Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens - Page 13

10

Nintendo-XreamJan 2, 2016

This Movie WAS AMAZING!!! The Movie we asked ever since the credits rolled at the end of ROTJ!!! In JJ We Trust!!! I Loved an i recommend EVERYBODY WATCHES THE MOVIE!!!

105 of 142 users found this helpful10537

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8

RudigerXJan 2, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movie was great. It had everything I could of wanted and I am eagerly awaiting a second viewing. There were moments I questioned why Rey was progressing so quickly and the ending was a little ham fisted but I'm sure in the sequels all will be revealed.… Expand

5 of 35 users found this helpful530

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1

Trent2012Jan 2, 2016

Feels more like a remake or remix than a continuation of the Star Wars saga. I felt almost like I was watching a fan made film that took the best parts of the original trilogy and combined them together. There are also too many plot holes andFeels more like a remake or remix than a continuation of the Star Wars saga. I felt almost like I was watching a fan made film that took the best parts of the original trilogy and combined them together. There are also too many plot holes and not enough creativity. I can understand leaving a few plot holes to be answered in the next movie, but so many things are left unexplained that it's hard to believe that they will all be answered in the next film.… Expand

87 of 146 users found this helpful8759

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3

BoblogoJan 2, 2016

This film was exactly what I was afraid it was going to be, boring and 100% not Star Wars. I am very confident that in the fullness of time this will be recognised as the worst Star Wars film by a mile.

I cannot be bothered to list all ofThis film was exactly what I was afraid it was going to be, boring and 100% not Star Wars. I am very confident that in the fullness of time this will be recognised as the worst Star Wars film by a mile.

I cannot be bothered to list all of the reasons why, all the other user reviews on here have done a good job already.… Expand

83 of 136 users found this helpful8353

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3

TimeShiftJan 2, 2016

If you've viewed Episode IV recently, then this movie will show you nothing new. It's basically the technically best fan movie ever made - with all its flaws like the lack of depth, character development and the latter.

Taking in regard IIf you've viewed Episode IV recently, then this movie will show you nothing new. It's basically the technically best fan movie ever made - with all its flaws like the lack of depth, character development and the latter.

Taking in regard I watched the movie on release day and I've already forgotten most of the contents, having seen not a single memorable moment in the entire movie, it's nothing but nice action cinema. Sadly Star Wars was always more than that....but it has been hollowed-out as it seems.

Why the hype? I don't get it. It's not a bad movie, but it's not great as well. Mediocre, that's what it is.… Expand

24 of 42 users found this helpful2418

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10

loryx88Jan 2, 2016

Very Good Movie! It's not a perfect movie, I gave it a perfect score to balance the very poor review made by poor people who like to destroy this movie. The movie has very exciting and fun moments!!! Yes its plot has cliches and scenes thatVery Good Movie! It's not a perfect movie, I gave it a perfect score to balance the very poor review made by poor people who like to destroy this movie. The movie has very exciting and fun moments!!! Yes its plot has cliches and scenes that recall the one seen in episode IV-V, but it's not a remake of those.… Expand

8 of 51 users found this helpful843

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6

WakkoJan 2, 2016

Decent Star Wars movie. Would have rather seen Lucas' production; not JJ Abrams. Lucas tells a story. Abrams sells you a pretty picture so quickly that you have to watch it a few times to make sure you didn't miss it; which was prettyDecent Star Wars movie. Would have rather seen Lucas' production; not JJ Abrams. Lucas tells a story. Abrams sells you a pretty picture so quickly that you have to watch it a few times to make sure you didn't miss it; which was pretty shallow in this movie and a repeat / mash up of Star Wars New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.

The worst part is that JJ Abrams literally pisses all over the old Star Wars without most people realizing it. His super terror of this movie wipes out EVERYTHING the previous movies did while repeating it in a very boring fashion.

Return of the Jedi was the end of the Empire and a sign of peace and home for the Star Wars universe.

This movie basically feels like a cop out repeat of Star Trek without the time travel to reset the universe to do what he wanted to do.

FYI, Kylo Ren comes off as being a cry baby throwing temper tantrums instead of a villain. Darth Vader had control of his sinister self in a very malicious way that inspired fear from the start. Kylo Ren makes me want to smack the dweeb upside the head.

Its entertaining, its pretty, its enjoyable. It's what you expect from JJ Abrams. It is not a George Lucas production.… Expand

20 of 34 users found this helpful2014

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3

magie666Jan 2, 2016

It's a money-grabbing re-hash of the beloved star wars (1977). I left the cinema with a very Bitter taste in my mouth. Almost everything in it is a copy from the original, its just been jigged up with some new characters and cgi. Thats it...It's a money-grabbing re-hash of the beloved star wars (1977). I left the cinema with a very Bitter taste in my mouth. Almost everything in it is a copy from the original, its just been jigged up with some new characters and cgi. Thats it... UTTERLY DISAPPOINTED.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John Boyega wasnt too bad as an actor in it, bit silly but wasnt too bad.
Daisy Ridley was an utter disappointment, ''SHE CANT ACT'' she was awful.!!!!
The stupid attempt to add humour was a failure...I cant remember laughing once at the cheesy lines. It was shockingly BAD.
Star wars the force awakens: Soulless, Unremarkable, bland, dull Need I go on !!!

I gave it 3.. nothing more , nothing less… Expand

70 of 119 users found this helpful7049

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9

Cuba68Jan 2, 2016

The stakes were high on Disney and JJ Abrams to deliver with the Force Awkens. Star Wars was either going to just fade away like a celebrity that had seen better days yet trying to hang on to former glories or it was going to find its pulseThe stakes were high on Disney and JJ Abrams to deliver with the Force Awkens. Star Wars was either going to just fade away like a celebrity that had seen better days yet trying to hang on to former glories or it was going to find its pulse again and reignite young and old into the Star Wars universe. Find its pulse, it certainly done.

The adventure, humour, romance that George Lucas introduced the world too back in 1977 makes a triumphant return. The way we fell in love with the original cast, the new cast has that allure too. For sure it is sentimental to the older generation (something that Lucas discarded in 1,2 & 3) All generations were catered fir here and in particular one small droid called BB-8. It also offers the non star wars fans a route into the story.

Was it worth the wait. Certainly and as a big Star Wars fan that felt let down by Lucas with 1,2 & 3 I say that with great delight and relief. Witness the movie for yourself and enjoy.… Expand

5 of 35 users found this helpful530

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0

HucksterJan 1, 2016

What a let down.... after such great expectations and decades of waiting. No inclination to see future SW movies at all. Think I'll start enjoying episodes 1-6 in a new light.

64 of 107 users found this helpful6443

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6

RoyMunsonJan 1, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have read a ton of the negative reviews and I understand why people did not like it but we need to back up. People on here are writing that the Episode I, II, and III are better than TFA. The prequels are so bad I will not even let my 4 year old watch them. Some of the worst acting I have ever seen because of Lucas' poor script. Lucas made the prequels for 4 year olds and they didn't even like them. In the prequels the Jedi's have ridiculous powers that not even Darth Vader or the Emperor even possess in the originals. The prequels were such a joke and also had a ton of plot holes in them and LUCAS wrote them. How does a guy not follow storylines that he wrote for the original movies.

As for TFA, visually it was pretty amazing. I was disappointed with the story but I get it, they had to find a way to tie in all the old characters and make us feel nostalgic again and I was. I enjoyed seeing Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Luke (Leia sucked in the originals was hoping they blew her up with the Death Star 2) As the movie developed we didn't get a lot of answers to why Rey has such strong Jedi powers and why Kylo Ren is rather weak. The movie is called the FORCE AWAKENS so obviously the force will be strong in Rey since she is the protagonist. As for Ren, we learn from all the other movies that it is easy to turn to the dark side Ren is the grandson of Darth Vader, so maybe Vader and Anakin's spirit is talking to him, kind of devil and angel. If they told us everything that was happening, that would be very poor storytelling. Now what I am getting from most of the negative reviews are that they are mad because they did not get all the answers they wanted because they do not want to wait. Hopefully all are questions will be answered in the next two films. If we look at the original trilogy it goes as followed: A New Hope: good movie, acting is great and great character building, Empire strikes back: great movie, it gives us everything we want Star Wars to be, Return of the Jedi: an okay movie not great, this is where we see Lucas wanting to make Star Wars a movie for little children. Really, a bunch of teddy bears beat up storm troopers with rocks, great storytelling there. Lucas had created something great and by the end of storytelling he completely destroyed it with four bad films (Jedi and the prequels). So what I see is that we get a reboot of Star Wars by Abrams which I think he tried to fix Lucas' mess in TFA and hope that this trilogy follows the like of Nolan's Batman trilogy. Let me state that if Christopher Nolan made Star Wars it would have been unbelievable.

Alright, to stuff I didn't like about TFA is a new Death Star, how many times do I need to see a giant planet weapon be blown up, i guess 3. I believe if this was not the major storyline there would be a lot more happy people. I do not understand how Abrams could have thought by totally remaking the original movie was what Star Wars fans wanted. Also the fact that Luke turns into what Obi Won Kenobi turned into, a recluse, you would think that Luke the last Jedi would let millions of people die. Who makes a map of where they are hiding? I guess Luke didn't really want to stay on the island from Lost for ever. Don't we ever learn from the past. I did enjoy the movie for being a Star Wars movie and that I did get to laugh a few times at the jokes. Someone wrote a review that are to be no jokes in Star Wars, I guess calling someone a scruffy looking nerfherder is not a try at comedy. Oh and the fact that Yoda is muppet and is smacking his cane on R2D2 is not straight out of a Charlie Chaplin flick. Laugh it up fuzzballs!

I am the eternal optimist and truly believe that Star Wars Episode 8 will be a great The First Order Strikes Back. Hang in there Jedi's and Jedette's the force will get stronger and this trilogy will and is already better than Queen Amadila's acting or the fact that Lucas made a character in Star Wars from Cool Runnings.… Expand

3 of 15 users found this helpful312

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8

arjunhairJan 1, 2016

The film, while not particularly innovative in regards to the sci-fi elements (rehashing old props/settings from previous Star Wars films), sets up the new trilogy nicely. You could argue that too much of the film relies on nostalgia for theThe film, while not particularly innovative in regards to the sci-fi elements (rehashing old props/settings from previous Star Wars films), sets up the new trilogy nicely. You could argue that too much of the film relies on nostalgia for the original trilogy and its characters, but Daisy Ridley and John Boyega's characters hold their own well and are developed properly, creating excitement and anticipation for where the story takes them in the next installment.

There's no denying that the movie is entertaining and exciting, the only point of contention is whether the film achieves what you had hoped from a Star Wars sequel. For me, I think it did a great job.… Expand

8 of 36 users found this helpful828

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0

Spike21Jan 1, 2016

I gave this movie a 0 because it pretends to be a new Star Wars film, which is not. As a mindless fantasy action flick however it is probably a 6.

The movie basically plays it so safe that it is hard to consider it as anything else otherI gave this movie a 0 because it pretends to be a new Star Wars film, which is not. As a mindless fantasy action flick however it is probably a 6.

The movie basically plays it so safe that it is hard to consider it as anything else other than a rip off of A New Hope with some cameos that make it almost feel like a parody of itself.

Lame humor most of the time
Action sequences after action sequences just for the sake of having action sequences
Hardly any build-up or tension about anything going on
Almost no character development
No rewatchability factor
No memorable lines to quote
All the villains in this movie suck, I found none of them menacing
The hero of the movie is just so good at everything that you cannot worry about her about anything
Some things are just so repetitive and stupid, but I cannot spoil them.. but, seriously, enough already
For some reason we have "the Resistance" when a New Republic was formed after ROTJ

Anyway, the movie is not a terrible way to spend 2 hours, but I hate the fact that everything has now become about marketing and hype when the films themselves are mediocre at best.

The prequels can be laughable at times, but they tell a story, and also have some memorable scenes, which brings me to the last complaint: something like Duel of the Fates in Force Awakens? literally, NON-EXISTENT SCORE!… Expand

55 of 91 users found this helpful5536

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9

JJLARAJan 1, 2016

I've been reading the reviews on this site and man, some of them are pretty harsh. As a lifelong fan, I enjoyed the movie. Yes, it has some plot holes but what movie doesn't. Name a movie that doesn't?!?!?! It was entertaining and nostalgic.I've been reading the reviews on this site and man, some of them are pretty harsh. As a lifelong fan, I enjoyed the movie. Yes, it has some plot holes but what movie doesn't. Name a movie that doesn't?!?!?! It was entertaining and nostalgic. It is my opinion that some fans will never be satisfied at any new Star Wars movie. Fans complained when George Lucas made the prequels and the special editions of the original trilogy and now they are complaining that Lucas isn't a part of the films! The Star Wars universe has been a part of our lives for so long that it has become something to be protected and treasured. And some fans will never be satisfied!!!! And God forbid, if someone else comes along and has another idea where the story will go, especially now that Disney is at the helm. My husband and his cousin, who are the biggest Star Wars fans I know and the biggest critics, enjoyed this movie. For me, bottom line is I enjoyed this movie. I've seen it twice and would see it again if I can and I eagerly await the other Star Wars films.… Expand

7 of 39 users found this helpful732

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10

YABOYNICKYJan 1, 2016

Great Movie! The movie had a bunch of new characters as well as old ones. The story was great, and had almost every aspect of a Star Wars movie every fan would want. The Story line was somewhat of a mix of the different aspects of 4, 5, andGreat Movie! The movie had a bunch of new characters as well as old ones. The story was great, and had almost every aspect of a Star Wars movie every fan would want. The Story line was somewhat of a mix of the different aspects of 4, 5, and 6, but I don’t want to spoil anything for anybody. John Boyega did a terrific job at acting, and same with Daisy Ridley, although both kinda overacted if ya know what I mean.
Overall great movie definite 10/10! This is probably the best movie of 2015 in my opinion tbh.
What I didn't like was the fact that there was no backstory though, I felt as this could have done a way better job if they explained how the first order happened and things like that. Overall great movie, and it's definitely worth watching. This is obviously nothing compared to the original 3, but way way better than the prequels.… Expand

