Disclaimer: This review will contain NO SPOILERS about anything from Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens that was not revealed in a trailer before release of the film.

The beloved franchise of many generations is back with J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. As for any classic series loved by so many people, many were initially skeptical of the movie, especially after the sub-par prequel movies of the franchise released in the early 2000s. However, those fears can be put to bed, because The Force Awakens is absolutely amazing.

After its release on December 18th, The Force Awakens managed to make $100 million in one day, and deserved every penny. The film takes place 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, and Abrams ensures that the nostalgia of older fans who watched the original movies in theaters are given what they came to see. Many of the characters from the original movies return, and once again perform their roles excellently. Fan favorites like Harrison Ford’s Han Solo and Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia Organa are not just present in the film with mild roles, but actually have a significant impact on the story. A genius move by Abrams, as the reoccurring characters connect the new film with the older ones without falling into the trap of relying too much on previous movies.

In addition to the old returning favorites, new characters also make the movie much more approachable for both new and old audiences, as their stories are intertwined with the larger plot of the franchise, but not so complex that people who are just getting into Star Wars will have a hard time figuring out what is going on. Finn, played by John Boyega, is a former Stormtrooper who realizes that he cannot fight for evil any longer. Despite being an unfamiliar role for the franchise, Boyega plays the part well, and brings Finn to life, especially in action sequences.

But make no mistake, Daisy Ridley’s Rey is the star of the show. An amazingly well played, powerful female heroine who has strong conviction and a good heart, Rey is the first female lead that has true power and is a force to be reckoned with in the franchise.

The acting all around is absolutely stellar, but the most important feature of the movie is how it blends the prequels and the original movies together to create the ultimate film for fans. With the same charm and humor, as well as an interesting story like the first trilogy of films, combined with the beautiful special effects and CGI, and breathtaking sound from the prequel trilogy, the movie is the best of both worlds.

The only drawback of the film is the weak exposition on all of the new characters, which leaves the viewer with many questions about the origins of many of the characters. Who is Rey? What was Finn’s life like? Why did Kylo-Ren join the Dark Side of the Force? While all these questions are present throughout the film, they are never really answered, only teased, presumably to be explained fully in the next films.

Overall, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens is an absolutely excellent movie, with great acting, music, and visuals, that is an improvement on all fronts from previous entries in the franchise. Abrams has set the stage for potentially the best trilogy so far, and will hopefully continue the trend in Episode VII, which will release in May 2017.

9/10