manicmeuk

Before eyes start rolling, trolls start trolling, i LOVE star wars, i grew up with the originals, have seen them countless times, waited with enthusiasm for the prequals, was disappointed beyond measure when they lost the force, laughed scornfully when heard Disney got hold of rights, sneered at idea that yet again star wars was being sold to the highest bidder BUT i loved it and with shame i had to admit within the opening scenes that this was going to be epic. there are going to be certain individuals that will tear apart any attempt to relaunch a much loved story, but i left that behind and sat with wonder while my boyfriend gaped with glee. the outstanding contribution from the actors, extending through to the extras made each scene moving, exhilarating, a true space opera. part of what made Star Wars magical was the level of detail, the busyness of the landscapes, the feel of a very much alive galaxy far far away. this was back with new technology giving everything a polish. body language plays a huge roll, as it did with the magnificent Vader, we were reliant on the nuance of motion, a tilt of the head, a catch in the voice to get behind the mask of the new antagonist. (the voice acting was superb, deep and resonating with emotion). likewise without seeing the face, we are introduced to a storm trooper who sees with clarity what he has become. The musical score was ever present, swelling at times and yet unnoticeable as a separate thing. it became part of the landscape, and lacked the gimmicky trills and flamboyancy of the prequels (thank goodness) The space battles were glorious and not overdone. each one having purpose and power. the droids were funny and witty, restoring the humour as it was originally. The driving force of the story returns to the notion of family,the destruction of not having one, the loss of loved ones, and the idea that power and family are not compatible. some felt the antagonist Kylo Wren was spoilt and shallow, but in him i saw and felt the despair of a family touched by power (lets not forget the Jedi trained separated from all influence light or dark to avoid corruption) and in him we see that to have power is very lonely indeed. Cannot wait for the next installment, to follow the enchanting Rey on her journey. Don't let trolls make your mind up, watch it and decide.

i give it 10/10 because it was just outright funny and entertaining. a perfect family film. bright colourful characters, charming animation style and an entertaining plot.

its not going to change the world, but in terms of 90 minutes of entertainment, i laughed, i laughed again and wiped a tear. loved the first film, love that they give the minions more screen time in this one. a perfect movie to cheer up a weary heart or entertain the kiddies.

nothing for parents to be concerned with, no swearing no adult themes, just fun.

where to start on this one...

i think opinions on this film will be formed from personal life experience and how much someone can relate to the characters. myself, I'm similar in age and circumstance to Leigh and recently made a life change much like hers (moving back home from the city) and while the mistakes and tumbles she makes are outright irresponsible, i could not help but like her character and the maturity she showed at the end.

the romance aspect of this movie, whilst most definitely *inappropriate* does reflect the mental state of the main female character played by Kristen bell. stifled by her routine adult life and the responsibilities that come with it, she finds solace in a younger group who bring out her inner teen as it were. i think this is extremely well portrayed in the film through the three main adult cast members, who were friends in highschool, that upon the return of Leigh (KB) all suddenly start to regress and rebel against the adult strains put on them. all three characters go a little wild and forget that 'time only moves in one direction' and their subsequent battles to re-balance themselves as adults was interesting to watch.

the strength of the young actors in this film prevented it from becoming smut. David Lambert had enough charisma that it was plausible that a confused and disturbed woman would be drawn to him, whilst still maintaining that young innocence that made the story equally as much about him maturing as it was about KBs character. Alex Shaffer was impressive and moving in his portrayal of a tormented young man.

could it have been done better? absolutely. does it contain inappropriate feelings and relationships...obviously yes. Does it convey the ability of people to mess up in the most stupid irresponsible ways....yup. i liked it. i wouldn't watch it again, but it was a good film. comedy it is not however and the tag-line cheapens the movie.