6 of 42 users found this helpful636

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6

LongshotsJan 1, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. terrible dialog. anything that Han Says is gold. like seriously. G O L D . but everyone else not so much. especially Leia. shes Ship and forced. we could have had someone new BUT NOOOOO WE NEEDED HER. funk that. C3P0 was forced. R2 was stupid. BB8 WAS FUNNY AND GREAT. id prefer not seeing not Leia, not Luke(at least his face), not C3P0. and not R2 (besides that 1 shot with Luke).

the movie would have not felt like a cockrub to fans if it did that. if it removed these characters. if it kept us waiting. expecting. excited to see them as SIDE CHARACTERS. they should have just kept Han and Chewie as big side characters. wasted potential.

it also is EPISODE IV 2. same plot. this and what i said before connects to the fact that the movie doesn't have an identity. it feels like its a tribute to the originals. something that the prequels did way better. they had their own characters and story. this movie doesn't work in that aspect, which is because they kicked George Lucas's ideas were kicked along with him from the movie. this is why i'm happy JJ isn't making the next film . these movies need an identity. it has to have one. acting is also all over the place. Rey is stupidly outrageous in some scenes and i just laughed in the theater.

im disappointed but trilled to watch it again because its SO FUN! the movie is SO FUN and i cant wait to watch it again tomorrow!… Expand

4 of 19 users found this helpful415

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9

therob91Jan 1, 2016

The movie has its flaws, there is no question about that, but the flaws are completely overshadowed by its strong points. The acting is great, the comedy is included in just the right amounts, the emotional moments are powerful, the directionThe movie has its flaws, there is no question about that, but the flaws are completely overshadowed by its strong points. The acting is great, the comedy is included in just the right amounts, the emotional moments are powerful, the direction is top notch, the acting is great, the effects are used as effects should be used - to give a better perspective or scene than what could be done without them. The writing scene to scene however was average to bad. You will feel a lot of "because the script said so" moments but this is honestly the first movie I have looked past them because everything else was done so well. Also, if you have not seen the original trilogy a lot of the nostalgia would be lost on you, and so the movie would probably not be as enjoyable. Having said that, I have seen it a second time and while the nostalgia is much weaker the second time around its still a really fun movie. If you come in expecting a masterpiece of screenwriting you will be disappointed, but anyone else will love it.… Expand

7 of 38 users found this helpful731

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3

MoriarteJan 1, 2016

As an avid Star Wars fan, I didn't expect much from JJ Abrams and his crew. It turned out, my expectations matched what I saw in a latest instalment of the saga. I ask myself: why do these things happen? After contemplating for a bit, I comeAs an avid Star Wars fan, I didn't expect much from JJ Abrams and his crew. It turned out, my expectations matched what I saw in a latest instalment of the saga. I ask myself: why do these things happen? After contemplating for a bit, I come to think that one needs a firm grasp of philosophy and science, a good eye for actors and a cunning storyline, in order to deliver a Sci-Fi masterpiece. A visionary, a man capable of immersing you completely in a parallel reality, where heroes and villains become real.

Well, JJ Abrams simply isn't the man for the job. I'm sure he would be able to make fantastic ads for TV or something similar, but to wave a magic wand on stage of Star Wars .. one needs somebody else. Disney, that was bad judgment. You could as well invite me to do the job, I could screw this film up for half his fee.… Expand

77 of 130 users found this helpful7753

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7

ThanatorumJan 1, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I consider myself as a big Star Wars fan since my childhood and farseeing enough to see crap where crap is (the first episodes of The Clone Wars and more recently the Battlefront game) and honestly, this movie was great.

Ok, not as great as the Original Trilogy or even the Prequels, but it clearly has his moments. The whole story of Kylo Ren is interesting : a good guy inside who tries desperately to be a bad one, like his grandfather Darth Vader (for unknown reasons for now) and fails miserably. It's something new in the Star Wars universe. And, I must say I recognize myself in his adoration for Darth Vader (and I guess I'm not the only one). It's normal that people found him whiny, it's how he was mean to be.

The character of John Boyega is also a good find. He represents clearly our point of view of the Star Wars universe : a normal person among far superior beings, such as Jedi or old legends. He is lost in this vast universe just as we would be in his situation. And his relations with all the rest of the cas works perfectly : companionship with Poe, Rey's protector wannabe (which is kind of ironic considering her powers).

Which lead me to Rey. Although I totaly agree that she may be too powerful for a neophyte, Daisy Ridley's interpretation is impressive. We are happy or sad when she is.

And last but not least, I have to talk about the movie's flaws (because everything is not dark or light), and I think that they all come from one thing : the f**cking Starkiller base (Oops, sorry it seems I lost control). It's just a Death Star rip off and makes people think this film is a remake (and technically it is true from a certain point of view ), it totally rushes the end of the movie and brings a threat that we don't really need.

So, it was not the bet Star Wars movie, but it brings me back to my childhood and that's all I wanted it to do !… Expand

5 of 25 users found this helpful520

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9

letcreate123Jan 1, 2016

I don't seem to get the negative reviews. I really liked the movie. But I guess just because it's popular it gets so many negative reviews. Hands off haters.

Anyways, I really liked how the story went, the scenes were pretty cool and theI don't seem to get the negative reviews. I really liked the movie. But I guess just because it's popular it gets so many negative reviews. Hands off haters.

Anyways, I really liked how the story went, the scenes were pretty cool and the effects are also cool (Note that I watched this in 4DX which contains chair movement, effects around the viewer, etc.). Many negative reviews barely/don't address that.… Expand

8 of 42 users found this helpful834

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8

chris_tw21Jan 1, 2016

This episode in the star wars saga is one of the best but lacks originality and verve.
Kylo ren is a good villain and rey is good and bb8 is even better.This trilogy has started off more than solid and will have plenty of time to correct theThis episode in the star wars saga is one of the best but lacks originality and verve.
Kylo ren is a good villain and rey is good and bb8 is even better.This trilogy has started off more than solid and will have plenty of time to correct the problems of this movie like thin characters and lack of new ideas. This episode is very much like a new hope and a bit like the phantom menace but it works.… Expand

6 of 30 users found this helpful624

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6

moviescriticnetJan 1, 2016

I know everyone expects me to rate this with A+. Well, I m sorry but I'm not American, so that's not going to happen.
If you are a Star Wars fan, that is a nerd erected by childish light swords, stupid robots and hairy creatures, then you'llI know everyone expects me to rate this with A+. Well, I m sorry but I'm not American, so that's not going to happen.
If you are a Star Wars fan, that is a nerd erected by childish light swords, stupid robots and hairy creatures, then you'll be thrilled to know that the movie respects it's past, picks up where the last six (!) episodes left and generally speaking it will definitely please the fans of the series. Nevertheless the movie is disrespectful with those who seek something new and lacks emotion. The most strange and spectacular things will happen (again) but there is nothing to remember the next day. Compared to it, the latest Mad Max entry seems like a philosophical work. What I'm keeping from this movie is the performance of Daisy Ridley (currently no 1 in imdb starometer), an unknown English actress starring as Rey, that you'll be hearing about in the future.

Grade: C+… Expand

7 of 16 users found this helpful79

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2

RGB999Jan 1, 2016

This was not an earnest, thoughtful continuation of the Star Wars saga.

This was taxidermy. The cheap, unsettling, not-convincing kind. Like many others here - casual and hardcore fans alike - I really wanted to like this movie, andThis was not an earnest, thoughtful continuation of the Star Wars saga.

This was taxidermy. The cheap, unsettling, not-convincing kind.

Like many others here - casual and hardcore fans alike - I really wanted to like this movie, and signed in (after 3 years of forgetting I had this account) to voice my discontent. Many of the "most helpful" reviews cover all the same flaws and complaints I have, so no need to rehash them.

Considering the resources, attention, and hype that went into this movie, it almost seems deliberately bad. Maybe - in this era of rage-inducing attention-seeking clickbait - it's more profitable to make a controversial product than a straight-up good one. How much more traffic and ad revenue do all these media sites get from angry viewers visiting their websites out of spite and expressing their displeasure? How many of us disappointed fans have been emotionally hooked into waiting for the next one, just for the slim hope of a redemption?

Or maybe the producers/execs were so sure of this movie's success (and who wouldn't have been?) that they couldn't care less about the plagiarized plot and its glaring inconsistencies, among other issues. These days, it seems everybody in the media business is getting lazy off their well-established cash cows, and us consumers are only enabling them.… Expand

47 of 80 users found this helpful4733

All this user's reviews

10

StomaticarcJan 1, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've seen all the movies more then twice some of them even 6 times.
I started with the movies when I was 4 and since then I'm hugh star wars fan.

So as a big fan I can tell you this is one of the most amazing star wars movies I have seen after the prequels. I can also tell you that its one of my favorite, so I'm asking you to just watch it yourself before reading all the haters on metacritic. You will not regret it!!

Spoilers!
The moment the intro came on the screen and the music started I got goosebumps. I had goosebumps until the end of the movie!
I almost wanted to scream when Rey says "that one is garbage" it was an easter egg to Luke calling the millenium falcon a piece of junk, so I knew that when the screen turned the millenium falcon would stand there and I was right about it. The battle between Kylo and Finn was amazing and also said about the battle between Finn and the trooper. For the rest I would give the movie a rating between 9 and 10 but because of all the haters I'm giving it a 10!!… Expand

3 of 34 users found this helpful331

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1

insomniac0Jan 1, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Atmosphere? -0 I didn't felt I was in the space on a foreign star system of some sort. More like Nevada, Scotland and Germany.
Casting? -0 Emotionless, talentless, un-charismatic stars. From Ray to Finn to Ren.
hanging - This is the part that truly made me jump in my seat. Really long loooong pauses in dialogues vague starring.
Script? Ran a SW marathon just before the TFA to refresh my memory. Oh boy the rip-of. Completely copy-pasted the script of Ep4. And the dialogues suck soo soooo soo much.
Photography? An absolute failure. Apart from one good take (while moving forward the camera on the subject instead of zooming in ) it's bland, no amazing landscapes no interesting lines nothing.
Information? The movie doesn't give us any at all.
Plot holes? Lightsabers are supposed to be used only from the trained jedi. Not some girl from the movie twilight who "concentrated" and learned to use the force while fighting between a cliff and a SUPER-VILAIN apprentice who is taught greatly in the ways of the force. A guy who can stop blaster beams!!!.
Gore? Seriously this has to stop. It's called star WARS not star fights. It's supposed to have killings, death dismemberment. Where are the hands that are cut off clean? Just because the teens of today will have nightmares we are denied from the privilege of some good ol' fashioned violence?
Music? toun toun toun to totoun to totoun, bam bam bam ba babam ba bam. I don't remember any tune from TFA.

Whenever I watch movies at home I jump forward the bits that suck. I could watch TFA at half the time and still not miss a thing.
Poor movie. Maybe watch it once. Compared to the others is ****
And I am not a SW fanatic I think they are ok, a classic like LotR or Godfather but this has no rewatchable value at ALL.… Expand

48 of 81 users found this helpful4833

All this user's reviews

5

LordOfCommunismJan 1, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So... I watched this movie now and it wasn't like an I expected. It was, sadly as it is, way worse. It was a good film tough, but it felt like a complete remade episode IV. There was a Death Star, an X-Wing suicide command and even a low-budget Darth Vader. "The new Order" and the "Resistance" could be called Empire 2.0 and Rebellion 2.0. And Han Solo dies. And it was pretty obvious too. But it still was fun to watch with all the new characters and the old(er) ones too. A friend of mine paid my ticket so I didn't felt ripped off. But sadly, it isn't a worthy sequel to the Original.… Expand

10 of 20 users found this helpful1010

All this user's reviews

4

wonfishJan 1, 2016

I saw the first Star Wars movie when it first came out. Sitting through this -- and I did check my watch a few times -- I wondered if I was in a time warp and was watching the first one over again. All they did was "change the names andI saw the first Star Wars movie when it first came out. Sitting through this -- and I did check my watch a few times -- I wondered if I was in a time warp and was watching the first one over again. All they did was "change the names and faces to protect the innocent." At least redesign the outfits of the soldiers! I think they just brought the costumes out of storage since 1978 for this production. I actually liked the prequel versions better. The plot was completely formulaic. Very disappointed.… Expand

25 of 43 users found this helpful2518

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1

lazlo2020Jan 1, 2016

At least he was original with the prequels and tried to explore different issues and topics with the 1st half of his story which really is the rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker by his son Luke Skywalker.

The movie has tons ofAt least he was original with the prequels and tried to explore different issues and topics with the 1st half of his story which really is the rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker by his son Luke Skywalker.

The movie has tons of plot holes and you don't need to recycle an entire plot to reinvigorate a great series. This was P.C. Star Wars. Finn was such a stereotypical African American character, all loud and making unnecessary comments. Dude came off like a fanboy in a Star Wars film, crossed with Will Smith in Wild Wild West or some other stupid film making a joke every 5 seconds. And before someone even dares pull the race card, just look at Lando in Empire Strikes Back. There was a strong minority character, who was just as suave and sophisticated as Han Solo yet he sold him out only to become a hero when he realized that he was wrong. Finn went AWOL but then spent the whole movie making jokes...like come on. And don't get me started on Kylo Ren, dude was cool from a character prospective but he was soooooo emo. What supposed imposing villain wrecks a room when people fail him, Darth Vader killed his own military personnel and walked off without a care in the world trying to accomplish his mission.

