Reviews

I've watched this movie too many times to count, and am still struck by the brilliance presented by everyone involved. The score is beyond perfect. Spoilers Alert: Despite, or perhaps because of, the one central plot hole the movie is riveting. Humanity is saved because of intervention from an advanced civilization. This civilization is actually humanity's far distant descendants. Humanity saved itself; the paradox is that the future humans would not exist, unless they did intercede!

Like many of M. Night Shyamalan's movies, too many people fall for the "maguffin' and miss the story. By now, most people will have seen this movie; BUT - SPOILER ALERT This is NOT a movie about alien invasion, or surviving one. All if the complaints about the aliens are irrelevant. The movie is about a man losing and regaining his faith. Shyamalan almost always tells you what his movies are about, if you pay attention. Are you the person who sees coincidence; or do you see signs of a something divine all around? Each person has the free will to choose...

As I read the reviews, I realize the most people remember the original (Episodes IV-VI) from their childhood. Even when they re-watch it as an adult, it is filtered through those early memories. I was in my early 20's when the very first movie came out, and loved it - a really great sci-fi B-movie! But - I was old enough to see the really corny acting, obvious plot, and many of the other things that youngest viewers did not care about. When Return of the Jedi came out, I was able to take my oldest son (very young) and he was mesmerized! First and foremost, Star Wars is supposed to be fun! It's real entertainment, not a deep philosophical movie folks.

The second trilogy disappointed my kids (now in their 30's), but I laughed inside - it was the same quality of acting and writing as the first movies, with better SFX.

Now - the closing trilogy (which Lucas promised 40 years ago) is disappointing those who are seeing it as adults.

I REALLY enjoyed this movie (Ep. VII)! It was fun, and there was a lot of cool back story (of course it was easy to see a lot of it - it's supposed to be that way). There are several obvious cliffhangers elements - who are Rey's parents (or does she only have a mother - like Anakin), who are Finn's parents (Lando? - wouldn't that be interesting), what is Luke going to do - now that he recognizes he can no longer hide from his fate...

I think there is a lot of good chemistry with the new actors, and am looking forward to the next 2 movies. Don't go in expecting something deep, go in expecting to have fun. Like a thrill ride at Disney Land!