Earlier this week a trailer was released for a very small movie that is coming out in december. You have probably never heard of this film, but why not, let me just throw it out there in case you have: Star Wars: The Last Jedi. See? Told you that this is a pretty much unknown movie. Okay, all kidding aside: how awesome was that trailer! I will go into that a little bit more in depth below, but after I had seen it, it put me into the mood to rewatch Episode VII again, The Force Awakens. This film was responsible for relighting the fire that is Star Wars, not that it had ever gone out completely. With expectations going through the roof weeks before it’s release, one of the things that everyone was looking forward to, was the appearance of the original cast. Yes, classic characters like Han and Leia were back again, and fans at times broke out in tears at watching the trailers. (Not me of course, I am a man and I never cry….blinks back tears). But was the Force Awakens a good film, or merely a rehash of old things?
The Force Awakens takes place 30 years after the Return of the Jedi. The Empire has been defeated, but instead of peace returning to the galaxy, a new threat has emerged. The First Order has risen from the ashes of what the Empire left behind, and is threatening to snuff out the last peaces of light that are remaining. The Resistance is desperately trying to find Luke Skywalker who nobody has seen for decades, but who they think might turn the tide of war. They have send one of their best pilots, Poe Dameron, to track down a lead for information as to where Luke might be hiding. But the First Order has tracked Poe down, and one of their most sinister agents, Kylo Ren, succeeds in capturing him. All hope now lies with Poe’s droid BB-8, in which he has hidden the clue to finding the Jedi Master. While on the run BB-8 soon encounters a young scavenger girl that goes by the name of Rey. She reluctantly agrees to help the droid, and together with a former stormtrooper they set out on the mission to find the Resistance. But the First Order is hot on their heals and this time this new hope for the galaxy, might be lost…..
The Force Awakens has been hated and loved in equal measures. The hate mostly came from people that said the movie was just a rewrite of the first original Star Wars movie. And I guess they do have a point. Just as in the first film, we have something hidden in a droid that becomes the focal point of the story. We have a Death Star like superweapon in the form of Star Killer Base, and of course we have an untrained person that is cast in the unlikely role of hero. So yes, there is certainly truth in that claim. But to dismiss it just based on that is pretty unfair. For there are also a lot of things that this movie did that were just plain awesome. The return of the old characters for instance. The first time you see Han Solo together with Chewie is just a goosebump inducing moment. And ofcourse that moment returns when you see Leia again, reunited with her scruffy looking love interest.
But the new characters are also not to be excluded. Kylo Ren is one of, if not, the most interesting villain from the entire saga. He is not just a Darth Vader wannabe, a fact that is only enforced when he removes his helmet. Here we have a person that is conflicted throughout the entire movie. And that conflict comes to the fore in that scene, which I am not going to spoil, but for anyone who has seen the movie it should be pretty clear to which scene I am referring. And then there are Rey, the scavenger girl, and Finn the former stormtrooper. Both great characters in their own way. It is still completely unclear who Rey’s parents are, despite all the theories floating around on the web. It is exactly this fact that defines her character though. The unknown, the fact that she really as of yet has no clue to who she truly is. But she tries her utmost to become the hero though. Finn is the true antihero however. Right from the start he stands up to the injustice that surrounds him, and he almost pays the ultimate price for that. I could probably write another 1000 words for how much I enjoyed this film, but I am not going to do that. My final verdict for the film will follow soon enough, but let’s talk a bit about the new trailer.
The Last Jedi trailer
Unless you have been captured by a Wampa this week, you must have seen the new trailer pop up somewhere on the web. Or a better word for it, is first trailer, as we had so far only seen a teaser for the new movie. And it was worth the wait. One thing this new trailer has been doing is messing with out heads. There are so many things going on that may or may not be true, that it almost makes your mind explode. Is Rey joining forces with Kylo? I myself doubt it. I believe, as a lot of people have said, that the scenes have been purposely blended together to make it look as if they are one scene. Or….it is real, and we are really in for a hell of a ride. One thing we can be sure of is that this film is going to be very hard on the forces of light. It all looks very spectacular, and I for one can’t wait for december. What are your thoughts on the new trailer? Let me know in the comments section below. And of course, just because I am a nice guy, I have included it below for your viewing pleasure.
