Our 10 favourite things in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’

There are so many brilliant moments in Star Wars: The Force Awakens that it’s hard to compile a list of the best bits, but here are some of our favourite things in the movie…

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10. The Millennium Falcon

Yes, the Millennium Falcon was back (last seen in 1983’s Return of the Jedi) and didn’t the old piece of junk look absolutely wonderful?

In a film packed with nostalgia this packed a real thrill and harkened back to the good old days of Han and Chewie piloting it across the galaxy.

9. Han Solo being back

Let’s be honest a few years ago, a new Star Wars film starring Harrison Ford as Han Solo would have been dismissed as nothing more than fan wish. But that’s exactly what we’ve got and it’s brilliant to see the old smuggler is still as reluctantly heroic as ever before.

Although we weren’t completely prepared for everything that happened!

8. Han and Chewie’s friendship

The Force Awakens really cemented the relationship between Han and Chewie and demonstrated the deep bond between them.

In a highly emotionally-charged script we gained a deeper understanding of their friendship and of what they mean to each other.

7. General Leia

Still royalty but no longer merely a Princess, Carrie Fisher was back in a small capacity as General Leia. Leia may be older but she’s no less capable and it’s her relationship with Han that provides the film with one of its most heartwrenching moments.

6. Star Destroyers, TIE Fighters and X-Wings

These were the ships of our childhood and it’s a testament to their fantastic original design that they still look as magnificent today.

If you don’t feel a little moved by the sight of the Resistance X-Wings launching their attack on the Starkiller Base, you simply don’t have a soul.

5. Maz Kanata

Lupita Nyong’o is in excellent form as the ageless Maz who, in some ways, fulfils the Yoda capacity of the film. Although there isn’t a great deal of screen-time for her, the character is significant and her scenes are never wasted.

4. Kylo Ren

When you look at Adam Driver’s expertly committed and tortured performance as Kylo Ren it puts the Anakin of the prequels to shame. This is a villain with many different facets and a rawness that will make you feel a whole host of emotions for him.

3. Finn and Poe

From the moment Finn and Poe steal a TIE Fighter and escape from the First Order you’ll be rooting for them.

There’s a great rapport between the two actors and hopefully we’ll see their friendship continue to flourish in Episode VIII.

2. Luke Skywalker

Of course, Luke had to be on this list. He may only make a small appearance (and unspeaking one) at the end of the film but the presence of this legendary character is felt throughout.

Luke has vanished and both the Resistance and the First Order are determined to find him. When at last we do see Luke (Mark Hamill sporting a rather grizzled beard), the wait is more than justified.

1. Rey

By far the standout star of The Force Awakens, Daisy Ridley is instantly impressive as abandoned scavenger, Rey. In a series largely focussed on male heroes, it’s great to finally have our first female lead and for her to be a Jedi too is the icing on the cake.

Rey is everything a great character should be and children today are going to grow up wanting to be her. In a medium that so often misrepresents women, Star Wars has grown up and set itself apart.