It accomplished exactly what it needed to

Rating: 8/10 (18 December 2015)

I was thoroughly entertained by this movie, and it seemed too short (a good sign for me). JJ's job was to bring the next generation of star wars to a new audience, while satisfying the older audience, and tie the story lines together. He played it safe by not creating a bold new story, rather he focused on character exposition and depth. Also he set the stage for the next movies by opening up all sorts of questions and potential plot devices. The acting is simply incredible, on par with any major successful movie. If you're looking for a complicated storyline as in the prequels, you won't find it here, but this movie will make you FEEL. I'm happy for it. After seeing episode I in the theater, I was embarrassed for Star Wars and George Lucas. After episode VII, I am excited to see where it goes and feel like it can be taken seriously again.
It appears as if other reviews of this movie on this site depend on the author's expectations (and most of the bad ones seem to be from Eastern Europe?!). I went into it with very little expectation, after having been very disappointed (and still am) by the prequel trilogy. So that was the bar for me. My kids can't even relate to the prequels because of the terrible acting and corny characters (roger roger), and I though Lucas made those for the children. I did not expect a new army of Jedis with insane lightsaber battles, nor do i want it after the prequel trilogies. I did not expect a bold new storyline as I know this is only the first in a new trilogy and neither episode I or IV had the depth of story unless you consider their respective sequels. I just wanted it to feel real.
I had re-watched all 6 prior movies before going to see this, attempting to find out what really makes a good Star Wars movie for me. I discovered what really makes the movies great (besides the special effects of course) is the acting and human element. this is what was lacking in the prequels. Episodes IV - VI stand the test of time because of the acting, as modern special effects have now far surpassed what was done in 1977.
I'm sick and tired of the Anakin/vader storyline as it was so explicitly overdeveloped in the prequels (so much so that Hadyn's bad acting ruined IV - VI Vader for me because I now just see him as a wimp). I really enjoyed Kylo Ren - he is juvenile, confused and unhinged and is what Anakin should have been with better direction. there is so much potential for his character to be developed in future movies.
I'll stop here because I'm sure you don't need to read everyone's personal philosophies on Star Wars. I'll just say that it's true that is is bit of a rehash, but I don't care as I wanted a new type of star wars, a fresh feeling reboot if you will. A return to depth of character and good acting. A nod to the previous movies without letting it be defined by them. What is original about episode VII is it is very personal and intimate. it is a complete departure from the grandiosity of the prequels, as it just feels REAL.
I have no interest in comparing anything now to the original trilogy, as for most nothing will ever compare. So that's why I focused on comparing it to the prequels. You will like this movie A LOT if you go into it with an open mind and heart, and consider that, like it or not, it is really made as a marketing vehicle and introducing the story to the next generation of fans. Don't kid yourself, star wars has always been about selling stuff, it's where George knew he could make the most money to build his filmmaking empire. Search your feelings, you know it to be true. we're all sheep for the star wars shepherd.