Sacrifices the story for a bigger audience

Rating: 1/10 (29 December 2015)

I'm not usually this critical about films but in recent years movies have had a tendency to pander to all audiences, and usually at the expense of the quality of the film. I'm not sure if this was meant to empower certain demographics, or if this was just a money grab (i.e. broader target audience), but the end result was predictable, unbelievable and almost laughable. All I saw throughout the movie was this "hidden agenda" in an otherwise simple and recycled plot.
Rey was a shallow character and was somehow proficient at everything despite being raised alone in poverty. Throughout the entire movie she was completely independent and not once was she ever in any real danger. NOTE: If the protagonist is always safe it's not much of an adventure/thriller. Rather than being drawn to the edge of my seat I just sat there raising an eyebrow.
Everybody knows women are just as capable as men (and those that don't are frankly not worth your time) but this sort of portrayal is just ridiculous. Rey was like an amalgam of Hans Solo, Leia and Skywalker but better than all three combined! Also, if you're going to empower women don't do it by putting men down (i.e. Fin, the male counterpart to Rey), was a coward whose few attempts to act gentlemanly or heroic were met with scornful remarks (i.e. I don't need you to hold my hand to run) or were entirely unnecessary (i.e. he flew halfway across the galaxy to rescue someone that escaped on her own because god forbid Rey get help from a man). Remember, Luke, Hans and Leia all needed rescuing at some point.
What made Indiana Jones such an amazing/believable character was because he often got beaten senseless and it was only thanks to his loyal companions that he got the edge he needed to survive. A strong character is one who is able to face his/her own faults and limitations, it's hard to do that when you're already perfect.
If you're looking for a fun flick for your kids then in that regard it delivers quite well.