Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a triumph.

Rating: 8/10 (23 December 2015)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a epic space opera film directed, co-produced, and co- written by J.J. Abrams. The seventh installment in the main Star Wars film series. The Force Awakens is the first film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy announced after Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm.
Going to start by saying that I'm not that big of a Star Wars fan though I have seen the original trilogy and enjoyed all three of them. I thought they were all entertaining and must see films just because of the spectacle and enjoyment that can be have. So going in to this one, I was really looking forward for more of that. And it did, a lot of it.
Watching The Force Awakens was the most fun I've had at the cinemas this year. The movie has so much energy and excitement that it was contagious for me, and I was in for a great ride. The action was at full display and it fully delivered. Together with the action, was the visually striking effects, which did not disappoint. The score was better than ever, John Williams, you're the man. Cinematography was just so beautiful, some of the shots were really wonderful to look at. The whole cast was outstanding, especially the newcomers. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega were the standouts of the film. Their acting felt so visceral and authentic that they were able to hold their ground so well. I love the new characters they play, especially Rey, who was just so magnificent. Finn, together with Rey and their chemistry together was pretty good. Poe Dameron and BB-8 were cool. These characters, I think, flourished throughout the film which made me really care about them. The blend of the new and old characters and watching them work was fun to watch. The other thing here is I was never bored of the movie, the pacing was great and it never felt long at all. The humor is also there, and it worked.
The movie does have its shortcomings. While the plot was easy to follow, it was all too simple and plain. The writing, I think, was just going for the safe route. Speaking of the writing, this movie had so much resemblance with the previous movies, especially A New Hope. It felt like they were just copying some of the stuff and putting different twists in it. It didn't bother me all that much though since the movie was a great time. The villain, Kylo Ren, was sure menacing and fierce at times, did not interest me that much. He's a grim character for sure, but I just didn't feel for his character. His battles with others were great though and made up for a threatening antagonist. Captain Phasma was wasted, unfortunately.
For the most part, Episode VII of the continuing Star Wars saga is an entertaining and all and all satisfying film. I was just enthralled and delighted by the charm of the movie. It may not be a masterpiece, but it's definitely in my top movies of the year. Good job J.J., good job. Episode VIII, here we come!