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The Boys: The Last Time to Look on This World of Lies (2022)
Putting a line in the sand
Season 3's quality overall has been ridiculously high and yet it's this quieter episode that is probably the best of the season and maybe the entire season. What the Boys does better than most other shows is it's characterization. Practically all of the characters are perfectly cast; the various relationships and underlying motivations between them are always understandable if not agreeable. The show gets attention for its "shock" value & pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable but none of that would matter without the exceptional writing and acting that accompanies each episode.
Those spamming the reviews with "woke" & "lefty" criticism are just absolutely missing the point. Like Game of Thrones before it, The Boys characters and plot thrives on the fact that all the characters are fallible. This episode drives that home with some character choices that may have long lasting repercussions and genuinely heart wrenching advancements.
The whole theme of "how far do you go?" Which has been there since season 1 is laid out in simple choices. But it's the relationships those choices will change that is the power of this episode. The power comes from the writing and the characters whose journey we've shared - allowing the series to provide situations where you agree with every point of view even though they reside on the opposite sides of the line. It's wonderful writing, acting and TV.
Not since Thrones has a show provided such an ensemble with such character development. Like Thrones, the result is you give a damn about those characters - whether good, bad or something in between.
Yes, there's obvious political parallels - but I don't see it as the left being treated any better than the right and that's the point of the satire. In fact, watching some of the more obvious mirrors of recent events makes it even more absurd when it you remember some of the conspiracy theories were really claimed in the world we live in.
Take away the powered individuals and it's a reflection of our media sponsored current existence. Some of us may not like it or agree with it but that probably says more about you than it does the show. If that's you, try looking at how it's portraying the other "side" once in a while. There's no shining lights here, or actual heroes. Even Starlight, the supposedly "honorable" one is lying to the masses and enhancing the lie.
Wonderful show. And this episode nails everything that is great about it.
Eternals (2021)
Should have been a series
There's a lot to like about Eternals but it's main problem is it tries to cram so much in its runtime that it ultimately suffers with pacing, characterization, plot and doesn't allow it's main themes to breathe.
Undoubtedly beautiful to look at with some absolutely stunning visuals, it also suffers from the lack of a main villain and a pretty nonsensical plot that is so full of holes both within this film and the larger MCU.
The premise that the Eternals can't interfere with human conflict unless the Deviants are involved is the main reason they didn't help with the "Snap" 5 years earlier. This makes zero sense in the overall scheme of the Celestials as half the humans on earth were wiped out. If the whole point is to bring Earth to a larger population why would you stand by and allow half of them to be wiped out? Indeed, the very reason the Eternals were created were to wipe out the Deviants as they kept killing the population of planets. The very thought that you'd let somebody else wipe out half a planet (not to mention the universe) and do nothing when you potentially have the means to stop it is pretty hard to believe.
There is also the problem of these Eternals not actually being that impressive in the power levels either. Such has been the growth of the Avengers (Scarlett Witch, Thor, Hulk, Strange) I'm not sure any of the Eternals would last that long against those 4 apart from perhaps Druig.
I can't help but think this would have been better served as a MCU streaming series on Disney+. There's too many characters to truly invest in and the ones they try to force on you (looking at you Madden and Chan) have zero chemistry because you just don't see enough of them together. What's worse, other pairings within the group are far more poignant and emotional with far less screen time (Jolie absolutely steals every scene she is in).
There's a lot of interesting ideas and a lot of complicated questions that it asks that scream out to be allowed more time to debate. The split in the 3rd act between the Eternals would be much more impactful if we actually cared about these characters. But when you haven't seen half the team for 2/3rds of the film, the idea of this family splitting loses a lot of its impact.
Overall it's an average entry, saved by Jolie's performance and some genuinely awesome battle scenes, outstanding visuals and some interesting dynamics between characters that the film unfortunately doesn't explore. The ending has major ramifications for the wider MCU and the normal teaser for a future MCU entry in Black Knight/Blade (although why Kit Harrington is even in this is beyond comprehension).
Overall a disappointment.
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
I have a second chance, Lo. I am not going to waste it.
Full transparency from the start. I'm a big MoS, BvS & overall DC fan. Loved WW up until the final act, enjoyed AM, Squad and found Shazam! Average. I want to say I liked the original Justice League but in truth what I actually liked about WB's attempt was the characters. I remember wanting to see more of them together. I remember thinking it reminded me of the JLU cartoons. I also remember Batman cowering on the floor and cringing. And apart from that, I don't really remember a lot else. Up until a few nights ago, I couldn't even remember the ending.
