I'm stepping past the polarized reactions...

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2019)

I'm going to step right into the fray here. Dyed in the wool fans are hating it, while, at the same time, it is being criticized for pandering to long time fans. Honestly, how could J.J. Abrams win? My perspective is that of a lover of movies. I've seen all the blockbuster SciFi films over the years, I know all the Star Wars films and have enjoyed some more than others, but I didn't come to this film with a pony in the race. I came to see a good finale to a landmark series, with good story telling, characters to invest in, some new novelty worlds and characters, solid performances, spectacular CGI, and a proper send off. I found all these things. The film was super busy with lots of information and special effects coming at you all at once (I really should see it again to catch it all). Outstanding moments for me were: the way Carrie Fishers' footage, shot before her death in 2016, was woven into the film (her legacy was honoured); spectacular special effects; imaginative creature creations and world building; how the storyline came full circle for both the heroes and the villains; the epic, internal struggles of Rey and Benjamin, and the way that struggle was resolved; and, I loved the themes of hope and fraternity. In short, I enjoyed this movie. I give this film an 8 (great) out of 10. {SciFi, Classic, Adventure, Action}