A great action/ sci-fi film, an adequate Star Wars film

Rating: 7/10 (18 December 2015)

There was always an inherent danger in hyping this movie so much that people were (metaphorically) punching each other out over opening night tickets and threatening to murder anyone who breathes a spoiler.
Such was the case with Episode I sixteen years ago, only that film everyone realized after the fact that it really wasn't as good as they thought (ahem hmm) Jar Jar (ahem hmm).
Luckily for J.J Abrams, this film will not fall flat on its face.
However, like the Force there's a light side and a dark side of looking at The Force Awakens. Let's consider the good first.
Technically speaking, I would have to call this film nearly flawless. With Abrams' use of real film and models over CGI whenever possible, this film has the look and feel of a classic Star Wars movie in that regard.
Breathtaking scenery, more nostalgic set nods to the original trilogy than I could count, and excellently choreographed X-Wing/TIE Fighter battles make this a very entertaining movie to watch.
The actors: also near flawless. Daisy Ridley's Rey, John Boyega's Finn, and Adam Driver's Kylo Ren all shine in their respective performances and prove that they belong in the next generation of Star Wars. The old hands, Harrison Ford's Han Solo, Carrie Fisher's Leia, and Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker all make their appearances (though don't expect the world out of Luke in this outing) in decent performances that show their characters with the same determination as in the original trilogy but tempered by age and wisdom. Good acting by Ford especially, but boy do those three look old now.
Now for the bad.
I won't give away plot details, but I recommend you limit yourself to watching A New Hope in your pre-screening binge-fest, as its general movements will seem very familiar upon viewing this film.
Which brings up the main complaint against this movie: it has all the elements of a Star Wars movie, but it just feels like it's missing that certain... something... that binds it all together and makes it great.
Now, does that mean that just because this film does not live up to the hype of being the best film of all time it automatically is a dud? NO. No no no no no no.
Enjoy the hell out of this movie for what it is: Star Wars: The Next Generation. If Star Trek is any indicator, then I predict a vibrant future for the franchise after this film.