With the hardest job in the world, JJ Abrams.. I salute thee

Rating: 10/10 (5 January 2016)

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
Having watched this movie 3 times in 3 weeks, I thought it was time to have my say. Before coming into this, I watched all the teasers/trailers and every single 26 TV spots. As you can tell, I am a big star wars fan and my expectations were quite high (understatement). It had drastically exceeded my expectations after each viewing. But like every other movie, it's not perfect.. nothing is. The flaws are noticeable, but the sense of enjoyment overrides that. You forget that you have a life outside the cinema. You've been just sucked into this familiar world, and that everything else is minuscule. That's what star wars does to you.
There have been 4 movies I have really enjoyed watching this year... and all these movies have something in common. Max Mad Fury Road, Creed, Peanuts... and now Star Wars The Force Awakens. Some of you reading this now may say, 'ahhhh I see where you're going with this'. For those who don't know what I am talking about.. I'll explain. They all take the nostalgic path, that familiar feeling you had all those years ago. Each of these movies have taken elements from their predecessors and at the same time, making it stand on its own.
STRENGTHS

Great new characters Fin, Rey & Poe, with amazing chemistry

complexity of the new villain Kylo Ren

probably the only Star Wars movie with great comedic timing

The character Han Solo was back, and not the grumpy Harrison Ford

The pacing of this movie. You're in for this 2 hour ride and it doesn't let you go till the end credits

Leaves you with many questions and wanting more. Can't wait for episode 8 & 9

The use of practical effects and less reliance on CGI

BB-8... and more BB-8

WEAKNESSES (Nitpicking)

Underused and somewhat over-hyped character Captain Phasma

Similar story line of Star Wars A New Hope

Starkiller Base was underwhelming

(Nitpicking) that last scene with the 360 aerial shot ... too long and a little awkward

Overall, I found myself grinning after each viewing... not even the haters can take away this smile of mine. Till this day, I don't know how JJ Abrams could perform under such pressure, knowing fully well the lightsabers were lined up against his back. JJ Abrams... I thank you for giving us the movie we deserved.
10/10