Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Writer-director J.J. Abrams has successfully revived George Lucas's original sci-fi concept—a space Western that captivated global audiences nearly 40 years ago—bringing back Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels). Opening with John Williams's familiar musical fanfare, the rolling scroll explains that Luke Skywalker has disappeared and the evil First Order has taken power. Enter Stormtroopers, led by Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), whose black mask and cape resemble Darth Vader's. They are searching for a map of where Luke is hiding, a map secreted within spherical droid BB-8, which belongs to hotshot pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac). When conscience-stricken Stormtrooper “Finn” (John Boyega) defects, he joins up with Poe and Rey (Daisy Ridley), a feisty Jakku desert “scavenger” who is protecting BB-8. The team steals an aged freighter, the Millennium Falcon, which belongs to legendary smuggler Han Solo and his Wookiee co-pilot, Chewbacca, and they're off to find the Resistance, led by now-General Leia. As the narrative unfolds, new characters are seamlessly melded with old ones, particularly wizened, goggles-wearing bar-owner Maz Kanata (motion-captured by Lupita Nyong'o), evoking memories of Jedi Yoda, and a hologram of the First Order's Supreme Leader Snoke (motion-captured by Andy Serkis). Full of fast-paced twists and tragic turns, along with startling character revelations, this rebirth of the long-running franchise is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: Blu-ray extras include the production featurettes “Secrets: A Cinematic Journey” (70 min.), “Crafting Creatures” (10 min.), “ILM: The Visual Magic” (8 min.), “Blueprint of a Battle: The Snow Fight” (7 min.), “John Williams: The Seventh Symphony” (7 min.), “Building BB-8” (6 min.), and “The Story Awakens: The Table Read” (4 min.), along with deleted scenes (4 min.), a “Force for Change” segment (3 min.), and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a stellar franchise entry.] (S. Granger)