I'm also in awe of what the MCU did with IW and EG. The stakes, the spectacle, the sheer surprise ending of IW. The bold beginning of EG plus the incorporation of so many fan moments, beautifully crafted scenes, the culmination of so many character arcs in tragic albeit heroic scenes - and obviously the scale and confidence of EGs "portals" ending that I didn't think would be matched for many a year.
The reason for the transparency is because I believe reviews are such a subjective matter. It doesn't really matter what anybody else thinks. It matters what YOU think. I've always believed the DCEU under Zach was in good hands - and I'm acutely aware others didn't. I'll argue till the end of time if you place the box office of Phase 1 MCU against Phase 1 DC then money wise, it was on par or doing well. But the changing of tone in JL (and to a lesser extent AM and Shazam) alienated those that had bought into it. For those of us that realised JL wasn't a ZS film, or even consistent of what came before, the rumours of this cut were something to believe in and justify JL could be something more.
So yes I'm a fanboy and these ZS DCEU films I have a connection with. So please bare that in mind with what follows. Although I will add, unlike BvS and MoS, I do believe ZSJL will appeal to more people. It's not essential that you enjoyed those films to enjoy this - with the caveat that due to the unforgiving continuity you may not have a clue what's going on if you haven't at least seen BvS. But more on that later.
From the very first scene it's apparent this is a different movie. And I make no apologies for this, but anybody who says different instantly loses all credibility. It can't be twice as long and have about 30-45mins of original footage and be the same movie. It just can't. That's literally impossible.
It starts where BvS ended, Superman's scream awakening the motherboxes and even incorporating Lex's post credit scene in that film.
There's a deeper plot in this movie that involves DC's big bad Darkseid searching for the Anti-Life equation whose power - in true Snyder fashion - is not really properly explained. DC fans will know what it is and there's a short speech by Darkseid where he says how it will render everybody his slave and that's it.
In his search for this power he has conquered 100,000s of worlds and the only one he ever lost was Earth - where obviously the Anti-Life equation resides. This is explained in a quite wonderful history lesson told by Wonder Woman to Bruce that is expanded from the original. I say "expanded", but let's be true here, it's fundamentally different as in the original cut Darkseid didn't even appear - which is quite a feat in a film that is essentially about the impending doom of Darkseid. This history lesson is wonderfully shot, is full of glorious Easter eggs including Wonder Woman's estranged brother showing Darkseid it probably wasn't a good idea to start a war when the literal God of War is standing on the other side. Its small touches like this that I believe resonate with Snyder fans. In his world, these superhero's are gods. If somebody is going to take out an opposing God, it's going to make sense when looking at their power levels. It's actually going to enhance other films. If you've ever wondered how Ares could have taken out the older Gods as claimed in the Wonder Woman movie, here's exhibit A. It's during this sequence we're also introduced to the motherboxes and there's more explanation here of what happened to them through the ages.
Whilst Supes cry awakens the motherboxes to call out to one of Darkseid's henchmen in Steppenwolfe as Earth is no longer protected, the films main villain is afforded a new look and depth. In one of the most remarkable transformations of the entire film, Steppenwolfe now appears as a somewhat sympathetic character trying to win back his masters trust for a previous betrayal, Where previously he was little more than a joke, now he's a formidable and motivated adversary with a singular, relentless mission; his expanded entrances to Atlantis and Themyscira is emboldened with increased violence and taunting. But this time there's a reason for his desperation - he just wants to go home.
The film provides a platform to sidelined characters in the previous cut. Flash's arc almost rivals Steppinwolfe's in redemption. From one of the most divisive characters to now an instant legend as Snyder cleverly and carefully restores amazingly beautiful scenes that showcase the trepidation that Barry has with his gifts and his paranoia that he doesn't really belong within the team.
Aquaman, whilst possibly the least expanded in this cut is more of the voice of reason. The reluctant hero that has yet to accept his own destiny but finds purpose and connection to his mother during his journey.
Cyborg's arc is a completely different experience - to such an extent it's a tragedy that any of it was originally cut. All of his scenes elevate the film, in particular a wonderful montage where he is learning his powers by following a single mother's struggle through cyberspace. There's probably more heart and emotion in that single section then in most other superhero films.
