The Kool-Aid Returns

Rating: 5/10 (22 December 2015)

The drinking of the Kool-Aid continues. I mean sure, the Force Awakens wasn't terrible and quite fun at times but it at best can be described as mediocre. As of now it has 95% on Rotten Tomatoes while films 1 and 2 only have 94%. Would the critics seriously have me believe that this film is better than Empire Strikes Back?
Sure, there were funny and engaging parts and I certainly didn't feel bored. But there was nothing great, nothing that would let you forget the flawed parts and say that at least we had X, Y or Z. The biggest flaw is that it's not really a sequel, more like a reboot. A seboot? The film's makers are just comfortably treading familiar ground instead of bringing anything new to the table.
The second big flaw is that Rey is a textbook Mary Sue character and she's supposed to be our main character. As I look back Finn stands out so much more in my memory and that's because of his flaws and failings. He seems real and I would much rather watch him grow through the movies than just Rey being instantly perfect at everything she does.
Overall, The Force Awakens can be enjoyed but this is not the big step forward for Star Wars and personally I don't get what everyone's raving about.