The Return of the Force

It is difficult for me to explain just how much I love Star Wars. "A lot" doesn't really get us in the ballpark. You can imagine my excitement when I saw this. JJ Abrams did it. Star Wars is back with Episode VII: The Force Awakens, and I couldn't be happier.

One of the biggest questions everyone had before this film was how they would manage to combine the old elements (actors, tropes, even technology) with this new world set 30 years in the future where we last left things in Return. Fear not, they succeeded. Harrison Ford is back baby! Carrie Fisher is back. Peter Mayhew. The droids. Mark Hamill. Plus, the new cast is pretty stellar: Daisy Ridley (total badass), John Boyega, Oscar Issac, Adam Driver, Lupita Nyong'o. The future is in good hands.

You'll notice I haven't talked much about the film. That is for two reasons. The first is that I don't want to spoil anything. The second is that it is Star Wars. You know what to expect in many ways. Explosions. Spaceships. Wookies yelling. I mean, if you don't already like these things you will like being introduced to them. This is an entertaining fast paced space western comedy drama movie. Just like the old ones. Not like the prequels.

9/10. I wouldn't change much. Sure, a few things, but I love Star Wars. I'm a homer.

NASA propaganda done right

The Martian is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. I read the thing in 18 hours. Fact. Ridley Scott directs the film adaptation of the book. Do I even need to write a review?

A small note, but an important one because it speaks to the quality of the film. I saw this movie in 3D, and I forgot that it was 3D until after the movie was over. There were no needless 3D action sequences. The 3D was a seamless part of the movie. Bravo. As far as the acting? All top notch. Matt Damon delivers. Jessica Chastain is great. Michael Peña is severely underrated in Hollywood. Why isn't he in more movies? He has 72 acting credits. Maybe I'm not watching enough of his stuff. Chiwetel Ejiofor is awesome. Sean Bean! Jeff Daniels! Okay, now I'm just listing people in the movie. Kate Mara. I'm done.

This review is light on analysis. Why? Because it can be. This movie is damn near perfect, and all I need to say is go see it.

9/10, I should just give this 10/10. Actually this is 10/10.