Nothing new in the Galaxy

Rating: 8/10 (24 December 2015)

After much discussion, we couldn't agree on whether this episode can stand alone. Since one can't un-know what one already knows, it poses a difficult question. I maintain that in order to enjoy this one fully, you have to have a knowledge of the story's history and the relationships between the characters. There are many references to the prior movies and I wonder if someone doesn't know: who Darth Vader is, who are the Jedi, what the force is, what the Death Star was, the relationship between Han and Leia, who Luke Skywalker is, if this movie would make any sense at all. MC is on the side that says you don't have to know any of those things to enjoy the movie. In any event, the new management of the franchise (Disney), has stayed true to the story, the style and the characters and pays all the homage that is rightfully due. The introduction of new characters Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) indicates the series is in very capable and likable hands. Although, with the exception of the aforementioned new characters, there is not a single thing that's new: story-wise, character-wise, action-wise or direction-wise. We've seen it all before. Perhaps they're waiting for the next two episodes for innovation and change. That said, it doesn't detract one iota from the entertainment value. It is well made, well acted and directed. The score was not as rousing as in the previous films and only hinted at here. The action sequences were the same as always. It didn't appear that there was any attempt to create an emotional response, a feeling of excitement, suspense or tension. Is it the best one yet? Not so sure. Also not so sure it lived up to all the hype and anticipation. Score: 8. Go. But I'm not going to force you. (Yeah, I had to.)