Whilst Cyborg's overhaul is rightly the heart of the story and the biggest beneficiary of this cut, Zach's Wonder Woman is truly a sight to behold. Her opening scene plays out with an increased intensity which showcases her stature and throughout the film there is an undeniable presence whenever she is called to action. She has a number of standout moments and if Batman is the father of this team, she is surely the caring mother.
And then there's Batman. There's a moment at near the end of the film in the epilogue where he is visited by someone. He's told his parents would be proud. The acting by Affleck in that scene conveys everything that is wonderful about this character. It's a touching moment to complete a complete turnaround from what he was in BvS to what he ends up as. Whilst his action is not as emphatic as it was in BvS, there's a gravitas to his presence, a humanity and hope that has been missed before.
I won't mention much about Superman other than in this version, we see what was intended and the true power of the man of steel. Caville IS Clarke. It's a travesty that we may not see him again suit up. There's a vulnerability to him as Clarke, an arrogance to him as Superman - and whilst I appreciate not all will like that part of his character, to me his appearance in this version is the very personification of what Man of Steel was all about - hope.
Then there's the ending. I mentioned earlier how I couldn't even remember how the original finished. There will be no such problem with this film. One of the most outstanding pieces of film I have ever had the enjoyment of witnessing bringing everything we love about these films to the table. Massive stakes, proper threats, heroic moments, redemption, tragedy and sacrifice, all brought together with a rousing soundtrack that lifted this film from "Great" to "Exceptional". It's almost an impossible task to give EVERY character their moment in a finale...but some how Snyder does it...and does it without missing a beat. It's truly exceptional filmmaking.
So again, I offer my bias but I do urge you to see for yourself. The runtime is cut into manageable "episodes" that are no longer than your average Netflix series. If nothing else, see what the fuss is about. At long last DC,s potential has been truly realised. And if it's a one off, so be it. It's one of the greatest comic book films of all time and whilst there will be obvious comparison to Avengers Infinity War and Endgame, it's true success is not whether the majority of people think it better than those masterpieces or not.
The real success is that it's in that conversation at all.
6 Underground (2019)
It's a Bay film...but Bay uncensored...
...what you think of the film will come down to what you think of Michael Bay films in general. If you don't like his fast paced, quick cuts, slow panning circular shots then avoid this like the plague. If you can't check your expectation for script and character before you press play, then avoid,
If, like me, you're a fan of Bay's work then I'd hazard a guess you will love this. One of the best openings of any action film sets the tone and pace which never lets up. The stunts, locations and colour shine throughout he film. The main cast are all likeable with Reynolds his usual charming and watchable rogue. The story and script of the film - as is par for a Bay film - are simply there to take you from one set piece to the next and I appreciate some people want more than that. For me, films can be many different things and if you watch a Bay movie expecting anything other than what you get, that's your fault, not his. It's loud, it's unrealistic, the script (even with some genuinely funny one liners) is bad, the characters are mainly one dimensional, the villain is stereotypical and cliche, but Bay fans e left all that.
We watch for the action...and oh my god does he deliver. The second act ends with an infiltration that most over action films would have as their ending. The opening car chase is a second act in pretty much any other film. The 3rd Act is truly something we haven't seen before.
Absolutely loved it and hope they make a sequel soon.
Fleabag (2016)
Just Wow.
Every once in a while a TV Show appears that is just so perfectly created, it leaves you thinking about it for days afterward. Fleabag is astonishing in almost every way. Whilst the acting, characterisation and direction are all of the highest quality it is the writing that elevates this to another level of entertainment.
I'm not sure that Phebe Waller-Bridge wastes a single word in the 12 episodes. Every interaction is a wonderful experience whether it's making you laugh, shocking you or making you emotional. It has an honesty around it that very few shows are able to commit to...a bravery to break conventions and innovate its storytelling. Phebe's portayal of Fleabag herself is even more remarkable when combining her writing and acting skills- this woman has more talent in her facial expressions than most of us will develop in a lifetime. This is a genius at work.
Like many others, sat down to watch 1 episode and see what the fuss was about. Ended up watching the entire series in one sitting - and yes, it even has the perfect ending.
Astonishing work.
Ready Player One (2018)
Its not for everybody, but if its for you, then damn, what a time you will have.
Full disclosure. I've never read the book. I am an avid gamer. I love RPGs. I love pop culture. I love Superheros. I love Anime. I grew up watching many of the references in this film. From the moment I saw the first trailer I was hooked and intrigued how this would play out. Would it be as shallow as it looked? Would it fold under the weight of its own ambition? Would it be played seriously or fun?
