Sam C Mac for Slant Magazine;

This levity makes it difficult to find too much fault in the film even when it exists less as a meaningful extension of its world than as a fan-service deployment device, in part because every eye roll-worthy moment (another Death Star to destroy?) is preempted by the film's own built-in eye-roll response gag (”...but bigger!”). Also because its affectionate call-backs are doled out with such underlying competence, from the fleet narrative's clean, three-act structure, to the convincingly deployed iconic visual grammar of wipes and agile dolly shots, to the strength of the performances.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

This review by Sam C Mac is very much in line with my feelings about the film. In short; it’s a very well made fan film. I liked it. I might go see it again. It’s the best non-Mad Max sequel of the year, easily better than Avengers Age of Ultron and Spectre.

But’s not a great Star Wars film.

The Prequels biggest fault was the lack of any attachment to character. This film cures that. The new cast is strong and after seeing the film, I am curious enough to see what happens that I will go see the next one.

But what The Force Awakens lacks is imagination. As someone who grew up pretending to live in the world of the original trilogy, it saddens me that this new film couldn’t even muster one new idea. Each film in the original trilogy showed us something we have never seen before. Hate the Prequels all you want but they were filled with new ideas. The Force Awakens best idea; a bigger Death Star. It’s pathetic. Seriously, it’s pathetic.

Much in the Prequels was soul crushing, but they also contained a few scenes that were brilliant. The Force Awakens is very even; nothing is horrible but also nothing is great. I’m sure it averages out as being ‘better’ but it’s still just average. I’d rather a film with flashes of brilliance than one that plays it safe.

The Force Awakens is very safe.

Tags: Star Wars, Review