Episode VII is a very solid entry and sets up many intriguing characters and lures. Seeing the O. G. cast back in action felt great. I also loved many of the new characters. The film has some twists and surprises, too.
My biggest issue with the film is that it introduced some new elements to the Star Wars universe that felt weird. The big bad weapon is this trilogy's Death Star. But when I put my science hat on, it just seems impossible that it can fire lightyears away. I know with Sci-Fi movies you must take a leap of faith. But in Episode IV, you could believe a giant floating weapon could be brought to a planet. But in this movie? Not so much. Sadly, this element would prove to be the new trilogy's biggest issue, as future movies continued to add "Wouldn't it be cool if..." elements that would become harder and harder to swallow.
The final trilogy in the Star Wars saga failed to tell a cohesive set of story and character arcs across the three movies. Episode VII set the groundwork that would never truly evolve across the trilogy, but I enjoyed the film despite the flaws.
In my ranking of the nine movies in the three trilogies, Episode VII - The Force Awakens ranks #5. J. J. Had a great mix of nostalgia and new story elements in the film. Sadly, he never had a vision for all three.
My biggest issue with the film is that it introduced some new elements to the Star Wars universe that felt weird. The big bad weapon is this trilogy's Death Star. But when I put my science hat on, it just seems impossible that it can fire lightyears away. I know with Sci-Fi movies you must take a leap of faith. But in Episode IV, you could believe a giant floating weapon could be brought to a planet. But in this movie? Not so much. Sadly, this element would prove to be the new trilogy's biggest issue, as future movies continued to add "Wouldn't it be cool if..." elements that would become harder and harder to swallow.
The final trilogy in the Star Wars saga failed to tell a cohesive set of story and character arcs across the three movies. Episode VII set the groundwork that would never truly evolve across the trilogy, but I enjoyed the film despite the flaws.
In my ranking of the nine movies in the three trilogies, Episode VII - The Force Awakens ranks #5. J. J. Had a great mix of nostalgia and new story elements in the film. Sadly, he never had a vision for all three.