Star Wars Force Awakens Discussion Thread (SPOILERS!!!)

[Leslieann]

Kylo kidnapped Rey because he believed he could extract the information from her that he needed, rather than continue to chase BB-8. It was only after she resisted him that he saw her potential and wanted to convert her. Snoke showed no interest in Rey in the film.

You're correct, I had the time line mixed up. For some reason i was thinking that part of the conversation was earlier on.


Was it mentioned in the film that some Stormtroopers were taken from the war? Did I miss that or was that from books or something. So much is inferred and taken from various other story lines, it's hard to tell sometimes.

edited for question.

[baldgye]

have to say, the most disappointing moments of the movie was the part where Jack? The friendly storm trooper gets ketchup on his helmet, that could have been so powerful and awesome to see the otherside, but it was just rushed and looked a mess.

[nubbinator]

Was it mentioned in the film that some Stormtroopers were taken from the war? Did I miss that or was that from books or something. So much is inferred and taken from various other story lines, it's hard to tell sometimes.

It was explicitly stated that his men (Stormtroopers) were not clones and that they had been taken while children and trained/programmed from childhood to be loyal.

[vivalarevolución]

Just got back from viewing the film.  I think Disney made it to appeal to 10 year olds and acquire a new generation of Star Wars consumers. I feel like all I watched a variation of Episode IV with more action and less character depth and a "let's get the band back together" vibe. 

I honestly think that the droids gave the best performances.  Also, when you think about it, C-3PO, and R2-D2 are the most enduring characters of the films.

I can understand why George Lucas is going around complaining, but if he didn't want to see his baby so sickly, he shouldn't have sold the darn thing.  However, Disney did accomplish the goal of making a pile of money and getting people excited for a sequel.

My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

[zombimuncha]

My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.

[vivalarevolución]

My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.

Yea, I did notice that, but not until the credits.  Good year for those guys. Oscar Isaac has a good future ahead of him, seems capable of many different types of roles.

[swimmingbird]

My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.

If you haven't seen it already I would really recommend watching "A Most Violent Year" - Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain are both really good in it

[nubbinator]

My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.

No clue what that movie is.  I did know that Daniel Craig made a cameo as the mind influenced Stormtrooper.

I was not impressed with the acting by John Boyega (despite loving Attack the Block).  Daisy Ridley was fantastic, but made me wonder if the casting director or casting people between Episodes 1-3 and 7 were the same.  It really felt like they were going for someone who looked like Kiera Knightley (not that I'm complaining, not with that wonderful smile).

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[romevi]

I was not impressed with the acting by John Boyega (despite loving Attack the Block).

I thought he was fantastic. There was a lot of buzz going about him before the movie dropped about how lifeless and wood-like he appeared in the trailers, but he did a great job and easily became one of my favorite characters in the film, the other being BB-8.

[swimmingbird]

My opinion also is influenced by the fact that the film I saw before this was "Ex-Machina", which is a more original science fiction film.

Did you notice that the two main actors from Ex-Machina were also in TFA?
I saw Oscar Isaacs name in the credits or something, and spent the whole movie looking for the guy from Ex-Machina - totally didn't recognize him as Poe Dameron.
And only just now figured out that General Ginger was the same actor as the young guy from Ex-Machina, Domhnall Gleeson.

No clue what that movie is.  I did know that Daniel Craig made a cameo as the mind influenced Stormtrooper.

I was not impressed with the acting by John Boyega (despite loving Attack the Block).  Daisy Ridley was fantastic, but made me wonder if the casting director or casting people between Episodes 1-3 and 7 were the same.  It really felt like they were going for someone who looked like Kiera Knightley (not that I'm complaining, not with that wonderful smile).

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Yeah she looks kind of Natalie Portman

[noisyturtle]

I just watched itand thought it was good up until the part Ray just magically unlocked her force powers and started commanding Storm troopers. That was. dumb. That was real ****ing dumb.

[vivalarevolución]

I just watched itand thought it was good up until the part Ray just magically unlocked her force powers and started commanding Storm troopers. That was. dumb. That was real ****ing dumb.

Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.

[E TwentyNine]

I just watched itand thought it was good up until the part Ray just magically unlocked her force powers and started commanding Storm troopers. That was. dumb. That was real ****ing dumb.

Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.

I don't have a huge problem with that.  She was a fanboy to the myth.  She believed it when I'm guessing most didn't, and Solo came along and told her it was all true.  The typical overconfident young person, only this time she really does have the skills.

[rainb1ood]

I don't have a problem with that either. The title of the film is The Force Awakens not Force Learned

Theory: Maybe she already knows how to do it when she was still Luke's young student in his Jedi Academy.

[Vittra]

There are plenty of force sensitives that begin learning how to do things without training. Re-investigating Rey's dream may shed some light beyond that simple comment, though.