The prequels often struggled to establish any sort of clear storytelling conceit, beyond the idea that Anakin Skywalker would eventually turn to the Dark Side. Yet they also tried to move beyond the simplistic "good vs evil" conflicts in the original technology. They didn't succeed at this, but their ambition to tell more subtle, political stories about how easy it is to be corrupted by power and greed offered more nuance than they get credit for. This falls mostly on Lucas because everyone and their grandmother knows he can't write dialogue; he never could. He is a visionary. You have to ask yourself, are you as emotionally invested in a story when you already know the outcome...the answer is no. That's why the prequels are only good when you watch Episode 1-6 in order. It gets progressively better until, to steal Darth Vader's quote, "The circle is now complete." You watch just the Original Trilogy it is like "What is this prequel crap???"

The Force Awakens takes a totally opposite approach, mostly just offering up far too slavish devotion to the entire Original Trilogy. Yes there's a new poorly developed conflict between good and evil. There is a new character who must be trained in the ways of the Force, yet there are plot points and character beats that are lifted wholesale, or just disguised with a simple gender flip. That's lame when it comes to storytelling when it lacks true originality. That's why The Force Awakens is trapped by its forebears. Everyone wants to say that this was a return to form. The series was not a massacre in a scrap heap after the prequels, that's the language of over zealous fanboys who want to crucify George Lucas for doing whatever he wanted with "his" story/series. The Force Awakens is a total disappointment and the greatest fraud in the history of film. The Original Trilogy is 24 Karat Gold, The Force Awakens is Fool's Gold...it look like Star Wars, sounds like Star Wars, but it doesn't shine like Star Wars. I rather watch A New Hope 10 times in a row on my 60" HD home set-up then spend $13 to watch The Force Awakens in IMAX, pretty much says it all.… Expand

51 of 86 users found this helpful5135

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1

Serious_catJan 1, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I hated Lucas prequel, but at least he tried something.
Here we just have a lazy rehash of a new hope featuring such original features as:
* another desert planet
* another snow planet
* another cantina
* another Yoda character, except red
* another death star
* guess what, this death star happens to have a trench to its weak point. I guess it's a mandatory feature
* another death star exploding
Also for some reason, despite the fact the Rebellion killed the Emperor and blown up the Death Star (the second one), 30 years later it's still the Rebellion fighting the Empire except now the Rebellion is called the Resistance and the Empire is called the First Order, because... Well because probably the writers were afraid of coming up with original ideas.

The Kylo Ren character is kind of interesting in that he has some personality. The main problem is it's the personality of a whiny child, almost a Scott Evil parody which is *actually* played for laughs once in the movie. While it is a bit refreshing it is actually very inappropriate for a villain that should instill some menace and that instead is so inefficient at litterally everything that you almost want to point and laugh at him. The general guy seems looks like some teenager in an ill-fitting costume and Darth CGI is, well, just big lump of CGI. In fact the bad guys are so inept almost like cluncky cartoon villains. Maybe they didn't to scare children because Disney? Anyway it's bad.

The good guys are as white bread as it goes. The Finn character is supposed to have some depth because he was a stormtrooper or something but seriously who cares, he just ends being your generic wise-cracking sidekick.
Rey makes you think about some bad video game character. She is completly bland. She can do anything and she goes from one Serie's main character to another in a series of pointless cameos.
The characters from the old trilogy are shoe-horned into the movie for no good reason.

The plot is the same as in "a New Hope" except with more coincidences. The Death Star is bigger but it blows up just the same. Actually when the Rebel... eh, I mean the Resistance blows it up your just surprised not having some StormTrooper yelling "Oh, no, not again!".

Again, I hated Lucas prequels but at least he was trying to come up with new ideas. In comparisons this movie is some kind of souless counterfeit concocted by Disney's mad scientists.

Oh, yeah, the laser saber fights ditched the dumb jumping around from the prequels to something more appropriate. So at least there's something.… Expand

58 of 98 users found this helpful5840

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3

LeatherwoodJan 1, 2016

I'm a regular fan of star wars movies and games, with that being said here is my opinion. SWTFA is full of completely unbelievable coincidences. The characters find each other as if everyone is down the street or something. This movie is justI'm a regular fan of star wars movies and games, with that being said here is my opinion. SWTFA is full of completely unbelievable coincidences. The characters find each other as if everyone is down the street or something. This movie is just way too much like the other star wars movies, like nothing else ever happens. The Bad people want to kill the good and innocent people for absolutely no reason at all. Kylo Ren "the main bad guy of these films" is a cry baby that gets his ass handed to him by a little girl that for some reason has gained great saber fighting and force abilities all within like a day, not even. Finn is literaly just some random guy. The first order attacks the resistance with all the characters in the movie all at the same place and all in the same day... None of this stuff is really believable. I enjoy the atmosphere of star wars movies, but this one had me thinking " this feels like too many things are happening all at once that are very very unlikely to happen within a day or two". The Strong female role is just tacked on just because. These movies are popular among white males most of all, but they have an interracial relationship development between a white female and a black male in this movie that just does not seem like its believable or fits in any way. These movies would be better off if they would just go many years in the future without ever mentioning anything about older star wars movies and just start with fresh new character and stories. J. J. Abrams is being replaced as director of episode 8 because they knew he screwed it up. Its worth watching just to see how a great franchise can be treated by uninspired money grabbing **** like disney.… Expand

58 of 99 users found this helpful5841

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2

houseonahillJan 1, 2016

Vulgar commercialism + recycled, predictable, and banal storytelling. The film introduces no real emotion or connection and levies a foolish amount of shallow comic relief in moments that otherwise could have benefited from taking themselvesVulgar commercialism + recycled, predictable, and banal storytelling. The film introduces no real emotion or connection and levies a foolish amount of shallow comic relief in moments that otherwise could have benefited from taking themselves more seriously to create some tension. Abrams filmmaking has no soul - its all technique and hacking.… Expand

85 of 142 users found this helpful8557

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3

lunanulJan 1, 2016

The best one could hope for in such a movie would be for the creative staff to mine the old stuff for gold and serve it up in a fresh, new way. What I witnessed was a kind of reverse alchemy wherein the gold was transformed to (mostly) lead,The best one could hope for in such a movie would be for the creative staff to mine the old stuff for gold and serve it up in a fresh, new way. What I witnessed was a kind of reverse alchemy wherein the gold was transformed to (mostly) lead, with an occasional blink of polished brass. I am very fond of the first two movies in the original trilogy (episode IV and V) and haven't seen much magic come out of Star Wars movies since then. There was one fine scene in ep. VII that truly captured the old magic, but that was it. 2 minutes out of 135 is not a golden ratio. That said, a person who has never seen the original trilogy could be in for a real treat. Maybe.… Expand

56 of 95 users found this helpful5639

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0

jofloJan 1, 2016

This may have been the greatest movie disappointment of my life. As a fan of Star Wars and a fan of just good movies, I was expecting a great film based on the kind of reaction that this film was getting. Instead, I couldn't wait for theThis may have been the greatest movie disappointment of my life. As a fan of Star Wars and a fan of just good movies, I was expecting a great film based on the kind of reaction that this film was getting. Instead, I couldn't wait for the film to be over it was so bad. There was no imagination shown on the part of this creative team whatsoever. It was all just a collection of scenes copied from previous Star Wars films with just enough difference to allow them to pretend it was something new. That's bad enough, but even if one was blind to the fact that it was just a cut & paste of other films, the overall quality was awful. Repeatedly, I was thinking to myself, "Why would that happen? Why would they do that? That was just stupid." The only question for me is, will I even bother with the next episode. My strong leaning right now is, no, and if a first film turns me off that much from even considering the second, it is a complete failure: 0/10.… Expand

102 of 170 users found this helpful10268

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7

BorgorosJan 1, 2016

This movie have indeed awaken my interest in Star Wars again. I have seen the original trilogy countless times, and this is just what a new trilogy needs. In every way! I've seen it 2 times, and the second time gave me even more. It has someThis movie have indeed awaken my interest in Star Wars again. I have seen the original trilogy countless times, and this is just what a new trilogy needs. In every way! I've seen it 2 times, and the second time gave me even more. It has some similarities to ep. 4, but the main plot is its own. The Force and Luke truly guides Rey when things intensifies.

The hate this movie gets from people is weird, but when the 2 following episodes are out the haters and trolls will see that their negativity didnt hold. Its a Trend to be over the top negative these days... To give this movie a 0 is just too stupid to be taken seriously.… Expand

4 of 36 users found this helpful432

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0

AlexandrosKJan 1, 2016

From the standpoint of "movies," where people act and the director directs, this is the worst movie I have ever seen.

Some reviewers are reviewing this based on "Star Wars," which is fine, but I feel that the Phantom Menace, which wasFrom the standpoint of "movies," where people act and the director directs, this is the worst movie I have ever seen.

Some reviewers are reviewing this based on "Star Wars," which is fine, but I feel that the Phantom Menace, which was panned, was an infinitely better Star Wars movie than this because it was a fine "movie" irrespective of its Star Wars-ness.

Other reviewers have touched on the plot holes, insufferable Mary Sue main character, and how the movie is a tired (incompetent) rehash of the first Star Wars movie, but the Force Awakens greatest failings have nothing to do with the plot:

The Force Awakens is the worst movie I have ever seen because the actors don't have any charisma.

The two greatest offenders of this, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, mercifully are not the main characters. For the moments they do appear, of which there many, I was squirming in my seat over how bad the dialogue was. Mind you, the script is terrible, but these actors went even less than phoning it in: it's like they realized how terrible the script was and did everything they could to make the movie fail on purpose.

There are soft, emotional moments between the characters they play and it is cringe worthy to watch. Both actors seem to convey their loathing for the script in their role as they vomit out the words to what the director doubtlessly intended to be a touching scene.

Moving on to the other characters: The male lead is mostly forgettable, but he probably did the best he could with the script; the female lead, on the other hand, has the personality of a potato. She spends the entire movie acting out her role as if her character was the lead to a Twilight movie (noted for the main character's lack of personality), but somehow manages to find new depths of emotional range.

The villains:

Many have touched on the co-badguy's petulant and childish tantrums, but that is the fault of the script, not the actor. The problem is the actor himself looks like a petulant kid who would get beaten up in some highschool movie. Miscast or perfect cast? I can't tell; the script seems to imply they cast him perfectly! Unfortunately, the whiny, petulant, insufferable attitude being broadcast by someone the movie is trying to tell me is some evil dark lord of evil space wizard does worse than break immersion, it made me laugh out loud in the theater at moments that were no doubt intended to be suspenseful.

The other co-badguy villain is doubtlessly intended to be some villainous, threatening, gestapo-like, space general, but again, casting chose not only an incompetent actor, but the completely wrong look to convey anything but derision from the audience. The soft features of his face, the youthful look, the ginger complexion, and the boyish british accent makes me feel that he would be better suited to a role as a protagonist in a Harry Potter film than the evil, nazi-like, space general he attempts to portray in the Force Awakens.

Now that we've examined the main characters in the film, let's talk about how they interact with eachother, which is the true awfullness that permeates the Force Awakens.

I've briefly examined the Harrison Ford/Carrie Fisher interactions, but that's only a small slice of the terrible chemistry that exists between actors in the film.

The male lead and female lead don't appear to be in the same film: the male lead will act as if he's in a different movie than the female lead. Whereas Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher seem to share their vehemence for the franchise, script, and possibly director, it looks like the male lead and female lead are trying their best and making it worse.

The male lead will make a statement with, say, emotional scale A.

The female lead will then respond with emotional scale motor oil. That is to say, it's not even the same universe of emotion.

Forget about the actors being in the same room, one begins to wonder if they've even read the (awful) script beyond the lines they parrot out because they don't actually seem to be interacting with the other actors in the film.

Though Harrison Ford delivers his tired interactions with the spirit of someone who was paid a lot of money just to show up, the other actors put an effort and zeal into interacting with other characters, but the performances end up as buffoonish and trite.

Charisma, there is none in this movie. It's as if the actors aren't in the same room and they have no idea who they're talking to: almost is if they're reciting lines from a script devoid of anything but their own lines.

Why is anyone saying this movie is good? I feel tricked and cheated; do I live in Clown World now? Is up down and left right?

I signed up for an account just to review this movie; the positive reviews make me wonder if I have been transported to an alternate reality where the values & standards of the real world no longer apply.… Expand

88 of 149 users found this helpful8861

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2

anichelsJan 1, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Star Wars: The Force Awakens sucks big time. Probably the worst SW movie made.

It starts off very strongly they introduce great new characters like Rey, Poe, and BB8 pretty early on. Kylo Ren comes out of his ship, looks like a total badass - stops a blaster shot in mid-air. - At this point, I'm totally buying into the movie.

Within the next 1/2 hour, I quickly got annoyed by the extremely **** writing and bad story-telling.
- We are led to believe that the First Order is this neo-Nazi totalitarian equivalent, we see it right in the beginning by their ruthless killing of a seemingly innocent village. I thought that it is crappy writing, since I cannot empathize at all with the motives of the villains. It's J.J's crappy way of showing us who the "bad" guys are.
- Then a bunch of ridiculous coincidences happen, Finn, BB-8 and Rey unite and form some kind of trio. More coincidences happen, and they meet up with Han Solo and Chewbacca. During this entire time, Rey can do absolutely no wrong, apparently she's a super genius who knows how to pilot, fix circuitry, fight with a light saber, she can use the Jedi Mind Trick - most on her first attempts ever, with no training.

Remember that badass Sith Apprentice who stopped a blaster bolt in mid-air, well he had a light saber fight with a space janitor, who was able to somehow tag him on the shoulder. And then afterwards, got over powered by a girl who had not used a light saber in at least 10 years (we don't know if she was part of Luke's Jedi school).

I'm all for strong female characters, but this movie was such ****
And Captain Phasma sucks too, looks like Boba Fett but has no backbone. - She nicely represents the whole theme of the movie: Hype + Visuals; but actually sucks.

