UPDATE! Poll Results: How Would You Rate Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
Five days after The Force Awakens has officially hit theaters, we ask our readers how would you rate it. One of you could win the book The Art of The Force Awakens in doing so…
Please answer the poll below. Also you may win the newly released book The Art of The Force Awakens, if you tell us in the comments below what was your rating. Spread the word about this poll and let’s see what the Star Wars fans think.
So tell us:
Share your rating in the comments below for a chance to win The Art of The Force Awakens!
UPDATE!
The results from the poll show that 83% of our readers rate The Force Awakens between 8 and 10 from 10. Only 3% rate the movie below 5 from 10. I think any comments here are unnecessary. We will see how the opinions will shift in time, and we will do the same poll in a few months time.
The person who wins the book The Art of The Force Awakens is I will contact you in the next few days.
Thanks everyone for participating.
Founder of SWNN, MNN and The Cantina forums.
Born on April 24, 1980.
I have it at an 8 originally but after multiple viewings I have gone up to a 9…STAR WARS IS BACK BABY!!!!
I’m actually right there with you. After one viewing I was at around an 8.5, but seeing it twice more has brought me up to around a full 9.
That 5% that rated it 2 bugs me
Always 2 there are
It very well maybe a Star Trek fan that noticed this article. 🙂
The poll has just opened so these 5% will surely drop.
I loved it and understood it more after a second viewing. I give it a solid 9 out of 10!
Easy 9. It was wonderful, and even better the second time. Rey is the protagonist I’ve always needed as a girl growing up with the movies and EU. Disney/JJ nailed it.
Simply the best Star Wars film of them all. 10/10
I give it an A! I haven’t had this much fun At a Movie in a long time. I seriously want to go back and watch it over and over again and I’ve never felt that way above a movie I watched in theaters, ever. Problems? yes. My response? Who cares!
I like it a lot. I went in with pretty low expectations. Probably a defense mechanism developed during the PT. But I was pleasantly surprised. It was not perfect. There are things that didn’t work for me. But over all, I thought it was great, and I don’t see (beyond a few nitpicks) how they could have done it any better. I gave it an eight. One of my biggest dissapiontments is the score. I loved when they hit all the OT cues…but there were no memorable new tunes to hum. Overall….GREAT!
9/10
9/10 Achieved everything it needed to.
After three visits to the local cinema I’m still at a 9/10. Would have been a 10 but for those damn Rathtars! Love it!
Solid 9 of 10. It leans a bit to much on ANH sometimes. That being said it sure feels like star wars has come home to its roots.
9/10
It just keeps getting better with each viewing.
8 /10 , i wish i would give it more but there are a few things in it that i simply dont like (the pacing, the score, some weird plotholes ) i do consider empire strikes back a perfect film so that would be a 10/10 , so this score still aint bad
Great movie! 9/10. Only problems I have are its a little too fast paced and theres a biggerer and betterer death star.
But yes, Star Wars is back!
A solid 8/10. Directed well but the plot should have been better.
I have to give it a 9/10 because this is the first Star Wars movie that I have seen my sisters go wild over. Growing up I was the geek and they all ignored Star Wars like it was a disease. This movie they absolutely LOVED.
I am actually more happy for their excitement than my own. Its truly a phenomenon to see.
8.5 for me. It was great!
Give the film a solid ‘A’ 9.5/10
It’s a love letter to the OT, but it still told a Fresh, Fun, Original story filled with New, Rich, Interesting characters. JJ brought Star Wars back, and I can’t wait to see this story continued to be told by different filmmakers.
9 Couple of things missed for me but overall I feel like “The Franchise Awakens” with Episode 7
8/10. Star Wars is back with a truly great movie, but it’s not without it’s flaws.
blows my mind how anyone can rate it above 7 on an objective and sane level but there we are. 6.5
Depends on what you expected to see. I mean, I can’t imagine anyone giving more than a 1 to the Tree of Life. A movie I consider worse than Troll 2, yet there are people who give it a solid 10. The Force Awakens is clearly a movie that’s all about the introduction of new characters and part 1 of a trilogy.
9/10.
I loved it. J.J. done an exceptional job of blending the new with the old. Beat for beat, this looked and felt like the galaxy far far away that shaped my childhood. Liked that not all events were explained, some left to the imagination, others to be flushed out in the forthcoming sequels. I laughed, I cried, I was enthralled, I laughed some more. The ending was simply majestic.
Thank you J.J.
8.5/10. It was a great Star Wars film. Fun and exciting with great cinematography. Nice start to a new trilogy.
8 out of 10. Excellent star wars movie , great story, characters, acting, humour, and heart. A little disappointed in death star number 3 but hey I can deal with it. I’m glad the main plot focus in Act 3 centred on Rye’s awakening. Bring on 8
Memorable Moments (which haters say there aren’t) Kylo’s interrogation with Rey, Rey obtaining the lightsaber (Binary Sunset Theme), Millenium Falcon reveal, and Chewy’s emotional bow caster rampage.
Han and Chewie’s introduction, Rey’s introduction, the flashback scene, and the ending
If you don’t overthink it…
Is a solid 8.5
“If you don’t overthink it….”, meaning if you don’t consider how gosh darn lazy, illogical, and unoriginal the plot line is. The new characters are great, and so was the production, but honestly on a film like this we should at least be able to expect a film that makes basic sense.
Well… Thankfully we are not a dystopia where we all have to like AND think The same things…
I liked it, you Don’t… Let’s be happy with that
Since watching the movie 3 times to give it a proper ranking. I would say it ranks number 2 in the series behind The Empire Stikes Back. I do believe once episode 8 comes out and more questions r answered from episode 7, it will be as good or better then Empire. I advise all to see the film. A great job by all on the Star wars project. I also advise to see it at least twice. It gets even better and to also see in 2D if u only saw it in 3D. The story pops out more. 3D takes a little away from the story because of the spectacular effects. May the force be with you all and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
8/10. Great but certainly not perfect. Love the direction it’s headed in and I’m very excited to see what happens next.
9.5/10 for me, started out at about an 8 out 10 but as I have seen it more and more it gets better and better. The flaws shrink and the great moments get better, which to me is the mark of a true great film!
I give it a solid 9/10. I watched my eight year-old (on Dec 18th- his birthday!) cover his mouth with both hands during the Ren/Solo scene. I did the same thing during the Vader/Luke Scene when I saw Empire at age 8. It’s a rare movie that can make you laugh and make your eyes well up too. Just great. 🙂
I give it a 9. I saw it twice, and I plan to see it a hundred times more. It’s an awesome movie. Full of emotions indeed. What sells it for me, is that all the new characters were perfect, specially Rey. Daisy’s performance was spot on!
Cool that 80 something percent give it an 8 or better.
It almost captured the magic I remember as a kid seeing Empire, but not quite. This was a special movie for me though, first Star Wars movie I could take my son to see, and he is a HUGE Finn fan!
Me too, seeing Return in cinema (but also lot of films from 80’s). And it was the first non-cartoon movie of my son in cinema. It was so special to me! He is a Kylo Ren fan, although he just don’t understand why he didn’t controlled his feelings `;)
9.5/10 – loved it!
So…..better than Return of the Jedi I take it?
It was great but, i wish luke would of said at least one word
Almost a ten for me. My favorite Star Wars film. It was made at the right time, and done with passion and heart. It bleeds all over the screen.
I gave it a solid 8, and it’s a very high note! 10 is reserved for masterpieces and there is maybe two or three movies I can call like that. And in TFA I miss something, I can’t define what exactly, but because of it I can’t give it 9. Nevertheless – TFA is an amazing movie I can recommend everyone.
9/10. Because, what it does it does very well. It introduces 4 new interesting characters with a lot of dramatic potential in future episodes. Still, it left us scratching our heads with questions. It is funny, it feels like Star Wars, it looks good and is a joy to watch. It’s not a film without flaws, but then again what film is? A damn good start for a new trilogy and a return to form for the whole saga.
10/10
No film that kills Han Solo deserves 10/10…. That being said it was flipping awesome thus the reason I gave it 9/10
Excited to see where these new characters will go on their individual journeys in episode 8…I expect a much darker Kylo Ren and a Rey who is more knowledgeable of the force and the stakes of the trilogy will probably be set in this movie
8.5 very good film, not perfect, but a very good start and very much reestablishes star wars in a very big way.
Second favorite in the series next to ROTJ. Speaking from a pure enjoyment status and not a film making one. Loved all the new characters completely. Absolutely thrilled with the amount of open ended questions too! What good is a movie if it doesn’t give you something to talk about afterward. 1.5 years can’t go fast enough.
It’s nice to see someone else who appreciates ROTJ! I always enjoyed it more than Empire. The third act with Luke on the Death Star and the fantastic space battle trumps everything else in the OT for me.
And I actually like Ewoks. #SorryNotSorry
Ewoks rule!
Ewok apologists unite!
10/7
a little disappointed. 7/10
Overall loved the movie. felt a little like a new hope remake though. Characters are awesome though and there is still a lot of story to tell that I’m excited for.
10/10. This was possibly the most meta movie I’ve seen. Being aware of what was going on with the franchise and fandom made the movie more impactful. It wasn’t just a great movie, it was a great addition to the Star Wars canon, and it did everything (I think) that it needed to do to make Star Wars fans excited about the future. This was no Phantom Menace or Clone Wars animated movie. This was the most successful fulfillment of #HYPE I’ve ever seen. I’m already more excited for Episode VIII than I was for TFA!!!
Also, Snoke’s music was the same as the music in Episode III when Palpatine tells Anakin about Plagueis. Soooo that made me go nuts.
most meta movie ever? i take it you’ve never seen spaceballs. 😉
Haha solid point! I guess I mean it was extremely aware of what it had to prove in the real world. BAMF female lead? Check. Fantastic spaceship battles? Check. Truly exciting appearances of Han, Leia, Chewie and Luke? Borrowed elements from classic Star Wars films that felt genuinely improved on, not just repeated or plagiarized? Humor, tension, fantastic music, practical effects, great new characters, etc.?
Checkaroo.
I didn’t notice that until you mentioned the Snoke and Plagueis music connection…interesting…very interesting indeed.
Should point out too, as Lucas himself says in the interviews to the 1995 VHS original trilogy (which I watch still for those interviews) he says the first movie in the trilogy is really the first act of a play and its sole job is to introduce the characters.
Force Awakens did a good job of introducing the characters and their roles. Even Luke, and I didn’t like his reveal, but at least you know *exactly* what Luke’s role is moving into Ep 8…Regretfully training another Jedi to fight Ren.
After seeing it twice I can honestly say that it deserves a strong 8. I just love the very beginning of it and the short conversation between Kylo and Lor San Tekka.
Awesome!
8.5/10 for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love this movie but it suffers from some serious plot issues and it would be best to point them out so they can learn from those mistakes and make the next movie even better. The movie is playing it safe and it suffers from a derivative plot structure. Rey is maybe portrayed as a character with little to no flaws. They need to humanize the character to make her more believable as a hero. Even Luke has some dark side in him, even he isn’t perfect and that’s the point of the character growth. They need to explain some of the plot points regarding Rey being Force sensitive without any training. I hope Rian Johnson will deliver a better movie as much as Empire Strikes Back was better than A New Hope.
That’s what I love about this movie. They left things very ambiguous. More of our questions will be answered in 8 and 9 with Luke being again one of the main protagonist. That’s why it is somewhat different from A New Hope. Remember when u read a book u don’t get answers in the beggining. What would be the sense of reading it even further. Glad u liked the movie though. Have a good Holiday.
I gave it an 8. Purely alone on the stellar casting and dialog. Got docked 2% for plot holes and unoriginality
It’s not the best Star Wars film, but it is the most enjoyable one to watch. It has humor, drama and heart. I was able to watch this film several times in a row.
Great start to the trilogy! First movie in years that had my heart pounding during the movie and left me wanting to immediately see it again! Also left me sad I have to wait to see VIII. I realize there were a lot of similarities to A New Hope but it was just in basic structure…I feel like when the trilogy is complete 7 will be even better as we find out how it sets up our heroes and villains! 9/10! -1 for me just because I wish they hadn’t shown Snoke and revealed Ben so soon in the movie
I give it 8 out of 10 because:
1- Rey’s use of Jedi mind tricks from zero to master level in a few seconds is rather lame.
2- Interesting characters such as Phasma, Maz Kanata and Poe Dameron get too little time onscreen
3- the movie fails in setting the current state of events regarding why is there a resistance movement in a republic, or what Snoke and Kylo seek ultimately.
Other that those specific details, the movie is solid: entertaining, funny, dramatic and very very interesting, I really liked it!
Answer to number one. Luke grabs his light saber using the force in Empire WITHOUT being a MASTER.
2. Characters in a book can pop out in any chapter. They will be bigger in episode 8. Remember the movie is a continuation.
3. Again left for episode 8. What will be better then Luke disclosing in episode 8 what has been happening with the force and the rest of the Galaxy. All questions can’t be answerd now because it is a ongoing story. It’s a set up for 8. That’s what makes Star Wars so great. U want more.
Luke does about the same with very little training. He spent probably only a few days max with Yoda and then had the power to just waltz into Jabba’s Palace like a boss. It is mostly innate, especially if you are strong in the Force, I think.
She must have heard stories about mind tricks and had an innate intuition about it after having gotten a taste of the whole process with Kylo’s mind invasion.
I give a 9/10. I’ve seen it three times and loved it. It’s the first Star Wars movie my 8 year old daughter has seen in theaters, it was a excellent start.
I really wanted to love it. I even saw it a second time in case my first viewing was just me being in a bad mood. There are many things I could point to regarding my disappointment with the film, but even without any over-analysis it just left me cold. There were moments that pushed all the right buttons for me, but the whole thing lacked cohesion. It just didn’t have enough time to breath. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either. It had no impact on me whatsoever. The spectacle was not grand enough for me to sit back with a silly grin on my face, and the story was not engaging enough for me to care. A lot of it was deliberately obscure, and I think my main disappointment was that there was so much that was good, but none of it landed fully. Han’s death seemed to be at odds with the rest of the story, there wasn’t enough time spent establishing his relationship with his son, or Leia. Rey was excellent throughout and yet still I wish we’d spent more time getting to know her life on Jakku. That’s how I felt about all the character arcs, they were too slight to really matter. Perhaps there will be an extended cut for the bluray release.