Luke didn't have sufficient training either, and he started far later than the typical padawan would in terms of age.. yet he was able to do remarkably well against Vader, who was battle hardened from years of the clone wars and training under Obi Wan. As a child, before being Vader, Anakin was able to pod race at the level he did due to this innate connection to the force.

..and of course, Vader threw the supposedly most powerful Sith to ever exist over a railing without too much effort, so there's that.

If you attempt to scrutinize every little thing about Star Wars, I can assure you there are serious plot holes to be found in every movie.

[hashbaz]

Overall I think the movie was a success. I like the new characters and I'm interested to see where their stories go. I especially loved Rey and Kylo Ren. Finn and Poe were just ok. A+ for almost no mention of story elements from the prequels.

There were a few too many callbacks for my taste, but that's minor. I do think the decision to do another Death Star was boring. I'm honestly not sure what they were going for with that. Rey figuring out how to do the Jedi mind trick on her own bugged me, but I'm withholding judgment on the assumption that it'll be justified in future movies. The final shot of Luke looking all somber and grizzled and Obi-Wan like gave me shivers [of nerd awesomeness]. Leader Snoke seems terrible to me but I'm withholding judgment on him as well.

[swimmingbird]

I just watched itand thought it was good up until the part Ray just magically unlocked her force powers and started commanding Storm troopers. That was. dumb. That was real ****ing dumb.

Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.

Perfect analogy - Rey is basically space matilda

If only Danny DeVito was in the movie - he's like real life watto

[nubbinator]

JJ Abrams excuse for the rehash of the old:  "you have to go back to go forward".

[Findecanor]

Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.

There is a long list of problems with the story, but for me the mind-reading scene is not one. I thought it was quite cool, turning the tables like that. It was also the first time that we got really convinced that she had Force powers.

Her being able to fight Kylo Ren with a lightsaber was kind of plausible also. Kylo Ren was seriously injured and Rey had had lots of fighting experience with a staff from her time on Jakku. Not sure about how she pulled the lightsaber out of the snow, though.

The mind-trick scene does not work, however. Even if she is strong with the Force, how did she learn to do that?
Also, it should not be possible to first fail, alerting the victim to what she is trying to do and then be able to trick the same person right afterwards. Or had the Stormtrooper been drinking?

[tp4tissue]

Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.

There is a long list of problems with the story, but the mind-reading scene is not one. I thought it was quite cool, turning the tables like that. It was also the first time that we got really convinced that she had Force powers.

Her being able to fight Kylo Ren with a lightsaber was kind of plausible also. Kylo Ren was seriously injured and Rey had had lots of fighting experience with a staff from her time on Jakku. Not sure about how she pulled the lightsaber out of the snow, though.

The mind-trick scene does not work, however. Even if she is strong with the Force, how did she learn to do that?
Also, it should not be possible to first fail, alerting the victim to what she is trying to do and then be able to trick the same person right afterwards. Or had the Stormtrooper been drinking?

If I was a storm trooper..   I would be drinking all the time..  who would know.. I get to wear a helmet.. and it blacks out the eyes part.. and they wouldn't be able to smell it on my breath either, because i got the air filter..

[Findecanor]

If I was a storm trooper..   I would be drinking all the time..  who would know.. I get to wear a helmet.. and it blacks out the eyes part.. and they wouldn't be able to smell it on my breath either, because i got the air filter..

You would think, but trust me on this: You would be able to notice it on how they walk and talk. I have not seen any drunk Stormtrooper, but I have trooped with some that were really hungover.

[berserkfan]

Didn't like the movie.

Visually it was good, but the storyline, plot, etc just didn't agree with me.

[E TwentyNine]

JJ Abrams excuse for the rehash of the old:  "you have to go back to go forward".

Everything he gets his hands on gets polluted.    I'm partly amazed Star Wars was as good as it was considering what a crapfest NewTrek was turned into.

[heedpantsnow]

So what books go with the TFA universe/plotline?  I have a long trip coming up and need some reading material...

[Sinanju]

So what books go with the TFA universe/plotline?  I have a long trip coming up and need some reading material...

I read that this book gives some backstory to some of the characters. Don't own it though. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/148472822X/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=1W6W7500T4KC19RCVET0&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop

[romevi]

So what books go with the TFA universe/plotline?  I have a long trip coming up and need some reading material...

