‘Star Wars’ is a rip-snorting, mystical adventure

First, the good news. Episode VII of the “Star Wars” saga, “The Force Awakens,” is a spectacular spectacle.

Destined to be the event movie of all-time, one feared it couldn’t possibly live up to the massive hype. But, as a longtime fan (I saw the epic first film on opening night May 25, 1977), I am extremely relieved to report this one is a satisfying new chapter — especially after the disappointing prequel trilogy (1999-2005).

Like all superior blockbusters, the story doesn’t suffer at the expense of the technical razzle-dazzle. Interesting new characters meld with the post-Episode III three heroes of yore in an absorbing multilayered story.

Now, the bad news. If you are looking for major plot details, there are no spoilers here. I hope you can see the movie not knowing too much about what happens, for most of the fun derives from watching developments unfold.

The never-ending battle between good vs. evil is the centerpiece, as the Force — that magnetic energy field that the Jedi use for good and the Sith convert to the dark side — is, well, a force to propel the story.

The Galactic Empire is now controlled by the First Order, a powerful dictatorship, with malevolent Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and demanding General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) following orders from Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis). But General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) leads a resistance, much like the Rebel Alliance.

And we’re swept away to new planets to awe us, populated by alien creatures to delight us, and the chivalry and chicanery involved in the legacy of Anakin Skywalker to beguile us, not to mention lightsaber duels to wow us.

Thirty-eight years after George Lucas’ “Star Wars: A New Hope” became a pop culture phenomenon, director J.J. Abrams, the creator’s anointed successor, has carefully crafted a ripsnorting mystical adventure.

Abrams, the innovative producer-director-writer behind the trailblazing TV series “Lost” and successful movie reboots of “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible,” knows how to entertain an audience, respecting their intelligence and providing memorable moments.

Along with co-screenwriters Lawrence Kasdan (“The Empire Strikes Back” and “The Return of the Jedi”) and Michael Arndt (“Toy Story 3”), he honors the source material by knowing what legions of fans enjoy about this space opera. The template is basically slight variations of the original’s western format.

They’ve brought the old gang back — in addition to courageous Leia, there is her twin brother Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and swashbuckling smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford), plus our favorite Wookie co-pilot Chewbacca and droids C-3P0 and R2-D2.

Hearing John Williams’ magnificent music score is always a pleasure, too.

Performances

Because they’ve given him the best lines, Harrison Ford is the standout here, in all his swaggering glory as magnetic Han Solo.

However, the impressive newcomers capably capture our attention. Daisy Ridley (“Silent Witness”) is delightful as Rey, a spunky scavenger caught up in getting adorable new droid BB-8 safely to General Leia. She is mighty feisty and measures up to any of the guys in derringdo.

Fellow British actor John Boyega is good as Finn, a reluctant stormtrooper.

And Adam Driver, two-time Emmy nominee for “Girls,” shows off his Juilliard-trained range as the villain. He’s hypnotic as a dark side disciple of deceased Darth Vader.

Fellow Juilliard alum, Oscar Isaac (“Ex Machina”), is enjoyable as daring pilot Poe Dameron, but his role is not as demanding.

We’re so used to seeing his “Ex-Machina” co-star Domhnall Gleeson (“Brooklyn”) as one of the good guys that it takes some getting used to to see him as a bad guy. That might be the strangest bit of casting.

Lupita Nyong’o is terrific as the voice of Mas, a grizzled saloon proprietor that dispenses words of wisdom.

What Works

For Abrams and company to successfully pull off this daunting project is a remarkable achievement.

The old and new are seamlessly integrated, and the modern technology doesn’t overpower our basic tale of good vs. evil. They keep it uncluttered, unlike the complicated, convoluted prequels “Phantom Menace,” “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith.”

The characters’ trademark snappy banter is as engaging as the computer graphic images, and the emotional resonance deepens our appreciation for these parts we have much affection for, four decades later.

By nature of the cliffhanger finale so popular in these trilogies, we look forward to seeing what will happen in a galaxy far, far away in Episode VIII.

They leave us hanging, but breathless with anticipation for the next magical mystery tour. May the force be with us.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 8:01 AM with the headline "‘Star Wars’ is a rip-snorting, mystical adventure."