met his fate. I think the scene was handled it the best possible way, with Han reaching out to touch his Son’s face. It was sad, and a bit gut-wrenching, but it still managed to let the character end in a memorable and dignified way.
The new characters are being “handed the keys to the universe,” what did you think if the new characters and who was your favorite?
David Pietrangelo:
I honestly think I liked all of them. They all felt like they fit into the Star Wars Universe and the acting was great. Of course, we’ll see more of them as the movies progress but a little more time with characters like Poe would’ve been nice. Rey is the standout for me, she’s a bad-ass and a great mix of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.
Alex D’Alessandro:
Kylo Ren, Rey, and Finn are by far the most exciting characters in the movie. All three take their roles seriously and each has a distinct voice to add to the Star Wars galaxy. Finn is the funniest, Rey is self-assured and extremely competent in everything that she does, and Kylo Ren is like a baby Anakin; cute and angry with his flowing locks of hair. They are the key reason I’d want to go and see the sequels in a year(s) time.
Chris George:
The new characters are great even though I’m not entirely sold on Finn yet. I think John Boyega did great with the acting, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around the character that’s been raised from birth to be a storm trooper and worked in sanitation on Star Killer Base to doing “What’s right” and abandoning The First Order. I’m just hoping to get more back story there in one of the future films. I would say Rey is my favorite new character tied with Poe Dameron.
Brian Cowan:
I honestly didn’t know if I was going to like the new characters. It didn’t take long for me to grow and attachment to Poe, Finn, and Rey though. Clearly it was Daisy Ridley’s character Rey that stole the show. Her scenes run the gamut, from funny to heartfelt. My personal favorite though was Poe, this guy is just awesome. I have read that in the original script this character was supposed to die and I am very happy this didn’t end up being the case.
What stands out as the moment for you in the movie?
David Pietrangelo:
The moment for me wasn’t a major plot point, over (surprisingly) when we lost Han Solo, it was when Rey was able to fully harness the Force for the first time. Initially with her inner battle with Kylo Ren, and then just after when she used the Jedi mind trick to be released. Not only is it significant, but it was intense, and then the hilarious way the Stormtrooper (cameo by Daniel Craig) released her was just great.
Alex D’Alessandro:
Finding out that the Starkiller Base runs off of pure sunshine. We’ve had the Empire/First Order run this entire time!
Chris George:
The final battle of the movie between Kylo Ren and Rey where we see her really begin to tap into her strength with the Force.
Brian Cowan:
If I had to pick one moment it would be the lightsaber battle near the end of the movie. Han’s death scene and the Tie and X-Wing battle above Maz’s castle were both amazing, but the climactic battle takes the spot for me. Finn bravely challenging Kylo Ken had me on the edge of my seat. I really liked how deliberate and deadly the fight seemed, not at all like the over-choreographed battles from the prequels. When Finn fell and Rey took his place the battle only grew more intense. If this is what lightsaber duels are going to be like going forward I think the franchise is in great hands.
Going forward, where are you hoping the movies and universe goes?
David Pietrangelo:
I like where things seem to be headed. I’m interested to see how involved Luke gets after The Force Awakens and how much we find out about Rey and her life story. I’m just excited Star Wars is back and that I actually care about these new characters and extend universe!
Alex D’Alessandro:
Not to be too obvious, but these movies are here to make a lot of money. I want to see the other two movies solely because of some interesting character choices– no they’re based on their motivations. As schlocky as George Lucas’s Star Wars films are, they still exude a kind silly, swashbuckling adventure that this movie just didn’t capture.
Chris George:
Being of fan of the expanded universe I would like the movies begin to branch out to other areas of the Star Wars Universe. It looks like they are doing this now with next years “Rouge One” and the planned Han Solo and Bobba Fett movies. Not to mention I would like to see them build on these new characters we were introduced to in The Force Awakens.
Brian Cowan:
Exploring the unanswered questions The Force Awakens left us with would be a start. I know we are going to see a lot more Luke Skywalker going forward and I am really looking forward to that. When Disney decided the Expanded Universe was no longer canon I was a little worried, but after this movie I am very excited to see where they take the franchise. I am eagerly waiting to see new prequels, sequels, and standalone movies that will hopefully continue to bring us all what we really want, which is just more great Star Wars stories.