Not reading material, but since you're going on a trip and if you have some downtime during the ride, I strongly insist you give a go at Brian Daley's Star Wars radio drama. It's one of the best modern radio dramas I've heard, and even surpasses the films at some of the time in terms of enjoyment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_(radio)

[noisyturtle]

Yeah, upon a second viewing after watching the original trilogy JJ borrowed (just stole??) many scenes almost shot for shot from the original three films.
And also agreeing on the whole concept of how Ray could go toe to toe with someone much more advanced than her in skill, literally spent his entire life training in the Force and here comes some girl who's never even wielded a sword (that we saw) on the same level. Hell, even Finn was able to give 'ol Kylo a run for his money.
And lastly there were a lot of plot points that were far too convenient and by the end I had trouble accepting all these timely advantageous situations. Unless it is being set up that some greater force (Force?) is guiding Ray and setting up all these much too acceptable plot devices, but I think that's giving JJ's style too much credit since he doesn't like getting deep.

[baldgye]

I was not impressed with the acting by John Boyega (despite loving Attack the Block).

I thought he was fantastic. There was a lot of buzz going about him before the movie dropped about how lifeless and wood-like he appeared in the trailers..

Really? Don't think I heard anything like that... only alot of american press making a deal out of the colour of his skin.

[RickyJ]

I really enjoyed the movie, but when Ren removed his mask I couldn't take him seriously anymore.  He looks more Jar-Jar than Darth Whatever.  Maybe I'm just face-ist.

[romevi]

I really enjoyed the movie, but when Ren removed his mask I couldn't take him seriously anymore.  He looks more Jar-Jar than Darth Whatever.  Maybe I'm just face-ist.

A lot of people have mentioned this loss of respect, but for me it didn't matter one bit as I already knew who was behind the mask, from seeing pics of him and even press shots of him on set without the mask.

[hashbaz]

I liked how goofy he looks for some reason. It just seemed to work. Ż\_(ツ)_/Ż

Kinda fits in with the theme that the First Order is operating in the shadow of what the Empire once was.

[cryptokey]

I feel that this is relevant.

[vivalarevolución]

Yea, the whole "I have no training but I can overpower one of the most powerful members of the Dark Side" bit was an awful touch.  Luke trained for years to do that sh!t.  I imagine that every other jedi in history has to undergo similar training.  I mean, come on, guys.  These are Jedis, not Matilda.

There is a long list of problems with the story, but the mind-reading scene is not one. I thought it was quite cool, turning the tables like that. It was also the first time that we got really convinced that she had Force powers.

Her being able to fight Kylo Ren with a lightsaber was kind of plausible also. Kylo Ren was seriously injured and Rey had had lots of fighting experience with a staff from her time on Jakku. Not sure about how she pulled the lightsaber out of the snow, though.

The mind-trick scene does not work, however. Even if she is strong with the Force, how did she learn to do that?
Also, it should not be possible to first fail, alerting the victim to what she is trying to do and then be able to trick the same person right afterwards. Or had the Stormtrooper been drinking?

I was fine with most of Rey's force abilities, including resisting Kylo Ren's mind reading, her lightsaber skills because of her skills with the stick thing (although I wonder how Finn was so skilled with the lightsaber, perhaps he had some training as a stormtrooper).

The mind control of the stormtrooper and Rey's ability to overpower Kylo Ren to attract the lightsaber were a little too much for me.  Perhaps she utilizes her experience with resisting Kylo Ren and reading his mind to control the storm trooper?

But I am not familiar with the expanded universe and the concept and abilities of the force sensitives, so I could be out of line with my gripes.

[Blueblue]

When they mention two padawan disciples for luke I was thinking Rey was a force sensitive bloodline other than Skywalker (Kylo Ren / Ben Skywalker)

Also what was interesting is that Chewie could be the thread linking them together. Take note when Kylo killed Han, Chewie shot him in the chest in a nonlethal area.
Taking this in with what the official stance on Wookies being extremely hard to get their loyalty and fierce devotion. Chewie should have killed Kylo. Also it was too easy of Rey to get along with Chewie in the first place.

Leads me to believe Chewie and Rey have something deeper than just taking the Solo ship that easily.

[heedpantsnow]

When they mention two padawan disciples for luke I was thinking Rey was a force sensitive bloodline other than Skywalker (Kylo Ren / Ben Skywalker)

Also what was interesting is that Chewie could be the thread linking them together. Take note when Kylo killed Han, Chewie shot him in the chest in a nonlethal area.
Taking this in with what the official stance on Wookies being extremely hard to get their loyalty and fierce devotion. Chewie should have killed Kylo. Also it was too easy of Rey to get along with Chewie in the first place.

Leads me to believe Chewie and Rey have something deeper than just taking the Solo ship that easily.

So Rey is the daughter of Chewie and 3PO?

[Blueblue]

When they mention two padawan disciples for luke I was thinking Rey was a force sensitive bloodline other than Skywalker (Kylo Ren / Ben Skywalker)

Also what was interesting is that Chewie could be the thread linking them together. Take note when Kylo killed Han, Chewie shot him in the chest in a nonlethal area.
Taking this in with what the official stance on Wookies being extremely hard to get their loyalty and fierce devotion. Chewie should have killed Kylo. Also it was too easy of Rey to get along with Chewie in the first place.