This is completely leaving out the massive plot holes
- The rebels won in Episode 6, Return of the Jedi - Why is the galactic setting the same as A New Hope?
- How does the First Order (Who LOST in Episode 6) - build a super massive Death Star 3.0, where did they find the time and resources to build it? Nobody in the Republic knew it was being built?
- How does Kylo Ren, son of Han Solo and Leia, nephew of Luke Skywalker, go to the dark side, and why would a Sith Lord waste his time on this emotionally unstable person?
- The light saber CHOSE Rey??? - What is this Harry Potter?

I could go on - I'm giving it 2/10

The Great
Poe, BB-8
The Good
- Rey (acting skills), Han Solo and Chewie, Picture, Sound, Millennium Falcon
The Bad
- Finn, Rey (being too perfect), , Kylo Ren, Setting, R2-D2 inexplicably being inactive and having "the map"
The Awful
- 3rd Death Star (very original), Luke's 10 seconds of screen time, Entire Plot (a really bad remake of A New Hope), C3P-O's red arm, Phasma, First Order, Kylo Ren's emotions.… Expand

94 of 156 users found this helpful9462

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1

LucasMoltoJan 1, 2016

Worst of them all. Shame on Disney and the director you have ruin this world. Really bad script and editing. Score was awful and the acting from tv movie.

78 of 131 users found this helpful7853

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5

spodvollJan 1, 2016

Although Episode VII was cinematically *very* well-executed , the concept and story were completely and disappointingly unoriginal. There was not a single plot device which we had not seen before in previous series installments. And theAlthough Episode VII was cinematically *very* well-executed , the concept and story were completely and disappointingly unoriginal. There was not a single plot device which we had not seen before in previous series installments. And the villian was EMO to the point of cringe-worthiness.

I noted quite a bit of attention paid in social media to Carrie Fisher's appearance, which is a shame. OTOH, her performance was surpisingly quite wooden. I thought her performances in the first 3 movies were quite good. In any case, perhaps some people intuitively realized a substantive deficiency in Fisher's performance this go-around but couldn't consciously grasp the source of their dissatisfaction and focused instead on the superficial.

My 13-year old and 8-year-old kids enjoyed it greatly and that's some consolation.… Expand

28 of 48 users found this helpful2820

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0

tripitDec 31, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Drink the koolade Luke, the Force does not awaken, it merely rehashes itself in heap of poorly written dialog, a tantrum throwing baby Vader for the millennium set, a Jedi girl, who instantly picks up in a few hours what it took everyone else ages to master, a new and not so improved Death Star, a guest roll by smegal as the evil overlord and a painfully "to the letter" rehash. It's not a wonder that Harrison Ford begged to kill off Solo and Lucas himself does not approve of the film. This film is nothing more than the bean counters at Disney capitalizing on 40 years of Star Wars in the most simplistic and uninspiring way possible, to prepare the koolade drinkers for more worthless garbage under the Star Wars banner and new expanded theme park rides.… Expand

78 of 131 users found this helpful7853

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3

JamieMadrox85Dec 31, 2015

This movie is a lazy cut and paste of a new hope, i really don't understand how people are giving this movie such high scores. The main characters Rey and Finn weren't likable characters. The villain Kylo Ren was a complete joke, so much soThis movie is a lazy cut and paste of a new hope, i really don't understand how people are giving this movie such high scores. The main characters Rey and Finn weren't likable characters. The villain Kylo Ren was a complete joke, so much so in fact that most of the audience on launch night kept laughing at him and while I'm not against humor in a star wars film this is done to the detriment of the character. He really cannot be taken seriously anymore after a point in the movie. I was even disappointed by the musical score, i was sure there was no way John Williams had anything to do with this one but i was wrong. There certainly wasn't a "duel of the fates" or "battle of the heroes". And i won't even get into the numerous plot holes in the movie simply because i don't feel like writing a review that long. In short this movie is crap and gave me a new appreciation for the prequels. (Yes, I'm an original trilogy fan)… Expand

67 of 114 users found this helpful6747

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2

crnppsclsDec 31, 2015

An amateurish cash grab attempt which works well due to the franchised fan base, i honestly don't know where to begin.

The Antagonist just came across as a termpermental emo with parental issues, i am absolutely stunned at the casting ofAn amateurish cash grab attempt which works well due to the franchised fan base, i honestly don't know where to begin.

The Antagonist just came across as a termpermental emo with parental issues, i am absolutely stunned at the casting of him. Although the screenplay definitely did not help.
Starkiller base........ LOL

Zero character development meant you had little empathy for the good guys, a fundamental need in filmaking. I just didn't care who was doing what half an hour in.
The script could've been put together by a fan, it was that bad.

Plenty of toys to be bought i guess,to rekindle some of that 40bn.
5 for the movie -3 because it's star wars and nearly a total excercise in plagiarism by Abrams.

So disappoint… Expand

80 of 133 users found this helpful8053

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6

LaneMeyerDec 31, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. TFA has some serious flaws which are quite obvious. I did find the movie entertaining, although it's impossible to ignore the pitfalls of the movie. It's a remake of the original. Lack of character development. It's geared towards teenagers. And the biggest flaw I think was the scene where they took the droid into the the tavern. If the whole Empire is looking for the droid, why the hell would you take it into a public tavern where anyone and their mother will see it. Is Han and company really that stupid?… Expand

8 of 16 users found this helpful88

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0

MrCommonSenseDec 31, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Let me start by saying that JJ Abrams is quite possibly the biggest hack on the planet with the release of this movie.

70% in this movie was taken from the original trilogy. One of the main characters, A force sensitive girl. Is stuck on a desert planet in the middle of nowhere and her family is killed by the empire. Leaving her with no reason to stay on the planet.

The empire has somehow turned a planet into a rip off of a death star, and the rebel forces attack and of course destroy it. (But not before they fly through a trench of course).

The main bad guy is a cheap rip off of darth vader, mask and all. And he fails in every possible way to be an interesting or even remotely worthwhile character. It is revealed early on that he is an anorexic snow white emo pretty boy with the depth and complexity of a mud puddle and maturity of a five year old with the temper tantrums to match.

This utter loser literally does nothing the entire movie but throw temper tantrums and whine about being a useless piece of crap. Oh, And they made him han and leia's son and he ends up killing han in a truly **** way. You know, Just to give him a reason to exist. Because who cares about being original?

Is this **** starting to sound familiar? A masked villain dressed in black? A large round object capable of destroying an entire solar system? A force sensitive child left alone on a desert planet? Seriously? You get tasked with bringing the most beloved film franchise in history back and you do a garbage unoriginal half assed re imagining of the original? JJ Abrams, You freaking SUCK.

Now onto a list of OTHER reasons why this movie is lame.

1. Light saber combat is slow and painfully awkward. These fools act like they are swinging 20 pound sledgehammers instead of beams of pure energy.

2. They bring in main characters and pretty much just have them stand there for the duration of their screen time. It's like the idiots forgot to actually write them into the script. princess leia just stands there and only moves like three times the entire time she's on screen.

3. We all know that the force takes a lifetime to truly master, Right? Well the main jedi chick pretty much masters the force in a day despite never before being exposed to jedi teachings or anything. Even managing to pull the jedi mind trick out of her ass and reading the mind of han's worthless coward of a son at one point. Skills that are supposed to take years to learn. Luke spent three movies learning how to use the force and this little girl does it in 30 minutes. Right.

4. I hope you don't like serious movies because this movie tries to make a joke like every ten minutes it seems. Star wars isn't a comedy you idiots!

This movie is nothing but special effects and recycled characters and plots made exclusively to take your money and leave no lasting impression. This trilogy is already shaping up to be the death of star wars as a series. No depth. No complexity. Not even worthwhile characters or even an ounce of character development. Abrams is the M Night Shyamalan of scifi without a doubt. A complete and total hack with no real skill who gets work because his name is famous.… Expand

94 of 158 users found this helpful9464

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10

BruceDCulpepperDec 31, 2015

I was very excited about the news of a new Star Wars Saga movie picking up after Return of the Jedi. I was reading many things after I found out Disney was taking over. Since I'm a huge Star Wars fan I was really worried that there would beI was very excited about the news of a new Star Wars Saga movie picking up after Return of the Jedi. I was reading many things after I found out Disney was taking over. Since I'm a huge Star Wars fan I was really worried that there would be some unexplained pieces or complete rewrites. I have seen that some of the direction that was taken was disagreeable to Lucas and others that have followed Star Wars and the many novels that have been written around the stories.
I think the biggest challenge was that they had to reset what was canon and what wasn't part of the core story from books that were in the past considered to be important for the continuing Saga. I think they probably could have used the information that was in the Legends book, but in clear Disney fashion, they took the ideas, reworded them, renamed them, placed characters in different lineages, made up a few and disfigured the story from the Star Wars Legends books.
But this isn't about Disney Policy, it's about the movie. I was enthralled from the beginning. I was very much anticipating the movie and was afraid I might be disappointed, but my friends knowing me well, assured me that I wouldn't be.
They were right. The cast was top notch. The special effects were on point. The camera work was fun to watch. The emotional roller-coaster had me in tears by the end. I was impressed with all the work that was done and really enjoyed the story for what it was intended to be. I'm a bit biased on Star Wars material, and I would have really gone crazy if they had stuck to the Legends Story line a little better, but it was close enough.
And unusual fashion, there was that ending. Not the usual celebratory ending of the Lucas Films gone by, but a silent scene with spectacular views and an absolute intention to continue the story.
Very impressive.… Expand

3 of 33 users found this helpful330

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0

mizthebizDec 31, 2015

The movie gets a 0 because it's a lie. I paid to see a new movie, not a shoddy remake with actor and prop cameos. It was like ordering a steak and getting raw meatloaf. I didn't want to see a remake, I wanted to see a sequel, period.The movie gets a 0 because it's a lie. I paid to see a new movie, not a shoddy remake with actor and prop cameos. It was like ordering a steak and getting raw meatloaf. I didn't want to see a remake, I wanted to see a sequel, period.

I'm a casual Star Wars fan. I didn't hate Episode 1, 2, and 3, but I didn't love them. I don't think Star Wars 4-6 were the greatest movies of all time either. I know the story line, and I like it, but I'm not emotionally invested in the franchise. I just literally wanted to see a movie with an interesting story line, and was willing to accept substandard acting and cringe worthy humor. Well, I got 2 out of the 3.

I know you can't talk about JJ Abrams without mentioning the Star Trek reboots. I liked those movies. They were over the top with action and explosions, but actually had reasonably interesting story lines. I liked the old Star Trek movies as well. They are both good story lines and told in very different styles.

Won't be watching episode 8, if they ever make it. The story line of 7 is so bad, I can't possibly imagine how the franchise will be saved without a do-over.

Even for the psychopaths that don't mind being mislead and lied to, there's no chance this movie is a perfect 10 out of 10. 10/10 means it's one of the greatest movies of all time. Give me a break.… Expand

129 of 216 users found this helpful12987

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0

InFijiDec 31, 2015

In a galaxy far, far away, some folks have talent and a desire to make movies with texture. Sadly, none were contacted in the making of this film.

More to the point, it's pathetic - wooden acting, CFisher appears hunchback, HFord so oldIn a galaxy far, far away, some folks have talent and a desire to make movies with texture. Sadly, none were contacted in the making of this film.

More to the point, it's pathetic - wooden acting, CFisher appears hunchback, HFord so old his role here seems eerily reminiscent of the last SConnery Bond movie in which his teeth whistled. The notion one would be asked here to check if one revealed spoilers is, sadly, laughable: there's nothing fresh in this movie - and therefore nothing capable of spoilage. If you've seen the first movie, you've seen this, though the former far more entertaining.

Besides giving an honest opinion, though, my reason for writing was this - the discrepancy between the scores given by professional reviewer and everyday "user" on this site is overwhelming. Good lord, it's tragic - is there no honesty left amongst you eaters of broken meat?… Expand

55 of 95 users found this helpful5540

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0

NazguleroDec 31, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Really, I had a bad feeling about this one even before sitting down in theatre. After 30 seconds I thought no, they are not going to tilt the camera down to show a planet. Well, they did. I felt like a 13 year old kid again, because that was my age when I first watched A New Hope. Either way, the first 15 or 20 minutes were actually quite entertaining, minus a few minor issues, such as the twin seat TIE fighter, Poe the pilot being ejected upon crash landing, but his jacket, which was ON him at the time, not having so much as a scratch, a storm trooper being able to just abduct a high profile prisoner on board of a star destroyer without his buddies even noticing, or the Millennium Falcon sitting in the desert for more than twenty years collecting dust and sand and still being fully functional.
When Solo's cargo ship tractor beamed the Falcon, things started to get ugly. No, Han's boyish smirk just doesn't work anymore when the rest of his body has aged and now looks like the host of Wrinklemania.
Anyway, too much of a coincidence for him to be there at that exact moment. And how the heck did the hooligans with heavy British accents get on his ship completely unnoticed ? By that time, I wanted J.J. Abrams to be eaten alive by one of the rathtars. But things got even worse when Leia showed up; that is what happens to post menopause aged women, nobody wants to see them anymore, especially not in numerous never ending close ups. We now also know why Carrie Fisher never had an acting career.
How the heck did Kylo Ren get Darth Vader's helmet ? And why the heck was HE wearing a mask ? Vader needed it for life support, Kylo did not. That said, he should have never taken it off. Never take off a mask when you are the villain, especially if under that mask you look like a cheap porn actor in a gay movie.
The most cringeworthy scene was the Nuremberg style space nazi gathering including the red and black wall decoration and the Adolf like speech with General Hux foaming at the mouth. Add to that Snoke, who came up with that ridiculous name ? Snoke, who looks like the mutated love child of E.T. and Gollum...he also looks sick. Fresh air and a few vitamin pills might help.
To sum it up: a complete mess.… Expand

68 of 116 users found this helpful6848

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6

mace8704Dec 31, 2015

With the original trilogy, I loved the villains/empire. As a kid, the empire was truly terrifying and cool. So while I enjoyed the addition of Finn and BB-8, Kylo Ren, Phasma, and Snoke were all huge let downs. Kylo Ren comes off as anotherWith the original trilogy, I loved the villains/empire. As a kid, the empire was truly terrifying and cool. So while I enjoyed the addition of Finn and BB-8, Kylo Ren, Phasma, and Snoke were all huge let downs. Kylo Ren comes off as another angsty teen and lacks the intimidation and mystery of Darth Vader. Phasma is underdeveloped and does practically nothing the entire film. Snoke is a CGI character which I've always struggled to connect with on a personal level. To make matters worse, Rey, the new protagonist, was laughably phenomenal at everything with no training. Need a pilot? Rey can do it. Need a mechanic? Rey can do that too? Need to take down a New Order genocidal maniac? Rey will close her eyes for a few seconds and take care that lickety split.. Don't get me wrong. The film is fun, but lacks the creativity and strong antagonist of the original trilogy. Still an improvement over the prequels, but I was expecting more.… Expand

26 of 44 users found this helpful2618

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2

Ml3805Dec 31, 2015

I was extremely disappointed in this movie, I had high hopes with Abrams work on Star Trek. The prequels weren't great but were better than this. I fear Disney will kill this franchise. I'm shocked that it received so many positive reviews.