The Verdict
But of course with the excitement building for Episode VIII let us not forget the movie that restarted this adventure in a galaxy far, far away. Yes, the film certainly may have lacked a bit of originality, you will not hear any argument from me for that. But this was a Star Wars film in every sense of the word, and a pretty damn good one at that. The terrific characters, the special effects that were mostly practical, and of course the return of the old favorites all made it a great adventure to be enjoyed by everyone. I for one loved it, and it truly made me feel like a kid again (although that feeling is pretty much a part of me anyway). So see this one again before the new one hits the theatres in december. To close with a Star Wars phrase: it is your destiny……
I give Star Wars: The Force Awakens a 9 out of 10 score.
Raistlin0903 
I really enjoyed this Star Wars movie. I didn’t expect much after the prequels but this ended up being good fun.
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I could not agree with you more. Although I did like the prequels (except for The Phantom Menace…ugggh), this one was so much better. It felt much more like a true Star Wars movie. Looking at this new trailer, I think the new one is going to be even better. Looking forward to it 😀
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Me too. Hoping they keep that Star Wars feeling.
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I completely agree with everything you’ve said here Michel. And after THAT scene, I’m looking forward to more Luke screen time.
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Yeah, that was the only thing, or only one is a better word for it I think, that was missing from this movie. But that will be made up in this new movie I think as this will probably be Luke’s story again. Really looking forward to it: is it december already? 😀
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“Kylo Ren is one of, if not, the most interesting villain from the entire saga. He is not just a Darth Vader wannabe”
…..
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Lol….well erm …he isn’t. I know he want to finish what Darh Vader started, but Darth Vader was all set in his evil ways and only turned good at the end of the movie. Kylo Ren seems to struggle with everything he does 😊But who knows what will happen in the next film. It can go either way. In any case I will be sitting there in the front row of the theatre 😊
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So what?
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Bobinsky, are you replying to me or to Raistlin?
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Kylo Ren is actively trying to become evil, he is seeking out ways to remove his past and fully commit to the dark side. This is something that has not been explored in a Star Wars movie before. Anakin had darkness in him and ultimately Vader was drawn to the light, Kylo wants nothing to do with the light side of the force.
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Well…that remains to be seen I guess. He has a lot of conflict in him, and at this point he certainly wants the dark side in him. That is a fact. But I don’t know if he will never be drawn to the light. One has to wonder though, considering what he did, if that can ever be redeemed in some way 😉
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He killed *spoiler alert* Han Solo. There’s no coming back from that.
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True enough….I’m definitely not seeing a redemption on that part either 😊
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I think Force Awakens was a fun film which did echo many of the stronger aspects of the original, but I think it’s also interesting to consider whether that’s what it was supposed to do. While working on a review for another title, I was struck by how many stories succeed because they take well known patterns and execute them very well.
I can’t help but think of many experimental stories which falter because they are too jarring.
I think you’re right that Kylo Ren as one of the most conflicted characters, was a big part of what worked in Force Awakens, and I like how Last Jedi seems to be giving more characters a strong inner conflict, as good guys find themselves at odds with each other, or facing villains they still care about.
And, of course, who is Snoke?
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I don’t know either. We know that J.J. Abrams wanted to go back to the style of the old films (both in terms of story and practical effects). I myself don’t really mind if things thread old ground,as long as it’s executed in a good way. Which in this case was done very well. Yeah, the fun thing about Kylo is that he still seems to be conflicted. Looking at the new trailer, that hasn’t changed a bit yet. That’s what is making him so interesting. Yes he is evil, but he also seems to not believe in that completely yet. And true enough: just who is Snoke? I really wonder what ties he has too the old saga or any of the villains from the past. Maybe we will find out in december 😀
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I liked Force Awakens, even if it is structurally similar to the original movie. I have to agree with the caption. BB8 not being a CG effect is surprising.
This new trailer was cool, although seeing Carrie Fisher onscreen did make me feel a tinge of sadness.
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The first time I saw BB-8 roll onto the stage at a big Star Wars convention I fluks not believe my eyes. I reall thought it was a CGI effect. Great stuff .
As for Carrie Fisher, it really is very sad. From what I hear she would have played a Major role in Episode 9. But she was also a terrific and kind person. Truly a sad event in movie history 😢
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So I enjoyed this film, but I sort of had to do this weird don’t compare it to the originals yet appreciate the similarities sort of thing, lol. I liked the classic structure and throwbacks to the old movies. Of course it had awesome special effects and all.
