A lot is riding on the newest installment in the Star Wars franchise, “Star Wars: the Force Awakens.” George Lucas, after his prequel trilogy was roundly panned, sold the franchise to Disney. Featured characters Daisy Ridley and John Boyega are relative unknowns, Adam Driver spends most of his screen time in a mask, and the original trilogy was aired over 30 years ago. I asked three friends, each of them avid, long time Star Wars fans, what they thought of the movie – and whether or not the new producers lived up to the franchise name.
Andy Puckett: “the best one of the series”
Andy Puckett thought they pulled it off. “I thought it was, honestly the best one of the series,” he said. Matt Snow agreed. “There was actually a good story,” he said. Brandon Anderson called the new installment “a great retake on a wonderful story.”
All were impressed with the new crew, especially Andy. “I loved the cast,” he said. Brandon couldn’t remember Daisy Ridley’s name – or her character’s name – but he thought she was terrific. Matt was impressed with the writing as well. “They developed good characters,” he said.
Matt Snow: “they created good characters”
Reviews of the graphic content were all positive. “I thought they did a good mix of CGI and … old school with some of the costumed characters,” said Andy. “The graphics were phenomenal,” said Brandon.
All three, while respectful of the old guard, seemed ready to move on with new blood, in a new direction. “It was nice to get George Lucas out of the picture,” said Matt, “after the three prequels.” Asked about Princess Leah, Andy was blunt. “She hasn’t aged well,” he said.
Brandon Anderson: “the graphics were phenomenal”
Brandon, asked how long it will take to get the next one out, alluded to the aging original cast as well. “They probably want to do [the next installment] before Mark Hamill kicks the bucket,” he said.
