Decent Star Wars flick highlighted by the return of iconic characters

Rating: 5/10 (30 December 2015)

Released in early 2015, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has J.J. Abrams replacing George Lucas at the helm as director/writer with the assistance of writers Lawrence Kasdan & Michael Arndt. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega star as the main protagonists, Rey and Finn, with Oscar Isaac on the side as a hotshot pilot. Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill return, the latter in a glorified cameo, along with Chewbacca, C-3P0 and even R2D2. There's a cute new droid called BB-8 and Adam Driver is on hand as the Darth Vader-like villain, Kylo Ren.
I've only seen the original 1977 "Star Wars," so I'm not the best person to appraise this installment, but – as a relative 'outsider' to the franchise – I was easily able to follow the characters & their story and was entertained enough to give this an okay rating. It's a fun space fantasy adventure highlighted by the iconic characters who are 38 years older. Daisy Ridley as Rey doesn't do much for me, however; I find her bland, albeit serviceable. Boyega and Isaac fare better as likable Finn and Poe. Driver plays a good villain, but he's too young for his high ranking in the First Order, although I'm sure being Darth's grandson made it possible.
The best parts for me are the numerous awe-inspiring visuals and locations, Harrison Ford and BB-8. But these people who are claiming this is the best film ever made are guilty of serious overrating. At the end of the day it's flashy kiddie-oriented space fantasy with little meat on the bones and I have no desire to see it again.
The film runs 135 minutes and was shot at Pinewood Studios, England, with location shooting done in New Mexico, Iceland, Ireland and Scotland.
GRADE: C+