88 of 149 users found this helpful8861

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0

NlamDec 31, 2015

I started getting nervous when I kept hearing from all of these people who knew little to nothing about Star Wars how great it was, people who had no idea what made Star Wars great. And it turns out my fears were justified. This movie isI started getting nervous when I kept hearing from all of these people who knew little to nothing about Star Wars how great it was, people who had no idea what made Star Wars great. And it turns out my fears were justified. This movie is awful. There is nothing original in the entire two hours, and it is NOT made for people who love the franchise. This is for young people who have never seen it before and don't realize how derivative it is from the other films, especially episode 4. No risks are taken and no imagination shown. The result: a truly useless final product. I will not be back for more.… Expand

69 of 116 users found this helpful6947

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7

RobobobDec 31, 2015

Here's the most honest fan review of the Force Awakens you'll see on this site. This is coming from a life long fan of Star Wars.

First let's talk about all of the extreme hate this movie seems to be getting with some fans. This movie isHere's the most honest fan review of the Force Awakens you'll see on this site. This is coming from a life long fan of Star Wars.

First let's talk about all of the extreme hate this movie seems to be getting with some fans. This movie is not perfect and I'll explain that later, but giving this movie anything below a 3 because "it's a remake of the original" is just ridiculous. So this movie is so bad that it's worse than Fantastic Four?!? Taken 3?!? Attack of the Killer Tomatoes?!? Sure, there are elements that are similar to other movies, but whether you are a fan of the prequels or the originals you could say the same for many of the other Star Wars movies. The attack on the second Death Star in Return of the Jedi is very similar to the big battle in A New Hope. Anakin growing up on Tatooine parallel's Luke's childhood. The Wookies (in ep III) and Gungans (in ep I) are very similar to the Ewoks "nature vs technology" theme from episode 6. So, why this gets so much extra hate I'll never know. In all honest I think many of the extreme negative reviews are written by prequel children who are sore at the fact that a new Star Wars (not helmed by Lucas) is getting rave reviews and breaking every box office record on the planet. Notice how most of the hateful reviewers have oddly Star Wars specific user-names and also have terrible grammar and spelling. Might give you a hint to the mindset of who is writing multiple reviews for the same movie. If that doesn't help, click on a reviewer (positive or negative) and you'll see some that have 1 or few reviews.. that's the sign of someone creating multiple accounts to review a movie more than once in effect drastically changing it's score.
Anyways, now onto the Pros and Cons:

Cons:
* There is way too much coincidence in JJ's story telling. All of the characters in the movie just happen to run into each other to make the story happen. Objects and MacGuffins just show up in the strangest places because they are needed for the story. You can say it's fate.. or destiny.. or the Force, but I think it's just lazy writing. With some thought and effort there could be a better way to get the story to come together.
* Where are all of the cool aliens and species from the last 6 movies? As a Star Wars buff I did not see any of the aliens I've seen in Star Wars lore over the last 40 years. In that regard it didn't seem as much like Star Wars and could have been any sci-fi epic.
* JJ put a little too much mystery in my Star Wars. It seems like we are dropped in the middle of a story, not at the beginning. I left the movie with more questions than answers.

Pros
* Han Solo is the star of this film and for good reason. In the previous films he was just part of the secondary (or third) story line, but here he and his smuggling past is front and center.
* Kyle Ren is an interesting new villain. Though he might try to emulate a famous Sith lord, he is anything but. I find that a lot more interesting than just another cool-headed, scheming, uber-powerful Sith master.
* The original Star Wars heroes were archetypes of fantasy characters like the old wizard, the princess, the pirate and the farm boy. Well this movie they archetypes of the Star Wars universe itself... a stormtrooper, an ace pilot and a scavenger. I love that.
* Though some of JJ's directing style might be a little too flashy for my tastes, everything else in movie.. from the practical effects are top notch.
* Humor is back in Star Wars and in a good way. I'm laughing with the move instead of at it as in previous films.
* There are some genuinely heart breaking moments in this movie. There is so much more emotion and passion in this movie, something I think the Star Wars universe has been missing for a couple decades now.

In short, the first half of the movie is too much coincidence and everything quickly and conveniently falls into place, but once the movie finds it's pace it turns into the 3rd or 4th best Star Wars movie of all time. It's a good beginning to a new trilogy and I can't wait to see what's next in the Star Wars universe.… Expand

5 of 40 users found this helpful535

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9

pizzatindaDec 31, 2015

After a second viewing I found the film to hold up and my critiques after my first viewing did not feel so severe. The film on its own is seemingly masterful. Vibrant characters with appropriate story arcs. Expansive feel to the universe.After a second viewing I found the film to hold up and my critiques after my first viewing did not feel so severe. The film on its own is seemingly masterful. Vibrant characters with appropriate story arcs. Expansive feel to the universe. Good, sometimes great acting. Nothing was gimicky. Nothing took me out of the story.

Contextualizing this to its prequels, you can certainly have some more complaints. But it has been 30+ years since the original trilogy. I would have liked to see a move further in another direction, moving farther away from the previous 6 films. But ultimately I am quite happy to know that the spirit of star wars is alive and well.… Expand

3 of 32 users found this helpful329

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5

theoutsiderinDec 31, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Force Jumps the Shark

After all the hype, the film, a beautifully realised remake of Episode 4 featuring another Death Star. Its new female chosen one undermines the credibility of the story. Let me explain.

Disney and JJ Abrams wanted to have a massive hit that appealed to fans, so viola, instead of pursuing a new course, they rehashed Episode 4 with the same identical plot points BUT had a woman, not a man, at the centre of the action. Unlike men, who have to train, suffer and earn their use of the Force, everything comes easy to Rey. Fix and fly a starship with zero problem? Use the Force, wield a lightsaber, beat men who are twice your size and have trained all their lives to fight? Easy for a woman heroine. This balderdash undermines the credibility of the rehash. As Han Solo nods, impressed at everything Rey does (she's either his or Luke's daughter, of course we'll find out down the line), Rey goes from poor scavenger to resistance leader without any resistance. No shooting womp rats on Tatooine, no learning the force at the Jedi school, no Yoda training, no modesty learned (Fear is the path to the dark side) - she is a woman and therefore, brave, strong and perfect in every way. Women never have to struggle to achieve things like men, they are born to rule.

Such is the nonsense offered by The Force Awakens. All of this is couched in a beautifully made action spectacular, pretty well acted by Star Wars standards (not very high!) and a hype machine that is faster and better than any in the universe. Not only is the plot a retread, but it has more coincidences in it than any story I've ever heard. Leave that to the nerds who will attack it in their reviews.

Worth seeing, if only because everyone will see it.… Expand

16 of 28 users found this helpful1612

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1

JustinsbDec 31, 2015

Daisy Ridley ("Rey") was brilliant and may save the franchise - overall though this is the most overhyped movie of the decade. The performances were mostly weak, the script was mediocre, other than Rey the new characters are uninteresting (orDaisy Ridley ("Rey") was brilliant and may save the franchise - overall though this is the most overhyped movie of the decade. The performances were mostly weak, the script was mediocre, other than Rey the new characters are uninteresting (or annoying) and most of the film is borrowed from the original trilogy or other franchises.… Expand

57 of 96 users found this helpful5739

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3

Alastor00Dec 31, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You know what? Special effects are cool. That's why so much people gives 10 (10!!!!).
Han Solo is not the same anymore. The whole story is copy-paste. The final scene is totally nonsense. Kylo Ren is lame and Rey is overpowered. Chewbacca is the only true character of this movie.
And stopping laser midair... c'mon.… Expand

82 of 138 users found this helpful8256

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8

RatedRexDec 31, 2015

I went in with an open mind. I came out pleasantly surprised. The action scenes were exciting. The human interest part of the story was intriguing, as well as emotional. The newcomers, especially Daisy Ridley, were very good. The specialI went in with an open mind. I came out pleasantly surprised. The action scenes were exciting. The human interest part of the story was intriguing, as well as emotional. The newcomers, especially Daisy Ridley, were very good. The special effects were outstanding. And the story moved quickly, with no time for idle conversation. Yes, it may have borrowed a little too much from Stars IV. And maybe Harrison ford and Carrie Fisher have seen their better days. But Overall, ..."The Force Awakens" is a crowning success, the 2nd best of the franchise, behind only "The Empire Strikes Back. Now that all the fans have gotten their Star Wars fix, I expect Episode VIII to take the story to new heights.… Expand

4 of 36 users found this helpful432

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2

zahirDec 31, 2015

What a disaster. It doesn't take a half-brained horse to see the obvious flaws this movie has. Everyone talks about episode 1 and 2 being the worst, but they look like masterpieces compared to this junk. At least the first 2 episodes hadWhat a disaster. It doesn't take a half-brained horse to see the obvious flaws this movie has. Everyone talks about episode 1 and 2 being the worst, but they look like masterpieces compared to this junk. At least the first 2 episodes had creative and original ideas, unlike this travesty. Disney has stolen a huge cultural moment from me because they created such a plot-hole ridden story, that takes leaps in logic to tell a tasteless, classless rip-off of episode 4. George Lucas looks like Charlie Chaplin after this one. Thank you Disney and critically ashamed director J.J. **** for stealing 12 dollars, 2 hours, and earning my disrespect for this embarrassment and abomination in film.… Expand

90 of 149 users found this helpful9059

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7

alexaka1Dec 31, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. TL;DR
They played it safe, They've gone full Marvel and played it safe to be successful. A lot of the movie does things wrong, (twists are introduced poorly). The twists are **** amazing. I loved the who's who aspect of it, but it's presented the worst way possible.
Imagine if Darth Vader told Luke he was his father on the phone, while calling him for the first time in his life. And no introduction, just: "Hey, I'm Darth Vader, your father."
Worst presentation. the fact of who is who's father is good, interesting spin to the story, but how it's just said as a fact was a disaster.… Expand

3 of 23 users found this helpful320

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3

JolexlarisDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you are willing to spend a good time in the cinema with your family you may like this movie. But that all the good I can say about it. The story is just a repetition of episode IV in all possible ways, there’s no ambition, no desire to say anything new. There is nothing new under the sky, and is hard to find an explanation of how this movie justifies its own existence. The original trilogy was an excellent remix of a lot of epic stories, the prequel trilogy was an ambitious attempt to put some deepness and politics in to an action movie, this movie seems to be just a reboot of the original trilogy. It’s just sad.… Expand

78 of 132 users found this helpful7854

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1

WylyQuimbyDec 30, 2015

A lazy con-job by the best con-artists in the business.

The Force Awakens is a poor copy of the original with none of the vision, scope, or artistry. Most of the plot elements, sets, and props are poorly recycled from A New Hope. TheA lazy con-job by the best con-artists in the business.

The Force Awakens is a poor copy of the original with none of the vision, scope, or artistry. Most of the plot elements, sets, and props are poorly recycled from A New Hope. The established rules of the galaxy's lore, technology, politics, and economy tossed out the window. The treatment of the original characters is baffling. Somehow, JJ Abrams has made the galaxy seem small.

If you must watch this train wreck, watch it at second-run theater that serves beer and pizza. Afterwards, I recommend watching the original again.… Expand

57 of 96 users found this helpful5739

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0

hendrikchipmanDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie was a big disappointment. It seemed to rip off from all of the original Star Wars movies.

I wanted to see more of Luke Skywalker, but instead, got a boring story about Han Solo and his son. I also cannot understand how the empire rebuilt itself so quickly after suffering such a huge defeat by the rebels. I would also like to know who the jedi was at the start of the movie was. I actually assumed that it was Luke because he had similar features to a young Mark Hamil. Instead, Luke was removed from the storyline, even though he was the main character in the movies that came before.