Going in blind but hopeful was probably a blessing in disguise. I really didn't know what to expect. I've long stopped trusting reviews (he says, writing a review) for our experiences of what we see on screen are so subjective, it doesn't really matter what other people think or feel or (allegedly) what they are paid to say. It really only matters what a movie does for you.
For the first time, perhaps ever, I felt the movie was written just for me. The geek in me cracked a smile from the very first scene and it never left. Yes, the pulp culture references were cool, but it was more than just a painting where you point out the cameos.
As a commentary on where we are as a society and where it could go in the future, it was interesting to see the widespread adoption of VR. Some of the themes are already happening, others not too far away. The question of "why do stuff in the real world when you can do it better in the online world" is one already being asked. There's a great montage of the real world inhabitants doing a wide range of activities in their own houses, looking absolutely ridiculous but not giving a damn.
The actual mechanics of the Oasis plays out like a cross between facebook, Warcraft, multiplayer first person shooters - basically anything that we have online. There really isn't a game there other than freedom and the hunt for the easter egg. You just try and gain as much stuff and experience to level up, whilst paying in real world money to get better gear and weapons. Pretty accurate as things go.
The main plot for the control of the Oasis and the hunt for the Easter Eggs is as simple as anything in Lord of the Rings. But its the journey we go through, both in the Oasis and the real world where the paradoxes are expertly played out. There is subtle touches that may be missed (the Oasis, where everybody goes to be social, yet nobody knows your real name), the deception of everything (you have a best friend, but you don't even know what they look like), the battle against the corporations who want to use the Oasis for advertising (ring a bell?) against those that just want to keep it free. These and more themes are constantly questioned but never really explored in any detail - they are background hints served as world building as to not distract from the spectacle of the action.
And what action. For once, a trailer hasn't spoiled the best bets, there are entire acts of the film that are simply mind blowing. The balance between real/oasis is almost perfect, and constantly the witty script had me smiling and laughing.
But...and it is a but...the reliance on pulp culture means its not for everybody. What I found hilarious, others may just stare at the screen in confusion. Its a toure de force of previous films and characters from all walks of life, across multiple genres and brings in RPG techniques that many people may not fully get.
But if you do get it, then boy, do you get it. An outstanding achievement in film making, and to be honest, one I never thought we would have the pleasure of watching.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
It's Ragnarok, not a day out at Disney World, Marvel.
If you like your comicbook superhero films full of one-liners, nonsensical plotting, drastic character changes, underdeveloped villains, missing important characters (for no other reason other than they were probably unavailable) then Thor 3 is right up your street.
For me, its another wasted opportunity. For the record, I loved Thor 1, disliked Thor 2 and Thor 3 is perhaps a slightly better film than the second one, but I'm rating it lower because it had the opportunity to be so much more than what it was.
Ragnarok should not be a comedy buddy film. The consistent comedy played throughout this film (which is literally from the first scene until the last) just feels so out of place in a film that has what should be an epic and profound story. In the context of the film, it removes any semblance of doom, or indeed care to the main characters - if they are able to laugh and joke about the situation, why the hell should you as a viewer care?
This comedic attitude spoils what could have been an epic story line. Right from Thor uncovering Loki's deception (and his reaction to that most heinous crime which is somewhat unbelievable) to Kiwi Gladiators constantly cracking jokes in the arena which should be a life or death situation (and in turn, reducing the middle act to a ponderous, overtly long section that is only there to bring Hulk and Thor together), to the most ridiculous character motivational change in the history of Marvel films (looking at you Valkyrie), Thor 3 is a completely wasted story that fails to live up to the hype on almost every conceivable level.
I say "almost" as the Hulk once again proves a success, adding a layer of development we seem to get to his character in every Marvel film he is in. Other new and returning characters do not fair so well.
I'm trying to understand why Tessa Thompson was raved about so much. Forgiving that the character has been completely redesigned from the comicbooks, she is so underdeveloped I have little comprehension why she hates Asgard in the first place, and then returns so quickly by Thor's side. Perhaps the tequila wore off. There's nothing wrong with her performance, there just isn't anything three-dimensional to her character.
Loki. God Loki. He's just Loki. Again. It doesn't matter what this guy does, he's just constantly forgiven - for absolutely no reason when his crimes are looked at in the cold light of day. For God's sake Thor, Hela was attempting to do nothing that Loki had already done. It makes no sense.