Completely agree, Tony. I’m shocked how people are giving this movie such a pass. It’s staggering, really. I’m not even being nitpicky; the script really is a mess and I can’t help but think that people will come to their senses after they get some distance and realize that just because it’s better than the prequels, doesn’t mean it has lasting power!
all under 5 must either be Triekies or EU-fanatic.
9 out of 10.
One of the best star wars movies.
No match for PT or the bad EU
7/10 for me. Just too much copying of the original films which annoyed no end. 3rd death star, data stored in a droid, cantina, old force guy small and Yoda like, trench run etc etc. It just didn’t need to be in there. Where’s the originality ? The rest was great !
Oh, and to disable the shield generator. Where did they come up with that ?? Genius !
I still haven’t seen it the second time, so my feelings are still mixed. I think I’d give it a 7 out of 10 the way I feel just now, but won’t know for sure till I see it again.
I’m with you there. I’m also going to give it the benefit of the doubt and go and see it again as I love Star Wars so much. But the disappointment is there.
Heres hoping we both love it on the second viewing! Good luck.
7/10, even if I don’t win the book…
9/10. Full of emotion and heart, with fantastic humour. I can easily see this becoming my most watched Star Wars once I have it on bluray. Very quick paced and besides the pirate scene never feels bogged down. Loved all the new and returning characters and I think it lays a great foundation as well as being a highly entertaining fun fantasy adventure film in its own right.
7/10 – overall a good film, but it lacked the true Stars Wars feel by being so dark. It is suppose to be a kids film and while RotS is pretty dark Lucas does manage to make it visually appealing. Order 66 for example it carried out on some great looking locations in the film. So for me despite the ANH crossovers being too much, its simply way to dark.
I agree it was dark.. but you are forgetting Empire Strikes Back? Hoth is destroyed, everyone sent fleeing. Han and Leia chased as we see tons of Empire people die … several killed by Vader. Luke has dark vision in the swamps. C3PO ripped apart. Lando’s betrayal. Han’s torture. Han going into carbonite. Luke gets beat up with flying objects, hand cut off, barely rescued while weeping as he realizes he was lied to by Obi-Wan and that his father is a monster.
Film ends there. Defeat and dark revelations. Considered the best Star Wars film by almost everyone.
Yes, but look again at the comparison in torture between Han and Poe and you’ll see that Poe really does look like he’s been tortured. Han looks drained and needs help from Chewie, but that is about it. ESB is dark, but not to the degree of TFA. Take for example the Tie fighter sinking into the sand and the unexpected explosion of sand after it had sunk, that alone scared the crap out of the kid a few seats away. IMO that little bit extra wasn’t needed, just as being forced choked and pulled with feet dragging.
Startled them, you mean. That isn’t ‘dark’. You just haven’t seen Empire in a while. That force choke is a reference to Vader literally killing someone with a force choke in Empire. And the scene where you glimpse Vader’s desiccated skin… or Luke beheading the apparition of Vader and seeing his own dead face? You are comparing that to an unexpected boom?
Ok – but address the bruises and blood on Poe from torture against Han’s appearance. I’m saying for kids its a dark film, darker than previous, and Star Wars use to be a kids franchise if you look at the overall ratings of the films. The unexpected boom is simply a cheap shock tactic for the audience, and JJ forgot whom that audience is suppose to be.
You mean Luke Skywalker hanging from a pole at the end of Empire, with blood and bruises all over him, holding his stump protectively to his side, having just gotten spit on himself from weeping and screaming? You know that when Luke let go, he was committing suicide?
Google “no, that’s impossible” and look at images. The dude is a mess… and this trauma is from learning that his mentor and dear friend lied to him and that his father, who had inflicted all of those wounds, would spare him if he’d just also become a murderous overlord.
I really think you are being biased here. You are talking about how Abram’s was insensitive to children by having a muted underground explosion.
Also, the scene were the stormtroopers mass execute a group of helpless villagers was, I thought, the thing I was most worried about my kids seeing. My daughters, 6 and 8, were 0% affected by Poe’s torture and only one of them was slightly startled by the explosion.. and then laughed, because getting startled is funny 2 seconds later.
That was from a fight. I’m talking about showing the effects of cold calculating torture in a kids film. Besides take a second look a Luke and then Poe, I think you’ll find Poe looks in far worse shape. Luke doesn’t have the blood or bruises on the face that you think he does. How do you Luke was committing suicide? He might have knowledge of the workings of such places, long time between episodes 4-5, so he takes a caucused risk. Suicide is conjecture on you’re part and something more kids will not pick up on.
I assume the space monster squid was ok as well? Of course I’m bias……I’ve already said IMO it violent and not as kid orientated, that’s my opinion. The underground explosion was my first example as I noticed a kid react to it in the cinema, but yes that ‘kill them all’ order was cold. I don’t see that as to much a problem though, as just as Luke choosing to fall kids do not see the deeper meaning. A rampaging space monster ripping people apart on the other hand…
In my first thoughts it was a perfect 9.
After second viewing, i give it a great 9,5/10!
One reason because i enjoyed more the film and my few compliments of first viewing almost disappeared (and negativity in some people makes me love even more TFA, a film i will enjoy the rest of my life) Filming in 35mm and full of tangible sets and characters helped to introduce me into the story. My eyes were believing what they were seeing.
It,s difficult to find charisma in young actors but all of them surprised me so much.
The chemistry between them was perfect.
And i always enjoy see cool suits, and ships, and sets and new characters from star wars univers.;)
Cheers all!
Gave it a 10. Best story, characters, and acting in my opinion. Could not be happier with Kylo and Rey.
I have only seen it twice, so for now I have to say 9/10, because I cannot give it 8.5. 😀
I acknowledge its flaws, but I am rating what it gave me in Star Wars adventure, humor, characters and emotions and that is a nine.
9.2/10
Empire: 10
Star Wars: 9.5
Jedi: 7.5
Sith: 5
Menace: 3
Clones: 1.5
I know the Ewoks weren’t loved by some, I just don’t understand Jedi being lower than a 8.5. All the heroes lived (including the black guy), Vader did the right thing in the end and Luke was perfect as a Jedi, that film deserves more love!
I LOVED the new characters. The dialogue was top notch. And I thought the slow reveal of the old characters was great. The movie also has a good energy to it, though it probably should’ve slowed down in a few places to let the characters — and the audience — breathe a bit.
What keeps this from being a great movie, for me, is the plot. I didn’t mind following the setup of ANH — I actually loved the first act of this movie — but going the super-weapon route in the third act was lazy. And a little weird. This movie is mostly about the search for Luke, until Death Star 3.0 gets shoehorned in.
8/10 for me.
7/10. I really enjoyed it. I had more problems with it than I anticipated, but in the end, I really fell in love with the characters and want to see them grow. Humour, heart, thrills – it’s all there.
I’d rate it a 10. Right up there with my love for A New Hope. The new characters are amazing.
I gave it a 9/9. Acting, Special effects, Story and Direction all 10. The only thing that knocked it to a 9 one scene on Hans’ freighter. It wasn’t bad, but it took me out of the movie a little bit. I was a phenomenal movie!!!!
Empire 10
New Hope 9
Force Awakens 9
Return of the Jedi 8
Epsiode I 4
Episode III 3
Episode II 0,5
9?!!!!
4?!!!
It cuts both ways dude. He’s entitled to his 9, just like you are to your 4.
As a movie, period, I would say 8,5. As a Star Wars movie 9,5.
I gave the average mark, 9.
9/10. I rate it 3rd best so far ahead of Jedi. If there wasn’t a second Death Star in Jedi we wouldn’t be complaining about Starkiller as derivative. Great new characters, beautifully shot, enough of the old characters. Can’t wait for VIII!
4/10
I feel robbed.
Not ONE memorable moment from the film.
Last I checked, we go to films to see creativity, risks and new art. Not THE SAME DAMN PLOT FROM A MOVIE OF 30 YEARS ago.
The hero was boring, one-note, and bland and not very well acted.
The villain was well-acted but was weak and did not do ONE thing to make me go WOW, he should be feared.
SPOILER
They screwed up Han’s death. The ONE saving grace they screwed it up.
The dogfight in the air in both New Hope and Empire were WAY better than the CGI fest Abrams fed to me.
All in all, I can’t remember ONE thing about the film that stayed with me. Not one memorable moment.
As crap as the prequels were. I still go back and watch the Darth Maul fight and the AMAZING Jango Fett sequence.
Waste of money, waste of time.
But I learned my lesson.
Bootleg a Star Wars movie from now on FIRST, before committing to buying.
Wow.
It’s true bro….HUGE letdown. One of the biggest I can remember
I respect your opinion but I don’t understand it. The hero was boring and not very well acted ? Daisy Ridley is amazing.
Just me. I have no idea how people called her acting good. It was very average and showed that she needs more coaching and films under he belt.
Definitely the minority.
Bootleg the film? You started off the post with “I feel robbed”. Looks like you’re quite okay with robbing hundreds of people from the hard work they’ve put into this film…. What a depressing human you are
I do feel for those that worked on the film, but they should blame those greedy corporate losers Disney.
I am in my right to bootleg the film. You can’t release something that is so empty with so many questions and say it will all be answered in the next film where I should pay AGAIN.
What if there are more questions to be answered?
there will be, because there’s going to be two more films. there will definitely be more questions at the end of VIII, and I can’t wait!
More questions? No resolution? Great!
Bootleg!
Have hope, have a great christmas, and all the best for the new year.
Thanks. And same to you.
You are right to bootleg the film? How does this make any sense to you? If you did not enjoy the film, it does not grant you the pass to steal the film.
Wow, I never saw that coming…
Almost no one agrees with you, as this poll, all polls, and all review aggregators show. Yes, there is hype and the initial excitement of being swept up by the film, but even after the honeymoon this film will be rated as the 3rd best Star Wars film. I think that will not change.
People have subjective experiences that differ from the objective mood. Some people will give this film a 1/10. Their opinion, like yours, is subjective and just isn’t the same experience that most people had.
I’ve already seen the film 4 times. After the first viewing, I was caught in the hype cloud. Then I read all the critiques of it and kinda veered the other direction… then I watched it twice more and was totally back on board. The movie is really great. More than that, it is pure Star Wars.
Why should Kylo Ren be feared? He isn’t Darth Vader nor is he meant to be. He is way more 3 dimensional.
But, honestly, I think you lost everyone in saying Rey was bland. She was terrific… though I think that she was almost too terrific. They tried to make her flawed by fearing the force visions, but in the end she is Luke in Episode IV but charming instead of whiny, already a good fighter, and more natural with the Force. Most of the real flaws and conflict that she should have had got pushed into Finn. He is too flawed, and she is not flawed enough.
Kylo Ren, if you ask me, was perfectly done. Better than I could have imagined.
i agree with 90% of what you said. the most overhyped mediocre movie in history
And it fooled all of us.
What they marketed was not what I was given.
Hence why I say, I am in my right to bootleg the next film and if it isn’t another daylight robbery, I will pay for it in the cinema.
Why should I give you money if you lie to me in your poster, marketing and you feed me a REBOOT of a film that came out 30 years ago?
People are so easy to please these days; maybe because most movie-goers are so accustomed to complete rubbish at the movies that anything that is remotely watchable gets an A grade. This movie started off amazing, then tapered off slowly into boredom territory for me …. great characters, strong opening, flat mid section and emotionally-detached ending.
I can watch the originals over and over, but after two viewings, I was done with it. I think people will realize that this movie will be severely lacking in its lasting power as the sheen wears off.
Well, all film is subjective. While you are not a fan of the film, many of us really enjoyed it. It’s not desperation, it’s just a difference of opinion.
Film is subjective, as with anything, you are right. However, I just don’t understand how most people can give so many passes on this film. It’s staggering to me. I’m not even being nitpicky with my criticism; they are glaring and they are present in most of the positive reviews of the film. Ah, well. To each his / her own. I wanted to love this film!
Go and watch episodes 3-6 in the next week then go see The Force awakens again in 2D. U will see those movies aren’t perfect either, but u will see that the force awakens is as good as any of the original films.
Someone lectured me that it’s objective whether a film is good or bad. I’m like WTF.
I agree completely that it cannot obtain a 9 or 10 because of the mirroring but it definitely got an 8 from me. I know what you mean about tapering off in the mid, I felt the same upon first viewing, and then everything seemed to just “happen” etc… but I just watched it 2nd time and it seemed alot more “put together” if thats the right word. I’d give it another chance.
“People are so easy to please these days” honestly is all I can think about reading some of these shocking appraisals
I gave this a solid 8 because it is just beautiful to behold. The story telling is great in terms of character development between Rey and Fin, as well as creating an enthralling plot which will bring me back. This movie introduced and developed new characters who I cared about, and gave Han a fitting death for the bad boy of the galaxy who shoots first. The acting by Daisy, Mark, John, and all the others is superb, and helps to create the dramatic tension in almost every scene, for instance Luke didn’t even have to say a single word and I could tell what he was thinking. Speaking of scenes, the scenery was absolutely beautiful, and could convey messages and feelings that words never could. I got chills down my spine while watching the X-wings flying across the water, and I watched in awe as the Starkiller base fired. Admittedly there were a few plot holes, like how Rey could just use the force, or a blaster, without any training. There were also some scientific anomalies, like how the gravity didn’t change on a planet which now contains a condensed star within it. However these don’t really detract from the story and the way it makes you feel. There is not a boring moment in the movie, and I didn’t for a second feel inclined to go refill my drink because the film was so captivating I didn’t want to miss even the slightest bit of it. I wont call this a return to form, because I think that it would be unfairly pitting Abrams against Lucas. This is a whole new chapter in the Star Wars saga, and after watching this and seeing how much love and care was put into it, I feel completely relaxed with Abrams in the drivers seat and I am excited to see where he brings us next.
I loved it! Watched it two times so far and I’ve gotta say this is my favourite Star Wars movie!
Kylo Ren’s scene where he’s hitting his wound to funnel the Dark Side, Hux’s speech, Snoke’s Korriban/Moraband atmosphere (first Sith in the movies to give me that true Sith feel)
Rey, Finn and Poe are all amazing! Also surprised how good Han was, thought he was going to be just there, but he was actually really good!