Very disappointing.… Expand

35 of 60 users found this helpful3525

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0

ksanfranfanDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the worst Star Wars movie of all. Sure there's action but it lacks any substance. The plot is horrible and all over the place. Fifteen minutes into the movie and you forget after what the mission of the story is all about. I was really hoping to see new ideas and things never seen before in a Star Wars movie but this was even worse.
Sure, many people condemned the prequels but at least you got to see new spacecraft, water craft, planets, new worlds, broadened horizons, great fight scenes, characters that drew you in, the development of characters as they grew throughout each movie and the compelling subject matter. This movie was just too big for Disney and even more J.J> Abrams to fill. Worlds are travelled to in the snap of a finger. Same old fighter air craft, less of them to defeat an already developed super death star?!? WTF? Destroying entire planets with no explanation as to why. The resistance not understanding how to take out the death star planet , remember the ventilation shaft? A scavenger girl that learns the force instantly almost and defeats a trained jedi villain twice with no understanding of what the force even is. Kylo Ren is one of the weakest villains of just about any movie I've ever seen, not just Star Wars. he comes off as plain childish and spoiled rather than frightening.
Everything about this movie just seems small. A call to the First Order and poof! They are there instantly. Then another call to the resistance and poof! they are there to take on the First Order. It doesn't seem hard to find anyone on these planets at all. The whole scale of things are just too small. Fighter aircraft seemed like a fraction of what it used to be. Time travel is less than light years. Worlds seem like just small cities. Even the most sacred jedi weapon is a common tool. Who the hell would want to take something like a lightsaber and turn it into that piece of crap Kylo Ren had? Really? Is this the creativity that we can expect from Disney? I had a fealing that Disney was going to blow it, but I was hoping to give the benefit of a doubt. This whole introduction to The Force Awakens was nothing more than hype and marketing to redeem the 4 billion dollars that they've paid to George Lucas for his biggest selling movies.
People criticize George Lucas for becoming stale and lacking new ideas and story telling but as I've already mentioned, look at all of the new things that he brought to the prequels. Comparing the prequels to this poorly written screen of crap is far and in between. I'll watch the next 2 Star Wars movies on blue ray before I pay for this mess again at a theater. As far as I'm concerned the first 6 Star Wars movies are a trilogy of their own. Starting with 7 and up is going to be a whole different thing.… Expand

78 of 131 users found this helpful7853

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0

ApexpreyDec 30, 2015

It's been quite an emotional ride since seeing episode 7. First I thought, "is something wrong with me? Everyone is talking about this movie like it's the film of the century, but I think it's terrible." Now, thanks to the thoughtful reviewsIt's been quite an emotional ride since seeing episode 7. First I thought, "is something wrong with me? Everyone is talking about this movie like it's the film of the century, but I think it's terrible." Now, thanks to the thoughtful reviews here, I realize, "no there is nothing wrong with me. The movie really is terrible." But now, I just feel sad because the new Star Wars movie is terrible! It's such a downer because I love Star Wars and had such high hopes for the future of this franchise. With all of the money that this film is making, there is no doubt that Disney will double down on this approach and the next one will be terrible too. But at least I'll leave that one knowing that I'm not going crazy for recognizing it as such.… Expand

80 of 135 users found this helpful8055

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10

Ripper89Dec 30, 2015

Perfection. Great movie, however felt like a bit of a mash up of 4 and 6. Wish that Leia's role wasn't so generalised, she needed more character in her.

3 of 43 users found this helpful340

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1

roycatDec 30, 2015

So bad it makes me appreciate Episode 1. It even makes me appreciate Prometheus. no, wait. No it doesn't. Read all the other bad reviews. They articulate the details pretty well. As the excitement of a "new" Star Wars wears off. More peopleSo bad it makes me appreciate Episode 1. It even makes me appreciate Prometheus. no, wait. No it doesn't. Read all the other bad reviews. They articulate the details pretty well. As the excitement of a "new" Star Wars wears off. More people will come forward, into the light, proclaiming their true feelings about this horrible film.… Expand

71 of 117 users found this helpful7146

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0

BradcoDec 30, 2015

Can it really be that bad? Yeah, it really can be that bad, and it is. I couldn't believe that all of these negative reviews could possibly be accurate, especially the zeros, but after seeing it, I wish I could give it a negative number. TheCan it really be that bad? Yeah, it really can be that bad, and it is. I couldn't believe that all of these negative reviews could possibly be accurate, especially the zeros, but after seeing it, I wish I could give it a negative number. The movie isn't just bad, it's downright upsetting. Talk about going from a high to a low. I was expecting the beginning of a great new series of films. Instead, I got a clueless director doing nothing but clumsily reshooting older episodes. We've gone from one of the most imaginative filmmakers in cinema history to a director who apparently has no imagination whatsoever. And after expecting a wedding but getting a funeral, I will not be back in the theatre for the next burial.… Expand

90 of 147 users found this helpful9057

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10

seveanDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I honestly find most of the criticism which is leveled at The Force Awakens to be a bit puzzling. Some people protest, for example, that this movie is a "carbon copy" of A New Hope, yet they express anger and frustration because J.J. Abrams departed from the original trilogy and, unlike Darth Vader, created an antagonist who is conflicted about his morality from the moment we meet him. Others complain that Kylo Ren isn't powerful enough, or that Rey is too powerful. My answer to that would be, give the directors and writers a chance! This is the first movie in a planned trilogy. The entire point of The Force Awakens is to introduce Kylo Ren and to provide an impetus for his final conversion to the Dark Side. When we meet him, the antagonist is in a sort of liminal state, neither good nor bad, and certainly not at the height of his powers. Again, this is one of the many subtle things which set this work apart from its predecessors. As for Rey, well, we know next to nothing about her character; the reason for her abandonment, her relationship to Luke Skywalker, all are a mystery. There are precedents for individuals manifesting Jedi powers without training – Anakin Skywalker comes to mind – and to simply write Rey off without being privy to her backstory is both unfair and shortsighted.

Josh Rottenberg spoke rather insightfully on the topic in a recent LA Times piece: “Abrams opened up the ‘Star Wars’ universe in an unprecedented and important way through the breadth of his casting, which is no small thing. And he and co-writer Lawrence Kasdan came up with some interesting twists on familiar "Star Wars" archetypes, whether it's John Boyega's morally conflicted Stormtrooper Finn or Adam Driver's Kylo Ren, who is more like a misguided, screwed-up school shooter than a one-dimensional embodiment of pure villainy. The fact is, "Star Wars" is not a vast, open-ended cinematic universe. It is — and has always been — a single story of good and evil centered around a single family and animated by a single all-encompassing spiritual system. While a larger expanded universe has developed outside of the films, ‘Star Wars’ on the big screen is not as unbounded and infinitely renewable as something like ‘Star Trek.’ Unlike the James Bond series, you can't just toss in a fresh villain each time out. Unlike a superhero franchise, you can't cross-pollinate it with characters from adjacent fictional worlds. If you just look at the titles of the first two sequels – "The Empire Strikes Back" and "The Return of the Jedi" – you can see that from the start the story was already looping back on itself. For better or worse, some amount of repetition is just baked in.”

Star Wars “fans” need to just settle down, in my opinion, and wait for the consummation of this trilogy before passing final judgment. The Force Awakens shows a lot of promise, both in terms of its use of practical effects, a dynamic cast that has far more chemistry than the stilted characters of the prequels, and a return to the themes which have always been at the heart of the Star Wars universe, e.g. the ties that bind families together. I’ll take that over the trade negotiations and fart jokes of Phantom Menace any day.… Expand

3 of 36 users found this helpful333

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8

DukeSilverDec 30, 2015

The Force Awakens is certainly not as special as the original 3 movies in many ways, and yet it still has the same sense of excitement that you would expect from a Star Wars movie. Some moments seem a bit unnecessary and repetitive. It isThe Force Awakens is certainly not as special as the original 3 movies in many ways, and yet it still has the same sense of excitement that you would expect from a Star Wars movie. Some moments seem a bit unnecessary and repetitive. It is painfully clear that Abrams wanted to avoid every aspect of the prequels. The story as a whole is very similar to the originals but it almost doesn't matter because of how well it was executed. Some of the new characters such as Rey and Kylo Ren are absolutely amazing and set the tone for future movies. Overall a really good film… Expand

3 of 31 users found this helpful328

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0

SangheliZealotXDec 30, 2015

A shameless rip off of New Hope. Rey was a mary sue. Ren was butchered and looked like an incompetent loser at the end. A lot of bad quips too. At least the prequels tried something new.

48 of 82 users found this helpful4834

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0

bbqpaukDec 30, 2015

Such a waste of money. Same old, been there, done that. Same conflicts, many loopholes, same enemy, same plot, same everything. It would be great for someone just starting to enter the Star Wars franchise but if you have ever experienced itSuch a waste of money. Same old, been there, done that. Same conflicts, many loopholes, same enemy, same plot, same everything. It would be great for someone just starting to enter the Star Wars franchise but if you have ever experienced it before in any way shape or form it is just bland.… Expand

56 of 95 users found this helpful5639

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0

QGJDec 30, 2015

A movie made not to tell the next chapter of the saga, but to pander the disgruntled "fans". No, this is not a continuation of the six-part saga from George Lucas. That was a story made by an artist. This is a cheap copy of one of itsA movie made not to tell the next chapter of the saga, but to pander the disgruntled "fans". No, this is not a continuation of the six-part saga from George Lucas. That was a story made by an artist. This is a cheap copy of one of its chapters made to sell.… Expand

94 of 159 users found this helpful9465

All this user's reviews

4

screenplayhouseDec 30, 2015

One of the worst thing about franchises full of hyperventilating fanboys is that they always review the film in and of the franchise. They get excited about Fin and Rei as new Star Wars characters but forget to compare them to any newOne of the worst thing about franchises full of hyperventilating fanboys is that they always review the film in and of the franchise. They get excited about Fin and Rei as new Star Wars characters but forget to compare them to any new characters in any new movie. Once you do that they come off -- at best -- as just okay.

The best way to review FORCE AWAKENS is to momentarily ignore it. I ask you to seek out the teaser trailer #2 for DC'S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW. Watch it. If you are utterly and completely unfamiliar with all these characters, you'll have to admit that the trailer has a reasonable PULSE. That it looks exciting on its own standards. However, if you've followed the franchises that have constructed this trailer -- you know with ZERO DOUBT that EVERY character in this trailer is more interesting than ever new player in FORCE.

With that perspective -- it suddenly occurs to you that despite this trailer being for a TV show that it will -- conservatively speaking -- be comparable in entertainment value. From my perspective the Legends trailer is more exciting than this Star Wars feature. Way better characters, way better story. No contest.

What I'm left with then is why people are going Lady Gaga for FORCE. The most familiar trope is that it reminds them of their childhood. Meeting old friends again, as it were. This oft repeated statement seems to be uttered in an alternate universe -- where was as a movie going society have somehow been deprived of subject matter from our childhood. Last time I checked almost EVERYTHING we watch and see is a remake or sequel from decades ago. How many Spidermen are we up to now? Seriously.

I will go as far to say that every Greg Berlanti hero series has been or will be more fun that all of the Star Wars movies. J.J. Abrams had his chance to introduce a bold new world, but like his Trek offerings --

-- dudes all about dull rehashing.… Expand

25 of 43 users found this helpful2518

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6

MancoDec 30, 2015

Disappointed.

Looking at older reviews, I can see that fans and critics were way too hyped for "Star Wars" and ate up anything on the screen. They ignored the annoying quips, awkward humor, forced plot devices, 'videogame' storytelling,Disappointed.

Looking at older reviews, I can see that fans and critics were way too hyped for "Star Wars" and ate up anything on the screen. They ignored the annoying quips, awkward humor, forced plot devices, 'videogame' storytelling, and one-dimensional characters.

In such a way, this is just a blockbuster Marvel movie with Star Wars dressed up over it. Hence the reason I give it a 6/10. It's entertaining if you don't think too much but it certainly is NOT Star Wars.

Say what you will about the prequels but at least they felt like Star Wars. In this film, the camera techniques are different, the lighting is different. There is no memorable sunset scene with beautiful orchestral music playing, giving the audience hope or a sense of loss. Regarding that notion, some have complained that William's music was lackluster and he may have lost his touch. I suggest instead that Abrams direction allowed very little breathing room for William's music to thrive.

Contrary to what people believe, Star Wars isn't just an action fantasy with laser swords and flashy lights...it draws from Westerns and Kurosawa movies as well. Of which feature panoramic scenery of the landscape in their films, to allow the film to breath and establish its setting. The Force Awakens does none of that.

And in this way, it does not feel like Star Wars at all.… Expand

24 of 41 users found this helpful2417

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5

AustinscififanDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Highly disappointing. How can a neophyte can do as much with a light saber and the force as a trained Sith? Plot is a total rehash. Han Solo wisely departed through death. I think Harrison Ford will be happy in the long run. Why does Ren need a mask given he has no wounds and it would be cumbersome? He is a very weak character as well - not so much evil as childish or irrational. Glitzy production and music save it from a worse rating. Unfortunately, this feels like the story of the emperor with no clothes, but here it is the movie with no soul or intellegence.… Expand

22 of 37 users found this helpful2215

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1

SkipperrDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is not Star Wars.

First, I am not Hard Core Star Wars fan.
Never read any of the star wars books etc.
My family loved all six Star Wars movies, fun for entire family.

Three generations of my family watched this new movie. No one liked it. Why?

I will try to write the main reasons:
1. Plot is hollow - bad copy/paste job from Ep IV through VI.
The main goal is “Find Luke Skywalker” - why, never explained. When they find him - all is over - Bad guys are defeated, their Super Death Star destroyed and their army with it.
2. Scenes are poorly stitched together - too many coincidences.
3. Another Death Star - this time unbelievable. How close to the sun this planet must be to harvest its energy? It is attached to the sun and has atmosphere, forest, snow? Everything should be scorched within seconds. How dumb we should be? Is it a starship-planet or it is built in republic system under their noses to destroy entire republic. Is the Republic only in one star system now?
4. Republic is destroyed by the Super Death Star and Super Death Star with a huge Bad army is destroyed by the Republic. What is left?
5. Characters:
- Good old Han Solo - 70 years old smuggler? Was he not a general and hero in Ep VI? HE WAS KILLED BY HIS OWN SON - who is pathetic bad ass little worm. The worst death of a hero I have ever seen. Sorry, he is not hero in this movie, he is only very insignificant character.
- Princess Leia, why is she here - another very insignificant character. Her part is very small and pale... Zero emotions between her and Solo in the scene where they talk about their son. Very strange, sorry I forgot, C3PO is to be blamed for that.
- Stormtrooper Phil - why is he in this movie? The answer is simple - they wanted a black man with a light saber. They made him look like a cowardly moron. He loses every fight in this movie. First Ray punched him in the face, BB8 shot him in the leg, then his fellow stormtrooper discards a blaster to fight him with some silly weapon and he would have killed him if not..., and finally he is again fighting with light saber against pathetic sith moron (sorry, moron is not correct word - that would mean two morons, I must think of a better word) - he loses again. What a character.
- Bad Guy with some new and scary powers at the beginning - turned out to be a puddy cat. And I called him a moron, sorry again, I really must think of a better word.
- Ray, cute and very shiny - we could have loved her if she was presented more human and less superhuman, sorry wrong word again - supergirl. She is there alone in all her glory, strong independent woman, surrounded by weak, incompetent, moronic (I must stop to use this word) men. Who needs men anyway? Someone else said, she is instant Jedi, knows everything and can learn anything in seconds, really impressive. She eats Sith Lords for breakfast. All characters in this movie are there just to support her greatness.

