A positive review...

Rating: 9/10 (28 December 2015)

I have to say I'm surprised to see all the negative reviews here. I just saw the movie yesterday and am still just bursting at the seams with excitement. I hadn't planned to write a review, but I think some positivity is needed here. I won't give any spoilers or plot points in this review.
I grew up with the original trilogy and to this day it is one of my favorite trilogies of all time. As a grand sweeping, coming of age, good vs. evil story line, nothing tops it. I also have to admit, I did not love the prequel trilogy nearly as much. I wanted to love it, I really did, but it fell far short for me. So now you know where I stand on the franchise.
I loved the first installment of the new trilogy. How much I love it will only show over time. What I mean is the original trilogy I can watch over and over again over the years and still love it. I can certainly see myself sitting down to watch The Force Awakens again, but only time will tell it's staying power. And of course that greatly hinges on the next two installments.
What I loved about The Force Awakens was the honoring of the original trilogy, from the beginning with the scrolling text, to the scene fade outs, to bringing in many familiar faces and lots of new faces. There is definitely a lot of nostalgia through out the film, but in a good way that makes you smile, not grind your teeth or rolls your eyes. The new characters definitely add to the Star Wars universe in a way that completely fits in. While the original characters remind your of everything you loved about the original trilogy
I have to say the acting/directing was spot on. All of the new actors, virtual unknowns, were perfect for their roles. The villains were perfectly dark and ominous. The heroes filled you with hope from the first time you saw them. There were some humorous moments, but not too much. Nothing was over the top. I particularly loved how they made the storm troopers three dimensional. They are no longer a step above set props. There is definitely more to them and their story in this one.
The story itself was fast paced from the opening. There was very little to no build up. From the start you find yourself right in the middle of the action. At the end you're left wanting to watch it all over again (on the big screen) and at the same wanting find out what happens next.
Overall, it was a great movie, a great story, and I think the biggest compliment I could give is that I would pay to see it again on the big screen and the wait for the next installment will be agony.