Star Wars The Force Awakens succeeds across the board!

Rating: 10/10 (26 August 2017)

As I followed the production process of Episode 7, I was looking for evidence that they were holding to ideals hopefully wayyyyyyy better than Lucas' prequel trilogy.
Going into the new film, I was mostly concerned with them capturing the look and feel of the original movies. I determined that if they got that right, the story could be appreciated more. Since they got Lawrence Kasdan (writer of the Empire Strikes Back, my favorite movie) on board with writing credits along with JJ Abrams and Michael Arndt (both huge Star Wars fans), I was less concerned with the story they wrote than they means they chose to convey it. I was a little concerned about the reprisal of characters from the original trilogy that are WELL ON in years, but I didn't put much thought into it because I knew the story wasn't going to be about them.
I'm happy to say: JJ ABRAMS AND CO DID NOT LET US DOWN.
They built real sets and props, by hand, but weren't afraid to lean on the use of digital technology as needed. The result is a movie filled with gritty, organic places that just plain and simple...feel real. The digital effects, are soooooooo good too. Easily the most real-looking lightsaber effects I've ever seen.
The newest cast members are FANTASTIC. The older actors really shine through as well, a lot more than I thought, honestly. Especially Harrison Ford, he really manages to still capture the same spirit that makes him Han Solo, despite being considerably older.
The new story raises plenty of questions as well, really setting the stage for the following films and what's to come. But, as I've hinted at, I'm thoroughly satisfied with the film on the look and feel alone.
Let's also not forget NEW STAR WARS MUSIC. The newest John Williams score is fantastic, and is essential to capturing the magic of what Star Wars feels like.
I give it a 10/10, though I can understand some people giving it a high 8 or 9/10.