I gave this film: 5 stars
Why?
This was the chance for Star Wars to redeem itself, and it certainly did. With new characters intertwined with old, the perfect amount of nostalgia and the anticipation of a new story made for a very exciting film. The two main characters, Finn and Rey, had interesting storylines and amazing chemistry, creating a solid base that carries the film. They were supported by old and new characters, but so many so that it became difficult to keep track of all the heroes and villains. In all, the relationships between these characters were meaningful and held high stakes, so it became very complex and the audience waited in anticipation of the outcomes.
The film is filled with treats for fans and can stand alone as its own amazing adventure. The one major weakness was the repetition of plot and sequences from the previous films, including fighting a major political power and some battle sequences. But, it can hardly be counted as a weakness because those sequences are so well done. The special effects in combination with the performances, comedy, and music created awesome scenes that draw the viewer in.
The adrenaline begins right from the beginning and continues to build until the end. It was not especially groundbreaking in terms of story or effects, but the use of a diverse cast with a strong female protagonist was extremely refreshing. I anticipate the coming films in this newest trilogy because of the foundation set in this first installment. The ending (with no spoilers) did not tie up any loose ends, creating a clear path to the next film, which will hopefully be fast-paced, funny, and more original.