My list, so far, from worst to best Star Wars movies is: A New Hope < Attack of the Clones < The Phantom Manace < The Empire Strikes Back < Return of the Jedi < Revenge of the Sith < The Force Awakens!
9. Loved it. Watched it 3 times so far and enjoyed it more each time. The first time it was difficult to experience because my expectations and emotions were through the roof. The 3rd time was 3D IMAX…the huge HD screen and much louder sound was oh so nice. Wish it could have been 2D IMAX…I digress.
Can’t wait to see what happens next…
I just got back from no.2 definitely better the 2nd time I took more of it in (the pacing of the story) it felt too quick first time I saw it haha but it was perfect on no.2
Generally, 8/10 is my choice. The strongest part of The Force Awakens is it’s characters. Rey is our reluctant hero, you can’t help but root for her, especially when she’s with Finn. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega bring such life to these characters – they’re great heroes for the new generation of Star Wars and the new generation of its fans as well. Kylo Ren was a masterfully crafted villain, with such layers and depth to him that he manages to transcend even Vader in some aspects as an antagonist. And don’t even get me started on Poe Dameron. How could you NOT like him? Oscar Isaac puts Poe’s charisma into overdrive; I just wanted to be the guy’s friend because he seemed like such a great guy. Let’s not forget about our returning cast, as well. Ford effortlessly steps back into the role of Han Solo, playing a haggard, aged smuggler. The old pirate’s still got it. I almost shed tears when he and Leia came face to face for the first time in the movie – the encounter was touching to the point of almost being heartbreaking. Fisher does a damn fine job of bringing Leia back to the silver screen – it’s obvious things have changed, just by the tone she sets. Aside from the characters, I thought the plot was very good and well-executed, even if Starkiller Base felt tired to me – I wasn’t as emotionally invested in it or its destruction as I felt J.J. or Kasdan wanted me to be. My other complaints are mostly nitpicks, but damn, what an amazing experience. Totally lived up to my expectations after four years of waiting. Great film, great cast and performances.
And how about those storm troopers with aim right!
Hmmmmmm, FWIW, IMHO, here are my rankings:
ESB: 10
TFA: 8.8
ROTS: 8.8
ANH: 8.5
ROTJ: 7
TPM: 5
AOTC: 3
Notes: To me, ESB (along with the Godfather part 2), is the greatest sequel in film history. 🙂 I know, I know, but I liked ROTS. 🙂 It had great action, amazing effects and a terrific, dark story! Even though they are extremely similar and parallel to each other, I actually liked TFA as much (or a little bit more) as ANH (ANH was a simpler film for its time). TPM, while not a phenomenal film by ANY means, to me, has always been a bit underrated. AOTC also had some good moments as well, but, as a film, is of the least quality and has the least substance compared to the others and some of the dialog and acting of Christensen and Portman is, unfortunately, pretty painful! Lol
mine:
ROTJ: 10
TFA: 8.5
ANH: 8.5
ESB: 7
ROTS: 5.5
TPM: 4
AOTC: 1
A lot of people are very hard on TFA…as if ESB was a perfect movie. Empire is great movie but if you were to see it today for the first time with all the expectations and adult eyes you would surely see the flaws. Nostalgia is blinding sometimes.
I gave it a 5. I go by my emotions when watching a film; the first act was thrilling and I had tears in my eyes … but after that, I was falling asleep. I can’t give a movie a ’10’ because the first 25 minutes clicked and the rest fell flat. I want to love this movie more than I did =
I rated it 9. It is up there with ANH and TESB for me, mainly because of the great interaction between the characters, the superb work done by the new cast members in particular, BB-8 was a complete success, as was Chewie who is now my favourite character of all. I don’t think it is a 10 because it felt like there were too many loose ends, although that may play into VIII. Overall, best Star Wars of my adult life.
8.2/10. 3rd fav. film of the series.
I gave it a 10, I think it’s my favourite actually; although it has flaws, what doesn’t? For myself, enjoyability is the most important and TFA was thoroughly enjoyable.
I give it a 9/10. I really enjoyed so much about it. The performances of Daisy Ridley and John Boyega are to me what made it such an amazing film. There are also many other great things, but those two were my favorite part.
My current rankings/ratings:
1. Empire = 10
2. A New Hope = 9
3. The Force Awakens = 9
4. Jedi = 8
5. The prequels = 3.5 (combined score)
lmao ‘combined score’
Damn that’s rough
Things I liked from the prequels:
1. Menace – The end credits.
2. Clones – The fact that we’re now 2/3 of the way through the PT.
3. Sith – The ending, Luke’s aunt and uncle staring into the future, wishing for better SW movies. They got their wish.
Oh that’s funny.
That is rough lol
I like your ratings. Only change I would make is lower TFA to a 8 and maybe, just maybe, make RotJ an 8.5.
Yeah, TFA is a 8. something, rounded up to a 9. At the moment I slightly prefer TFA over Jedi.
Really?! Interesting you prefer TFA over Jedi. I think after we see episodes 8 and 9, then go back and rewatch 7, we may all have a greater appreciation for TFA and also understand the film more throughly.
Looking forward to a sequel trilogy marathon.
9.2/10. The only major problem I had was Starkiller Base. It was awesome, but it was also basically the Death Star 3.0.
1)The Empire Strikes Back: 9.5 of 10
2)A New Hope: 9 of 10
3)The Force Awakens: 8.5 of 10 (a more original threat than a big death Star would have bumped it to a 9!)
4)Return of the Jedi: 8 of 10 (make the Ewoks less teddy bear, and score would go to an 8.5!)
5)Revenge of the Sith: 7 of 10
6)Attack of the Clones: 6.5 of 10
7)The Phantom Menace: 5.5 of 10
Respect your opinion but I don’t get how the cuteness of the Ewoks detracts from the film. I personally rate ROTJ higher than TFA. Slave Leia, Jabba’s palace and the rancor, duel on the sail barge, one of the best space battles of the series, the superb climax between Vader and Luke and the chilling elevator ride “Its to late for me son” leading up to that. ROTJ has so many epic moments..hard to top in my opinion. 😉
I gave it an 8. have some issues with Snoke and the StarKiller base was too much like the Death Star. Don’t need a super weapon every time imo.
8/10. It’s a little annoying they used the death star trope again but I like how they delivered it in-movie, making fun of it being just another death star. This was of little consequence to me in the film because a lot of the scenes involved and the new characters were nice and different which forgives the parallel new hope story a bit of forgiveness. Besides, they don’t have Starkiller Base anymore so I feel like a huge space fleet battle is coming in VIII.
The scenes I don’t like only amount to a couple and that is, I knew one before the film came out, the Darth Vader mask thing, I don’t like that at all, unless they explain the context of why Kylo’s got it more in VIII, but I really rather they left that alone, because it wasn’t really needed for the story, and the trench run made me cringe a bit, that was one step a bit too far into A New Hope but it was short enough.
Overall, after my second viewing today (Which was better) i like how they’ve paced and directed this movie, and made fun of the areas that they’ve made fun of. The limited use of Phasma did not bother me because that will give her motivation to be extra cruel in VIII if she gets them in a vulnerable position again!
think of the development.
overall 8/10. loses points for darth vader mask and trench run. I’m glad that one of my dislikes was in the trailers! I knew what to expect. I was giving it a chance, thinking if they explain this properly maybe I’ll like it, but it came across as unneeded, even in developing Kylos obsession over Vader, I just meh… nah.
But great film!
SW I: The Phantom Menace (1999) = 3,0
SW II: Attack of the Clones (2002) = 5,0
SW III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) = 7,0
SW IV: A New Hope (1977) = 9,5
SW V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) = 10
SW VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) = 9,0
SW VII: The Force Awakens (2015) = 9,5
ATOC better than TPM? You have got to be kidding. Just IMO.
Of course not. And I am not alone, just read the forums there.
8/10, only surpassed by ESB which was a 9/10 for me. Followed in order of preference by ANH, then ROTJ, ROTS, AOTC and TPM.
I’d give it a solid 8, maybe an 8.5. Have to see it a few more times first. The end felt rushed with Poe and not enough mourning for Han. Loved the rest of it.
I gave it a 9/10. It left me desperately wanting more, with loads of unanswered questions… everything a reentry to the universe ought to do. So very pleased!
Gave it an 8. Very good action Star Wars movie overall. Lacks the mythology and expansive grandiose scope of Lucas’ episodes. But once I got over that I really enjoyed the second viewing. Now I hope we get more substance and most importantly more suspense in Episode 8. The destruction of Starkiller base was so simplistic it kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. But certainly a very fun film to watch. The first 40 minutes are the best part. Love the Falcon flying on its side in the sand.
I can only go 8.5/10. I thought it was too rushed in some places, some events seemed too convenient or too easily solved and the whole star killer base thing seemed like a weak after thought. But it’s immensely fun and funny to watch. Production design is beautiful and it hit all the right fandom buttons.
I was 5 when my dad took me to see ESB in theatres, and last Friday he and I took my 9 year old to her first SW film in the big screen. It was an awesome day. I’m so glad we got to do it with a real Star Wars movie.
6 out of 10. I feel that it for have easily been a 9 or 10 but I feel the final cut was shoddy, leading to a too-quickly paced plot with big, gaping holes that either were obviously answered in cut scenes or were just due to lazy writing and a lack of focus and, again, a plot which moved past important scenes much too fast and casually.
Then, there were less certain scenes that were totally unnecessary or could have been considerably shortened, as well as parts and dialogue which were very cringey, either due to being un-Star Wars-like or too dependent on nostalgia or weird near-fourth-wall attempts humor which felt out of place.
A lot of the time, I felt like I was watching an unofficial fan film more than the real thing.
It wasn’t all bad, of course, and even with all its flaws I still need enjoyed it, because it’s Star Wars and we all would rather live with even not-so-great Star Wars than nothing at all. Here’s hoping that the next few films will be even better.
*collapses out of relief* the first review of the film I’ve seen where it’s pretty much exactly what i’ve been thinking
I feel as though once the self- and media-induced hype of NEW STAR WARS OMG!!1! and fawning has calmed down a bit, we’ll start to see most people’s opinions cool a bit after the stars in their eyes have faded. As much as I love Star Wars, I’m not going to lie to myself in order to convince myself that this movie was fucking amazing, because it isn’t. It was good, but had plenty of flaws. If the general fandom doesn’t come to admit this much I’ll never be able to see them as anything g other than hypocrites as the general loathing and scrutiny of the prequel trilogy shouldn’t be restrained or forbidden for the new sequel films, either. There were things I think we’re done much better in the prequels than in this film, but that’s a discussion for another day.
I don’t want to come across as hating the film, as critical as I am being. I just want the new films to be fantastic and this first one has me questioning if they can pull it off in the end.
Agreed. I cannot fathom how anybody can praise this film to be anything other than what it actually is; enjoyable-ish. I can only think that it’s simply blurred judgement over the excitement of YAY NEW STAR WARS HOLY CRAP, and so if the film were to just be remotely enjoyable-ish, then it would just be automatically deemed an amazing incredible virgin birth of star wars.. I can’t see Rian Johnson of all people making the mistakes of this film though, although it is shocking to me that TFA is the way it is with Larry Kasdan co-writing it, so who knows.. Just, please, help me episode viii, you’re my only hope..
I agree completely, although I’d give it a 7, I guess.
The character development was so stunted by the pointless rush in the plot.
When you look at most Star Wars movies , especially the ones up to AOTC, they actually have a very even and slow tempo with large buildups to climactic resolutions.
The mid section of Force Awakens is just too cramped with action that gets resolved too easily.
It was hard to pick a number, honestly. The 1-10 scale is so arbitrary and everybody basically looks at anything under 8 as being mediocre, and anything under 7 being utter trash these days. (For example, notice how practically every review in this thread is between 7-10, including many that are s critical, if not more so, than my own review). To me, an 8 and above should be a very rare thing reserved for the best of the best. There are seven numbers beneath 7-10, and anybody with sense should know that the vast majority of time obviously shouldn’t be calling into the 7+ category otherwise it completely devalues the scale.
I would say that TFA safely falls in between 6-7, but I wasn’t going to delve into decimals since the poll only asks for whole numbers.
Thx for explaining the 1-10 rating scale. I was confused. I’ll give it a 9.5. Do yourself a favor. Watch episodes 4-6 and put in the back of ur mind that between 6-7 is 30 years. Then tell me they don’t match up to the originals. Saw this movie 3 times and it keeps getting better. I don’t know how old u r but when episode 4 and 5 came out in New York they were given 4 out of 4 stars. Like I said watch episode 4-6 in the next week and go and see the force awakens again in 2D not 3D and realize 30 years have past since episode 6. Guarantee u will give in at least an 8.
The 30 year interval has nothing at all to do with my opinion of any of the films so I’m not quite sure what you’re getting at. I’ve also seen all the other films countless times (including once more in the lead-up to seeing TFA) so watching them once more is going to do absolutely nothing to change how I see TFA, I can assure you.
And 3D? lol…you really think I went to see it in 3D?
I said in 2D not 3D. See u don’t pay attention. Prob missed lots
In the film too. Ur only seeing what u want lol.
I take it English isn’t your mother tongue? Let me directly quote what you told me in your previous comment : “go and see the force awakens again in 2D not 3D”.
So you literally just told me to watch it again, only in 2D, not 3D, which directly implies that you believe that I’ve only seen it once and only on 3D, both of which are incorrect assumptions.
You also completely ignored the rest of my reply to you and instead chose to focus on one part of my reply which you incorrectly interpreted and then followed up with more insults. So at this point, I can only conclude that you’re an idiot, troll, delusional fanboy or all of the above. You think *I’m* the one only ” seeing what I want to see”? Ha, that’s rich…you’re just another one of the people I had mentioned above who has decided to convince themselves that the new Star Wars movies are great no matter what. Have fun with that…
You talk about implications. First off I am a Star Wars fan. Secondly I am not a Fan boy. I hated the prequels. Second of all I didn’t insult u, u r sensitive and immature( u used the word idiot). And u probably insulted 80-90% of Fans on this blog who don’t agree with you in regards to the movie by calling them all fanboys. Ur right we r all wrong. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mr . Sensitive.
