A good way to relaunch the saga

Rating: 8/10 (16 December 2015)

JJ Abrams is smart about how he plays with the toys he was given. If I had one criticism about this movie; it's to be too classic in its structure - no spoiler but the movie will feel very familiar. On the other hand, what is the right balance to strike between old & new?
There is new in this movie - lots of it. The new characters are strong and different from their elders. The settings are cool, the Star Wars technology and designs amazing (there will be so many new toys from this movie!)
But Abrams manages to weave the old in ways that please and bring a smile to the hardcore fans. That was very well done.
And the end scene is amazing and poignant.
I need to probably re-watch it but day 1, first screening I left happy to have spent two new hours in the much beloved Star Wars Universe - I guess this is what matters.