5. Some power behind this movie really hates men. And, with a very good reason:
Han Solo abandoned his wife and his son - he is a criminal, it is to be expected.
Luke Skywalker abandoned everyone and everything, including his child or children. Entire planets have been destroyed, millions died and he just doesn’t care. Not even for his own blood. How cruel and selfish - even Jar Jar would have said “how rude”.
Supreme leader Snooky, Snoopy, sorry his name is hard to remember, really evil man, kills everyone who stand in his way.
Big Bad Sith (Black) Puddy Cat, he is evil, what can be expected from the son of a criminal. Well, he is evil in a good way, poor, poor boy. He has more good in him the 3 evil men from above (Han, Luke and Snoopy). He just can’t see it. Well, he is not actually bad, he just looks like a frightened school girl and that is his quality.

I give this only one star because it has Star Wars in its title - that is a lie. Without that, it would be 5 or 6 stars.

To all of you who write 10 stars reviews and call us, disappointed people, haters.
There is nothing to hate - just disappointment.

Why are you so upset about negative reviews, when there are 100.000 of you and only a handful of us?

I am not upset with your 10 stars with very short reviews.
And please when you write review and give 10 stars, please explain why (in details) this movie deserves 10 starts in more then two sentences if you can.

To all of you out there, I say, go and see for yourself. Some people may love, others may hate, only you can judge for yourself.… Expand

93 of 155 users found this helpful9362

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8

thevaliantDec 30, 2015

Seven or eight?

In the end it squeaks an eight. As a non Star Wars fan (still not seen either Empire Strikes Back or Return of the Jedi all the way through though my other half dragged me to the poor prequels) I have to say I wasSeven or eight?

In the end it squeaks an eight. As a non Star Wars fan (still not seen either Empire Strikes Back or Return of the Jedi all the way through though my other half dragged me to the poor prequels) I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Harrison Ford really does well but good turns by the actress who plays Reay and the main baddie do make the film worthwhile.

The right amount of humour, action and quieter moments really drew me in. Good job not breaking it!… Expand

2 of 28 users found this helpful226

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9

WooddieBoneDec 30, 2015

Don't listen to these negative reviews.
All of them are just "fans" who think they know what Star Wars is better then the rest of us.
If they had any credibility they would have at least rated the movie instead of giving it a 0. TheDon't listen to these negative reviews.
All of them are just "fans" who think they know what Star Wars is better then the rest of us.
If they had any credibility they would have at least rated the movie instead of giving it a 0.

The acting was beautiful, characters were pin point, humor even better. Subtle but out there proudly.
And yeah, the plot is a bit recycled from Episode IV but as a plot tool it is used in a best way to reintroduce us into this magnificent universe.

It's not a ten for sure but most of the problems with this movie for me was getting used to some details as the continuity is new.… Expand

3 of 31 users found this helpful328

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0

AudimaticDec 30, 2015

FlyingSolo's first line of his review is perfect! How can so many people be going gaga over this trash? I can understand the kids a bit. What do they know? But what about these film critics? There is nothing original in the film at all,FlyingSolo's first line of his review is perfect! How can so many people be going gaga over this trash? I can understand the kids a bit. What do they know? But what about these film critics? There is nothing original in the film at all, and, even though the original movie material that Ep. 7 plagiarizes was great, this remake in disguise can't hold a candle to it. JJ, you are in over your head, and, sadly, even if the next director is better, he's been set up for failure by the trajectory of this mess that you've left for him. Near-universal critical acclaim? Give me a break.… Expand

51 of 87 users found this helpful5136

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0

FlyingSoloDec 30, 2015

To paraphrase Padme from Revenge of the Sith: So this is how Star Wars dies...with thunderous applause. Also, Rey seems to be in the wrong movie. With all her new found powers seems like she belongs in an X-men film. BTW....why doesTo paraphrase Padme from Revenge of the Sith: So this is how Star Wars dies...with thunderous applause. Also, Rey seems to be in the wrong movie. With all her new found powers seems like she belongs in an X-men film. BTW....why does everyone think that Ren is a teen? Adam Driver is 32, and besides aren't Han and Leia like a hundred years old, a little too old to be parents to a teenager I think.

I'm really enjoying all the reviews....I though I was crazy not to like this movie. Nice to know that I'm not alone.
RIP Star Wars.… Expand

90 of 151 users found this helpful9061

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3

ManFaceDec 30, 2015

I feel that this movie is just a derivative remake of Episode 4: A new hope.

This might be forgivable, but It is filled with absurd coincidences throughout the movie just to drive the plot forward. Granted you can say that the force is theI feel that this movie is just a derivative remake of Episode 4: A new hope.

This might be forgivable, but It is filled with absurd coincidences throughout the movie just to drive the plot forward. Granted you can say that the force is the driving force behind these coincidences, but the movie relies far too heavily on them. It is such a problem that it removes much of the beliveability from the movie. This then resulted in myself feeling particularly removed and uninterested in any of the actions of the characters, which then in turn resulted in a rather boring movie going experience.… Expand

66 of 110 users found this helpful6644

All this user's reviews

8

FengisRipRiderDec 30, 2015

I went to see this movie with my girlfriend. Both of us love star wars. I have read every Star Wars Comic series, I own and have watched every movie and tv series and boast an impressive collection of Star Wars memorabilia. I enjoyed theI went to see this movie with my girlfriend. Both of us love star wars. I have read every Star Wars Comic series, I own and have watched every movie and tv series and boast an impressive collection of Star Wars memorabilia. I enjoyed the movie very much and give the same rating I give A New Hope. Was the movie perfect no, was it entertaining and riddled with interesting pieces of information that left me wanting more? Yes. I did not like the prequels at all but I did enjoy Rebels and The Clone Wars, and the comic book series for the expanded universe have always been a fun read so for me. Star Wars has never really gone away as I have been reading and watching all the releases up till this newest movie (that includes the Christmas special as well Droids, Ewok adventure, etc) so everyone that is talking about a Star Wars come back is misguided as it has regularly been releasing media since 1978, in addition anyone saying that this movie will cause Star Wars to die is also equally foolish. Go to the movies have fun with your friends and family and stop over analyzing everything you two bit Simpsons comic book nerds and generation Y blow hards. This movie was an enjoyable movie theatre experience with quite a few gripping scenes but this is not a Kubric masterpiece or Joderowski mind bend its sci fi action adventure and succeeds at being a good one.… Expand

2 of 27 users found this helpful225

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0

stnovkovDec 30, 2015

Spoiler free. I really really wanted to love it. Unfortunately there is no way, since disney and JJ Abrams decided to make a franchise wave for audience in range 3-13 y.o., not a movie. My standards aren't high, just the movie is very, verySpoiler free. I really really wanted to love it. Unfortunately there is no way, since disney and JJ Abrams decided to make a franchise wave for audience in range 3-13 y.o., not a movie. My standards aren't high, just the movie is very, very bad. Biggest disappointment in movie industry. All critics and reviews aren't dumb, they are just paid. Don't go and waste your time.… Expand

59 of 100 users found this helpful5941

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10

chrismuleDec 30, 2015

Shameless fun.

Anyone who denies that fact has no heart, nor a relevant opinion. I've seen it twice now, the acting is superb. The new cast is going to flourish over this next decade. Just because something is different than what youShameless fun.

Anyone who denies that fact has no heart, nor a relevant opinion.

I've seen it twice now, the acting is superb. The new cast is going to flourish over this next decade.

Just because something is different than what you may have imigined - It doesn't make it bad.

Film is perfect in every way - Just don't expect anything new, beyond the characters and their adventures moving forward.… Expand

3 of 35 users found this helpful332

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2

peter657Dec 30, 2015

*No Spoilers*

I wrote this review because, having looked at a fair number of reviews, many of the negatives were nitpicky or vague critiques or they did not adequately capture what I thought were the real issues in the movie. I did not*No Spoilers*

I wrote this review because, having looked at a fair number of reviews, many of the negatives were nitpicky or vague critiques or they did not adequately capture what I thought were the real issues in the movie. I did not like the movie but I disliked it due to what I see as larger more fundamental problems. First, overarching plot issues muddled the story, broke the engagement & momentum, rearranged the character roles, and halted any development. Secondly, and more importantly, the protagonist Rey (Daisy Ridley), who is far and away the worst part of the movie, but not for the reasons many are saying.

I went into this movie having avidly avoided any trailers, spoilers, or discussion regarding the movie whatsoever. I wanted to be totally open and really give the movie a chance. And for the first half I was hooked and on board! Reimagining the themes from Episode IV the movie put me perfectly back in the Star Wars universe and the new characters had me excited. John Boyega as Fin was far and away the best character in the movie and I really liked the attempt to give a new and humanizing view of the storm troopers. I have seen various complaints about the campiness, deus ex machinas, and plot holes in the film, however to me these are just part of the Star Wars experience and I was totally fine with forgiving, if not embracing, them. Unfortunately for me the movie suffers from far more fundamental problems dealing with plot structure and characters. I have heard people say "well if it wasn't a Star Wars movie it would be better". This is just wrong. The fact that it is a Star Wars movie is about it's only redeeming quality. It is poorly paced, confusing, and completely abandoned character development.

About halfway through the movie I realized to my dismay that the Episode IV callbacks, which I initially took as a framing device to get us into the movie/universe, were actually guiding and shoehorning the movie into this weird Star Wars rehash. The new and unique plot they started to give us was completely abandoned and the movie went on this headlong rush to hit a whole bunch of predetermined, unnecessary, plot points and scenes pulled directly from the original movie. This totally puts a halt on any character development as everyone is suddenly shifted into reprises of characters/roles from the original movie. This is most noticeable with Fin whose character arc basically just stops. So what we are left with is a very poorly paced and confusing plot-line with the things we were told we should care about for the first half completely tossed onto the back burner or ignored completely.

The only positive to this is that it covers up the movie’s biggest flaw. Having read a fair amount of the reviews I am astounded that more people are not talking about what a terrible character Rey) is. Not in that she is a bad person, but in that she is a completely flawless character. She is brave, noble, powerful, humble, loyal, knowledgable and a whole litany of other awesome adjectives. I am all for female protagonists, but the problem is that this is ultimately not really helping push females in hollywood forward. It seems to me that Disney/JJ was scared of 1) people not liking the character 2) getting bashed for portraying a flawed female heroine. However, the problem with a flawless character is that humans aren't perfect. We can't really connect with her. Secondly there is nowhere for her character to go. She just runs through the movie making all the correct choices and hitting the key plot points. In the original trilogy we saw Luke struggle with naivety, dealing with loss, overconfidence, and temptation. In every instance he was punished for his faults and had to grow through the adversity. The movie makes a few attempts to create some of this, but they are feeble at best. We see "naive" wonder at Rey seeing trees for the first time, but then 30 seconds later she demonstrates extreme maturity and wisdom, showing that no she isn't really naive she is just ignorant of a few things (and the movie makes it very clear that it is really just a few things as she is basically an expert in everything she comes up against). She has a brief moment of rejecting her power and destiny, but does a complete reversal and steps into her "hero shoes" within 5 minutes of that. As an audience we can really like a perfect character, but we cannot love them because we can't see ourselves in them. We can't ever love Rey and we don't ever get to see her grow because she has nowhere to grow.

As much as I wanted to like this movie I just couldn’t. I am astounded by the number of people who tell me it an amazing Star Wars movie or that it is just a plain amazing movie, because trying to be as objective as possible, I just cannot see a good movie in what we were given. If you loved it then I am happy for you. I really wish I could have enjoyed it, but apparently not enough to gloss over the fatal flaws.

2/10 Lightsabers… Expand

98 of 155 users found this helpful9857

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2

vagmanDec 30, 2015

I give it a 2, thought you can say its a 5, but after all the hype and amazing reviews this movie got from all critics around the world for me it was as much as disappointment episode 1 was.To be fair its not as near bad,its a nice movie toI give it a 2, thought you can say its a 5, but after all the hype and amazing reviews this movie got from all critics around the world for me it was as much as disappointment episode 1 was.To be fair its not as near bad,its a nice movie to watch home, not one to wait years in the making and standing in tha line for.I get that they didnt want to have an episode 1 fiasko all over again so they played safe as far as script but what you get is a first 3 movies best ofcollection.Lets be honest, first movie is propably one of the most if not the most influential movie of the last 50 years but generally the whole series is to overated.… Expand

49 of 81 users found this helpful4932

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0

Farce_AwakensDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. At the moment Ren took off his mask, revealing a teenage emo Loki, the movie was on life-support. The first half built up a mysterious & powerful villain who even stopped a blaster beam in mid-air, suspended it for several minutes & then released it. So they set up an intimidating & fearsome villain, a must have in any Star Wars movie, then they completely obliterate that half way through, revealing our feared villain to be a petulant, wiry, goofy looking kid played by a bad actor. And it just got worse from there.

