The Force Awakens - a complete review.

Rating: 8/10 (7 February 2016)

The Star Wars logo flashes onto the screen, complimented by John Williams' powerful, instantly recognisable soundtrack. The introductory fanfare.
First and foremost, and what I believe makes this film, is the use of physical set-pieces in conjunction with superb CGI which efficiently transcends the boundary between what is real on the screen and what is not.
The casting is on point, John Boyega was particularly good as Finn the stormtrooper, BB-8 the droid demanding a strange emotional response, and a reasonable, debut performance from Daisy Ridley.
Perhaps it was just the nostalgia, but I could feel the goosebumps all over me from start to finish. The first time you set eyes upon the Millennium Falcon, the first time you meet Han Solo, the clash of the red lightsaber against the blue. The battle between the light and the dark. Old characters returning to the screen, and a few pleasant throwbacks to the original trilogy all made for a wonderful evening.
The balance of serious, death defying situations and excellently polished humour is one of the most enjoyable things about this film. It is the only cinema screening I've ever been to with applause during the opening credits, and a standing ovation when the credits rolled at the end. However, this may be due to fact I was there on opening night more than anything else.
The IMAX 3D experience really does this film justice, so if you haven't got tickets yet and you're planning to go - press on the extra mile or two and find an IMAX screen. If by now you are reading this review and the film is out on DVD/download, then it is too late... rebel scum.
Kylo Ren is by far a more established villain in just this single film than Darth Vader ever was (and I don't say that lightly). Ren is more nuanced than Vader, and you can relate to his character, particularly when the secrets to his past are revealed.
The opening scene is well thought-out; JJ Abrams stamping his authority on a well- established, well loved saga. It portrays the current power struggle between the new First Order and the Resistance, and how the galaxy is coming to terms with their new future under this reign. The sequences throughout introduce characters, and interweave complex story lines in a easy-to- understand manner, before culminating in a final showdown which ultimately sets up the film that will follow (much like 'A New Hope' did in the original trilogy).
I will concede that there were 2 or 3 things that I thought could have been improved purely for the sake of continuity, however it would be inappropriate to reveal these in too much detail here - being a spoiler-free review after all. A few people have commented that the 'throwbacks' are too similar in nature and make for a rather poor substitute - this is not the case. I think it helps to revisit a few old faces, and rework some ideas from the original trilogy, because after all - this is Star Wars, and you are allowed to get away with things like that right? Escapism and all that?
I strongly believe that these 1-4 star reviews are utter rubbish. It does make me wonder what other films these people whole-heartedly enjoy if they found they could not suffer this one. But then again, that is only an opinion against many others. Almost like a thousand voices crying out and being suddenly silenced...
It is, without a doubt, a triumphant return to a galaxy far, far away (for me).
The board is set for Episode VIII and the pieces are moving.
G.T