A Worthy Successor to the Original Trilogy

Rating: 9/10 (19 December 2015)

Well, for everyone who has ever had their expectations smashed upon the jagged rocks of reality, I'm happy to report that it's safe to get excited. J.J. Abrams has expertly crafted an experience that delivers on everything that made original trilogy the beloved franchise that it is today. Of course, the action, grand spectacles, pretty faces, and sprinkling of humor that is typical of triple-A crowd pleasers is present, but so are the elements that make a good movie into a great one. Just like the original trilogy, this installment sets itself apart from the pack thanks to its likable and memorable characters, an interesting storyline which exists as more than just a vehicle to drive the action, and a fictional world so compelling that even adults want to live in it. So, get ready to care about new characters. Get ready to fear a multi-dimensional villain. Get ready to go on a new adventure. A worthy successor to the original trilogy has finally arrived.
Of course, this is not to say that The Force Awakens is perfect. First, the Hero's Journey has become so overused, that I now consider it cliché. While its use here managed to pull me out of the experience a little bit, it was still a far cry better than the worst, clumsily written examples. As a result, I imagine most viewers won't mind its use here. Second, I feel like the fan service could have been toned down a bit; but judging by the happy squeals of the adult woman that sat next to me, it seems to have been a welcome addition for others. Finally, while there are many story elements that mirror the source material, there was one that probably should have been scrapped in favor of something new. Indeed, it was even one of the first things that my brother commented on after the movie, and he's far less critical movies than I am. Regardless, I consider these flaws far too small to stand in the way of most people's enjoyment of the film.
Finally, I was also pleased to see a female protagonist done right. Rey was not a prize to be won, a damsel to be rescued, some traditional male archetype that had been gendered swapped, or any other such rubbish. While I doubt that this should make a difference on whether or not you should see the movie, I feel that GOOD heroines are rare enough to warrant pointing out. Hopefully, she won't don any gold bikini's in future installments.
The Force Awakens has been worth the wait, and it is most certainly worth braving the crowds. If you like action/adventure, or Star Wars in particular, you'll definitely want to check this movie out. It may not be perfect, but it is the Star Wars sequel fans have been waiting for. Heck, it's a good movie in its own right, and it could have easily stood on its own. So Force-Jump, don't walk, to your nearest theater for earliest showing you can make.