The moment the movie went off life-support & died is when they all gather round the 3D image of the new Death Planet rip-off & then Miles from LOST figures out in 20 seconds that, lo & behold it has almost the exact same weakness as the Death Star in IV! After about 30 seconds of explanation it's like "ok...BREAK! Let's do it!" From that point on the movie was a pathetic, rushed, re-do of episode IV's Death Star attack. I actually couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was like a parody. The Death Planet even had a trench! Fancy that! Just lazy garbage. And the fact that people still don't care that they were given a cheap remake (not to mention the rest of the countless issues with the movie) just goes to show that our average movie goer could be fed Bantha droppings on cardboard for 2 hours with the Star Wars scroll & theme & think it is the best thing since sliced bread.

But the parallels to IV don't stop there! If only they did. From the very beginning we see plans, or in this case a map, put into R2-D2, I mean BB8, so they can escape the clutches of the Empire, I mean First Order. BB8 ends up on a desert planet, Tatooine, I mean Jakku, where he runs into an amateur pilot, Luke, I mean Rey, stuck on the planet who dreams of going into space. Wow! Why didn't I think of this plot! Incredible!

First we meet Finn, who is this trilogy's answer to Jar Jar Binks. After being raised a First Order Stormtrooper his entire life, he suddenly decides he can't kill people, chooses to leave, leaves, & then ends up killing his former stormtrooper mates with no conscience. There is no great inner conflict portrayed, no depth of character, no background, no character development. He just decides it's not for him & bam, he's out there slinging comic relief one liners.

Then he meets up with Rey. Rey is a starving scavenger one minute who then suddenly turns into a combination of Steven Segal, Obi Wan, & Chuck Yeager. Why? Because Girl Power! 1st she's struggling to find enough junk to keep herself alive by selling it. Next thing you know she is single handedly piloting the Falcon better than the Red Baron. Then through coincidence (which is the only way the plot ever moves in this movie) Han & Chewy just so happen to tractor beam them in. Then Rey suddenly becomes a 1st class engineer who would put Scottie to shame! She starts lecturing Solo about how his ship works & knows it better than he does. Plus she can speak Wookie & droid! Rey's character is never developed, she's unrealistically perfect at everything without trying, & thus we could not care less about her as she's not credible.

Later Rey is captured by our emo barista, Ren. And Rey ends up using the Jedi-mind trick! How does she even know about this? Ehh, who cares. Fans are dumb & they'll buy it. Maybe she watched episode IV?

The movie spends about 5 seconds on the father-son relationship between Han & Ren, & failed to emotionally invest us in it one iota. Ben-Ren impales Solo with the lightsaber & he falls off a walkway into oblivion. Chewy is over it in 30 seconds. Yep. There you go. 3 movies worth of beloved character sent off in a rushed, poorly done scene with no suspense. See ya Solo!

Later, Rey starts fighting Emo-Ren w/ lightsabers… & proceeds to start kicking his ass!? Yes, she goes from starving scavenger to beating a trained jedi with a light saber she’s never used. Wow, this light saber thing isn't so hard after all! Maybe next episode 3PO can finally take the gloves off, issue a crowd roaring taunt to Ren, "Bring it, wuss!" & then start delivering the best ass kicking light saber jiu-jitsu we've seen since Yoda in the prequels!

In the originals Luke failed at everything & it took him 3 movies of training & losing to even become a Jedi Knight, not even master, & finally beat Vader. That is called developing a story, developing a character, building feeling for that character, building suspense. It's basically called movie making 101 which is apparently now a lost art.

In the end this was a lazy, special effects, copy & paste job meant to entertain & make money with no concern for any sort of plot, consistency, depth, character, credibility or anything else. JJ got you to the theater, got your money, & even got a large number of nostalgic fans to check their brains at the door & like it. Mission accomplished, Disney!… Expand

87 of 147 users found this helpful8760

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1

duremifiedDec 30, 2015

another jj total failure, he ruins star trek he ruin also star wars. Mediocre and lame movie. The characters seem chosen random on the road, the bad guy looks like a sociopath with anger management issues and the whole story is a reboot ofanother jj total failure, he ruins star trek he ruin also star wars. Mediocre and lame movie. The characters seem chosen random on the road, the bad guy looks like a sociopath with anger management issues and the whole story is a reboot of the first film: a robot must deliver something, the chars defend the robot and blah blah blah. A copy and paste from episone 4 a total shame.… Expand

64 of 106 users found this helpful6442

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1

AdrenalinDec 30, 2015

This film was an insult to the Star Wars franchise. Atm I'm feeling like it is the worst movie of the whole saga, even worse than Episode 1 which I already rate quite low. The simple but devastating reason for this is that the movie did notThis film was an insult to the Star Wars franchise. Atm I'm feeling like it is the worst movie of the whole saga, even worse than Episode 1 which I already rate quite low. The simple but devastating reason for this is that the movie did not expand the lore at all but copied almost everything from Episode 4 and mixed it with stupid diversity crap. The stuff that was made different from the originals almost always ends in senseless luck moments. - Coincidences are the driving force of the plot, which is just a joke.

It doesn't immerse you, it doesn't feel like Star Wars.

For me this isn't Star Wars or canon.

Anyone who rates this higher than Episode 3 is no true Star Wars fan.… Expand

71 of 118 users found this helpful7147

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0

MrsweetDec 30, 2015

Huge fan of the Star Wars universe , very disappointed with this lark of effort ... expected a whole bunch of new worlds/ships/cool stuff and characters , poor show .

59 of 100 users found this helpful5941

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6

GuntherUltrabolDec 30, 2015

The plot was too familiar. The villian... watered down. The hero... watered down. Scene after scene I kept saying to myself; "I've seen this before in another Star Wars episode". I think anyone Star Wars fan will leave this movieThe plot was too familiar. The villian... watered down. The hero... watered down. Scene after scene I kept saying to myself; "I've seen this before in another Star Wars episode". I think anyone Star Wars fan will leave this movie feeling the same way.… Expand

12 of 26 users found this helpful1214

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0

TomslyDec 30, 2015

Well film critics, you failed. You had the massive Disney marketing juggernaut on one side pulling you to give it a 10 and the actual film product on the right, pulling you to give it a zero. Spineless and cowering, you gave it a ten. IWell film critics, you failed. You had the massive Disney marketing juggernaut on one side pulling you to give it a 10 and the actual film product on the right, pulling you to give it a zero. Spineless and cowering, you gave it a ten. I realize it's scary to give a sure smash hit like this an honest review, but how long do you expect to maintain your credibility in the face of obviously inaccurate reviews like this? This movie was nothing but a parody of Episode 4 and 5, trash through and through. Yes, Disney failed Star Wars fans with this debacle, but you critics failed us even worse by deceiving us into wasting our time and money on this garbage.… Expand

67 of 113 users found this helpful6746

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1

GiveitbacktoGLDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As a LIFELONG Star Wars fan, I cant accept this tripe. Ive read thousands of pages of expanded universe material, played thousands of hours of the video games, am absolutely enamored with this setting, and its characters. If anyone could give it a pass, it should be me.

It wasnt just a bad Star wars movie...it was a bad FILM.

The main features of the movie are: a rehashed story, flat dialogue, uninteresting characters, More action than acting, Doesnt follow pre established lore, Deus ex machina all throughout, sad silly forced feeling comedy, Suspension of disbelief impossible.

The movie literally brought me to tears, not because of the emotional weight of the scenes or story, but in the fact that Disney has proven they have no respect for this venerated series.

Did the rebellion defeat the empire? Did the characters we love and missed evolve in any meaningful way? Does this movie feel like a legitimate sequel to episode 6? Nope, Nope, Nope.

It felt like the people behind this movie didnt even watch the original films or the prequels, how much would it have cost Disney to hire someone who actually knew anything about Star Wars?

Disney retconned the EU for THIS garbage?

The Lightsaber that Luke lost on Bespin is in the service room(that also serves as a force cave)in some random bar, in the box from Obi Wans house on Tattooine.

Han doesnt know what a bowcaster is, and is generally an incompetent boob, Fin is unbelievable, Poe is flat.

Rey is a mary Sue, Kylo comes off as a complete weakling that no one would follow into anything.

Luke going into hiding makes no sense, the map he left makes no sense, The first Order going after an apparently non issue in Luke whos hanging out in Ireland for some reason makes no sense, R2D2 makes no sense, The Falcon on Jakku makes no sense, the garbage man Fin not cutting off his own head with the lightsaber, makes no sense. Reys unexplained piloting expertise, force using expertise, The list goes on and on and on.

The death of Han Solo scene was so emotionally weightless, I didn't flinch.

It should be Illegal to do this to classic Americana, its like peeing on the Alamo. I hope the mockery of our mental capacities as fans bankrupts the monstrosity called Disney and everyone involved in writing, directing, and overseeing the creation of this movie lives in poverty and shame for the rest of their days.

Shame on you Disney, Shame on you Abrams

You've broken my heart.… Expand

81 of 136 users found this helpful8155

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3

BarzDec 30, 2015

Disappointed. I'm giving it 3 stars for special effects only although with all today techs available to it compare to original Star Wars movies it may not deserve it either. Bad screen play, bad editing, bad directing, bad acting, clichéDisappointed. I'm giving it 3 stars for special effects only although with all today techs available to it compare to original Star Wars movies it may not deserve it either. Bad screen play, bad editing, bad directing, bad acting, cliché action scenes... It seems all high ratings by critics is either nostalgic -meaning blind minded- or a giving favor to Disney if was not paid!… Expand

69 of 116 users found this helpful6947

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3

KikillDec 30, 2015

1 points for BB8 being big fan of R2D2, I was very afraid of this new droid but I fell in love
2 points for Rey it seems really well in this character even if the repetition of character luke is really rough.
3 points for the scene1 points for BB8 being big fan of R2D2, I was very afraid of this new droid but I fell in love
2 points for Rey it seems really well in this character even if the repetition of character luke is really rough.
3 points for the scene millenium falcon on Jakku.
But then Kylo Ren, grand-son of that you know who, humiliated by a black stromtrooper while stormtrooper normally clones of Jango Fett and it is not black.
With a teenage face that looks more out of Lord of the Rings as Darth Vader.
And after being formed by Luke is also afflicted by a small chick who just want to discover the Force and a lightsaber for the first time.
and Kylo who succeed in stopping a blaster bolt while Yoda and the Emperor never managed that.
shame on you, Disney, shame you and you JJ Abrams is a fan of star wars .... LOL

Sorry for my english, I'm french But I really want de write this… Expand

35 of 59 users found this helpful3524

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0

GreystoneDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well, I sure didn't see this coming. After remaining true to Star Wars through the awful Episodes 1 and 2, this monstrosity has finally done it. I finally have no desire whatsoever to continue watching Star Wars. The film was just terrible. Ren is so strong with the force that he can stop and hold a lazer blast in mid-flight, but he can't even defeat a completely untrained newbie who just discovered the force that day like Rae? It's worse. He couldn't even defeat Fin who has no force ability whatsoever. Another droid hunt on a desert planet? Another creature cantina? Another Death Star? This movie was terrible on it's own and set's up nothing but terrible films to come. I never thought it would happen, but I'm out. There is just nothing to remain for.… Expand

54 of 92 users found this helpful5438

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10

harry-209Dec 30, 2015

Great new characters, well choreographed action and lots of humour that is actually funny- not without it's flaws in the story department but a 10/10 for entertainment.

3 of 31 users found this helpful328

All this user's reviews

5

JSmiddDec 30, 2015

The plot in its entirety could be summed up as a rehash of Episodes 4-6, bundled up in today's new tech. It is largely soulless and there is no feeling of true accomplishment once you have reached the conclusion. There are a myriad ofThe plot in its entirety could be summed up as a rehash of Episodes 4-6, bundled up in today's new tech. It is largely soulless and there is no feeling of true accomplishment once you have reached the conclusion. There are a myriad of questions left for the viewer to boot, either as a deliberate ploy to keep you engaged in the trilogy or out of intellectual laziness. It is an attempt at playing on the nostalgia of older fans while introducing a new slate of characters to continue the series and it manages to do none particularly well. One has to wonder, with the large production budget and creative A-Team Disney and JJ Abrams had to work with, how they managed to produce such a rote and unimaginative story.

All in all, it is a spectacular film in terms of effects and visceral scenes but lacking in story or substance. This seems to have become JJ Abrams' modus operandi and he certainly doesn't fail to disappoint on those counts.… Expand

20 of 33 users found this helpful2013

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6

irongamerDec 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What this movie did right was to bring back the theme and feel of the original films. What I didn't like about the movie is the use of almost identical plot mechanism as the previous movies. If you have not seen the originals it may feel like more fresh scifi.

I wasn't expecting much when I went. This usually allows me to leave the theater having been pleasantly surprised that the movie was better than expected. Unfortunately I left the theater disappointed by this film. This was not the fresh scifi I was looking for. The next director is said to be more risky, perhaps then we will have a truly new Star Wars adventure in the setting of the originals.… Expand

12 of 20 users found this helpful128

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0

RoadneyDec 30, 2015

This movie was so bad that I actually wanted to leave the theatre. We've seen it all before, only better. This was Episode 4 and 5 remade, but the dumb version. If I'd have known what I was in for, I'd have stayed home. Thanks for nothingThis movie was so bad that I actually wanted to leave the theatre. We've seen it all before, only better. This was Episode 4 and 5 remade, but the dumb version. If I'd have known what I was in for, I'd have stayed home. Thanks for nothing Disney. Enjoy my money. Your film didn't earn it, but your marketing team sure did.… Expand

76 of 127 users found this helpful7651

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4

Twisted_StoneDec 30, 2015

Watch episode 4 just before you see the new movie and tell me your not watching the same thing again..

The accidental switch on of the chess game, "I have a bad feeling about this," even the droid's mission is the same, far too much usedWatch episode 4 just before you see the new movie and tell me your not watching the same thing again..

The accidental switch on of the chess game, "I have a bad feeling about this," even the droid's mission is the same, far too much used from the old movie.… Expand

38 of 65 users found this helpful3827

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