Considering you’re the one who is in denial that anyone could possibly *not* be head-over-heels in love with the new movie and cNt accept the fact that I, and many others, have any issues with TFA, to the extent that you completely ignore all my reasoning and points made and instead choose to just repeat your irrelevant suggestion that watching 4, 5 and 6 for the umpteenth time is somehow going to cause a revelation in me which will completely change how I look at the TFA, I’d say the only one being overly-sensitive here is you.
For whatever reason, you can’t simply accept that not everybody has the same opinion as you do, and resort to insulting me by saying I didn’t pay attention to the film, am “seeing what I want to see”, and probably missed a lot of the film.
Firstly, I could probably recite the entire movie scene by scene without issue, so I highly doubt that I wasn’t paying attention. I’d counter that if you are oblivious to the many flaws that countless people have been griping about, it was clearly you who had a poor level of attention while watching the movie, if indeed you actually even saw it. I’m starting to question whether you have…
Secondly, how am I ” seeing what I want to see”? I’d say it was the exact opposite. I went into the theater without having spoiled the plot for myself, having ignored both the room and gloomers and overly-optimistic fanboys in order to have the most unbiased experience possible, but with the holes that it would blow all the previous films out of the water. In my own unbiased opinion, it fell well short of that mark, sadly.
Thirdly, you insult me by completely ignoring everything I’ve had to say, choosing instead to focus on inane, irrelevant “arguments” which have nothing to do with my review of the film.
I’m not being sensitive, I’m just calling it as see it, and wondering just what it is you’re trying to prove by trying to tell me that my opinion of the film is wrong. Clearly you don’t know what an opinion is.
Wow u have issues. Just look how deep ur going. WOW WOW WOW! Like I said have a Merry Christmas sensitive boy.
How am I “going deep”? It’s not deep at all, I’m literally quoting things you just said to me, you dolt…
As far as rating where it belongs in the saga, it’s hard to say because I think there are still a lot of things that need to be answered by the subsequent films. But judging it as a standalone, I’d give it a 7.75/10. They did a great job introducing and developing some of the new characters, but I felt a few were a let down. Mainly Captain Phasma. Plot wise, the back bone of the plot wasn’t original enough to garner a higher rating. I thought it was nice that they tried to reference stuff from the OT, but I feel like they did it to the point where that was the goal of the film itself. This one is more nitpicky, but I also wished that they had more familiar alien species in the movie. Other than Nien Numb and Admiral Ackbar, there really weren’t too many familiar alien species which makes it seem to me like they used that as a cover up for unoriginal plot writing to make it seem more creative. I could be over thinking that part, but I still think they tried too hard in that area. I like what they did with Kylo Rens character and am interested to see where the continuation of the skywalker saga is headed.
I give it a 8. I didn’t like what happened to Han. I didn’t mind similarities to A New Hope, except for this big one: Blowing up a third Death Star. That was a very, very bad idea. They used the same plot device again. It wasn’t needed. I’ve never liked that they use the Death Star twice in the original trilogy, even though I think it was executed better in Return Of The Jedi (My favorite Star Wars film). I can kind of forgive the Han thing, but having a third Death Star is the overwhelming problem with this film for me. For the most part, I loved the rest of it. I didn’t like the weird, octopus-like creatures on Han’s ship. They didn’t feel like Star Wars to me, and their CGI didn’t look good. I also didn’t like Snoke’s CGI, they should have done him with Prosthetics. I was looking forward to seeing creatures from the previous 6 movies in the background, but from what I could tell, all the background creatures were new. I liked how they made Kylo Ren different from Vader. I loved his fits where he cut things up with his lightsaber. I liked how we saw him a lot without his mask on. He definitely had a different dimension than Vader. I want to say more on that, but I don’t really know how. The new characters in this one are way more likable and relatable than the ones in the prequels. They should have shown Hux get Kylo Ren and leave Starkiller Base. They should have explained more how the First Order and The Resistance came to be, and the difference between The Resistance and The Republic. The humor in this was great.
I’ll go with 9/10
Order of preference best to least: 5, 4, 7, 3, 6, 1, 2 with 3 6 & 7 all being really close. I have seen 7 twice, and will see it again. I may very well change my mind 6 months from now…
i’m starting to put 7=4 Behind 5
Mind blown
I probably could never get anything ahead of or on par with 5 or 4. 4
was the first film I saw in the theater, ever. I was with my father. I
saw 5 with my father and cousin. Those were huge positive memories from
my childhood. Both my father and cousin have past on, and I can’t really
work around that and be objective…
I have the same order as you.
I probably could never get anything ahead of or on par with 5 or 4. 4 was the first film I saw in the theater, ever. I was with my father. I saw 5 with my father and cousin. Those were huge positive memories from my childhood. Both my father and cousin have past on, and I can’t really work around that and be objective.
9 of 10.
Empire: 9.5
Star Wars 8.5
Jedi: 8
TFA: 6.5
I agree completely
I would give it an 8.5/10. I absolutely loved it despite its numerous flaws (i.e. viewing Hosnian prime explosion on Takodana) because unlike the PT it got the storytelling method right. Ironically, the storyline was thinner than anything in the PT, but without all the BS in telling that story, it was way more effective. My favorite scene was probably Daniel Craig’s cameo and casual weapon drop line, and my favorite element is the reverse Luke potential for Kylo/Ben. Can’t wait 4 8!
I gave it a 9/10. I think in terms of the saga I’d rate it as Empire, New Hope (for nostalgia purposes), Force Awakens, Jedi, and so on. I really liked the propulsive action, although I think that it sometimes detracted from the exposition (for example I didn’t realize that the Hosnian system that got destroyed by Starkiller was the seat of the Republic Senate… That’s a really big deal, especially after sitting though the prequels). The acting was also incredible, Daisy Ridley is going to absolutely blow up thanks to this, as well as Oscar Isaac and John Boyega. I felt like the new characters mesh really well into the Star Wars universe and with the older characters, who were all such a treat to see back in action. I want a BB-8 in every color.
However, I sometimes felt like the Starkiller Base subplot wasn’t always absolutely necessary for the third act to be forward-moving. It supplied the requisite amount of stakes for the heroes but it did at times feel a little *too* been-there. Also, the lack of Captain Phasma is gonna irk me until she gets her grand fight scene that we all know is coming in Episode XIII.
All in all though, a really great film, and one that I think we’ve all been waiting for for a very, very long time.
10/10 Definitely in the top tier of Star Wars films!! I’ve seen it twice and plan to see it several more times!! The new leads surprised me as to how quickly I cared about them!! I can’t wait to see more of Rey, Finn, and Poe’s adventures!!
9/10, rarely feel this way about any movie these days.
I’m all for empowering lead white female characters in Hollywood. Lord knows we need more of it. I just wish it wasn’t done on the back of the black lead character. Finn has his moments here and there, but he’s mostly treated like a joke to make Rey look awesome.
Still, TFA is an entertaining film.
I absolutely loved the film. It set up so much and gives us a bright future ahead. I personally did not feel that it was a remake of A New Hope in the slightest. That being said, it did have a few flaws; some important details were glossed over and I felt that they should’ve just had Starkiller base be disabled rather than blown up, then the first order could have a base and familiar setting for the next movie. These are nitpicks though, this fantastic film gets a 9/10
I gave it an 9 but when comparing with the other films in a 1-10 scale it gets an 8:
TPM: 7
AOTC: 5,5
ROTS: 7
ANH: 9
ESB: 10
ROTJ: 8,5
TFA: 8
Totally agree with your order of ratings, I think you’re the first person I’ve seen who rates ROTS lower than TPM. Although I’d still give all the prequels much lower ratings 😛 But good job!
Yeah TPM still had many excellent moments that were sorely lacking in AOTC and ROTS. I really liked the pod race and find the duel with Darth Maul one of the highlights of the entire series. Also helps that some parts of TPM was still shot on film and doesn’t look like the video game that is AOTC. Also I don’t hate Jar Jar and didnt mind the midichlorians 😉 Still it doesn’t make it less of a disappointment as the list of bad things in that film is long, but with TPM I still had hope George would find his way.
I think the biggest issue is that when people rate this film they’re comparing it to the OT too much. I’m pretty confident that I can say pretty much everyone agrees this film is vastly superior to the PT at the least. But when we judge the film it needs to be on merit based on what a new film of a sequel trilogy needed to do. Considering its going to be another 3 films, giving away everything in the first one would be a let down. In my opinion it just had to acknowledge the 30 years of history to an extent, let us know what happened to the holy trinity (han, leia, luke), introduce the next generation of skywalkers, give us a new holy trinity, establish our new jedi out of the new three, establish our new baddies, bring back r2 & 3p0, introduce a new droid for the next generation, and do so all in a compelling story that would feel like the old world but w/ a natural progression over 30 years that makes sense. So for my own personal expectations (which I honestly didn’t form until after I watched it 3 times and had a chance to think about it), TFA did it for me. Everything presented to me made sense within the story. Yes it had themes from ANH, Empire, and ROTJ, but it needed that as an introduction to get us back. As a standalone introductory film into a new trilogy that is separate, but a part of the old it pulled it off better than I had hoped. The only films I’d ever give a 10/10 are Miyazaki’s early anime movies. So that aside I personally rate this at an 8.5 – 9.
I gave it a 10 out of 10. When it comes to things I love, I’m a terrible critic, but TFA honestly exceeded all my high expectations. I absolutely loved it. I’ve seen it 2 times and will probably see it a third.
8.4-10
can’t decide. I loved everything about it and very nearly think it is my new favorite film of the lot!
I would rate the force awakens an 8.4/10. It was a very solid movie to bring back the franchise. I did feel like there were a few rehashed plot points but didnt really take me out of the film in any way. I would have liked to have gotten a little more of an explanation on the state of the new republic and resistance and first order. All in all it was an awesome movie, very fun to watch with comedic beats every here and there
9 out of 10 – Great flick, great acting, and a great pop-corn movie. Remember, it is part 1 of 3 – we can’t always get what we want right now. Thanks JJ!
6/10 – The first act, until they met Han, felt like all my Star Wars dreams come true. After that. It quickly fell apart. There were just so many inconsistencies and poor narrative decisions that it basically ruined the rest of the film for me.
this
Agreed. First 45 minutes I looked over at my son and said “this is amazing!”. Rest of movie I sat with stunned look on my face wondered what the hell happened. Sad.
Just got back from my 3rd viewing. I really really like this film, it’s a fine addition to the saga, a solid 8, maybe 8.5. My biggest gripe is not the rehash of anh (similarities sure, but no rehash guys, it’s is own story) is the starkiller base!! It makes no sense or serves any purpose to the film apart from a climatic battle which i might add detracts from the real meat & gravy of the plot (rey’s awakening)
9 of 10. When I first walked out of the theater, it was probably a 7.5 or 8. Not because of the quality of the movie, but my own unrealistic expectations. I wanted to know ALL of the answers to my questions and felt like too much was left open. After seeing it two more times my opinion of the movie is much higher. I love it more each time. I realize that leaving those questions unanswered was the right thing to do for the first episode. The endless debate has been fun. I loved the look, the feel, the new characters, the acting, the emotion, the humor. They nailed the look of Star Wars. I thought they did a fantastic job. I am truly captivated by and invested in the character of Rey. My only minor complaint was the Starkiller base. It didn’t really do anything for me. Kyle Ren is an amazing villain. I didn’t think he would be so interesting. Snoke is a big mystery as well. I am more exited for episode 8 than ever.
I gave it a ten out of ten. Honestly the two issues I had with the movie were PERSONAL issues, which seems to be the case with most people. That is not enough to lower the score of the movie. If the movie had actually movie issues then that would be a different story. The Force Awakens delivered and is right up there with the originals, it bridges the gap while introducing new characters, new worlds and new situations. J.J. and crew did an amazing job.
This. Many of the issues people have are leftover baggage from wondering what Luke, Han and Leia were doing for 30 years. The focus of the film is Rey, Finn, BB8 and Kylo Ren. Its not about the old characters, only one of them will get a starring role in the next one, and we can’t wait!
I am not fully satisfied, but I understand.
I had see it 3 times.Is a 10 for me.I hope the next movie is also a 10.I can’t wait for 2017…:).
I would say 9 out of 10. Very solid. As a film, it was great. As a fan, it left me wanting more. I guess it did its’ job then!
I give it a 9 out of 10. The movie was incredible however like many people blowing up a death star for the third time now is getting old and they should have come up with something new. Everything else is AMAZING
9 out of 10 for me. RotJ is still my favorite, but this one is tied with ANH and Empire for 2nd in my rankings
8/10 An Epic Star Wars film that ranks right behind ESB and ANH in my opinion.
10/10
A solid 9 out of 10 for me Iv seen it 3 times and I realy like it. It’s not perfect and shure I can pick fault with it but I got a new Starwars that is back in the gritty univerce I grew up with.
TFA sits proudly at number 2 just behind ESB.
9/10
8.5/10
Amazing, fast paced Star Wars adventure. I love the new characters, and making the force more of a mystical guide. My complaints are minor. Of course, we really didn’t need another Death Star. And I worry that with such a fast pace in making these movies, the music wasn’t as well developed. Over all, I Love this movie
I think that having a superweapon was absolutely necessary for the First Order to destroy the Republic’s capital and the Republic”s fleet and basically leave the Resistance unprotected in Episode VIII.
I completely agree. One thing I wasn’t expecting to be dissappointed in was the music… Don’t get me wrong, it was all lovely background music, but it seemed that that was all it was… no stand out new themes for the new (fantastic) characters. Great film though.. can’t wait to watch again.
9 out of 10.
Or, as Unkar Plutt says, a “ninth of a portion”.
Wow, was not expecting to see so many positive ratings on here. I think it’s probably an 8/10 for me. Yeah the recycling of the Death Star was too much, but that was the only ANH element that really stood out to me. All the other comparisons people make seem way overblown, and I found myself too wrapped up in the new characters and their stories to really care.
9/10. The rewachability is just so good. Things I thought were flaws are now possible story turns that were intentionally put in the movie. I’m blown away.
