Partially a disappointing plot, but this is quelled by the many, many different things that happen in this movie.

Rating: 6/10 (14 December 2017)

After the large disappointment The Force Awakens was, I was expecting more of the same rubbish from Disney, but I'm glad this isn't the case in this movie.
If you come into this movie expecting it to be a carbon copy of the Empire Strikes Back, then I'm glad to dismiss this idea. I could only find two similarities, out of hundreds of conversing themes.
There were many gobsmacking moments which left me astounded, and if you haven't watched the movie so far, I'm sure you will be left equally dismayed as I was.
My main disappointment with the movie, despite its many successes, is the pacing throughout a large chunk of it. The movie attempts to avoid this disappointment by creating events which were unexpected; attempting to literally 'shock' the audience back into gear - effectively veiling the audience from a plot hole which is too big for me, at least, to leave unnoticed.
If the central plot made more sense, this movie would easily be a 9.5 for me.
The central theme throughout this movie showcases the conflict of which the force has between the main characters. A lot of redeeming things occur in this movie based on this idea and that's why I admire it so much.
Having Luke Skywalker play a large role in this movie was a huge positive for me; Mark Hamill's performance, overall, was incredible.
Daisy Ridley, despite her laughable performance in the last movie held her own very nicely. Her presence on screen didn't feel rushed or forced. If you ignore the plot holes from the previous movie, and perceive Rey as a developed character already, you will be very happy with her performance overall. Ridley's acting in this film is miles ahead of the 7th movie.
We also understand, and somewhat sympathise with Kylo Ren in this movie. Adam Driver's portrayal of the character was exemplary. Much was left out in the previous movie of Ren's backstory, and this movie completely quells this.
I was very critical over the pointless and childish jokes in the previous movie, and became aware that the director incorporated these into the film from an interview that was done with the director, but these jokes had actual meaning in the plot and were far more funny than in the previous movie.
The best thing about this movie, which I felt that the 7th movie lacked entirely, is the purpose of our characters. It is apparent that each individual character has a crystal clear purpose, and this authenticates the plot much, much more. They don't feel lost, it feels right, as to where they are and what they are doing. There is appropriate backstory to explain why certain paths have been taken this time around and this will satisfy a lot of people.
It is a very dark film; unlike any other star wars movie made before, but I welcome this. This theme took the film to a completely different dimension and helped repair the mess which was brewing from the central plot.
I was very scared coming into this movie; alike other people, I didn't want to give an extra cent to Disney after the 7th, but for the sake of the saga, I'm very glad this movie turned out to be a great asset in the Star Wars saga.
The path is somewhat unclear as to what we shall expect from the next movie, but all I know is that it will be a good one.
(Pity that Abrams is directing it though).