3) Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Directed by: J.J Abrams
Written by: Lawrence Kasdan, J.J Abrams, Michael Arndt
Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Lupita Nong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Gwendoline Christie
When The Force Awakens arrived, it was the first new Star Wars film to be released in 20 years. That, in itself, heightened anticipation, and it quickly became clear that it was something very special indeed, in that it was neither written nor directed by George Lucas, but still brought back the original characters of Han Solo, Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker. As an instalment specifically designed to reboot the franchise, it undoubtedly followed narrative beats that were very similar to Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope – but the film was highly successful in its own right, for a number of reasons.
Firstly, J.J Abrams and his talented crew diligently recreated the tangible aesthetic of the original trilogy, which helped engender a suitably nostalgic sense for older Star Wars fans. Secondly, the story introduced a number of new, interesting characters to draw in old and new audiences alike. The passing of the Star Wars legend from one generation of audiences to the next was mirrored in the characterization, with Leia and Han effectively acting as mentors to Rey, Finn and Poe – as the latter sought to resolve intergalactic issues arising from the personal lives of the former.
The Force Awakens also brought us a brand new villain – the fearsome Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver. This character, in particular, is a step up for the Star Wars universe in terms of creating embodiments of evil. In the original trilogy, Darth Vader dominated proceedings, and it was largely because he was hidden behind his mask and suit that he was so intimidating, in addition to the fact that we didn’t really know who he was as a person until the Prequel trilogy, years later. With Kylo Ren, however, we have a more intimate villain – and that intimacy creates real menace.
He wears a mask – perhaps in homage to his grandfather, Vader – and we learn early on that he’s the son of Leia and Han. But, he often removes his mask, revealing the face of a young man who could just as easily have been an idealistic freedom fighter as a tool of the oppressive First Order. It’s his willingness to remove that mask, and leer into the faces of his opponents that makes him so unnerving. His disturbing ability to be up close and personal with another individual, and still perpetrate heinous acts against them, is the biggest hint at deep psychopathy.
It’s the third act that really cements The Force Awakens among the top Star Wars films, though – because it gives us an epic showdown between Kylo Ren, and Rey. This is notable, because it’s the first time in nearly forty years that a female Star Wars hero has wielded a lightsaber in battle – and what a battle it becomes. Lengthy and brutal, the Dark side and the Light face off in a snowbound forest in a match that reveals Rey to be a formidable foe for Kylo Ren.