9/10. Going back to the roots was a fantastic decision on JJ’s part and for the first time since 1983, we felt like we were in the Star Wars universe again. Amazingly witty and clever writing clearly points to the amount of involvement the one and only Larry Casdan had in the script. Despite the fact that the movie obviously borrowed some of its elements from its predecessors, it still feels like fresh and exciting filmmaking due to the breathtaking camera work, tons of practical sets and effects, and, most importantly, it being first and foremost a character piece. You immediately fall in love with the new characters and the old ones don’t feel out of place or shoehorned. All of the twists and reveals work pretty much perfectly and the only reason why I can’t give it a perfect grade is because I do have gripes with couple of scenes, which took me out of the movie as they felt either unnecessary or too predictable (yes, Starkiller is one of them).
9out of 10. This movie evoked strong emotion, which has been rare these days.
Could have been perfect if we have more serene time.
Rate it 10/10 as it is.
With Rey 10/10
Without Rey 5/10
Rey is a polarizing character. Many people think she’s awesome, while many others find her to be a Mary Sue.
8.5 out of 10. It was a fun movie thet wasnt full of boring trade negotiations. The characters felt real and new. Overall its a great movie and i think itll get better when the next comes out and we start to see the overall picture that this new trilogy will be.
I would give it a 9.5 out of 10. Right after coming out of the theater the first time, I was slightly disappointed, I probably would have given it a 7.5 or 8. However, after thinking about it for a couple of days and seeing it again yesterday, I unabashedly love it. The new characters are fantastic, the returning characters are there for more than just nostalgia and are great as well, and above all it is a great sequel to return of the jedi. It sets the stage for the upcoming films in a perfect way, and I can’t wait to see it again and to see where the saga goes from here. Simply put, I loved it!
I give it 9 of 10. I watch the movie 4 times now and i like it even more. Can’t wait the episode 8 to have some questions answers. Good job JJ.
#makekylekatarncanon
I support this hashtag!
Ha,ha,ha, totally agreed…
2015-12-24 8:12 GMT+10:00 Disqus :
hehe 😉
9 out of 10. Would of liked a lil bit more story telling by Han and Leia but that’s my only complaint.
I would rate it 10/10 even with all of the flaws. In my eyes, many of the flaws don’t distract from the quality of the movie going experience, and majority of them are nitpicks.
8/10 for film ‘quality’ for lack of a better word, 10/10 for cinema experience. I think it’s a tighter film that Return of the Jedi, the characters are wonderful and it’s probably my third SW film so far.
10/10. I’ve seen it 7 times since it premiered and I can say it’s the best Star Wars movie to date, in my opinion. The humor is spot on without becoming too cringeworthy like that in the prequels, the chemistry between the actors is fluid and very authentic, and I loved catching all the callbacks to the original trilogy. I’ll probably watch it a few more times before the year is out. The score is basically all I’ve been playing on loop for the past week.
10 out of 10.One of the best Star Wars movies!
Loved it, was very satisfied by it. My only complaints are that the story was so derivative of Star Wars (A New Hope), and that the lead-up and execution of the Starkiller Base destruction was such a non-event. Overall, thought it was great fun and had a great feel, would give it 8.5/10.
9/10 – story, even though familiar, was great, new actors were fantastic, fantastic cinematography, thrilling action…etc. It was simply fantastic
Only seen it once so far so don’t want to rate it yet. But act 3 is disappointing. The editing is choppy. Scenes awkwardly cut. And Starkiller Base itself is terrible. I don’t mean the rehash. I mean the concept. If u can suck a sun why even have a cannon? Just suck the sun and every planet in system dies. And by the way, you’re brilliant enough to harness a sun but you can’t find a ‘Hidden’ base with an external tarmac? Just awful. I can’t believe the pass this is getting from fans. I know it’s fantasy but c’mon. It reminded me of bug farts from Starship Troopers. Not to mention how easy it was to destroy.
Its Fantasy, its not real mate. Id be more critical of a magic power called the force now that’s a load of nonsense.
Been a huge fan since 77 so I’m immersed in the Force. But that doesn’t mean complete suspension of disbelief. There has to be SOME logic.
I see your logic, ignore the wizards and space magic but rip the nonsensical science.
I can’t have an opinion? The Force is learned through discipline. Yes it’s mystical but it plays by rules in the realm of it’s fantasy world. But these are still ‘living creatures on a planet’. Taking away the sun or blasting unfathomable amounts of energy would would make said living on that planet or base or whatever it is not possible…even in fantasy.
“That’s not how the Force works!” – Han Solo 😉
I think he’s just trying to say that was a very bad attempt at being science-y by the movie. They might’ve been better off just leaving the science alone, like they did with the first death star.
And if they said “space magic lets us use the power of the sun” then yeah that’s just fantasy lol. When you start explaining things using real scientific terms, people start paying attention and picking it apart.
1) You’d have to haul the whole base to that system to drain the sun. Also, it depletes the sun. Starkiller got 2 shots out of one sun and was not mobile. I think after that next shot, Starkiller was done. One shot for the Republic, one for the Resistance. Drop the mic and leave.
2) External tarmac? You mean one tarmac on one world in the whole galaxy? Of course it would be hard to find. The Resistance could have carved “THE RESISTANCE IS HERE” on the side of the planet and they’d still be impossible to find without tracking someone there or torturing it out of someone.
3) Unrelated, but I think you missed the memo that Starship Troopers was satire. A soldier is doling out bullets to children, who fight over who gets the assault rifle… all in a commercial promoting patriotic war.. and you are thinking bug farts really ruin the immersion? The bugs get intelligence by sucking out the brains of intelligence officers. Sucking out… their brains………
The bug fart analogy was the they shot asteroids across the vastness of space to earth in a matter of hours. From a planet light years away. I know there was a throw away line about SK shooting a hyperspace weapon but it still wasn’t clear. The kind of science the shit out of it it would require to harness a sun would mean they should also have incredible sensory equipment. 🙂 As I said I KNOW it’s fantasy. Maybe it will play better on my 2nd viewing. Just being honest how I felt the first time.
Oh, I am with you… especially on them SEEING the blast from Takodana.. and SEEING Hosnian System blow up. I mean, that just shits on science in the grossest of ways. I mean, in every way. It was so bizarre that my brain was, like, “are they in the … same system?” because that was the only possible justification. When I realized what it was… I had to scramble to compartmentalize the absurdity of it.
Speaking of Starship Troopers actually.. remember that scene where they hear about the destruction of Buenos Aires and they are all running across the base? That is what should have happened on Takodana. It should have lit up the “news” and people should have freaked out.. then, as they are freaking out, the First Order comes flying in. That would have done the exact same thing without the painfully absurd ‘see it in the sky’ nonsense.
I thought the asteroid in Starship Troopers was so clever in terms of … the alienness of the bugs…. it sat so right with me thematically, that the absurdity of it never really affected me. It was a purposeful, thematic, fudge. It served a purpose and would have been difficult to do any other way… and the movie was absurd anyway. But the Starkiller thing was super weird. If it hyperspace.. make it hyperspace. I think they were trying to make it easier for the layman to grasp (visually) but it did the opposite.
Yeah.JJ ripped himself off with the people seeing other planets blow up in the same sky just like Spock saw Vulcan blow up from the moon yet the moon was completely unaffected. And that’s supposed be true SciFi not fantasy. With trek I cloud blame the writers Orci/Kurtman. Can’t do that here. You’re other comment relates to my editing criticism. It’s obvious scenes were cut for time.
Chris, I have seen the movie three times now. The first time, I also thought it was kind of choppy. On the second viewing, I thought it was smooth and wondered what I had thought was wrong the first time. I actually thought it was a better movie on the second viewing. The third time confirmed that. I think this is a movie that will stand up to repeated viewings, just like the OT.
That’s why I can’t rate it yet. I totally loved the first two thirds. And I don’t hate the rest. Just wished it was tighter. Right now it’s at least a 7. Hopefully it goes up on Saturday after I see it again.
I’m with you 100%. It really is inexcusable to have so many dumb choices glaring holes in the plot of such a big and important film.
That woodpecker vulture thing didn’t help either. And the Maz/Leia scene wasn’t even in it!!!
I would probably say 7.5 but since I scrutinize Star Wars so heavily and I still loved this movie… means it probably does deserve an 8. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty dang good. The biggest highlight was the cast.
1. Empire
2. The Force Awakens
3. Return of the Jedi
4. Revenge of the Sith
5. The Phantom Menace
6. Attack of the Clones
9/10 because it was a rehash of EP 4, then there came EP 6, which was also a rehash of EP 4.
The Force Awakens it’s at least better than tre prequels…and probably better than the return the jedi…and it’s probably the most character focused star wars movie, Kylo Ren it’s the most complex star wars villain ever…already seen two times, and hope to see some more…and this new movie proves that cinema is not lost, too me it’s the best action/adventure movie in many years…guardians of the galaxy, avengers, nolan’s batman seems like crap next To The Force Awakens
1st Star Wars
2nd Empire Strikes Back
3rd The Force Awakens
# 3 after ESB and ANH.
1) TFA
2) ROTS
3) ROTJ and ESB
4) ANH
5) TPM and AOTC
10/10….it exceeded my expectations.
9/10, it would be 10/10 if Snoke = Darth Plagueis.
I give it an 8/10. I cannot put it before the Original Trilogy (Nothing will ever compare to Empire). Great movie, great feeling opening night. I am so proud of Daisy’s performance and Rey’s character. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her. Who would have thought?…a Lead Female Jedi role! I just hope she is a Skywalker…
I absolutely ADORED Daisy Ridley’s character and thought she was absolutely phenomenal in TFA!
I rate it as a 9.5 out of 10, so I rounded up to 10 in this poll. Overall, it is an awesome movie, so I am not going to nit pick over the couple of things I felt could have been done better.
There are a couple flaws definitely but overall I’d say it was a solid movie 🙂
10 out of 10. I expected it to be great. I hoped it would be better than great. Somehow, it was even better than I hoped.
It vies for ANH for second place, but will probably end up in third in the general consensus. I rated it 8/10 on first viewing. Now, after 4 viewings, and eager to watch again, I give it 9/10. I needed to see it at least 4 times before I really decided. It has tons of rewatch value and this one will get worn out by the kids on blu ray.
The only reason it isn’t a 10 is because of little weirdnesses like Starkiller blast visible somehow from Takodana. Not only does that toss science out the window… it tosses it out the airlock and blows it up with lasers. It is nonsense and wasn’t necessary! Also, the existence of the Resistance (rather than just the Republic) is an obvious fudge to reflect the OT. Awkward and not necessary. However, if they later justify it (the Republic is an ineffectual glob bent on appeasement (not wanting a repeat of the galactic war.. like in the 1930s Europe). They can clean that up, but for now it is awkward.
If it weren’t for that, I’d give 10/10 because beside from that it was pure glorious Star Wars and even better written in general.
9.5/10. Unbelievable movie with so much depth and simplicity simultaneously. I love all the new questions and discussions with friends this has created. Starkiller base was a little tired, that’s the -0.5. Fun fact: Vader’s theme + Kylo’s theme, same notes, different order. John Williams is a jewel.
My exact rating!
7/10. I rank it lowest in the saga.
6, 5, 7
4
3
1
2
7 out of 10 for me. **** Spoiler Alert ****
Didn’t like CGI Snoke, he looked like a badly rendered Orc from Lord of the Rings. Also didn’t like the CGI raptor/monster things in Han’s freighter and the drama that took place with them. Too J.J. Abramsy for me, reminiscent of hokey scenes from his Star Trek movies. Beautiful visuals though. Some really clunky dialogue, especially between Han and Leia, which should have been less words with more emotional punch. Still though, I need to see it again, maybe I would revise my rating after a second viewing. Liked Finn, Rey and Poe, although Poe seemed like a too perfect character…
For my part, I didn’t hate it as an enraged fanboy; in fact, I loved the strongest elements (like Rey and Han’s roles).
Ultimately, I’ll have to digest it with a few more watches. I’m willing to enjoy this movie more, but it hits as at a very unremarkable 6/10 for now; better than TPM and AOTC and only a few points above ROTS.
What it comes down to is that I simply didn’t connect to J.J. Abram’s storytelling sensibilities, and disliked the modern meta-humor and dialogue.
I’ve watched the film 3 times now and it definitely improves upon watching it a few more times. You also can catch the celebrity Easter-eggs too 🙂
9.5… I loved it and I am so excited about the future of our galaxy far, far away. But there is always room for nitpicking, right? The whole “So it’s a Death Star but bigger”… “We’ll just find a way to blow it up in 10 seconds” didn’t sit well nor did Han’s new found infatuation with Chewie’s crossbow. That exchange was just a little too cheesy and are we really to believe that after all their time together Han has never fired Chewie’s crossbow? Those two points aside, it was the movie i hoped it would be.
I agree, wish 9.5 was an option! The movie delivered on all fronts IMO.
A solid 9 !!!
I watched the film three times now… and i love it. The new characters are great, and yet so different among them… and Han rules !!!
8.5/10 One whole point taken away for the last minute lackluster appearance of Luke and half a point taken away for force freezing the laser blast in mid air.
Why didnt you like the force freezing of the laser blast?, i thought it was just awesome.
You can’t please everyone I suppose. Force stun was a common force power in EU and the force freeze appears to work just about the same way. Happy to see its inclusion on screen!
It’s good, but not better than the originals. Everyone should come to realize nothing will surpass 4-6. 1-3 are very different but not bad in my opinion. 7 to me is a mix of the old and new so I have to squeeze it right in between the originals and prequels as far as rating it.
I thing Rian will make something unique and different with 8 which overall should be better than 7.
i rate it a solid 9, yes its a callback, yes it is made that way on purpouse to get new audiences and attract new people to the franchise, yes its like a new hope.
But its not a new hope for me its better, far better, because it doesnt only start a franchise again it continues the story beutifly it gives us new characters we love, it gives us action, comedy that makes us have fun, ITS AN AMAZING MOVIE.
Its the perfect balance between starting a trilogy, rebooting things for new audiences and contiuing the story we love so much. Thanks J.J.
I would give it a 9 for sure. Would have easily been the best Star Wars movie if it had come before empire strikes back. The most promising part is the fact that the best parts of TFA is the new characters. Plus it still was amazing and only have a peak of luke. I think the next one, could be the best ever
8.5 of 10. Maybe higher, but I’ve only had one opportunity to see it thus far so it may change some. I loved that it definitely captured the original feel of Star Wars. I also thought the new characters were great and had a nice chemistry together… very important. I was very entertained, can’t wait to see it again, and find it a good addition to the saga.
