Storytelling is not about telling a new story...

Rating: 9/10 (15 December 2017)

It's great if you can tell a fresh story every time, but most of the stories that haven't yet been told aren't that great. This film has come under a lot of criticism by people who fundamentally don't understand storytelling. One of the biggest critiques is that it's just a rehash of A New Hope. And that's true. It's the exact same story. But told better.
It's a better introduction to the universe. While the originals all hold a special place in my heart, they aren't friendly to new viewers. You have to be trained to love Star Wars from very young with these older films, because they really don't withstand the test of time. However, this installment does. Because all of the characters are so enjoyable, Han's death is sadder, Rey's victory is sweeter, and Finn's injury is more tense. In New Hope, I didn't find myself caring so much about the characters, and while probably very intense for its time, the dry performances now make it a lot less high stakes. The Force Awakens is the kind of movie that will have you on the edge of your seat; none of the other movies really are.
Ultimately, this movie is A New Hope, indeed, but on crack. Humor that doesn't fall flat, likable characters, and of course, Daisy Ridley, the most beautiful woman in the galaxy. It reintroduces some of our favorite characters in clever and nostalgic ways, and ultimately, that makes this a nearly perfect introduction to a larger universe. It's not too out there. There isn't anything too new and weird (that comes in the next movie), it's just a good old story that's told better the second time.