Leads me to believe Chewie and Rey have something deeper than just taking the Solo ship that easily.

So Rey is the daughter of Chewie and 3PO?

Yes. /endthread.
More like Rey may have met Chewie before when she was younger / caretaker maybe? Seems too convenient plotwise right now.

[HoffmanMyster]

More like Rey may have met Chewie before when she was younger / caretaker maybe? Seems too convenient plotwise right now.

But what would she have done to earn his trust at such a young age?  I feel like following along with that theory, it would make more sense that merely her association with others that Chewie trusts is what instilled that trust, yknow?  Maybe Chewie knows who she is and what family she belongs to?  Dunno, just spitballing.

[hashbaz]

I think Chewie liking her just demonstrates that she is a good person who we are supposed to like. I think she's connected to Luke somehow, either his daughter or former trainee or both, but Chewie and Han don't need to have known her to make that work.

[jwaz]

Adam Driver as Kylo Ren. For real? I laughed my ass off when he took his helmet off.

[HoffmanMyster]

Adam Driver as Kylo Ren. For real? I laughed my ass off when he took his helmet off.

As I alluded to before, I actually think it works.  Maybe he was bullied, built up rage, donned a helmet and ****ed **** up.  Isn't unreasonable. 

But yeah definitely agree with you to some extent, just playing devil's advocate and trying not to rip apart a movie that I enjoyed. 

[hashbaz]

I haven't seen him in anything else so I don't have associations. But I liked how dopey he looks. It works for me for some reason.

[HoffmanMyster]

I haven't seen him in anything else so I don't have associations. But I liked how dopey he looks. It works for me for some reason.

He's in Girls.

Definitely not a role that helps instill fear and leadership qualities, so it was a little weird for me.

[vivalarevolución]

Adam Driver as Kylo Ren. For real? I laughed my ass off when he took his helmet off.

He was in Inside Llewyn Davis as the country western dude, if you are a Coen Brothers fan.

On another note, I think Rey was at the very least a former young Jedi trainee.  At most, Luke's kid.  Considering the way that they predictably scripted Episode VII, I'm going with Luke's kid.

On another another note, I really enjoyed the way they played with the lighting on Kylo Ren's face throughout the movie.  They flashed between the dark and the light, and the reds and the blues when he was conflicted.

[RickyJ]

A lot of people have mentioned this loss of respect, but for me it didn't matter one bit as I already knew who was behind the mask, from seeing pics of him and even press shots of him on set without the mask.

I avoided all Star Wars talk until I saw the movie, other than watching the trailer once when it first came out.  I didn't want to build up any hype and be in a prequel situation again.

[noisyturtle]

Kylo was well cast to me. He seemed like a (albeit stereotypical) emo rejected-feeling  sort of character who is struggling with his identity but does not know how to handle his emotions maturely. He reminds me of the sort of teenager who would shoot up a school, which makes him that much more creepy to me.

[swimmingbird]

I haven't seen him in anything else so I don't have associations. But I liked how dopey he looks. It works for me for some reason.

He's in Girls.

Definitely not a role that helps instill fear and leadership qualities, so it was a little weird for me.

In a rather embarrassing confession I watched all four seasons of Girls after seeing TFA

Actually a pretty enjoyable show

[HoffmanMyster]

I haven't seen him in anything else so I don't have associations. But I liked how dopey he looks. It works for me for some reason.

He's in Girls.

Definitely not a role that helps instill fear and leadership qualities, so it was a little weird for me.

In a rather embarrassing confession I watched all four seasons of Girls after seeing TFA

Actually a pretty enjoyable show

Haha, I've seen a good chunk of it too.    I had to take a break from those characters though so stopped for awhile.  )

[swimmingbird]

I haven't seen him in anything else so I don't have associations. But I liked how dopey he looks. It works for me for some reason.

He's in Girls.

Definitely not a role that helps instill fear and leadership qualities, so it was a little weird for me.

In a rather embarrassing confession I watched all four seasons of Girls after seeing TFA

Actually a pretty enjoyable show

Haha, I've seen a good chunk of it too.    I had to take a break from those characters though so stopped for awhile.  )

Yeah they're hardly the most inspirational people

If anyone hasn't seen this yet it's pretty funny

https://twitter.com/Kylor3n

[Findecanor]

Yeah, upon a second viewing after watching the original trilogy JJ borrowed (just stole??) many scenes almost shot for shot from the original three films.

Hehe.. Take a look at this (I have set the timestamp for you ): Honest Trailers - Star Trek (2009): @ 2:20

[Findecanor]

So Rey is the daughter of Chewie and 3PO?

And C-3PO is the son of Anakin Skywalker. That would make Rey and Kylo Ren cousins !!!  )