There are some things that bothered me though. CGI Snoke looked fake and just seemed out of place. Another trench run was a bit much, even if it was a more down played version. The back story catchup dialogue between Han and Leia was pretty hokey… people just don’t talk like that. And Hans death, had almost no emotional impact for me. I’m fine with him dying but the timing seemed all wrong. I didn’t have enough time to see the relationship between him and Ben (Kylo). His death would have been much more impactful later in the new trilogy. Harrison forcing the death into this first movie really ruined it’s ability to truly help the story. Just too rushed.
5. Good, but too much set up. And not enough Rey development.
to be honest, it wasn’t much less than Luke got in ANH! We got to know a wee bit more about Luke’s home life but he had more of a home life so…
i say a solid 8 of 10. i loved most everything about this movie. i could have went 9, but 8 sounded right to me. cant wait for ep8!
A – for fun
C – for storytelling
F – for originality
…
I’ve seen it twice and give it a 9. It went above and beyond in meeting it’s goal of feeling like a Star Wars movie.
10/10. Just an amazing film going experience. Star Wars is back!!!
8/10, good movie, best they could do to appease old and new.
6/10. A good movie for star wars fans but a little confusing at times, like it hasn’t really decided if it wants to be a comedy or serious film. To many obvious references to the original trilogy.
Interesting result so far… a higher percentage gave the film 10/10 than all those who rated it between 1 and 7/10 combined. I give it a 9.
we all expected to go into the film and receive a three-course meal, but we were given an appetizer. considering the amount of pressure j.j. abrams had on his plate, he put out an excellent film. i would say a solid 8.5/10 for the film. when episodes 8 and 9 come out, the entire trilogy will (hopefully) feel complete.
I’ve seen comments like ‘nothing will be as good as the OT’ I’m not saying TFA is, but it’s a bit close minded to have that mentality. There’ll always seem to be something missing- and it’s not from the movie, it’s from us; I was 6 or 7 when I saw ROTJ in the cinema and it amazed me. I’m too old for a movie to do that now.
I’d rate my Star wars movies in as:
1. ROTJ
2. ANH
3. TFA
4. ESB
5. ROTS
6. TPM
7. AOTC
I could swap 1-4 around quite easily depending on my mood at the time :p
9/10
Just seeing the crawl put a giant smile on my face.
9/10..Not perfection, but just what was needed to bring back the wars in the stars.
9.2 out of 10. Great return to form for Star Wars, great performances and character nuances we’ve NEVER seen in SW! My only complaints about the movie were the similarities to ANH, mainly Starkiller Base, but they weren’t too distracting and overall, I loved the movie!
8/10 … I’ve seen it twice and it’s a solid addition to the SW film saga. I can nitpick things but I enjoyed seeing the Big Three again (although that was quite an easy payday for Mark Hamill :)) and I thought the new leads (Finn and especially Rey) were brilliant.
9.5/10
The whole movie had me smiling
Man, when those X-wings came in to save the day I smiled like a kid on Christmas.
I’d say 9.5. It was a fun ride with heart tugging moments. I love how it was all in the actors expressions and their body language was just as important as the dialogue. And even subtle hints were important and interesting. It’s a great mystical mystery.
9.0 absolutely loved it
Just finished watching it 3 hours ago. My wee brain is still buzzing, but I have a huge smile on my face (even tho there were some real tears)! Is tomorrow too soon to see it again?
Were you in my theater? Because *I* just got of my first screening about 3 hours ago! 😉
I found myself swelling with tears of triumph where I didn’t expect it. (When someone caught the force-puled light sabre). I almost started weeping I was so happy.
Yes! Rey is the Light….(And I have no doubt that she is a Skywalker)…
That was some tear jerking stuff right there, daveolden! And when Chewbacca saw Han die. That was some painful shit. And then when Leia tells Rey, “May the Force be with you…” and the music swells up… Tears, dammit…
Gonna see it again in the theater and then, of course gonna get it for my own… Kinda bummed that JJ isn’t going to be doing the next one…
Chewies rection was the best in the whole film for me, shooting wasnt helping the grief rage so, let’s blow this thing……. Could have done with some arm pulling, would love to see a higher rating version of his reaction to echo my feelings at that point.
My list so far.
1. ESB
2. ROTS
3. TFA
4. ANH
5. ROTJ
6. TPM
7. AOTC
Can’t wait for VIII and IX!!!!! BRING IT!!!!
10/10 after seeing it twice. Fast-paced and entertaining throughout the moving. I thought the acting and comedy were spot on. The story had what some are calling “re-hashes” of the prior films but my take on that is that’s what makes it Star Wars.
I gave it a 9 because i’m an incessant fanboy… I really enjoy the movie and will go see it for a fourth time and will be as excited as the last!
8.0. Thought the screenplay could’ve been a little greater, but overall great film!
7/10, but I enjoyed it and will be seeing it again with family. The hard part of being a film student, is that you learn to dissect films.
10/10
My rankings
1 – TESB
2 – TFA
3 – ROTJ
4 – ROTS
5 – ANH
6 – TFM
7 – AOTC
i like that order, thats about where im at. ROTJ has the best moments in
the whole darned thing with the vader/emperor/luke, and the space
battle. rots was finally close to what people might have hoped for the
prequels and tfa was just so much damn fun. good order.
due to a handful of what I consider weak points, I vote a solid 8
its ok , nothing special , nothing much wrong with it either .
I’d give it a solid 8 out of 10. Don’t ask me why I say solid. I just thought at times it was a little rushed, it is fast paced which it great, but just a little rushed. Then as it slowed down you really noticed it and wanted it to go faster! JJ, you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t! hehe.. Awesome though.. seen it twice, probably my 2nd fave SW film. First being Jedi (saw it as a kid and stayed in my heart!)
6/10
the good: looks like SW, great cast performing very well
the bad: weak, unimaginative script, low quality CGI characters, poor pacing (last act incredibly rushed), underuse of some of essential SW characters
the in between: production design, aliens, special effects
overall, best moments better than best of PT, and weakest on par with weakest PT. i hate ranking episodes against each other but it can sit somewhere between TPM and AOTC
I was reluctant to watch at first because of some of the things I had read,plus I’m no great fan of JJ.
Saying that,with expectations lowered,I thoroughly enjoyed it and don’t mind admitting that I totally lost it when Han and Leia met,I started tearing up like a child,no idea where that came from (41,too old for this shit).
Easily JJ best film,Rey ,Finn and Kylo were all excellent new additions and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Was it perfect,no but then neither are the original films,as good as Jedi IMO.
9/10.
9/10 – almost 10/10…one of the best action/adventure flicks of all time, finally Abrams made a good movie
9/10 – I don’t give TFA 10/10 because I hope Episode VIII will be even better. Great characters, nostalgia, nostalgia and again nostalgia. I want to go back to cinema!
00/10
There was a whole Star War Universe with Books and Enzyclopedia out there and the Film made ist disappear without a trace without a comment or explanation, where atr Jaison, Jaina, Anakin Solo, Ben Skywalker. O.K . Gone somehow.
The lightsaber duells were the weekest I have ever seen this clowns would have been slauthered by a Child Jedi from Episode II.
Just pityfull.
Gave it an eight. Would have been a nine except for a few nitpicks. For comparison, I rate ANH a 9 and ESB a 10.
I gave it 9/10; for me this really shows how to make a Star Wars film and puts the prequels firmly in the past. I’ve waited 32 years for this film and it did not disappoint!
I gave it a 10. It exceeded my expectations in every way, keeping in mind that I had lowered my expectations to avoid disappointment. However, after seeing it a second time, I realized just how much I am intrigued by the story and how much I care about the new characters. It’s not ESB, but close in my opinion.
7/10 My expectations were very high. The thing that has not convinced me has been the high number of analogies with other films expecially like the IV. But after all star wars is like a religion and I like to say that you cannot discuss it, you have to love it and nothing else.
7/10
10 for action. 9 for directing. 8 for special FX. 8 for acting. 6 for plot. 5 for music (which was the biggest disappointment for me). 4 for originality.
8/10. The only reason why it isn’t 10/10 is because those two points are purely excitement that Star Wars universe is alive again, and they actually had nothing to do with the movie .
So my review: awesome. Great picture, excellent acting, great foundation for the next 2 sequels(answered enough questions to make you water at the mouth for what’s going to happen next), got some true laughs, and the action was BA.
Nitpicks: I wanted to see more Luke, some things left out of the movie that is in the novel shouldn’t of been taken out-and because they were taken out the movie felt rushed at times when I was trying to catch my breath. Finally: the most powerful weapon which probably took very long to build and a lot of resources was destroyed with 1min of brainstorming, and a supposedly formidable Captain Phasma giving in way to easily. In other words, it was way to easy to destroy.
But seeing as the movie point and plot wasn’t about that weapon I don’t care that much. If it were 1 hour of build up to that weapon then at the big reveal its was like “oh it’s like the old Death Star but bigger- we just have to shoot here to explode” and then bam mission accomplished without any suspense, I would’ve been ticked off.
So all in all 8/10 only because I can’t give 2points for Star Wars in general. I’m happy with how well it was done and happy with the foundation this movie is for the sequels. I am absolutely stoked. Oh one more thing: so glad snoke really wasn’t that big! It would’ve been really stupid if he were
9/10. Overall it was a superb star wars movie and exceeded my expectations, but there were a few nitpicks, like the way Starkiller base was destroyed too easily. Its greatest strength was the characterization and acting particularly Han, Fin, & Kylo Ren. Loved it!
The one shot distraction of Death Star wasn’t right either.
I went with a 10/10. Although I am not sure I would say it was the best movie I ever seen this was great! I wish more movies I saw were up to this level of excitement for me.
9/10 for the star wars experience, I was a child again. It’s one of my favourites, in the top 3 for sure. It has some small mistakes, liek not explaining things much and well, but overal it’s a very well made movie.
6/10. The emperor has no clothes. Everything felt way too familiar. Not enough originality. The prequels needed less George Lucas. This needed more George Lucas. I did like the new characters. But the plot and characters were not given proper breathing room. The felt like star wars and empire crammed together. It took Luke three film to get from farm boy to Jedi. Feels like Rey went from scavenger to Jedi instantly. Maybe there’s a back story but it felt contrived. Same with all the other plots. Too rushed, too many coincidences. Hans fate was poorly set up. It was obviously coming but I didn’t feel it because there was no relationship set up between Han and ren. The script was half baked. A lot to like, a lot to not.
8/10. No movie is perfect, but this one definitely exceeded my expectations – they were already low thanks to the prequels, which I don’t hate…! I just have pretty much the same problems most people have with them. I rate TFA the 3rd best SW film, after TESB and ANH.
8/10
I think a lot of people are rating this movie high because they think it will help them win. As a Star Wars fan for almost 40 years I give this movie a 3/10. It’s unoriginal and they made the original cast seem so miserable. The villains were weak and Kylo should not have taken his helmet off to keep the fear. Seemed like they didn’t know how to make a Star Wars film. The acting was good. I really liked Daisy Ridley which is why I gave it 3 stars instead of 2. In my opinion the prequels were better.
Respect your differing minority opinion, but I think you need to accept that most people genuinely loved it. Just as the disdain I have for the prequels, I respect that some people got something out of them.
My opinion is that TPM was garbage but it had the Qui Gon Obi Wan vs Maul battle which is one of my favourites. AOTC was better but still a subpar film and I actually loved ROTS, some rubbish dialogue away from being even better.
The prequels had flaws but feel more “Star Wars” than TFA, all the history they added with complete self contained stories is appreciated often unkowingly by many of the loud voices who claim to despise them. The tapestry of the SW universe would be poorer without them. Imo.
They feel more Star Wars only because years have passed. When those movies got released people were like “wtf is this crap?” and this is still the case for me personally.
I give it a 5/10 mostly because it has propaganda aimed at getting women to enlist in the army, and also because it is a very politically correct film.
10 out of 10 because I’m very biased. Loved the movie, loved the characters, great story. Realistically(did i spell that correctly) its more of a 8 or 9 out of 10. Definitely want to see more Luke in the next one, and Poe’s role should be bigger in the next one as well, just as long as it isn’t shoehorned.
I give it a 9/10 mainly because the pacing in certain parts felt weird and clunky. This is most likely due to some scenes that make that pacing feel better and more natural being deleted. But all in all the film is amazing.
10/10 regardless of the flaws. This is the Star Wars movie I’ve been waiting for a long time. No point of being objective, I am voting with my heart.
I couldn’t say it’s the best movie I’ve ever seen, which is really the only reason I didn’t give it 10/10. In every other way, it would be 10/10 simply because of the fact that it’s Star Wars and I was literally shaking from excitement throughout the entire movie. Sure, I have my criticisms, but they aren’t hugely important. I would love to read the book though and get a slightly different perspective on the story of TFA!
I was quite negative at the beginning but after seeing it now 4 times, I gave it a 8, especially recognizing the difficulty that it has been to be able to realize this episode.
I did like the characters and especially the bonds that have been created
The main point that I find still sad about it the lack of deepness in the force spirit and that there is not shown enough light side strength. I hope this will be resolved in the next episodes…
Only X-wings was also a minus and the new star destroyer design….
8, 9 or 10. 85 percent of you think it’s one of those.
10/10. It was the prefect sequel for a film set 30 years later. Love the homage/tribute to the original film. Sure it can’t please everyone on every level, but who cares. It has blown everybody’s expectations sky high and sets the stage for an awesome adventure to come for our heroes. Perfectly cast with the right amount of emotion, laughter and suspense. J.J hits it right outta the ball park. It doesn’t beat the original 3 films however I’m certain I’ll watch it just as many times in the years to come.
9/10! A great SW movie, exceeded all my expectations easily. I also had a great time in the theater with all the applause and the emotion. I just wanted more of Phasma and a cooler Luke introduction. And if there is nothing behind it explained in the next movies, or novels , Ray’s transition from noob to a Jedi able to fight Ren didn’t seem right.
9/10. I was positively surprised by the humor and goofiness (and the absence of silliness as mr Kasdan explained on the red carpet). It could go down a bit if in the upcoming movies certain things don’t pan out as they should after being set up in The Force Awakens, but only to 8 or 8,5/10.