As for Scurge...was he actually even in it? Why was he in it? What purpose did he have?
Hela - well, as a design and character, she looked the part, had an awesome power set and an interesting take on things. She probably had some really great reasons for doing what she was doing, when she was doing them. We just, like every other Marvel villain, never get to fully flesh them out. I can't help but think there was a great character there, played by the right person, but its never truly allowed to flourish and gather weight. The "re-writing" of the Universe is also a little hard to take with her introduction. Nobody seems to question it. Everybody just accepts it.
Not for me I'm afraid. Here's hoping that Avengers 3 can bring this MCU ship back, cause at the moment, the last two films have veered massively off course.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Good, not Great
Reviews are in the eye of the beholder and are so subjective, they are only really useful if you share similar interests. So with that already said, I am an avid Comic book fan. For the most part, have enjoyed the MCU. Loved Avengers, Thor, Winter Soildier. I like what they are doing on TV. I lean towards the DC characters but that will no way influence this review. Civil War, the graphic novel series, was one of my favourite comic book arcs. An early worry of mine, was that by using that name, it was creating a rod for its own back. The issues in the comic book arc could not be an issue in the MCU. There are no real secret identities – the emotional themes and pertinent questions could not be asked. While that fear does manifest itself, its not really the problem I thought it would be. My main issue with Civil War is that it really doesn't make sense. The stakes never seem that high. Even the opening scene which kicks off the whole Accords doesn't really have the fallout to deserve such a reaction. The scene from the trailers, running through the Avengers collateral damage is even worse (New York – you know, when you repelled an Alien Invasion, Washington – when you stopped Hydra killing millions of innocent people). The only one that really makes sense is Sokovia, which makes it even more of a hypocrisy to put the person mainly responsible for that in charge of the UN controlled Avengers. Having said that, IM is one of the things that actually works. Perhaps too much. I came out thinking that he was actually the one that was right all along and it was Cap that was completely unreasonable. Cap's reasoning for not signing the Accords starts off weak, then just gets weaker. Its also a complete reverse of what has been happening in the MCU up to now. There are some real left-field choices in the film. The choosing of teams reminded me of a sports day. There is no real reason for IM to pick Spider-man and plunge a 14 year old boy into a fight against Super- powered adversaries. There's also no point for Spider-man to agree. Apart from launching his own movie of course. That whole recruitment section seemed forced and totally out of sync. Likewise Hawkeye and Ant-man. What's the motivation for these two? Why would Ant-man risk everything for Cap? It makes no sense. And what's happened since Age of Ultron that means Vision doesn't know what the mind stone is? Or how to use it. As I'm pretty sure he shot Ultron with it. There's so much more that doesn't make sense but that's not to say it's not a good movie. There are some outstanding action scenes and its well directed. Black Panther works and is a good introduction. It just doesn't feel like its own film, it feels like a filler film, an episode. It's no Winter Soldier, its more Age of Ultron. Enjoyable, but expected a whole lot more.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Bold, Brave, Brilliant...Divisive
Lets get one thing straight. If you didn't like MoS, its very, very unlikely that you will not like this. Its that world, it is that Superman, its a direct continuation (and I can't honestly understand why people thought it would be any different). If you are one of the many that did like MoS, its VERY likely you will like this.
Before watching it last night I was worried. The divisive nature of the reviews from critics and fans made me sceptical. Talk of Batman not being Batman, who kills remorsely and sleeps with women not for his playboy attitude but because that's him now...it sounded wrong. And it is wrong as that is simply not true. Some of the reviews I have read are astounding in their inaccuracy. Even those on here.
Its a complicated film. The first hour can either be described as a mess of film directing or a plethora of ideas that are never fully explored but are new, are interesting, and pertinent. If anything, there is too much going on, no one strand is fully explored to its potential, no one investigation is fully seen through to a conclusion. Interspersed through this are confusing (and abstract) dream scenes and premonitions that also have little explanation or build up. There is little action in that first hour other than the opening scene. Its an introduction to this new world, a deconstruction of us, of Superman of Batman, and in a small part, of Wonder Woman.
Yet when it clicks, a little over an hour, the film moves up a layer. Synder's dedication to detail and his love of comic books is laid on its fullest. This is a film for the geek in all of us and it holds nothing back - it explains little that perhaps it should (You've seen all you are going to see of Robin in the trailer). You either take it as a love letter to the comic book fan in all of us, or you criticise it. Too me, what it did well, it did so damn well, none of the problems it has effect the overall film.
