First Star Wars reviews arrive – and they’re good
Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiered in Los Angeles overnight and it seems the film might actually live up to the incredible hype.
An excitable JJ Abrams walked the red carpet with original creator George Lucas, in a show of respect to the franchise’s history.
Complimentary Tweets from a number of lucky attendees suggested Warner Bros’ decision to buy the franchise rights from Lucas for $4 billion might actually have been worth it.
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Mobile phones were confiscated in all three of the simultaneous screenings, but a who’s who of Hollywood were quick to pile on the praise straight after the credits rolled.
Actor Rainn Wilson from The Office congratulated the creators, saying “1st Star Wars review: it was epic, awesome & perfect. The cast was stellar. JJ killed it!”
“Force Awakens totally delivers”, wrote Hunger Games actor Elizabeth Banks.
“Story, characters, design, humour – Star Wars fans, this is the movie you’re looking for,” Tweeted Los Angeles Times film writer Rebecca Keegan.
“Force Awakens might be the best blockbuster since the original,” wrote director Brett Morgan.
“Everything I could possibly say about Star Wars The Force Awakens is a spoiler, so I will say that it’s super fun and beautifully shot!” Tweeted IGN entertainment editor Terri Schwartz.
As well as heaping general praise on the film, multiple sources cited Girls star Adam Driver, who plays villain Kylo Ren in the latest instalment, as a standout. Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits Australian cinemas on Thursday.