The Force Has Awakened

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2015)

Two years ago, when I found out that Disney had bought Lucasfilm Studios and were making another Star Wars film, I was enthusiastic. Then when I heard that J. J. Abrams was directing this movie, director of Star Trek (2009), I couldn't wait to see how it would go. And then, when the trailers aired, I was crying from excitement.
I couldn't wait to return to that galaxy far far away, I felt like a kid about to open up his biggest present on Christmas. When I walked into the screen room, I reflected on something that Harrison Ford had said on the Jimmy Kemmel show about the movie that has stuck with me until this moment: "It's really good. The new cast, Daisy Ridley, Jon Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac are phenomenal. J. J. has made an incredible movie, you will not be disappointed." - Harrison Ford.
And I never doubted you for a second!
I will try not to spoil too much, but I will say that I loved every second of this movie, there was not one scene that did not sell me on everything that happened and every follow-up from the original trilogy did not let me down. The Force Awakens is J. J. Abrams' best work ever since Star Trek, it is visually beautiful, powerfully acted and the biggest phenomenon all year.
I ended up in love with every single character, not the old, the new. Daisy Ridley's Rey was the glowing light of this entire film and her journey is the true story of this adventure. That same credit goes to Jon Boyega's Finn. The two actors had incredible chemistry together and they both were able to carry the movie and I was on board with them for every second.
Harrison Ford returning as Han Solo was another wonderful treat from this movie. Him and Chewbacca have still got it and it was so great to have them both back. Whenever Ford was on screen, I was sold on every moment in his performance as he too brought heart, humour and I thought that he had a bigger and better role in this movie than he did in the entire original trilogy, and I think that he deserves an Oscar nomination this year.
As for Adam Driver's Kylo Ren is the best and most menacing villain in the Star Wars saga since Darth Vader or Darth Maul. He was the biggest surprise that the movie offered. He was complex as well as a sympathetic villain.
I loved the emotional core that Rey, Finn, Han Solo and Kylo Ren all brought together.
Now about the nostalgia; I loved it as a Star Wars fan, but I can see why other people had a problem with it. I can agree that we needed a bit more than what we got from the nostalgia, but I really still enjoyed seeing it because this is a return to a beloved franchise but I can understand from other people's point of views. If I was being subjective though, which I am being, I would say that this movie was perfect for me. Maybe not exactly flawless, but it was one of the most holy experiences I've ever had and this movie has certainly awakened the force inside me. I now look forward to the next two installments in this new trilogy, which I am on board with.
There are many moments in this movie that will make you teary eyed as well as cheer. No matter what happens this Christmas, Star Wars will be the biggest and best present that you open this year.