The more I think about it, the less I like it

Rating: 2/10 (16 December 2017)

The visual side of things is stunning, which is the only reason why I am giving the movie two stars instead of one.
From what I read, the director has stated in an interview that he felt that it was redundant to explain too many things, citing the example of Palpatine in the OT as an example that not everyone has to get a backstory immediately.
My take on that is that there is a world of difference between the current time and the time when the OT has been named - a whole Star Wars universe has been established, we know now the way things work, only for this movie to:
1. Make several established facts regarding the way The Force works null and void.
2. Make zero effort to explain the backstories of new characters - so many questions are unanswered that these movies already need prequels of their own to tie up loose ends
3. Completely destroy the character of OT hero Luke Skywalker.
To a casual moviegoer, the movie offers a watchable thrill but lacks the depth of the OT or of Revenge of the Sith.
To a dedicated Star Wars fans, the movie not only fails to live up to the standards of its predecessors, but also ruins the experience of watching some of the older movies again, given that it nullifies some of the already established character arks.