Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens is a 2015 space opera directed by J. J. Abrams (Star Trek) starring Daisy Ridley (Murder on the Orient Express), John Boyega (Attack the Block), Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina), Adam Driver (The Dead Don’t Die), Harrison Ford (The Fugitive), Mark Hamill (Child’s Play), and Carrie Fisher (Sorority Row). Serving as the seventh major installment in the Star Wars film series Episode VII takes place thirty years after the Return of the Jedi where two unlikely heroes must help the Resistance find Luke Skywalker to restore the Jedi and stop a new threat known as the First Order.

When this movie dropped a lot of people had a lot to say about it, particularly the comparison to A New Hope. For this, I have to say that the story isn’t original but does paint the story of the original giving it a fresh look. It’s an interesting story but if you’re familiar with the series you know the formula. But it doesn’t mean it isn’t gripping or exciting, The story’s told from the perspectives of Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren offering three sides to the story. I think the story’s action packed but manages to allow emotional depth and keeping a good pace. In good Star Wars fashion, there’s an epic battle that leaves the film off on a good cliffhanger. (3 out of 5)

I really enjoy the characters both new and returning. The movie focuses on the two main characters, a former Storm Trooper named Finn and a scavenger named Rey. Between the two Finn’s the more interesting with his defection from the First Order forming the backbone of his story arc. Also, it’s great seeing a character like him in the series. Rey’s a good character and I do like her but I do think she’s too similar to Anakin and Luke with her overall story of growing up on a desert planet. I do like her independence but I do feel like she doesn’t particularly have a good developing arc. Still, I like her relationship with the other characters.

The film’s main antagonist is Kylo Ren, a fallen jedi and son of Han Solo and Leia Organa. The thing about Kylo Ren that makes him so appealing is that he’s a sympathetic character. I don’t understand why people draw so much of a comparison between Vader and Ren. I’ve never heard them compare Vader to Maul or Dooku. Yes, he’s young so like Rey, he’s still learning and that makes him unique compared to his predecessors. People complain about his temper tantrums but why wouldn’t he. You embrace the dark side and it makes sense for him to be angry and lash out. That’s the point of showing his growth as he gains control. (3 out of 5)

The movie has a stellar cast with Ridley, Driver, and Boyega forefront and center. But both returning cast members and new cast members alike are a great onscreen bringing a good amount of energy to the performances. Ridley gives a convincing performances as Rey. She’s definitely the strong female lead without being arrogant or annoying. Definitely enjoyable. I really liked Boyega who balances comedic timing while holding his own in serious scenes. Driver is brilliant as Ren and steals his scenes. He brings menace to the character without erasing him of his humanity. Oscar Isaac is great as Poe, though he doesn’t have as much time to shine like the other three, he still holds his own. (4 out of 5)

Visually this is one of the best looking Star Wars films in nearly every aspect. The high definition quality gives the movie depth with a high appeal. The special effect designs are just breath taking. The costume designs are stunning and have a good blend of practical and CGI. The set designs are beautifully constructed and makes the universe that much more immersive. The action sequences are awesome, impactful, and the cinematic look is entertaining. Some of the best One of the best scenes in the movie is the final battle between Finn and Rey against Ren. It goes at a good pacing, the special effects are good, the tone is pretty gritty, and the cinematic look of it is epic. I love Ren’s lightsaber design despite the many nitpicks about it. There’s definitely a gap between the visuals of this movie and its predecessors. (5 out of 5)

The music is what you’d expect from the Star Wars franchise. It manages to be both epic in scope yet still be intimate to the characters. There’s emotional depth, range of scope, and artistic fluidity that makes it an enjoyable experience. John Williams is one of my favorite composers who’s crafted great scores such as Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Jurassic Parks, and Jaws. (5 out of 5)

I can honestly say that I’ve come to appreciate J. J. Abrams as a director, especially when it comes to revamping older franchises. I liked what he did with the Star Trek franchise. Under his direction, the movie has a new type of energy, not only in its execution but also in its presentation. When Abrams redid Star Trek, there was the same type of energy and strong focus of the characters. The writing’s got plenty of action which helps push the narrative along without feeling intrusive. The writing’s got wit, it’s fun and energetic, offering personality. There’s definitely a sense of nostalgia that’s well executed giving fans of the franchise plenty of nods. I love the strong characterization and how it reflects the characters’ affiliation while embedding their own personalities.

But the narrative does suffer from pacing issues. Star Wars is known for the films jumping from one adventure to the next and this one’s no exception. Because of how fast the movie runs through its scenes, Rey’s learns her abilities rather quickly. In fact, something that normally takes years to learn she learns in a matter of days. Also, there are coincidences in the story that adds to the incredibly fast pace. Finn and Rey happen to come upon the Millennium Falcon. They happen to run into Han Solo and Chewbacca. Finn, Han, and Chewbacca happen to find Rey when they try to rescue her. (3 out of 5)

In the end, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens is not only one of my favorite Star Wars movies but also one of my favorite movies of all time. Yeah, it does have its share of problems but the movie is entertaining as hell. Most of the issues come from the writing, formulaic storytelling, and some of the choices when it comes to the direction. However, the characters are awesome, acting is great, music is great, visuals are stellar, and great action. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens gets 4 out of 5.