A New Hope for a New Generation

Rating: 8/10 (19 December 2015)

JJ Abrams deserves credit for preserving much of the cinematic feel the original trilogy had. The scene composure, pacing, and special effects all capture the important feel of the star wars universe that was lacking in EP I-III.
While I won't spoil the twist(s), when you sit through the movie they become fairly apparent if you're paying attention... but the effect is powerful nonetheless. I'm not afraid to admit I teared up a few times... from nostalgia, from happiness, from sadness... sometimes all at once.
I think the plot could have been more original at its core, but putting that aside, it was still a triumph. The Star Wars "nerd" in me took issues on some of the near instant character progression (you'll see what I mean), but I think that's to be expected in today's instant gratification society I think.
In the end, it is a success, it is fun, and it was great to continue the story. My hope is that this is a launching pad for the franchise, and that there will be more complicated and innovative plots in movies to come.