Star Wars fans SHOULD NOT be disappointed...

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2015)

I've read several reviews about, in all honesty, the biggest film of the year (for a few years for that matter); several have argued that the latest addition to the Star Wars saga is pretty poor.
Whilst I certainly accept points made in some - concerning the plot and the believability of the characters and their personas - I think it only fair to applaud and congratulate the actors, particularly the new faces, and all of the crew who worked on the film.
Being a huge Star Wars fan (to the point that I felt obliged to correct Rey that it took "12 parsecs", and not 14 for the Millennium Falcon to do the Castle Run out loud during the film before Han himself got a chance) and someone who, unlike many, really enjoyed the prequels, I wasn't sure how I would feel walking out of the screen. I was concerned, and indeed I think many were, that the hype and the nostalgia had boiled up into an almost unachievable expectation of what we personally wanted the film to be and I was equally concerned that new actors and a new director would only result in the birth of a completely new film that would bear no resemblance to the originals.
I am thrilled and relieved to say that, from the infamous "A long time ago..." to the "duh duh-duh, duh-duh, duh de-de-de-duh...", I was captivated by the same Star Wars feel that we all know and love.
Watching the opening credits roll, I was admittedly a little apprehensive at the sound of the story but that was of little consequence next to the chills and my grip on the arm-rest as I absorbed the magical atmosphere that can only come from watching the opening of a Star Wars film and the musical brilliance of John Williams.
Now, the magic and the nostalgia to one side, the film in itself is honestly a fantastic return for the saga even to someone like me who delves deeper into the story than the films allow. Flaws can certainly be found in some aspects of the filming and the plot and indeed with some of the characters, but I believe that this critique is only in my capacity as a Star Wars nerd.
For those of you who are not nerds but fans (those who have lives unlike myself!), I honestly have no qualms in recommending these films to anyone who enjoyed the originals. Indeed I would recommend these films to people who have yet to watch any of the Star Wars films and I'm sure critics will say that is because it's pretty much the same as Episode IV but regardless, Episode IV was a great success and yet there was nothing in 1977 to explain the origins of the characters or the plot.
If you're a Star Wars lover and want to continue enjoying the epic universe, lightsaber duels, Tie-Fighter & X-Wing dogfights and outrageously breath-taking locations and prop and costume work, Star Wars: The Force Awakens deserves forgiveness for the small issues that might irritate some of the more fanatical followers (I'll admit I even threw my arms up at some points in irritancy).
Have no fear, the film holds true to the Star Wars feel and spirit and leaves off, as ever, on a cliff-hanger that will lead nicely into the next instalment.
Disney and J J Abrams have done exceedingly well to keep my faith in the saga and, I think, a truly well-deserved and special congratulations is in order for John Boyega and Daisy Ridley whom both took on roles in perhaps one of the most hotly anticipated returns to the screen that would undoubtedly be subject to such fierce criticism; I hope that they are warmly received for their performances. The original trio of Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford could never disappoint a true Star Wars fan but I'm thankful to all three of them for returning to feel the force again.
A combination of Star Wars and Disney - I should not have had any doubts!