Photo (Walt Disney Studios)

by Emilia Ippolito

J J Abrams, George Lucas and his team surprise us once again with a new film on one of the best known Hollywood franchises : legendary Star Wars

Being more than a little sceptical and having missed the first seven movies, I went in with a few reservations ....

This is the third generation of the Star Wars story. We watch Rey (dynamic Daisy Ridley in total white) and Kylo Ren (excellent Alan Driver in total black) fighting against each other and, above all, against themselves and their own nature. As Ren reveals to his step sister, counter part and probably object of desire dressed in white, they both hold the good Skywalker and the evil Palpatine in themselves.

Whilst Ren - son of legendary Hans Solo and noble Princess Leila, both briefly appearing - is perfectly aware of this manichean dichotomy, Rey is thoroughly shaken by the revelation, and angrily fights it along with its clever and honest messenger Ren in the lengthy, legendary battles full with master class special effects and martial art stunts.

Slowly but surely, Rey comes to realise that the uncomfortable revelation is true: they are both simply grandchildren of the evil Palpatine, whose specialty is resuscitation via absorption of the invincible energy carried by the ‘Force’, stolen from anyone he finds on his way

Over generations (and films), evil Emperor Palpatine has built a strong, powerful and well equipped army of faithful ... but are they all thoroughly faithful ?

The 190 minute movie, with a few twists and adventurous escalations in both plot and action, touches its summit of suspense by the end... which of course I will not disclose to you ...!

This is a very good plot, supported by master class acting, directing (Star War master JJ Abrams) and of course special effects and martial art action, with a strong ethical subtext : the fight between good and evil, people’s role and participation, forces of power and their effect, and human double-nature is not only for growing up teens, but also for adults .. some of them certainly still growing up, mind you ! Part of the cast are Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), John Boyega (Finn), British Domnhall Gleeson (General Hux) and Richard Grant (General Pryde); naturally, due to the nature of Star Wars, you should not expect a particularly sophisticated script: punchy lines supporting plot and action with good use of irony make the narrative enjoyable

We don’t know how long it will take Abrams and Co. for the next film, so I would definitely recommend to the whole family as a modern Christmas story !