Lack of reward or an actual disappointment?

Rating: Null/10 (10 June 2016)

I appreciated how TFA played with scale, showing off the Star Destroyer at Jakku, making everything feel larger. Exceeding long takes, fluid camera movement, seems to be up to the viewer whether that's an improvement, I like it since it's a step up from the TV- show cinematography, at least the lazy compositions of 6, 2, and 3. But it still bothered me - fluid movement of camera, it'd fit more better if it was more static. It's too action oriented and lacks the feeling and breath of Star Wars. The blocking of actors - cantina bothered me, as I prefer the actors to be moved around, so the camera follow movement rather than living on its own, it kinda took m.e out The ending felt forced, the execution wasn't good either - awkward blocking and the choice of the helicopter shot only comes off as awkward, too - blocking of the actors, placement of camera, no sense of direction, all affecting the feel of the movie, unfortunately. It also borrows the style of the others, as the portrayal of Kylo Ren reminds me of the portrayal of Vader - Kylo Ren with helmet was filmed from a low- angle, same as Darth Vader with the helmet, implying intimidation - Kylo Ren without helmet, was filmed from eye-level, same as Darth Vader, implying they're human and 'normal.'' 'There's a scene, where lighting plays a significant role and is symbolic in terms of the character's internalization, where the light illuminates half the face, meaning the character's split in terms of decision -- Kylo Ren is partly told through the cinematography, it tries to say he's not supposed to be as badass, since he's still learning, though some prefers one dimensional characters. The lighting and camera-work in the TIE- Fighters -- clear improvement, instead of the unnatural blue lighting from nowhere in ANH, it's the lighting of the outside, also when it fires laser bolts, the cockpit illuminates from the green laser bolts, really convincing in comparison. Though it has innovative cinematography for a Star Wars film, it has a lot of ''homage'' shots, trying to connect the saga, whether it's too many similarities, it's up to you - Jakku mirroring ANH's Mos Eisley reveal - Maz Kanata's castle mirrors Mos Eisley cantina, though they try and make the shots their own, by taking their own variation of it, it may have gone too far. I absolutely loved the opening, my second favourite, only behind ANH's - my interpretation of the Star Destroyer covering the light, I'm thinking it foreshadows the darkness to come. Its technical aspect was still impressive, though the ending wasn't anything special and made the feeling of reward suffer.
The pacing felt really weird - something felt missing. Some parts also felt a bit rushed and no sense of passage of time, but so does the other installments, the other installments still had multiple breaks, while TFA only had like one notable break.It's rushed, though I prefer it more than the prequels' dialogue storytelling, which isn't really cinematic It's still enjoyable and exciting, it doesn't drag, but it doesn't feel fluid either. Rathar scene felt weird, both by the directing and writing, I assume. It felt unnecessary and stalled the pacing and tone. It should've had more scenes like its version of the cantina, would've made the ending feel more rewarding, a feeling of success.
The score plays it safe, though there are a few that could've had more impact, when they let it swell (Rey's theme) it gave me shivers, wish they'd give Kylo's theme and the Resistance's theme a more pivotal role - from a person whom is aware of the power of silence. It has kind of grown on me by each viewing, though it still feels quiet.
It's more of a soft reboot sequel - Story-wise, it takes a safe route - Indiana Jones, James Bond, Toy Story, as they rather want to start the new trilogy safely, than take a risk and scare off people by making it not feel like Star Wars. I'm glad it at least had the Star Wars charm and didn't feel like some artificial re-creation, though that's more matter of opinion. As much as I understand their decision, I as a fan would love to see a more innovative story, though I'm excited to see where characters like Kylo Ren and Poe are going throughout the next two installments. The story feels familiar, which it is - most people seemed to be bothered by the similarities by other people complaining, not by their own observation, which makes me wonder people rather seeked why they felt certain ways, so they listened to complaints and went with it, instead of actually forming their own opinion. I'm not saying it's flawless, since the ANH plot points in TFA bothers me, too. Innovative dialogue, for a Star Wars movie - went away from the OT writing, in my opinion, it's charming and different, though a more mature tone would've worked better at points. Rey was disappointing, I wasn't bothered by her being good in such and such, she just wasn't all that interesting - good beginning, easy to relate to, but I wasn't as interested for her to succeed as the filmmakers wanted me to, though I think she'll develop further. But in TFA, her character let me down. There's also characters like Kylo Ren, whom is rather interesting, also plenty of potential, as he already got a great start. It's not a complex movie, the characters, story and plot of TFA are simple and easy to digest -- escapism - entertainment, not supposed to be some art masterpiece. Simply well done adventurous fun!
Don't decide whether people's reviews are not helpful by their rating, invalid whether they liked it or not, the points brought up is what should be considered helpful, not the subjective opinion.