Awakened and stirred.

Rating: 9/10 (20 December 2015)

The intensity of scrutiny and speculation that has surrounded this production after Disney's 2012 procurement of the franchise has been revealing. A snapshot of the times we live in.
The internet has given birth to such an obsessive, over analytical, demanding and impatient beast.
Over the last few months I have read through hundreds of threads on Star Wars fan forums with what they expect to happen in this installment. I enjoyed reading their ideas, good and bad. However what struck me was that for every idea/theory posted, dozens of critical posts would shoot them down.
The most compelling aspect of Star Wars was not just what we saw in the movies. The richness and vastness of the universe Mr Lucas created provided infinite possibilities. Star Wars transcended from the screen and into people's hearts and minds. It became personal.
This has been always been Star Wars most endearing and controversial quality.
In the years between the Original Trilogy (OT) and the Prequel Trilogy (PT) fans had invested time and arrived at a personal 'belief' in what should happen in the SW universe. They created stories to fill in the gaps of characters and events that were barely more than throw away background filler in the films.
When the PT finally arrived it was not to everyone's liking, it never could be as the expectancy and diversity of peoples ideals was too great, too passionate.
Nevertheless, a stream of discontent and disbelief at the awfulness of the PT began to gather pace and popularity. Where fans once embraced Star Wars, some very vocal fans almost destroyed it. It became cool to hate on the PT (Hi Mr Plinkett, you damned hack!)which then went too far and personal.
Some of the criticism Mr Lucas faced after the PT was appalling. Angry keyboard warriors jumping on a train of disdain who called for poor old George's head. An army of Darth Vaders (and a few poorly dressed Boba Fetts probably) threw Emperor Lucas down the shaft. Luckily, Disney had placed a huge bed of feathery $ bills for him to land on. George finally took the hint, scooped up the money and bought a castle on Naboo to watch future events unfurl from a safe distance.
No wonder JJ was reluctant to grab this poisoned chalice offered to him. Could he ever placate a jaded, sneering fan base and attract a whole new generation to this first part of a Sequel Trilogy (ST)? How could you ever approach a project with such a huge financial investment demanding success on one side and a Clone Army of Mr Plinketts willing you to perish on the other.
As the 'normality curve' demonstrates, you can play it safe and come out looking not too bad. Not entirely great, not entirely poor.
Unremarkable cinematic ephemeral could have been the blue print for this movie, just as it has been the template for so many big budget blockbusters.
However, JJ, the cast and crew have collectively breathed life back into the series. The spirit of Star Wars been awakened.
The movie moves at a terrific pace, the 2hr 15 minute run time almost matches the Millennium Falcons' over the Kessel Run.
Cinematography is outstanding, there are some truly beautiful, awe inspiring scenes which on my second viewing (3d and 2d), impressed me even more.
The new characters, Rey and Finn fit seamlessly into their roles, easily believable, great chemistry and effortless performances across some fairly dramatic scenes.
BB-8 is fantastic. I admit to 'rolling' my eyes when I first saw him on one of the early trailers, however I'm firmly in his camp now. (I know what a metallic beach ball would sound like if it was dropped from the ceiling onto a hard surface). Definite 'thumbs up' from me.
The old school fans should be delighted at Han and Chewie. Their involvement is humorous, heart breaking and heart warming. Classic Star Wars. They usher Finn and Rey into the SW universe with their own brand of sarcastic one liners and heroic deeds.
Poe Dameron is the 'best freaking pilot in the galaxy' and he really lays it on with his character being a cocky, deadly, heroic and dashing pin up boy for the rebellion. Barnstorming and fun to watch.
Kylo Ren might possibly be the most volatile, conflicted bad guy Star Wars has ever had. Some fantastic moments which I'm sure will be heavily scrutinized along with the rest of the film as more people get a chance of repeated screenings. He could be the best villain yet! (including Mr Vader)
General Hux adds another dimension to the villains, he doesn't seem to be overly keen on Kylo but his heart and passion for the collective First Order cause cannot be in doubt. He is truly an acidic take on Grand Moff Tarkin. Measured, determined and purely evil. Great stuff!
Without getting to close to spoiler territory, Leia, Luke, R2 and C3PO are all accounted for along with many nods to the OT flashing through the movie.
The actual story draws heavily from the original episode 4, which was filmed some 38 years ago. Way more than enough time for this movie to borrow from and bring right up to date. It brings it's own ideas to the table too and puts in a fresh spin, setting up the next two films perfectly.
Go see it, you won't be disappointed!