It has been over three decades since Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) concluded the magnificent space opera trilogy built on dazzling special effects and heartfelt mystical storytelling. A series so influential, it made terms such as ‘lightsabers’, ‘jedi’, ‘The Force’, and ‘nerf-herder’ a pillar of pop culture.

Since then, we patiently awaited the prequel trilogy, and finally it began with The Phantom Menace (1999), but disappointingly, the new films were less like an awe-inspiring X-Wing and more akin to a slow shuffling Bantha with bad gas. By the time Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) capped off the prequels with a respectable finish, it was too late, for the swashbuckling soulful magic of Star Wars was lost to unfeeling green screen film-making. Yes, in a strange piece of cosmic irony, George Lucas, with his constant ‘upgrades’ of the original trilogy, and CGI intensive prequel trilogy, had much like his greatest character Darth Vader, used technology to replace humanity.

Yet, just as Vader rediscovered the light side, the franchise has once again found The Force in the hands of film-maker J.J. Abrams, a self-professed Star Wars fan boy. We would have been happy with The Force Awakens had it managed to simply be a good film that effectively evoked the spirit of the originals, but it is so much more. Not only is this the best film of 2015, but as a diehard fan, I can safely claim that it ranks in the top three Star Wars films ever made.

Thirty-two years … have you felt it? That’s how long you’ve hungered for Star Wars Episode VII — The Force Awakens

If you think about it, The Force Awakens is something of a miracle. It erases the bad memories of the prequels like a great Jedi mind trick, works under the weight of incalculable expectations, handles the pressure of an extraordinary investment from Disney, and hooks fans both old and new, while also managing to function as a superb standalone film that somehow also sets up mouthwatering sequels. In short, The Force Awakens gives us everything we wanted, yet leaves us salivating for more.

To achieve this, J.J. Abrams and the producer who put all of this together, Kathleen Kennedy, took risks bolder than a Jedi running through a Rancor Pitt. Some of these decisions are frustrating on first viewing, though acceptable, and even appreciable on second and third views (I’ve seen it thrice, help me Obi Wan).

For example, it is disappointing that a beloved main character barely gets any screen time, even if his scene is perhaps the best in the film. Equally disappointingly, other old favourites seem to have been stuck in time, which somewhat negates the joyful ending of Episode VI. For example, it is revealed early on that even though he helped destroy the Empire, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) alongside his trusty tall Wookie partner in crime, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), is still a small-time roguish smuggler, and estranged from his former partner, ex-princess and now the General of the Resistance, Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher). Surely, Han could have still been a centerpiece here while also finding some growth in terms of his occupation.

Our favourite couple’s relationship in The Force Awakens is the weakest aspect of the film. Their scenes not only come across as rushed, but contrived. In a matter of minutes, after waiting 30 years for their story to develop, we are given a dissatisfactory exchange of obligatory dialogue, and are left feeling shortchanged.

In terms of narrative, The Force Awakens takes inspiration from the structure of A New Hope, but does this fairly seamlessly. From start to finish, the film is one non-stop jaw dropping imaginative action sequence after another, where the story telling (aside from Solo/Leia) develops organically. Along the way, the only plot element I found difficult to swallow was the appearance of yet another Death Star-like weapon, with a weakness that came across as self-parody.

Other elements, such as Jedi masters who feel like they’ve failed their students, the Force running in the bloodline, and the good turning to the dark side, are consistent not only with the original trilogy, but the entire saga, including role-playing computer games and the extended universe graphic novels and books. These aspects aren’t a cliché, but simply the nature of The Force. It is a power difficult to master, and as long as it exists, some students will fail their teachers, and some will have to be hidden from those who control the dark side.

The Force Awakens features fantastic performances. Newcomers, Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Dasiy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn) and Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) are superb in their roles, while Harrison Ford’s touching turn as a wily old veteran is the mainstay of the film. The production values are similarly top notch. John Williams’ score is extraordinary and the special effects are a delightful mixture of CGI and old-school set design, where the actors are perfectly directed by Abrams. Yes, this is the Star Wars film you were looking for.

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, January 3rd, 2016