A very good sequel

Rating: 9/10 (20 December 2015)

***** NO SPOILERS *****
JJ Abrams had a very difficult task to face when he accepted to direct Episode VII. All the fans out there (including George Lucas) expected a variety of things. The story and individual scenes feature a large number of nods to Episodes IV V VI, and even to I II III (I was too engrossed to look for them all as I have only seen the film once, but I have noticed 6 on this first viewing).
The set design, lines, landscape, are also perfectly in line with the story we know, and those details are noticeable, but never obnoxious.
The film might actually be a bit confusing for a kid who has never seen another film from the franchise, but honestly I do not know if TFA will be anybody's "first" Star Wars (if so, it will not be their last).
I know Episodes I II III were widely criticised, although I believe they had their good bits too. TFA will not gather negative reviews like they did and when I heard George Lucas say he liked it, I have the feeling that he is not just meeting a contractual agreement with Disney, he probably means it.