Terrific return to the original trilogy ways.

Rating: 9/10 (18 December 2015)

This review may contain spoilers or hints, so beware! Whether you liked or disliked the prequel trilogy, you had some expectations going into this movie. If you hated the newest three movies, you anticipated another letdown. If you did like them, then you were hoping this movie lived up to the Star Wars name. Either way, you will find yourself surprised at how good this movie was.
The Force Awakens (TFA) gets back to the Star Wars of old. We come back to the good against evil war, the Empire (now New Order), against those who dare fight against them. Even though I was a fan of the prequel trilogy, I thought the story strayed from the good verses evil aspect that made the original trilogy so epic. The characters that are introduced fit perfect into the Star Wars universe, and actually become the most relateable. John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaacs, and Adam Driver all seemed to mesh in and instantly make us feel like they belong in the Star Wars universe. John Boyega's Finn is an exceptional character, better than, in my opinion, any other Star Wars character. His portrayal was realistic and relateable, both fun and serious. Daisy's Rey was also a terrific new piece.
What makes this movie better than the prequels comes when it got back to the basics. Rather than constantly planet hopping and adding characters continuously, TFA introduces us to our main players, builds their stories, and then stays around them. even though the old main three are back, the story cleanly shifts to our new people, and does so in a way that will allow for future movies to move seamlessly into the next generation. The locations are few, which is perfect, and the detailed visuals are outstanding, making the new planets introduced more realistic.
TFA not a perfect movie, but is an outstanding return to Star Wars, and possible the best movie in the franchise since the first.
May the Force be with you!