Nothing new here

Rating: 4/10 (22 April 2016)

It maybe Episode 7 but it might as well be Episode 4 because of the many references back to the original trilogy. I hardly remember what the second trilogy was about. Not only is this Star Wars repackaged for a whole new generation but it has gone PC. You won't find scantily clad female characters in chains here but you will find the same themes plotted throughout. Rey is the female version of Luke Skywalker. Kylo Ren kills his father just as Luke did. Then there are the Storm Troopers; fumbling sidekick droids holding secret messages; an adorable alien who advises Rey her potential ala Yoda style and so on. Abrams does try to inject more emotions into his characters but let's face it, the whole franchise is more focused on special effects, introducing new characters to sell more toys and products. It is very cunning in securing new fans, after all who can resist those light sabre battle scenes? Just the sound of one being turned on will whip up a little frenzy in anyone whether it be 1977 with New Hope or 1999 Phantom Menace. This is one goose that they will squeeze as many golden eggs out of for decades to come.