It’s finally here.
It’s finally here. Exactly one year since we were ever-so-slightly teased by a 40-second trailer, Star Wars fans all over the world have been counting down the days until the latest episode of the “greatest story ever told” hits cinema screens. Okay, so maybe not everyone feels that way about the movie but, rest assured, it is all you are going to be hearing about, reading about and, depending on whether you love it or loathe it, all you’re going to be talking about for the next few weeks.
For those of you who cannot stand to hear the words “Star Wars” mentioned in your presence, and we can certainly “Feel Your Presence” (sorry, that was a little Star Wars humor), you may be put off by this Top Ten already. However (and stick with me here), this list is actually for you too. We’re hoping that you not only learn to understand just why we’re all so excited for what’s destined to be the biggest selling movie of all time, but maybe… just maybe… you’ll join us in Feeling The Force.
So, without further ado, here are the Top 10 reasons we will be first in line at the theaters to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
NO MORE GEORGE LUCAS!
Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past few years, you’d know already that George Lucas handed over (almost all of) his creative control to Disney. That came at a (multiple billion dollar) price but with it came fresh ideas and if you know anything about the last movies, Star Wars BADLY needed them. Just to be clear, we love Mr. Lucas, but we still haven’t forgiven him for the abominations that were the prequels.
THE NEW DIRECTOR IS A HUGE STAR WARS FAN!
This time around, the Captain of the (space)ship is none other than J.J. Abrams. J.J. will have the creative freedom to avoid some of the mistakes the prequels made. And that is GOOD news! Star Wars needed a director with the ideas and creative vision of George Lucas circa 1977. That man is J.J. Abrams. And I’m not going to lie, I’m kind of excited to see some of his trademark lens flares in the battle scenes.
OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH, WELL, THE OLD!
Han, Luke, and Leia are back! We want to know what happened after that celebration in the Ewok village that left us all in tears when the credits rolled at the end of Return of the Jedi. Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher pick up their roles from the original trilogy and we know from what we’ve seen in the trailers that, at least, Han Solo will be a major character.
FEMALE STORMTROOPERS
Yes, you heard that right. While here on earth women still fight for certain rights that men have, it’s not like that in the Star Wars universe. Maybe it has something to do with Leia, oh I don’t know, helping save the galaxy that one time. It’s long been established that women have a pivotal role in the Sith and Jedi forces, so when J.J. Abrams confirmed that, “We had women in Stormtrooper costumes in the movie,” we wanted to know more. Who are they? Are they badass? No more questions needed. We give you…
…CAPTAIN PHASMA!
Game of Thrones fans immediately got on board the Star Wars Express when news that their very own Brienne Of Tarth, AKA Gwendoline Christie, was announced as a cast member. And let’s be honest here, Captain Phasma is no ordinary Stormtrooper. We’re talking about a silver armored, cape-wearing commander of the First Order’s legions of troopers. Did someone say, iconic villain? I think so!
THE MILLENNIUM FALCON IS BACK!
When we all saw the ‘Hunk of Junk’ appear on screen at the same moment the instantly recognizable sound of the John Williams Star Wars theme graced the air in the first teaser trailer, we all jumped up, punched the air screaming “YESSSS” then hugged our significant others, kids and pets. No? That must have been just in my house. It’s the ship we all wanted to pilot as kids and we get to see it outrun any star destroyer in the galaxy all over again.
IT WAS SHOT IN 3D
I’m not usually a fan of 3D movies, but the thought of seeing X-Wing Fighters dog fighting with Tie fighters in 3D is really, REALLY appealing. It will be like we’re ACTUALLY part of the Rebel Alliance. Oh, who am I kidding, I’ve been a proud Rebel since I swore my oath when I was 4 years old.
THE PLOT IS A MYSTERY
We know nothing. Not a thing. All we have to go on is what we’ve seen in the trailers and in the (minimal) information that the cast has given in interviews. Sure, there are loads of theories, rumors, thoughts and every blog has someone who “knows someone who knows a guy, who drinks with someone who works out with a dude who worked on set.” The truth is that the ONLY people who know what we all want to know are those who have a) seen the movie and b) are part of the cast and crew. J.J. Abrams has done an incredible job in keeping it under wraps. His “Loose Lips Sink Starships” poster he put up on set helped there!
LUKE MAY, OR MAY NOT, BE A BAD GUY
It’s been the focus of many an internet rumor. What role will Luke Skywalker play in the new movie? His very noticeable absence from all trailers, unless you count a mysterious hand resting on R2D2’s head being him, speaks volumes to some. Why all the secrecy? What could possibly be the reason for J.J. not showing him? Could it be that Luke FINALLY gave into the Darkside? The thought doesn’t even bear thinking about.
KYLO REN’S LIGHTSABER
Fans were not happy when they saw Kylo Ren’s handmade, cross-like Lightsaber in the first trailer. The weapon, dubbed a ‘Broad-Saber,’ has slowly grown on them with more scenes of him wielding it since. My only question was, how will he avoid hitting himself with the flaming hilt. But then I remembered, you “never underestimate the power of the Darkside, you silly boy.”
KYLO REN IS THE NEW DARTH VADER!
“I will finish what you started.” Those were the words from Kylo Ren, as he held Darth Vader’s melted helmet, that told us the Sith are very much still set in their ways of wiping out the balance of the Force. Just like Vader would have wanted.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be shown almost everywhere from December 18. If these ten reasons don’t get you excited for a story of good vs evil where the good guys save the day, then you most likely do belong in the Darkside. Wait a minute. Maybe that’s it. Maybe you are part… of… the… Darkside. Oh my God, it’s real! Get me my Lightsaber!
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