Overplays the nostalgia card

Rating: 7/10 (6 January 2016)

So, the behemoth franchise Star Wars have produced another sparkly 2 hour long advert for their never ending range of merchandise, media and memorabilia..
I don't really need to set this one up, do I? Star Wars is something that transcends cinema, it's a global cultural landmark, it's already cinematic royalty, in a league above 'classic film'; everyone's seen Star Wars.
However, this isn't an institution that's too big to fail, the memory of jar jar binks is still fresh in collective memory, so despite an estimated 200$ million budget, a hard hitting credentialed director, and promising cast, producing a good film is definitely not a guarantee. There's still a heavy anchor of expectation.
Perhaps this fear of failure alongside such a beloved classic is what led to this film, in my eyes, playing it safe, and not attempting to do anything story-wise that may have rocked the boat for the die hard fanboys. Sadly, 'The Force Awakens' feels like a overdrawn reunion show for the original 70s cast, a 'where are they now?' film that never has the confidence to fully hand over the reigns to the new generation, it lacks any original spark, or definitive bite, it's got some undeniably fun blockbuster entertainment, but there's a load of rehashing, reusing and regurgitating of old ideas.
*SPOILER ALERT*
You could almost call it Star Wars bingo, what did past audiences love about the old films? A soaring John Williamson score? Check. Blowing up a Death Star? Check. Droids with a special message that has to be delivered to the rebels? Check. An emotional father/son scene above a illogically perilous bridge? Check. Bad guys with strange voices, the millennium falcon, chewy, and Han Solo? Full house.
A film being aware of being a sequel is fine, but this seemed like a nostalgia omnibus, riddled with cameos, and although the film is fundamentally technically brilliant, it's unoriginal. It's enjoyable, but forgettable. I liked it, but I wouldn't watch it again. It doesn't break the mould. And it doesn't try and stand on its own two feet.
Although I'm unimpressed with it, I can't rally alongside some commentators that have been quite vicious with their reviews. There's enough action, tension and entertainment to keep you on board for what is a reasonably long film. And if SW is about anything at all it's about the special effects (industrial light and magic etc) and the film certainly delivers on that front. The scene with Ray finding the light sabre stands out for me.
Star Wars never really dropped out of the public consciousness, and they really missed an opportunity in trying something new and different. Isn't sci fi the genre we turn to for interesting and fresh ideas?