It's the Same Formula, But It's Still a Lot of Fun

Rating: 8/10 (18 December 2015)

If you experience several instances of deja vu while watching the Force Awakens, fear not, you are not alone!
While I still enjoyed TFA, IMHO, it is essentially a recycled New Hope that appears aimed at introducing and hopefully hooking countless new fans to the Star Wars mythos.
Unfortunately though, for some of us experienced Star Wars fans, TFA may too often feel like watching the same ideas over again, rehashed with the slightest sprinkling or hint of newness. Simply put, I spent much of the first half of TFA thinking I was a savant as I time and again, adeptly predicted what would happen next, only to quickly realize I wasn't quite the genius predictor I thought I was...rather I'd seen this story told before.
I could go into details on the similarities TFA has with the previous Star Wars movies - particularly Episode IV - but I feel other reviewers have already done a fine job of this.
In addition, while some of the main characters are new and likable, I found myself wanting for much more in regards to character development, particularly with Finn and Rey.
Being that it is Star Wars (and is therefore quite possibly my absolute favorite fictitious universe I'd want to be lost in), I was quite content watching TFA. Having said that, throughout the film, I simply couldn't help thinking that Hollywood really is out of ideas. It is movies and stories like this that really hammer home the idea that I could easily be a script writer if I so choose to.
Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the majority of J.J. Abrams work and have since Alias became a favorite show of mine back in the early 2000's; however, I can't help but wonder if either he (and Kasdan) or Disney were of the mindset that, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Either Abrams was fearful of wandering off the beaten path and creating something new and different, or the heads at Disney tied his hands and said, "Look. This is the movie we want!..."
I have no question that TFA will be well received by the general audience and most will likely love it. Unfortunately however, I fear hardcore Star Wars fans and/or those looking for something more, that delves deeper, may come away disappointed. There is nothing really new here that is ground-breaking, which is why I fell in love with the first trilogy to begin with.
I hope most will find something of value with TFA, but I'd caution viewers not to go into this movie thinking you are going to be witness to something entirely unique in its approach/take on the Star Wars universe.
For me it's an immensely enjoyable movie because it's Star Wars, but it is not something entirely different than what has been done already.
That's no Force Awakens...it's A New Hope!
Sorry, couldn't resist. :)