Yet another reason to sleep in.
Though nostalgia loving and prequel-weary fans will rejoice, the newest trailer for the Disney-bankrolled, J.J. Abrams helmed Star Wars Episode 7 trailer proves yet another retread of familiar noise and gloss. Offering no insight into plot or story, and mere glimpses of the new cast (save one major cameo, more on that in a moment), familiar, banal images of Abrams’ other work comprise the trailer. Were it not for the iconic ships and music, the clip could easily be mistaken for a trailer for the 2009 Star Trek relaunch: a far-off vehicle zooming across a desertscape, oversaturated color palate vomiting explosions, noise and debris, laughable zooms of the oversized head of its villain. Indeed, Trailer 2, released at Star Wars Celebration, a fan gathering in Anaheim, acts like a commercial for itself, promising promise of retro 80s sci fi through familiar sights more than anything else. It does offer clear looks at Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Poe (Oscar Issac), said to be the films triad of new heroes, as well as the first clear looks of baddie Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his minion, the Chrome Stormtrooper (Gwendolyne Christie), referred to as “Captain Phasma” in early rumor rumblings. Also present, a very aged Harrison Ford as Han Solo, and a very groomed Chewbacca, played once again by giant Peter Mayhew. Conspicuously absent: Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, though Hamill does provide voiceover, reusing lines from Return of the Jedi.
If Abrams, who also penned the script with Lawrence Kasdan, had a better track record for innovation or originality of direction and storytelling than his banal, forgettable and often down right insultingly stupid filmography, or if the footage offered even a hint of a new, intriguing storyline for the Star Wars universe, we’d be more excited. As for now, while diehard fans might rejoice, we’re sleeping in.
Check out The Force Awakens trailer below, and have your say:
