Respects the old and heralds in a new and exciting chapter in the Star Wars universe

Rating: 9/10 (18 December 2015)

Star Wars fans and fans of baggage free thrill ride blockbusters for all ages rejoice as not only is the Force Awakens the return to the galaxy far far away we've been waiting these many long years for this is a Star Wars film that just could well be the most unarguably well made of the entire beloved series.
Master of entertainment J.J Abrams film is an event film that puts many other big budgeted extravaganzas to shame with a near perfectly paced plotted narrative, rip roaring old school action that moulds the new with the old seamlessly, heavy doses of humour amongst the emotion and just a general sense of fun that flows through the very veins of Abrams and associates love letter to one of cinemas most beloved properties.
With what seemed like the worlds expectations waiting with baited breathe on its shoulders, The Force Awakens successes of blending the old with the new and paying remembrances to past glories while also crafting its own its quite the feat and while it may not rip the rule book up and craft a totally unexpected or even an overly original story (a slight gripe is the 'dark sides' new major weapon which seems far too like devices of old), Star Wars has never been the film to craft a unique story of good vs evil, rather place it in a special place with special characters which The Force Awakens once more does to great effect.
The original films found themselves so adored thanks to the rise of Luke Skywalker, the feistiness of Princess Leia, the friendship and adventures of the Millennium Falcon's Han Solo and Chewie and the battle they faced to save the universe and while all old cast mates from the films return here and do so extremely successfully in varying degrees of screen time – Han and Chewie especially, as they threaten to steal the show with their on point repertoire, Abrams has found a willing an effective batch of newcomers that will undoubtedly lead the property forward in an exciting way.
While they may not be as instantly iconic as the first time we we saw the Luke's, the Leia's or the Hans, Daisy Ridleys determined and resourceful Rey, John Boyega's good natured Finn, Adam Drivers fearsome yet somehow sad big bad Kylo Ren and thankfully even the lovable and not overused BB8 quickly become new members of the universe that we can get to know, love and loathe and its great to rest on the fact that as our treasured original cast become far to old to continue their intergalactic battles these newest members of the series will be taking over the drivers seat as seen sometimes quite literally in this film.
Particular mention must be made of Ridley and her turn as Rey, it's a star making turn and also a brave directional turn from the filmmakers to hand the mantle to a genuine unknown but both the actress and character are fantastic. Driver on the other hand is now a well known talent and his Kylo is a volatile, short tempered and even vulnerable villain that may alienate some fans but win an equal amount of new ones and every time he is on screen the film sizzles and his lightsaber is all types of epic.
In regards purely to the story Abrams, Michael Arndt and series veteran Lawrence Kasdan have crafted there's again nothing overly new here but it's done in such a fun, fast paced and often breathtaking manner that it quite truly doesn't matter and there's moments to make the audience clap, cheer, jeer and even shed a tear and a few fabulously designed scenes and scenarios that will be sure to bring those goose-bump chills. It's also the film that suits itself to little pre-knowledge so going in with little story knowledge will make the experience that much more enjoyable.
The Force Awakens is far from perfect yet when we take off our rose tinted glasses and forgo all nostalgia are any of the Star Wars films?
The Force Awakens has delivered on the unparalleled hype and the high expectations that have encompassed it from the day it was announced from all corners of the globe and managed to be the film long serving fans, more recent appreciators and fresh recruits can all be taken away by.
The force is indeed strong with this one so let the countdown begin for the next exciting chapter in this now safely back on track saga that looks set to live long and prosperously for years to come yet.
4 1/2 Mad Dogs out of 5