Some Intriguing new characters for the series otherwise disappointing

Rating: Null/10 (12 May 2016)

*************Warning extreme plot spoilers do not read further if you have not yet seen the film.***************** We watched this last night. I thought it was okay, not great. It did not have the impact a few of the other films had on me. I do like the new characters that were introduced. It was also great to see some of our old friends from the original series back again.
Some of what I did not particularly care for: There was too much rehashing of plot devices. For instance, a droid with info that leads to something the rebels and the Empire want. The supposedly last Jedi is in hiding (Obi-Wan Kenobi/Luke Skywalker). The force is again very strong in someone young and abandoned who needs to be trained. The main villain on the dark side of the force is related to some of the rebel heroes. Darth Vader was Luke's Father. Here it's Luke's nephew and Leia's son. Yet another death star type weapon rather easily destroyed by a few shots and explosions in just the right place. Yes, it was much bigger than the original death star, yet it seemed even easier to destroy. I was also VERY disappointed that Han and Leia had been separated for what was implied to be a long time. I had liked the way their story had ended in 'Return of the Jedi'. I felt this ruined their love story. Yes, they had a son, evidently they did a poor job raising and guiding him. Did they learn nothing from what happened to Leia's father about the dangers of the dark side? And where was uncle Jedi Luke during his formative years? (wink) Kylo Ren may be the least menacing of all the Star Wars villains and it's hard to believe who his parents are supposed to be looks wise.
I was also not keen on them making it out like Luke's light saber was some sort of holy Grail. Also the big lead-up to about 30 seconds of Luke in a hooded robe was silly to me. Yes, I'm sure all that lead- up to finally see Luke appealed to many other old fans. My biggest issue with the story was killing off my second favorite character in the series Han Solo. BTW- my favorite was Obi-Wan Kenobi as played to perfection by Ewan McGregor and before him by Alec Guinness. Harrison Ford did what I thought was a remarkable job bringing the character he originated back to life again after all these years. He used the same facial expressions and all unique to Han. Yes, he was notably older as we all are, yet he still made an excellent action hero. I was VERY disappointed they chose to kill him off. And afterward there was not much time devoted to mourning for him. I expected a Darth Vader Viking Funeral-like solemn send off...even without a body to honor. Instead after a few bowed heads and hugs they all seemed to move on rather quickly, even Chewbacca. I have not been this disappointed in the loss of a favorite fictional film character since Captain Kirk. And Han, after all he had gone through should not have died at the hand of his own son. As for Carrie Fisher, she seemed to be sleep walking through her part not at all bringing back Princess Leia Organa. In her case all the magic and strength of her character was gone. She looked fine, just no spark anymore. Perhaps she has health problems or simply is not a very good actress any more.
Overall this was a decent film. It was fun to see most of the original cast back again. The new cast members are very intriguing and show much promise. I especially like Daisy Ridley and it's nice to see that she does not need anyone to rescue her. She handles herself fine. I also very much like the character Poe Dameron he has a nice way about him as a hero. Also, Finn has a lot of potential and seems good-hearted. I just thought the attraction between him and Rey was a bit too much, like Han and Leia or Luke and Leia (at first). I would have preferred the stories of the original cast had ended with 'Return of the Jedi'. It was a nice neat happy ending. This movie ruined that for me, yet introduced intriguing new characters.