Much better than the prequels, why all the hatred??!!

Rating: 8/10 (18 December 2017)

As a life long Star Wars fan (my first VHS was "Empire Strikes Back" and yes, I can quote the entire movie!!) and after reading the plethora of poor reviews posted on these pages, I felt the necessity to contribute my first review on IMDb.
Let's be honest, us Star Wars fans are not the most subjective and have our own very personal views on the galaxy far, far away. We ALL however, want to know the outcome of the Skywalker legacy and have incredibly high expectations for every movie.
If you are looking for an action packed, thrilling, emotional, character driven sci-fi film, then this is your movie. Characters commit fatal mistakes which add value to both plot and individual character story arcs. The plot, twists and turns throughout, adding intrigue for new characters and empathy for others. Yes, Luke is not what we expected but this subversion of expectation only adds to the suspense. Yes, Disney have slotted in a cutesy (and very marketable) Porg but there are moments of genuine humour throughout which only help to carry us along in the tightly plotted story.
With expectations as high as they always are for each installment, I believe that Rian Johnson should be commended for having the audacity to take us longstanding fans on a thoroughly entertaining and unique thrill ride.
I for one will be looking forward to his proposed trilogy and will be waiting in anticipation for JJ's last chapter.