Exceeds the Miserable Episodes I-III But Doesn't Top the Original Episode IV -- Relies Heavily on Elements from IV

Rating: 7/10 (30 December 2015)

After I viewed Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens with family and friends, I asked one of my cousins how she liked these as compared with Episodes I-III which I indicated in no uncertain terms were bad additions to the series, with Episode I being a truly convoluted and confusing film and Episode III being mediocre at best. She replied she was surprised I didn't like them, saying she loved the run on the Death Star and Empire Strikes Back. Turned out she hadn't seen Episodes I-III; she was referring to what are now called Episodes IV-VI which were produced long before Episodes I-III. This confusion has plagued the Star Wars saga since Lucas decided to add the miserable prequels which are now called Episode I, II, and III. The first film from the late 1970's, now re-digitized, is Episode IV: A New Hope.
As for the new installment, Star War VII, it is far better than any of the prequels. Not surprising, it doesn't top the original, now Episode IV. If there is a criticism of the new film, it relies heavily on elements of Episode IV. Back in Episode VI, the Empire was essentially destroyed, and the Rebellion created a new galactic government called the Republic, a resurrection of the Old Republic disintegrated by the Empire before the events of Episode IV. However, a new threat called the "First Order", a totalitarian regime which has arisen from the ashes of the Empire, threatens the Republic, and a military group called The Resistance leads the battle against them. The First Order is a cross between German Nazism and North Korea. A horrible looking deformed creature whose appearance rings of the Emperor of Episodes V and Vi, with a countenance which makes Darth Vader seem like a cultured gentleman, is the "supreme leader". His top henchman is Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), who wears a black mask like Darth Vader.
Without giving too much away, the story thread involves two new lead characters who are much better and more memorable than any presented in Episodes I-III, and a supporting character who nearly steals the show. Rey (Daisy Ridley) is a scavenger on the desert planet Jakku. Fin (John Boyega) is a storm trooper in the First Order seeking defection. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) is cracker-jack fighter pilot aboard a Resistance vessel captured by the First Order. In his possession is a digital map with the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker. Both sides seek Skywalker: the Resistance/Republic for a renewed order of Jedi Knights, and the First Order to squash this possibility. Dameron hides the map on the equivalent of a flash drive in a droid which ends up on Jakku, Rings a bit of Leia's encrypted message to Obi-wan Kenobi who resides on Tatooine, also a desert planet from the original film. Fin who has turned from the First Order helps Dameron escape from the First Order military ship.
On another front the First Order has developed mega-weaponry which can turn several planets simultaneously into the galactic equivalent of cream of wheat. Rings again of the Death Star of Episodes IV and VI. Fin and Rey through pure happenstance become intertwined with the droid carrying the information on Skywalker. Also, added to the mix, Kylo Ren was with the Republic/Resistance but left to join the First Order. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca reappear midway, and become involved in the Resistance. They solicit the help of Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong'o) who reigns over an intergalactic cantina. She was my favorite character of the film, said to be over 1000 years old. She tries to help Rey and Fin better understand their destinies and how the Force can aid in their missions. Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), now General Leia, is head of the military forces to combat the First Order.
Generally, a very good film. I wouldn't call it the best of the series, but far better than the horrid Episodes I-III. I wish the filmmakers would have considered a different storyline than the old cryptic message hidden in a droid who ends up on desert planet. And the baddies are always blowing up planets, as if there's nothing else they can do to threaten the galaxy. But it more or less works. Overall I give it a B+. Maybe an uncut version on Blu-ray will have a bit more character development, particularly of Maz Kanata and Dameron.