Cue the drumroll

Rating: Null/10 (6 January 2016)

Going in,I never had big expectations on this outing as such, since, imo, there was no need for another episode our episodes for this so-called 'epic' saga, that was not intended to be 6 episodes in the first place...and the main twist wad spoilt due to the delayed release of the movie in the local market....just so you know...
These notes are based on 3 viewings,2 of them in 3d (1 of which was in real d 3d), and 1 2d viewing on an IMAX screen.
To me, this episode, is the best in terms of how all the action sweet pieces are constructed, and are in context with the so-called 'plot' of sorts, in a way that Lucas was never quite able to get a handle on. However, it's such a safe way that JJ does it, following the template set by episode 4, the 1st one in the series, that many have quite justifiably called this outing more than a convenient re-tread of the same.
The 3d is great, so that would be the medium to watch this in.
The IMAX version allows one to catch the detailing that goes into most of the production and set design, so a combination of the IMAX and 3d versions on 1 screen would be perfect.
Mr. Exposition and Ms.Foreshadowing are all pervasive throughout, and that's one of the vagaries in trying to please mainstream fans who're legion. They lead to many disappointing twists that never pay off, but that's part for the course in mainstream cinema.
Didn't like much of the blatant world building with pseudo-new characters that are shoo-ins for their established counterpart-templates, and the transfer of the baton/touch could have been a little less obvious, imo.
The makers say they have a doozy of a script for the next episode from Looper Rian Johnson, but there's only so much one can do on shepherded process.
Acting wise, Ford, Boyega and Ridley take top honors, in that order, and Serkis a well as Isaac do their best with the material given.
In conclusion:
Thank goodness no one brought back the ewoks or (heavens forbid!) Jar-jar- binks....and I shall watch out for the next episode, and the one after that, irrespective of glue this one made Domhnall Gleeson and Oscar Isaac look/sound (watch them in Ex machina instead)...