Nostalgia and Coincidences galore in this enjoyable sci-fi

Rating: 8/10 (25 December 2015)

Ignore the hype. Star Wars Episode 7 is nothing out of the world. It is a fast-paced, sci-fi adventure movie which would make Star Wars fans happy and also entertain the uninitiated and the non-fan.
First, The bad
Its director spends a little too much time paying homage to the original. The story also has too many similar plot points as the first movie. There is no shocking twist which many fans were expecting except for the fact that the main villain is seriously underwhelming (moreso) when you compare him/her (I am leaving no spoilers) to Darth Vader. Plus this movie has too many co-incidences and serendipitous moments that may insult your intelligence. The climatic battle is too derivative of the first movie. It has zero tension and is underwhelming. However the climax does set up the story nicely for the sequels.
The good
Stellar visuals and 3D. The new cast is likable without being memorable. The comedy moments will make you chuckle or (as in my case) will make you blow air through your nose to signify approval. The movie is fast-paced and never gets dull. One of the movie's unexpected high point were the short bromance scenes involving the ever reliable Oscar Isaac and Boyega which beats the somewhat forced chemistry of Boyega and Ridley. And finally, Nostalgia - this movie has loads of it which hardcore fans will definitely not mind.
Overall Verdict
8/10 - Star Wars is an enjoyable space opera. JJ Abrams, as we all know is a skilled director who makes good movies which fall short of great. Star Wars could have possibly touched greater heights in the more capable hands of a Christoph Nolan and or alternatively if we had the staggeringly charming Chris Pratt playing a Hans Solo-ish character.