Remake of sorts

Rating: 7/10 (27 December 2015)

In a year of follow-ups, 'The Force Awakens' is the muddled mix of a sequel, a remake, and a homage. A weak attempt on a potential spectacle.
While the visual effects are laudable, especially on the various galactic species, the concept and plot are repetitious to the franchise. In a period when many sequels and reboots have been able to explore stronger themes and exhibit intensity, 'The Force Awakens' fails to delve deeper into the saga. The films is quasi-static in all aspects.
Some dialogs were frivolous for a film of epic proportions and a few characters were underutilized. Harrison Ford is the eye catcher and BB8 is a natural.
The film is essentially a visually pleasing and more sensible render of the original trilogy. 'The Force Awakens' isn't remarkable on its own but, still remains a must watch in the canon.