6/10. Story was unoriginal, new trench run and new death star, lightsaber fights were subpar, didn’t like Kylo Ren and couldn’t tell if he was strong or weak (losing to Rey when she just found out she can use the force and never used a lightsaber before?)
I did however like most of the characters, I loved the special effects (practical and CG, it all looked great to me and it was a pleasant surprise), and the dogfights were spectacular. Just doesn’t make up for the negatives though imo
I couldn’t agree more, also it was disturbing to see how they used the Falcon as a tank in many scenes, not as a starship.
Was almost a post modern homage to Galaxy Quest on the first lift off. That’s one tough freighter.
I wouldn’t bet on the fact that she has never been trained to the force or the lightsaber. But even if she hasnt, she seems to know how to fight with her staff. And not being able to understanding if Kylo is strong or weak is good and an achievement of the filmmaker.
You do realize that Kylo had been significantly injured by Chewie. Also, he is continually surprised by Rey’s powers because he doesn’t want to believe there is anyone out there as potentially as powerful as he is.
Seriously, dude was shook!
He seemed to beat Finn pretty handily. So he *could* fight. He wasn’t tripping over himself, he wasn’t coughing up blood, he didn’t seem to have any trouble standing, moving, spinning, or parrying. If he was seriously fucked up by chewie to the point where he couldn’t fight well, they should’ve shown more than what they did to make that clear (just showing his wound isn’t enough, especially not after he beats the crap out of Finn with almost no effort). And if he was so surprised and shook up that his prior training flew out the window and he lost to an amateur… that’s just lame to me, I’m sorry. And I really wanted to be a Kylo Ren fan! I don’t want to hate on him but I really didn’t like how they portrayed him in the movie.
In the novelization they mention that Rey was filled with rage when she attacked Kylo Ren at the end. Now if they showed THAT, I’d be more inclined to accept their battle
I don’t like the “mind-wipe” idea either. She didn’t seem like someone who had lost a significant amount of her memory in the movie. She said she had to stay on Jakku and wait for her family to come back. Also if that’s their plan, they should’ve at least strongly hinted at that so moviegoers don’t leave thinking she’s an amateur that beat a trained force-user. And staff combat and sword combat are different, mastering one doesn’t mean you could easily pick up the other and beat someone with it who was trained (past the level of novice, doesn’t necessarily have to be an expert).
If it were just kinda-sorta ambiguous, that would be fine and I’d agree with you that it’s good filmmaking. Losing to an amateur, wounded or not (unless you’re literally on the brink of death or can hardly stand or something, which if that’s the case they should’ve made *that* clearer) , makes you look totally weak. Which would’ve been fine I guess, but it stands in complete contrast to how they portrayed him earlier and de-hypes his character. I went from “wow” to “… eh?” It just looks more like bad writing, and to be totally honest if a villian is that weak I don’t care about him that much. Kinda like how I feel about Boba Fett considering how he died. I wasn’t left pondering about how strong he is or isn’t, I just said “alright, I guess he’s lame…?” and moved on. Like if Rey killed Kylo Ren, which she totally could have at the end, I’d feel the exact same way about him.
10/10. It was the best Star Wars film since Return of the Jedi.
I will explain this to you people:
You could rip apart the originals if you want, why didn’t they waste laser fire on the escape pod with no life forms, why are the heroes making jokes when running for their lives, how do droids have personalities. Yet since the movie had enough heart, laughs, mystery, action and a nice story you forgive all that.
The prequels were largely unforgivable because they had no redeeming qualities. This new movie had charm, humor, some mystery etc so therefore its few, yet obvious, mistakes are overlooked. 10 of 10
Yup. The OT are great but full of all the same problems people have mentioned about TFA, yet they forget about those problems. It’s a solid film full of emotion whereas the prequels might have had a lot of story that people appreciated being told, but it was done with so little heart or soul that they really come off as second or third rate compared to what 90% of SW fans wanted. TFA gets us back on track and sets up a potentially incredible trilogy to come, which I now believe could usurp the OT for me personally. Never thought I’d say that.
haha, I definitely cringe now when they don’t fire at the escape pod, or use a tractor beam.
too easy to get through the Shields and land the Falcon and just destroy the starkiller base. SILLY beyond Words. Why not give 5 more minutes of film to figure it out. That was beyond dumb. No one I talked to remebers what the film’s story was about. Simply too much action. Movie was good apart from a few vulgarly stupid things. 8/10
And why not build 10 or 100 of those Deaths Stars? It seems that is what they are doing anyway.
I gave it a 10/10. I never was this emotionally involved with any movie. Great dialogue, except from some corny lines during the climactic x-wing battle.
9/10 was very pleased
9/10. I loved it. Sure, the CGI squid monsters, poorly used Phasma, and yet another Death Star left room for improvement, but the overall experience of watching this movie with my sons was exceptional. On an emotional level, it was an 11 out of 10.
Saw it for the 2nd time this morning. I’m upgrading my previous 8 to a 9. It really hit home for me the second time without all the expectations and baggage. There’s a few muffs, but it’s so nitpicky, I don’t really care. I’m really excited for the future of SW. JJ and company, you did good.
And that look on Luke’s face at the end….just chills.
It was fun, good effects, but the story totally New Hope re-made the three old ones serve just as a link to new ones, I wanted to know about what had happened to them and to the galaxy, but nothing, this movie and his director lacked depth. I know they wanted to introduce a new generation but this was too fast, Rey was good but she became a Jedi in an instant. I waited years to see Luke and he is there a couple of seconds and does not say a word, that is a lack of respect to the fans, Han’s death was too fast as well, I knew this was going to happen but the scenes did not make me feel sad, It was like killing him because it had to be done, but without depth, another lack of respect to us. This movie needed George Lucas’ advice, he is most profound it seems. I gave 6 to 10
Why do people keep saying Rey become a Jedi instantly? The Force awakened in her but she’s not a Jedi yet. A light saber is just a weapon. General Greivous used them but he wasn’t a Sith. Luke used it in the ESB but he wasn’t a Jedi yet. She somewhat beat an also-trainee. It’s setting up the next chapter.
I see it as all about ‘belief’.
Kenobi repeatedly asks Luke to believe that its real. And Luke’s able to turn off his computer and ‘feel’. Luke couldn’t even stop a training blaster without Kenobi forcing him to give in and believe that he could do it.
Rey was the opposite. She lived her life in an almost false belief – that her parents would return. She was enthusiastic and embraced the adventure. Kylo showed her the Force, then got spooked when she could ‘believe’ in it. Once she decided she could do it, once she decided she could believe, it was all over, and Kylo was the one who began to doubt. And we know how it ended.
That’s right, and the plot showed Rey is the kind of person that is used to swiftly finding solutions and using whatever she can to get the job done. To her, bypassing a system on the Falcon is no different to working out very quickly how to use the force, once she lets it in. 15 years fending for herself has meant she has self-trained and used her own inner strength, intelligence and opportunistic nature to thrive. She has probably been using the force all along but not been aware of it. Now she is aware, thanks to Kylo and Maz, watch out.
OMG I thought that nobody would say that. For Luke who had only trained with a laser ball it was OK to be able to fight the strongest Jedi/Sith ever, but Rey shouldn’t be able to last a minute against a half trained mentally unstable and seriously WOUNDED dark Jedi. And we don’t even know Rey’s past, whether she is trained and things from her training are coming back or not…
How wounded was he though? Have him crying out in pain, have him wobble a bit, show him lose balance so we know how wounded he is. He didn’t say one thing or do anything to indicate he was seriously wounded other than show us his wound, and he beat finn like it was nothing. At that point I’m in the theater like “Oh boy okay, he’s still not someone to be messed with” and then Rey beats him down. And now everyone’s like “HE WAS SO WOUNDED!!!” And I’m like well damn you’d think the guy was gonna collapse. I watched it twice and read the book, it didn’t look like he was so wounded that he couldn’t fight.
Luke was also trained by yoda at that point to use the force, I’m sure that helped him in his fight with vader somehow. I don’t think anyone was complaining about that part of empire strikes back, because he had some kind of training, by 2 jedi masters, and he still lost pretty handily (if Rey lost too no one would be complaining I think). Rey had no training at all (as far as we know, and nothing in the movie explicitly hinted at that so it just looks like a plothole that they’re gonna hopefully cover up later). And they build up Kylo Ren to be a strong villian in the movie. If it were me I would’ve told them to either not hype him up throughout the movie, or have him beat Rey in the final fight also.
Great points. Instead of having Rey defeat Kylo just as the ground gave way under their feet, the final result of the duel could’ve been the other way around. Then Chewie swoops in on the Falcon and picks up Rey and Finn as a frustrated Kylo looks on (a la Vader when the Falcon entered hyperspace in TESB), separated from his targets by the chasm produced by the blast, all but unable to do anything about it.
A scene like this would’ve been great to show Rey’s latent Force powers, while at the same time proving that she wasn’t ready to defeat a trained dark side warrior (even if Kylo’s still an apprentice). It would’ve also left us wondering what will happen the next time they meet, once Rey’s gotten farther along in her training (assuming she’s had previous Jedi training) under Luke’s wing, just like we saw in RotJ the second time Luke and Vader went at it.
I don’t mind she beat him. liked it even
I can see how Rey could’ve resisted Kylo’s mind probe.This was exactly the same with Leia in ANH, as Vader told Tarkin, and we know for a fact that Leia had NO previous Jedi training. After all, Force-sensitives are strong-minded, smart folk. Mind tricks won’t work on them.
But using tricks to cloud weak minds and being able, not only stand toe to toe with a trained Force-user in a lightsaber duel but to best him, takes much more than instinctive use of the Force or even getting basic training as a Youngling.
Liking the scene makes sense, because of the feelings that Kylo stirred on us all after what he’d done minutes earlier. Doesn’t mean that the result of the duel doesn’t go against everything that the 6 previous films clearly established about the ways of the Force, though.
I don’t think the previous films established any rules about the Force other than selfishness leads to the dark side. This is where people miss the point of the Force as a plot element – it is undefined, therefore accessible and uncomplicated. The descriptions of the Force come from Kenobi, Yoda and Maz – all are completely general descriptions that allow mystery, not established rules. The only wrinkle thrown in is by Qui-Gon – midichlorians and the division of living and cosmic Force – both are just as undefined.
Its only when Luke agrees to ‘let go, Luke, let go’, and Rey decides to ‘let it in’ do they succeed in their respective quests (Anakin didn’t have a quest, he just knew how to do everything as a child, seemingly by accident).
You’re talking about things that happen in-universe. I’m talking about the guidelines (not rules, mind you) that every capable fantasy writer must follow when developing his/her own tale or picking up from the original author, as was the case here.
You’re also talking about your own personal appreciation, according to your understanding of the story. Again, that’s not what I’m talking about here; I’m not talking about how you or I interpret this or that scene or line of dialogue. That’s subjective and obviously people will have different takes on these things, based on their own perspective.
My point is simple: I’m talking about the time and effort that it takes for a Force-sensitive to learn how to use the Force consciously, which I repeat, was clearly established in the previous 6 films. And this is not open to interpretation. We all saw it clearly with the Jedi Order and the Sith first and then with Luke’s training in 2 thirds of the OT.
Now I have heard a lot of people make silly comparisons to Rey’s character and a few of the feats Luke and Anakin did in their movies. Now the problem with these comparisons is that unlike Rey Anakin and Luke did have obvious flaws, whilst Rey did have a few she still at the end of the day was too perfect for me to relate to her.
Luke was very head-strong and naive in the original trilogy and his actions were a result of those flaws hence the reason why he ended up suffering for those actions most of the time.
Anakin on the other hand was incredibly whiny and unstable which was why he ended up turning to the dark side so easily. so these comparisons don’t really make any sense since Luke and Anakin are in fact NOT Gary Stus ( the male equivalent of a mary sue).
Now I do hope that Rian Johnson can improve on the character in Episode VIII as he has proven himself as a very good character writer with his directing of the breaking bad episodes “fly” “Ozymandias” and “fifty-one” so hopefully he can turn the characterization of Rey into a much more rounded one this time.
plus luke was trained by Yoda before he fought Darth Vader, and in A New Hope he had help from Han solo to bow up the death star.
In my opinion, the scene with Luke was haunting and brilliant. It didn’t need any dialog or any exposition. His eyes told 30 years worth of story without a single word being uttered. It was very Kurasawa. That’s not easy to capture in such a short scene. I’d say there was a lot of depth and metaphor throughout, but they make you work for it. Just like all good SW films do.
Anyone notice the beam of light that was created when Rey and Finn opened the doors to the base and how the light shined perfectly down onto Han and Kylo then went dark as Kylo embraced the dark side? That’s setting a scene! There’s a lot of thought that went behind that. If you look, they play with light and darkness throughout the film in so many scenes. Great metaphor and great foreshadowing for what the characters are going through.
final scene hit me hard. loved it
It looked like he was taking a leak off the cliff, ha ha. I assume Luke saw and heard the Falcon arrive and land, and he probably felt the destruction of the planets and the death of you know who. So, he had a lot on his mind. I thought it was interesting that his dialogue from the Trailers was not used. I think a scene with his lines about people in his family having the Force may have been deleted. He hasn’t said them yet, and Rey obviously knows she has the force… so perhaps he will say it to another child of his. I say Poe. The best starfighter pilot in the resistance. He will be Rey’s brother. My money is on it.
Agreed. Hah could have been more careful or shown that he was more aware he very well might die. I didn’t hate the scene, and there were some good things about it… but Han did a lot of just standing there it seemed, and I feel his character would have been more careful. Didn’t like him falling. They better not bring him back somehow.
Wouldn’t a lightsaber cauterize his wound and he could have survived that? I won’t pick at that too much. He had a wonky unperfected saber blade, so who knows how it would effect Han, and they wanted him killed off… it just felt like something that happened, something the writers wanted to happen… not like something Han had to do or could not have avoided. He could have sent Ben a hologram or something. He didn’t have to die there. It was an interesting scene with some flaws and some good qualities as well. i gave it 6/10 as well. I wish It had been a 9/10! 🙂
Imo, the scene with Luke was haunting and brilliant. It didn’t need any dialog or any exposition. His eyes told 30 years worth of story without a single word being uttered. It was very Kurasawa. That’s not easy to capture in such a short scene. I’d say there was a lot of depth and metaphor throughout, but they make you work for it. Just like all good SW films do.
