The latest installment in the Original Trilogy saga follows a familiar path, leaning heavily on established elements and taking what feels like a safe approach. While *The Force Awakens* certainly has its strong points and represents an improvement over the previous trilogy, it frequently draws parallels to *A New Hope*, almost as if it’s imitating earlier events. Following the destruction of the Second Death Star and the deaths of The Emperor and Darth Vader, it was suggested that Luke Skywalker would establish a new Jedi Order—a notion supported by expanded universe materials later deemed non-canon. This did occur, but a student of his, seduced to the dark side by Supreme Leader Snoke of the First Order, became Kylo Ren. The Jedi Order subsequently vanished (off-screen), leaving Luke as the sole survivor and prompting him to retreat into seclusion (again, off-screen). The Empire has essentially been reborn as the First Order, with the Rebel Alliance now known as the Resistance, once again tasked with destroying a massive weapon of destruction—a scenario strikingly similar to *A New Hope*, marking it as a modern soft reboot. The familiar tropes are present: a droid carrying crucial information, a villain in black armor, a protagonist originating from a desert planet, the discovery of Force sensitivity, Han Solo and Chewbacca guiding heroes on a mission, a cantina with a lively band, the loss of a mentor figure, a battle against a colossal weapon resembling a Death Star, and ultimately, its destruction. Rey demonstrates considerable power in the Force, exhibiting exceptional piloting skills comparable to Han Solo’s and effortlessly using Jedi mind tricks. She quickly overcomes the villain, though it's possible Kylo Ren was weakened by an injury inflicted by Chewbacca. This raises questions about her rapid progress, as Anakin and Luke required extensive training to become Jedi—Rey seems remarkably proficient with little to no formal instruction. Finn’s character arc, while initially promising—a Stormtrooper defecting from the First Order—felt somewhat underdeveloped. His constant desire to escape the First Order and his generally timid demeanor seemed inconsistent with a hardened soldier. However, his relationship with Poe Dameron felt genuine and natural, and he earned respect by standing up to Kylo Ren. His fight against another Stormtrooper was particularly impressive, and hopefully his character will evolve further in *The Last Jedi*. Poe Dameron quickly became a fan favorite, displaying intelligence and skill as a pilot—even surpassing Luke Skywalker’s abilities—and demonstrating a welcome addition to the Star Wars universe alongside the endearing BB-8. Han Solo and Chewbacca play significant roles, with Han’s death proving deeply tragic, marking the end for an iconic character who had evolved from a selfish individual to a leader in times of crisis. Leia, now a General, doesn't get as much focus; she and Han remain separated due to Ben Solo’s transformation into Kylo Ren, though their playful banter persists. C-3PO and R2D2 are relegated to minor roles, overshadowed by BB-8. Luke Skywalker makes a brief appearance at the film’s conclusion, conveying volumes with just an expression as Rey hands him his father's lightsaber. Other characters include Captain Phasma, who feels like a less impactful version of Boba Fett; Maz Kanata, reminiscent of Yoda in terms of appearance and wisdom; Supreme Leader Snoke, introduced via hologram like the Emperor before him; and General Hux, delivering a speech akin to Hitler’s. Kylo Ren stands out as a compelling antagonist. Despite his reverence for Darth Vader and occasional emotional outbursts, he's more than just a one-dimensional villain. He seeks to emulate his grandfather’s legacy of eliminating Jedi and achieving intimidating status. Torn between the light and dark sides of the Force, he demonstrates considerable power—stopping blaster bolts mid-air, immobilizing opponents, and probing their minds. His unique lightsaber design reflects his inner turmoil. After killing Han Solo, there's no turning back for him; he has fully embraced a path of darkness. The action sequences are exceptionally well-executed, particularly the opening raid on Jakku village, which is among the most gripping moments in Star Wars history. The Battle of Takodana and Poe’s aerial feats are also noteworthy. The confrontation between Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren felt more like a clash between novices than the choreographed battles seen in the prequel trilogy. The sequence involving Rey and Finn escaping Jakku aboard a derelict ship through a graveyard of Star Destroyers was truly spectacular. Despite its reliance on familiar elements, *The Force Awakens* represents progress for the franchise. It successfully evokes nostalgia while introducing new characters and storylines—although it does feel like it’s revisiting old ground. Overall, despite my criticisms, I found *The Force Awakens* to be a solid addition to the Star Wars saga, thanks to its well-crafted action sequences, nostalgic appeal, a compelling villain in Kylo Ren, and believable character relationships. My Rating: 7.5/10.0

Source on TMDB