Superman's story is one of redemption and it pays off. His whole struggle is littered with divine imagery, as was MoS. its a continuation of that story. His relationship with Lois is believable and important. His interaction with Batman is superb. Their contrast is almost pitch perfect and exactly what I wanted to see.
Batman...well, what can I say. Probably the best Batman I have ever seen on film. The reports of him being too dark are way off. He's no darker here than he was in Rises. We get the best ever Batman on screen, no argument. We get the best Bruce on screen.
Lex is superb. A completely different take that is more layered than you have seen in the trailers.
And as for Wonder Woman - well, this is something I do agree with on the critics - she steals the show.
The film is nowhere near perfect - if anything there is the potential within it to be one of the greatest films ever made. It needed either expanding or trimming of some of that first hour (hopefully the directors cut will give us that film) but as it stands, its a fan triumph if not a critical one. The end fight with trinity was an event to watch only on the big screen. I don't think a smile left my face from about an hour in. Its just sheer entertainment.
Yes it has plot holes all over the place (what Superhero film doesn't) but it dares to be different. It goes to places I never thought it would. The scale and depictions of the main characters raise it above the mediocre and into the lower levels of greatness. It will be interesting to see where this ends up box office wise as coming out of the cinema, there were very few people who were not happy with what they saw.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Welcome Back Star Wars, You Have Been Missed
There was a moment in the film where my fears of this being another Phantom Menance were immediately quashed and a smile creased my lips and never left.
That moment was the first shot, straight after the slanting opening text and won't be spoiled here. It told you everything you needed to know about the director and was almost like JJ whispering in your ear saying "Don't worry, I've read the Mr Plinkett reviews of the prequels and I get it." What follows is a ride that never lets up, a journey back to your childhood that constantly reminds you why you loved the damn thing in the first place. And make no mistake, this is a film for the kids that have grown up and remember the awe and wonder of seeing Star Wars for the first time. Probably the biggest credit I can give JJ is that he made me feel like that again.
The action is constantly exhilarating - the new characters so well portrayed by this exciting young cast who show no fear in the burden they must have been carrying. Kylo Ren is a world away from the under developed Sith of Episodes 1, 2 and 3 (lets be honest, without the Clone Wars series, what did we actually know about Dooku, Maul, etc). Whilst his power set seems at odds with other Force barer's this is a new world and anything goes. He's truly a complicated character.
Finn lights up the screen whenever he's on it. He actually looks like a guy who is enjoying playing the part as much as we are enjoying watching him.
Poe is the surprise - the one you heard nothing about but who has an amazing amount of screen time and grows massively on you as you watch the film. Provided some of the films best action pieces and witty one-liners, its a character that really grows on you as you watch.
But Rey...Rey is the star. An absolute break out role if ever there was one. Charming, independent, beautiful, resourceful. She's already more memorable than any character in the prequels. It takes a lot to steal the scene from Han Solo - she does it, constantly.
Yet its the film that's the real star. A wonderful, shifting colour pallet, a sense of wonder and mystery throughout, a ride that is as good as anything that has come before with those traditional values of Star Wars; hope, dark vs light, family, friendship...its that inspiring storytelling that we probably haven't seen since the originals, that magic that was somehow lost by its own creator who seemed to forget what made it great in the first place.
And yes, its not perfect. The plot is thin as ice, the story moves through convenience and chance (I like to think of it as the force guiding them), some characters do not have enough screen time and are massively under-developed (but hey, its a trilogy, plenty of time for that), and the First Order is never really properly explained (how the hell did they grow that powerful) and the film hints as past adventures that would have been interesting to view. You could argue that it follows the original's a little too closely - its a homage to that trilogy without a doubt. All the beats are there...its almost a copy in some aspects, but with a new set of characters and polish to proceedings. But then, isn't that what we wanted? Star Wars brought right up to date.
In fairness, I never bought this was going to be a difficult movie...If anything, the Prequel Trilogy showed Disney what NOT to do. The original showed them the way, and whilst they may have strayed a little too close to that particular template, its executed just so damn well the little child in you just won't care.
To coin a phrase from the Director's other successful Sci-Fi regeneration, "Its Star Wars, JJ...and its exactly, absolutely, just as you remember it."