entertaining, but too similar to the first Star Wars

Rating: 7/10 (20 December 2015)

this movie has great action and effects, and the new characters are interesting enough that I look forward to seeing what happens to them in the future. the beginning is fantastic, and for the most part the first 45 minutes or so are exhilarating.
Unfortunately, as the plot unfolds, we begin to realize that this movie borrows heavily from the first star wars classic. A good chuck of themes and even plot points are heavily influenced by the original, to the extent that this is essentially a very well executed and produced action movie, but isn't particularly bold or new. this leads to a predictable and underwhelming final arch in the story.
The decision to base so much it on the original Star Wars reminds me of JJ Abrams' work on Star Trek - Into Darkness, another film that's exciting and well made, but ultimately too derivative to reach it's potential. It's disappointing that the film makers weren't more adventurous and creative with this storyline.
That said, the directing and acting is good, and this movie is already much better than the previous 3. With an intriguing crop of new characters and Rian Johnson hemming the next film, I'm looking forward to what the sequel brings.