I felt it lacked the emotional connection that I felt from the previous movies. Like it was just going through the motions. I also didn’t really warm up to Kylo Ren like much of the fandom did. Maybe I just missed Anakin being part of the story. I’m one of those who loved the prequels (even Phantom Menace – seriously, I just never got the hate, lol). But as I said, it was enjoyable enough if I manage my expectations. I think that will help more for the next couple now that I know what to expect 🙂
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The thing with movies such as this, is that you just help but compare. Is it as good as the original films? No, it isn’t. Those are certainly in a League of their own. But it certainly was a pretty cool continuation. Kylo was interesting for me, because I loved the way he just kept being conflicted through out the film, a d honestly doesn’t hide it. That’s not going to change at any point soon, especially after seeing the new trailer.
As for the prequels, I liked them too..except for maybe the Phantom Menace. But otherwise I liked them a lot as well, Revenge of the Sith being one of my favorites. Whatever happens in the next film, I sm looking forward to it. I am especially interested in seeing what Luke’s role is going to be in this new one 😊
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I loved Star wars the Force Awakens, I loved all the new characters Rey, Finn, Poe, Kylo and bring back all of the original characters. As far as the the Last Jedi Trailer goes it looks spectacular and what you can say for sure from the trailer that it is going to be a a Star Wars movie we have never seen, and what they wont be able to say is that Rian Johnson just gave us a rehash because this likes no star wars film weve seen before.
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I did too. One of the most important things in any medium I think are characters, abd it was just great to see so many new and memorable ones added toette already impressive character roster. The new film looks asking so far, and I think it might turn into one of the best Star Wars movies to date. Can’t wait for it 😀
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First time visiting your site. Good point about truly making me feel like a kid again, me too! My expectations were low, anything better than the prequels and I would be pleased. Thankfully Force Awakens easily managed to deliver that. As you say, a good way to reboot the series, with a mix of old and new characters. The humorous dialogue and nostalgia for the old characters helped to distract me from the film’s familiar tropes. It isn’t as original as the 70s and 80s films, but it was a fun ride. Think i rated it 8/10
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Thanks for stopping by and delivering such a great comment, and ofcourse the follow: appreciate it 😀 As for the Force Awakens, it certainly reinvoked my childhood in a very good way. Even though I did not hate the prequels as much as most people did, this was just simply put so much better. A terrific follow up to a great saga. The new one looks set to improve on the first one even more: can’t wait for it 😀
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Well written, Michel!
I thought it was a nice continuation of the saga. It was very well-made (you can clearly see that a loooooot of effort, thought and money were invested, and most blockbusters often invest only the latter) plus this film was supposed to start a new trilogy and in my opinion the efforts paid off. It is exactly what SW are supposed to be. I’d love to see some darker motifs, though, like in Rogue One or in lll.
P. S. I’ve always enjoyed SW but never been a huge fan of it, so I guess my opinion is quite unbiased.
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Thank you so much, appreciate the kind words 😀 I am a huge Star Wars fan myself (but also a big sci fi buff in general, so I don’t stick to Star Wars exclusively). I think you will get your wish on darker motifs with episode VIII, as the way this one looks it moght turn into the darkest chapter of the saga yet 😀
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Probably you’re right… Last two episodes were pretty dark and they had a goid success, plus the next one has Rian Johnson in the director’s seat which is awesome!!!
What about Rogue One, how did you find it?
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Yeah Rian Johnson is a pretty good director and I think he is going to turn the Star Wars universe upside down with this one. As for Rogue One…..: https://raistlin0903.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/rogue-one-a-star-wars-story-american-movie-2016/
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Ah sorry I must’ve missed it. Thanks for the link. Well, he definitely is limited by the producers, but… we’ll see.
I start to have a suspect that you aren’t such a big fan of Looper 😉
Did you manage to see Blade Runner 2049?
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No problem, but I don’t think you missed it, the review was somewhat older abd published last year 😊
Not a big fan of Looper? I loved Looper. It was a great movie, with a very cool concept. It was also a very different role that Bruce Willis had ever played, which I think was one of his last truly great performances.
As for Blade Runner 2049… I saw it, and thought it was amazing. I will do a review for it as soon as I can, but it was a truly amazing movie, and one that has been continuing to spin around inside my head 😊
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Oh, I see. 1 year ago I wasn’t around 😉 I loved Looper too. Great sci-fi noir. I agree on that role (and Moonrise Kingdom), well, soon “Glass” is coming out and we will see. I am quite curious about it.
BD2049 keeps spinning in my head too, even though I didn’t find it a perfect film, but it doesn’t matter.
