A return to the classic Star Wars franchise, for the modern age

Rating: 9/10 (16 December 2016)

Story: I'll tread carefully, but this is the first film since the original three that feels like a classic Star Wars film, but with a modern twist that is welcome. At its heart, it is a war film, and doesn't stray from that, staying true to the feel of the originals. The secret is that it's Empire vs. Rebels, like the originals always were and the last four didn't follow. The story itself may drag or be a little slow at moments, but when you need it to pay off, it pays off. It takes the risk you want and gives you what you want to see. There is fan service, but it is done right.
Performances: First off, points for getting a pretty diverse cast, with Diego Luna, Donnie Yen and Forest Whitaker among many others. Everyone does a great job, speaks to their characters and the story very well. Some of the acting may get a little corny at times, but that's what Star Wars always was, and we love it for that.
Craft: We're back to some of the classic tropes, though a couple are done away with, Gareth Edwards did a wonderful job giving a modern twist on the classic Star Wars look and feel. The effects are some of the better I've seen this year, with pretty seamless CG to real world integration, some of these shots look perfectly real, and the practical effects are great as well. New planets give us beautiful new environments that widen our understanding of this galaxy.
Entertainment Value: As I say, this is what the fans have been waiting for. This is a wild ride that keeps you in even when it slows down to explore some character. In the space of two hours, an enormous amount of information is put forward. They clean up some things that have been bothering people since the first film, and create new lore for us to obsess over, as well as bringing back people fans have been longing to see again.
Memorability: This may be the best since Empire Strikes Back. It's the first time in my lifetime I've felt that I saw a true Star Wars film in a theater, and that is magical. This is perfect for fans and casual viewers alike.