Forced to Stay Awake

Rating: 3/10 (19 December 2015)

Despite all the retreaded ideas, non-charismatic new characters, incredibly slow scenes, uninventive battles, one hilariously bad CGI individual and laziest of all Star Wars scores, Episode VII was at least a different movie than the rest.
I didn't hate it, but damn, The Force Awakens felt more like a bridge movie, like Attack of the Clones and The Empire Strikes Back before it. I truly felt like I missed the movie in-between VI and VII and spent more than half the time trying to keep up with dozens of character's backstory as well as all the events that led up to the beginning.
Backtracking for a moment, the story, itself, is fairly simple and a straight line. So, that, I got. I just couldn't get into any of the characters, new or old, and felt indifferent on whether or not they survived or completed their individual goals. THISis a 180 from all the wonderful and deep characters of the past movies. Yes. Including the prequels.
Funny thing is: now I am more looking forward to Episode VIII since this left open probably 20 unanswered questions and directions.
In the movie's defense and maybe my problem, I do need to see it again to really get it all in. That said, I have a bad feeling about this (ah- hem.) This movie made me feel like I had to go out and read every Star Wars book and comic and watch all the Clone Wars cartoon episodes I've never seento have a remote clue on where everyone and every plot point fits in.
That is part of what made the original trilogy so special: the simplicity and universal offerings for everyone. Here, it's almost like you needed to take a Star Wars semester course at a Community College to be prepared.
On a more positive note, there were some cool scenes, one nostalgia moment I liked and some genuine humor I did laugh out loud at. It wasn't ineptly made, but it really didn't need to be in 3-D. In fact, I blamed my viewing on it being so dark all the time on the 3-D, so I will make sure I pick the always better alternative (2-D) the next time.
Overall, I guess I might recommend it for Star Wars fans that have not seen any of the original trilogy episodes in 20+ years. The nostalgia slapped in our face, repeatedly, might mean more to them.
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Final thoughts: NO SPOILERS, I promised myself, so this gripe will be as vague as I can beDAMNITAGAIN?!?! I mean come on; the third time is NOT a charm and is just lazy storytelling at this point.