Some entertaining moments, but ultimately unsatisfying hash

Rating: 2/10 (30 December 2015)

After reading through a number of User Reviews, there is obviously no middle ground -- a vast majority of 1's and 2's, and a few die-hard defenders clocking-in at 9 or 10. I can argue a "3" but have no idea how anyone can seriously consider this effort memorable unless one is employed by the studio.
The positive: 1. Daisy Ridley is an inspired casting. Even with this drivel for a storyline and script, she just jumps off the screen. Her delivery is polished, she's instantly likable, appropriately athletic and owns the character (as much as that's possible). If future installments can be rescued from Abrams and Kasdan, she will be a solid anchor for the franchise.
2. Reasonably good production and CGI, as one would expect for a project with this budget and studio resources. However, there's no singular achievement that stands out -- good CGI and competent camera-work are commonplace today. Said differently, there is no Doug Trumbell stage-setting special effect as with the original 1977 film or Ridley Scott "Blade Runner" graphic vision.
There are so many negative observations that it's not worth going into a lot of detail -- and they have been chronicled down to the sub-atomic particle in other User Reviews anyway. The storyline is rehashed Episode IV, and should not be dismissed as "homage to the original" as the 9's and 10's have expressed -- it's just simple inexcusable lethargy. The lack of plot and character development, plausible explanation of pivotal characters popping into existence at just the right moment, forced "clever" dialogue, and instant Jedi skills that used to require a lifetime of devotion and training to master -- again it screams "lazy and convenient" about the film's direction. A tragedy when handed a massive budget and cherished franchise.
In 1977 "Star Wars" changed the trajectory of what going to movies was all about in the 70's, and it reportedly almost killed George Lucas because of his emotional investment and commitment to creating a landmark film. His legacy has unfortunately been handed over to Disney, Abrams, Kasdan, et al -- and they are apparently only interested in standing on his shoulders and jump-starting the "Star Wars" money engine with minimal effort and zero innovation. And it will make a fortune, break box office records and spawn millions of toy sales -- but that doesn't equate to achieving a memorable piece of work.