The World Awakens With The Return of Star Wars. The Force Awakens Movie Review. (Spoiler-Free)

Ever since the acquisition of Disney of Lucasfilms and the announcement of the Star Wars sequel, people all over the world are on their toes in anticipation. The world awakened as the phenomenal movie franchise that premiered 38 years ago returns to the silver screen. 

I wasn’t alive yet when the original trilogy was released, in fact the only Star Wars film I watched in a cinema was Episode II: Attack of The Clones and I was on grade school. I didn’t understand what it was about until I took the time to watch the whole thing back in College. 

I still think the the whole story of this franchise is about an american boy’s wet dream. It’s pure entertainment, pure imagination, and the holy grail of good versus evil in cinema. The original trilogy is a classic on its own. It will stand the test of time. The prequels are so-so. Sure they are vital for the back story but they weren’t as good as the original. 

Now we have Star Wars: The Force Awakens piloted by the visionary J.J Abrams. I was really surprised by the announcement of the director, probably because I was so impressed by the Star Trek reboot and I didn’t understand why hire that guy to reboot Star Wars. It was a safe decision, and since Abrams is basically a perfectionist, as seen on his previous films, the new Star Wars film is expected to be as perfect. All safe decisions. 

And it was perfect. Technical wise. Everything is happening on light speed, the pacing is perfect. Effects are amazing, cinematography is familiar and is aligned to the original trilogy, editing is superb, acting is great. John Williams is pure genius and I find it amazing that he’s in all of Star Wars films and he is still alive to score them. But one thing I am so disappointed was the plot. 

I really cannot say exactly why I’m disappointed as it will reveal plot details. But the whole thing was so predictable. And it is a modern remake of Star Wars: A New Hope. I mean the plot here is the same, only with different people in different circumstances but all the same. 

  

Now I understand why Abrams was hired. He can make it as perfect as he can but that is not enough to mask the safeness and the predictability of this movie. Well, it will be a big risk to stem out and change the whole thing for the modern audience, but you know, it’s business. 

It was delightful to see everyone back. Princess Leia, Han Solo, Luke, R2 and C3P0. I can only imagine the emotions of the die hard fans to see them all back. Harrison Ford is Han Solo. And watching him on this one feels like he didn’t change one bit. The new cast is tremendous. We really have to watch out for Daisy Ridley. She carried the movie and it looks like she will continue to do so for the next one. She’s the new Luke, the new Mark Hamill, and she has the making of a new superstar. Another star here, is the super cute droid BB8. This droid is the new R2D2. 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a monumental event in cinema history, sparking the return of the world to the beloved galaxy. Action-packed and tremendously entertaining, but it is also predictable and lacks originality. 

Grade: 4 Stars

In the Heart of The Sea You Will Find Gorgeous Cinematography and a Super Asshole Whale.

I haven’t read Moby Dick (seriously) and now I don’t think I want to anymore. In The Heart of The Sea offers the “true” story that inspired Moby Dick and what a dick he really was. 

Driven by the demand of whale oil so much that it was an industry on its own, Chris Hemsworth sailed off with a promise to bring thousands of barrels in return for the fulfillment of his dream to command his own ship. Naturally, whales are killed in this process and for this reason a single gigantic whale, the defender of the sea, exacts his revenge. 

We really don’t know if this whale is a “he.” The way this whale acted he looked like an ocean bully committed in destroying all that is on his way. Not that he was unreasonable, sure, but he didn’t have to follow the entire crew all throughout the Pacific Ocean to make a point. They were already driven to human abomination. Just. Don’t. Kill. Whales. 

Chris Hemsworth acting is the same for everything he’s ever done so far. In an action sequence, he’s Thor, and when he is quiet he is the Huntsman. The only commendable acting here is from Brendan Gleeson who is also the story teller. 

Visual Effects were amazing, they were able to establish the whale as a character and he didn’t look ridiculous. The one thing that is so impressive about this movie is the cinematography and it deserves recognition. All the angles and lighting are spot-on and just pops. 
    
If you’re worried to spend money on this movie, don’t be. It’s not as bad as you think it is. If you’re all for urban legends and mysteries this one is for you. Solid storytelling and top-notch cinematography, you will find a dependable pre Star Wars movie in the Heart of The Sea. 
Grade: 3 stars.