A Return to Form

Rating: 9/10 (15 July 2016)

After three horrendous "Star Wars" prequels, it was unclear if J.J. Abrams would be able to deliver a worthy new entry to this cash cow saga. Thankfully the director delivered a well constructed seventh entry into the "Star Wars" canon. New characters along with some familiar faces in a brand- new story tying to the franchise's roots, but with twists.
The fresh faces added to the canon of "Star Wars" characters are destined to be as memorable as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Leia Organa. Such as Daisy Ridley as the impulsive, but courageous Rey set as our new hero of the "Star Wars" universe. Then there's the bold former storm trooper Finn played by John Boyega, a character whose origins are shrouded in mystery. Dashing pilot Poe Dameron as portrayed by Oscar Issac who is a minor player in this installment, but hopefully will be expanded upon in the sequels. Or the adorable droid BB-8 who gives R2-D2 a run for his money as the coolest droid ever.
There's the welcome return of lovable rogue pilot Han Solo in all his iconic glory. Accompanied by faithful Wookie, Chewbacca, Harrison Ford delivers his lines with classic flair. Also in a reprising role is actress Carrie Fisher as the Rebel leader (Princess) Leia Organa. She immediately bonds with feisty young Rey as she senses the greatness in the young woman equal to her own past of fighting for the Rebel Alliance.
The narrative of the film is fairly straightforward in "Star Wars" fashion of the fight between the Rebel Alliance and the new evil organization known as the First Order. Little is known of this new threat to the galactic universe, but that is what the sequels will be for; expanding on the first entry's lingering questions. If you aren't convinced that the First Order can't as devious as the Empire from the original trilogy, you haven't seen this film.
See this film quickly, "Star Wars" has finally returned to its A-game and is exciting as it was back when the first film was released in 1977.