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Glass will really be interesting. Loved the bit at the end of Split. It was really unexpected abd it actually gave me goosebumps. I loved Unbreakable, and Split was very good as well. So it will be cool to seevwhat a combination of the two films is going to do 😀
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By the way, what do you think of the first Universal Soldier? And how about making a top of JCVD films? 😉
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The first Universal soldier was pretty awesome. One of JCVD’s best ones. And if I’m being quite honest, it’s a bit of an underrated movie. Actually, the one he did with Scott Adkins in it wasn’t too bad either. Hmm….a top of JCVD films huh? That’s actually not a bad idea. Might do a post like that in November. 😀 Will let you know.
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Yep, because I’ve watched Hard Target that you adviced me and felt kinda pity for JCVD with all his direct-to-video movies. He isn’t a terrific actor, but he has a hell of a charisma and knows how to kick ass. The Volvo commercial was awesome! Universal soldier was one of the first movies I saw in cinema as a kid.
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I have seen a lot of JCVD films myself, and even though he makes a lot of direct-to-video movies these days, they are still pretty enjoyable and a lot better than all the crap that Steven Seagal is maling these days. He certainly still is one of my favorite action stars 😊 Certainly the old stuff was better, but he still has enough kick left in him 😀
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Argh. I was never a big fan of Sea-gull. And this ridiculous citizenship thing? Even myself, born in USSR and a native Russian speaker, don’t care about it that much. But he (and all other guys from The Expendables) was incredibly popular there, so…
I know you’ve seen a lot of them, that’s why you could do an awesome top!! 😉
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How many star wars movie are there? I think I have only watched one, the first one very long ago.
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There are now eight Star Wars movies in total, Episodes I-VII and a spin off movie that’s called Rogue One. This december part VIII will be released, which brings the total to 9 movies. They are all great films with their own strengths and weaknesses, but if you love sci fi, these are classics that are well worth the watch. 😊
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wow! I’m so far behind on Star Wars! haha.. Thanks for the info 🙂
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I hate the idea that people claim this to just be a rehash of A New Hope, because it is so much more. I am not a fan of the idea that Star Killer base is another Death Star, or that R2D2 wakes up suddenly but apart from that I love this movie. The new characters are fantastic and the nostalgia still has an impact. The scene that always gets me though, is the one when the Resistance arrives at Maz’s castle to rescue Han, Finn and Chewie. The shot of the X-Wings is just fantastic. Great review
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Thanks a lot: and I agree with you completely. Yeah, sure the movie did have a couple of things in it that could be considered as episode IV mayerial. Mostly though this a terrific nostalgic trip with great characters and a wonderful cast of both old and new characters. So looking forward to episode VIII 😀
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I can’t wait for episode VIII. I think The Last Jedi will fix a lot of problems people have with The Force Awakens. The story of why Rey is so powerful, why Kylo was seduced and who Snoke is.
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I’m one of the rare few that didn’t enjoy this as much as expected. I thought Kylo was better with his mask on. When it came off he looked wooden as far as actinv went and, at times, he looked afraid of the camera. You could also see the scene with Han and Kylo coming a mile off :p after all … nothing bad ever happens on a thin bridge in Star Wars 😉
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Haha…so true about the Han scene. I felt it too…like a disturbance in the Force lol. Seriously though, I can’t help it but I really loved the film. I did not really think of Driver’s acting as being wooden, but more along the lines of him being very uncertain and afraid which is exactly what his character is going through. But, it will be interesting to see what Episide VIII is going to bring us…there arecso many rumors for that one floating around now that it could go off in a million directions 😊
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I’m looking forward to seeing it 🙂 I really enjoyed Rogue One. Thought it was so good!
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Great review! Personally I enjoyed the film when I watched it in the cinema, but don’t really have a desire to rewatch it, since it is a bit of a rehash and I totally get why people complain it’s unoriginal, cos well it is (but at least it’s better than episode 1 😉 )
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Lol😂 Yeah, certainly doesn’t take much to pass Episode 1, but yeah I get the rehash that people say it is, but honestly it did not disturb me in the least, there was so much to enjoy in it, that I really quite enjoyed it. Really wonder what episode VIII is going to bring us 😀
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hahahaha I know right!! 😂Yeah, it was so much fun to watch that I didn’t care, and I got why they went back to basics, after all they really did just need to prove they could simply make a decent Star Wars film and revive the franchise. I think they did that and now they have the opportunity to do something else. The trailer looks amazing!!
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A big Star Wars fan!!!😁 This one looks really awesome!!!! Woot!👍💚
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Nice!. Yeah, I think with this movie we are going to have a lot to look forward to. Can’t wait to see it 😀
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Same here!!!! Awesome Sauce! Does happy dance!💃💃💃
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