Anyone notice the beam of light that was created when Rey and Finn opened the doors to the base and how the light shined perfectly down onto Han and Kylo then went dark as Kylo embraced the dark side? That’s setting a scene! There’s a lot of thought that went behind that. If you look, they play with light and darkness throughout the film in so many scenes. Great metaphor and great foreshadowing for what the characters are going through.
Saw it a second time and my main complaints about pacing and cgi characters from my first viewing were almost completely eradicated. The pacing was absolutely spot on for me a second time. To be honest I’m glad it doesn’t drag on during scenes that aren’t that pivotal to the saga like Jabbas palace during ROTJ does in that film. It moves briskly but there’s more nuanced slower moments in this film too.
Maz didn’t feel so out of place on second viewing and even Snoke didn’t seem so bad, although a bit derivative in design.
I was able to take in a lot more on second viewing. Rey finding enough power from the Force at the end was beautifully foreshadowed when Maz tells her to close her eyes and let the Force in, but at the time she is told she wants no part in it. When she realises she must embrace it, so she does and gains the power she needs to square up to Kylo. It makes a mockery of the idiots calling her OP etc. Seems like a well thought out and very clear part of the story. Also the visuals of the sabre fight were absolutely glorious. I love we finally have the sabre affecting the environments, I’ve always wanted to see this, and of course the actual lit up savers make the visuals far more compelling. It’s pretty damn cool to be honest. Hope we get a truly stunning sabre fight in the next film that can outdo Empire in terms of angles and the build up and execution. TFA fight was obviously a bit of a rough and tumble and over all too quickly. Looking forward to seeing two more highly trained protagonists squaring up, hopefully in an interesting environment.
Definite 9/10 for me. Snoke being more menacing and the soundtrack having more memorable themes would have made it a 10 from me.
I agree with you on the soundtrack. Love Rey’s theme, but the rest was just kinda in the background. I did notice several sequences that were completely silent. No music at all, which I found very interesting, and found that they worked for me.
When it comes down to it all, the music was probably the biggest sticking point for me. Although I thought the music in the final scene was amazing.
I loved that Rey was really scared and didn’t know what she was doing with the saber. Then she let go and whooped ass, albeit clumsily.
But here’s the catch: she let the force flow, but there was a lot of anger in her expressions. Hmmm.
I think it’s fair to say the music in this, besides Rey’s awesome theme, isn’t very memorable. My guess is (and you can find this all over the internet) is that when JJ was asked about working with John Williams he was basically in awe and just said “Do whatever you want”. OK…He’s a very good composer but I think a little context to scenes and a little direction from the Director might have been inspirational.
Sadly I can’t give this a favorable review. Never before has such quality craftsmanship lead to such a disappointment.
Despite
having a huge budget, talented and dedicated actors, John Williams
returning for the score and Lawrence Kasdan writing the script, Episode
VII will go down as almost as much of a failure as Episode I. Above all,
it is a missed opportunity to make a perfect sequel and continuation of
the greatest movie trilogy of all times.
By now everyone knows
the plot, and many have mentioned that it is essentially an upgraded
version of A New Hope. Except that it isn’t an upgrade, it’s an inferior
reimagining.
While following the same basic plot, the magic just isn’t there.
Let’s go through some of the many things that were copied:
The movie starts with the antagonists attacking poorly armed good guys in search of information stored in a droid.
The droid escapes and meets our main hero.
Instead of a young boy on a desert planet dreaming of adventure we get a girl with no stated objectives.
Bad guys come searching for the droid and bring death and destruction.
Main character is forced to abandon their lives and escape the desert planet (in the Falcon).
The
Cantina scene in TFA takes place after the heroes leave the planet and
they meet Yoda 2 there as well who talks about the force being a
mystical energy that exists in all living creatures.
Heroes receive Darth Vader’s lightsaber.
Bad guys develop a superweapon that destroys planets.
Good guys find a way to sabotage superweapon
Good guys infiltrate the superweapon.
Main mentor character is killed by masked villian rip off of Vader.
Masked villian answers to a crappy CGI rip off of the Emperor
Trench Battle
Superweapon is blown up.
So
they recycled the plot, but they missed everything that made the
originals so magical. Instead of a young boy dreaming about adventure (a
common theme with teenagers), we get a young girl with unexplained
combat skills and amnesia (not very relatable but very cliché).
Instead
of a powerful galactic empire trying to maintain power against an
uprising, we get a group of murdering fanatics with no clear motivation
except “we are dark and evil, f**k you”.
Instead of a rag tag group
of rebels fighting for freedom, we get a military organization allied
with the main power in the galaxy (New Republic).
General Hux is no Grand Moff Tarkin. He’s too young and while he was great in other movies (the Revenant), his talent is wasted here.
Kylo Ren’s mask serves no purpose except selling toys.
The Sun Sucker
superweapon is idiotic. The mechanism is ridiculous. Who greenlights
such ideas? Also, blowing up 5 planets at once was just gratuitous.
The
death of the mentor in ANH served a purpose, but it was left a mystery
at first. Here, the mentor character’s death serves no purpose except to
establish the secondary villain as a badass. But unlike in ANH, our
young heroes are not suddenly on their own without guidance, since
plenty of other legacy characters are still around. They don’t feel lost
and without direction. They just got space superhero on the bad guy.
Also, Han reaching out to Kylo after he just helped blow up 5 planets…. no.
The
trench battle here is a visual mess, substituting the careful
choreography of the original for flashy explosions and the screen filled
with crap. ANH didn’t have many ships, but it created tension by
showing the empire with a clear advantage, but having an almost
impossible goal (hitting the ventilation shaft), and the bad guys
following from behind, while the good guys ran out of time. We also had
the main hero and the main villain involved.
In TFA, the only
character involved is Poe dameron and he is a secondary character.
Thusly, the whole aerial battle is not very exciting. Unlike the light
saber duel, which they pulled off well.
Finally, John Williams score is hardly memorable this time around.
The whole “generation change” aspect felt forced and while the two main characters are high points of the film, they don’t compare to the orginal characters.
I doubt Disney can fix what the ystarted in EP 8. Here’s hoping they decide to reboot Star Wars again in the near future. it deserves better
5/10
Pretty much disagree with everything you said. But everyone is different. Hope 8 works better for you.
haha ” lightsabers are no longer cool since this movie.”
Truth. The dumbest battle droids get to kill a huge amount of Jedi and ppl are complaining about Rey using a Jedi Mind Trick, c’mon.
There’s power in numbers, the droids are dumb but there’s clearly a shitload of them firing blaster bolts at jedi. One of those bolts breaking through a jedi’s defenses are more believable than Rey knowing how to use the jedi mind trick with seemingly no prior knowledge about the force or the jedi and their capabilities.
It’s not so much a stretch to imagine (especially after seeing her freakout flash from touching the lightsaber) that she was actually being trained at Luke’s Jedi academy and was somehow the only padawan to survive…or survived because she was Luke’s daughter. That’s exactly why he would have hid her on Jakku, and why I believe he probably put some sort of block on her memory of her training and abilities, that would one day wear off under the right situation.
I see your point. But if that’s the case they should’ve revealed that in this movie. Because as of right now it just looks like an oversight or a plothole, and it affected people’s ability to enjoy the film because of things that seemingly make no sense.
I totally agree. The story plot and sequential scenes are just too identical to A New Hope. It’s just so unoriginal. It may have been good to watch as a “stand-alone” film. But not as Episode VII following Episodes I-VI.
By the way, you did mention the “Sun Sucker” super weapon. Last I checked, when you drain the energy of a star, it goes supernova & creates a vacuum. Starkiller Base (Ice Planet) should have been sucked into a black hole, together with the Super Star Destroyer where Kylo Ren was watching at the bridge.
Not quite. A supernova doesn’t “create a vacuum”. Space itself is a vacuum. A black hole is also not a vacuum (or even a hole), it is a celestial body so
heavy that light itself cannot escape (light is affected by gravity).
The super weapon in Star Trek 2009 was quite creative in this regard. Drill towards the planet’s core and then create a black hole at its core. That was cool. But more importantly, the villain’s motivation for using such a weapon was explained.
In TFA, the politics of the galaxy are not explained at all and so the motivation for the villains to commit not only mass genocide, but completely wipe out planets (which they could have conquered), are not explained at all.
It also had no relevance to the overall plot. They just threw a uper weapon in there for lack of better ideas. Shameful, really.
So you like 2.5 SW movies…I’m not sure why you’re here.
Because I really love the OT. And I grew up with the games, books, etc. The new one isn’t bad. It just fell short of what it could have been.
Probably because those 2.5 movies are the best 2.5 movies ever made and we want more of that. 🙂
The resistance should have been the Republic… the First Order should have been the Remanence. I like that Han and Leia’s relationship didn’t work out, though it feels sad… but seems appropriate. But at his age and after all his character development, he should have been a respected general… not smuggling again. I did like seeing him and Chewie blowing sneaking around again… oh and Chewie didn’t look right… but better than in Episode 3. I wish someone out there with a lot of talent would rewrite the prequels and these sequels. Even if it is only done in a graphic novel, I hope to one day see these stories as they deserve to have been… much better. I won’t hold my breath waiting for them.
Someone is! He calls himself Adywan and he’s planning on fanediting the prequels and making them into good movies. Quite the tast.
He made special editions of Ep IV and V and both are amazing and actually make the movies better
the movie is 10/10. the only bad thing is a really bad cgi Snoke. I wouldn’t believe ILM is capable of such a bad cgi. And I’m still thinking it was a fault to make Snoke cgi
Maybe. I wouldn’t be surprised ifnthey did it slightly on purpose to show that itbwas a hologram. Hopefully he’ll look better in VIII.
do you think there is a possibilty that they will scrap Snoke’s VII look and go for redesign in VIII much like they did with Emperor in ESB/ROTJ?
They would be smart to! They should redo Snoke and Maz with real actors and makeup, and use Akbar and Nim Num a bit more and I’ll be happy… no other new CG characters in the next one as well please! They were so close but couldn’t help themselves could they?
Agreed about Snoke. They could have at least made him the regular Blue hologram which would have masked the CG a bit. He and Maz(?) and the junk dealer could have all been done with real actors in costumes with make up… The CG kills the ability to believe what we are seeing. They did such a good job not using CG too much in TFA, so it is a shame they didn’t stick to that for these few characters. If the junk dealer was not cg, then he was just a terrible design… I think he was an actor with a CG face.
9/10 – I had a ho-hum reaction when I first saw it as well. It had too much JJ cinematography and not enough Lucas but the new characters are great and that’s the pivotal part. Can these new characters carry the new trilogy? My second viewing erased many of my nit-picks and I like the new characters. Overall, I think JJ and team pulled it off. This was a impossible task but they did it.
5/10. Cinematography was good, including most of the acting. But you can’t deny that it’s still a rehash of the same plot of A New Hope. Secret plans being given to a droid. Droid being hunted down. Droid eventually reaching the protagonists. Antagonists having a super weapon. Cliffhanger at the end if super weapon will be fired by Antagonists or destroyed by Protagonists. A super villain takes command from his master that’s a big hologram. A beloved hero mentor dies so that his erstwhile young student is inspired to carry on the fight.
Like I said, the film is fine. It’s just the unoriginal story that let me down. Sure they changed the details but the main stream story is just too identical. I know that new Star Wars fans like my kids & nephews loved it. I didn’t dampen their enthusiasm by telling them how I honestly felt. I faked it to enjoy the moment with them. But I probably shouldn’t have let them watch the Classic Trilogy as a requirement & preview to The Force Awakens. That would be my advise to others. Let the kids watch it as their first Star Wars movie.
Fair summary. My Daughter loved it,who hadn’t seen any of the other saga,, I found Myself turning to the dark side,slowly as the film progressed.Then turned fully at the Solo incident..Thought Reys’ journey was too fast and easy. I blame The X factor generation.
My younger brother loved it too, and this is basically his first Star Wars movie. If it were my first Star Wars movie I’d probably like it a lot more also
“But you can’t deny that it’s still a rehash of the same plot of A New Hope.”
Well, I grew up with the original trilogy and I CAN deny it. TFA uses several elements from the whole OT (not just ANH) but twist them around and add enough to be its own story. I feel that a more accurate analysis would be
First Act: similar to ANH, with some elements from ESB and RotJ;
Second Act: similar to ESB, with some elements from RotJ and ANH;
Third Act: similar to RotJ, with some elements from ANH and ESB;
It also has enough new stuff (new to the SW saga, at least) to stand on its own merit and I really don’t see the point in addressing Rey’s journey when we only got to see the first part.
My annoyance is that they didn’t need to rehash it. Where’s the originality ? Even my son mentioned it was just a rehash of old Star Wars on the way to the car.
Let’s hope they don’t head to some tribute to Cloud City in Episode 8.
Yeah, if Ep.8 covers the training of Rey and her having to break it off to save her friends in Bespin (Cloud City) I’m outta here !
Weird and disjointed. Leia and Han’s scenes were SO awkward.
Why does Kylo Ren wear a mask he doesn’t need? Poser.
Why have so many small skirmishes?
Why does this all come down to a very dysfunctional family?
Very disappointing movie.
Totalllly with you. A total clunkfest!
A lot of people wear ornamental/protective masks.
Look at some of the masks of the samurai, whom Darth Vader’s mask is based on.
It’s about creating a presence of intimidation.
There were 2 major battles that occurred, not small skirmishes by any means.
Dysfunctional families make up a significant amount of the greatest dramas in history. Go read some of the works of Bill Shakespeare.
Sorry. Ren’s Dad told him he didn’t need the mask. That’s pretty close to telling him he needs to get a real job.
No – his father said that because he wanted him to reject the dark persona of Kylo Ren he had adopted and return to his family. It had nothing to do with chiding him for not having a “real job.”
Takodana and Starkiller were the only real skirmishes to speak of. The fighting on Jakku was wholly one-sided and can only really be described as a slaughter.
That’s one of the main problems actually. The reason for why this family went sour is never given.
And yes, Lea and Han’s scenes were terrible.
All force users are susceptible to feel the pull of the dark side. Moreover, it appears that the stronger an individual is with the force, the more he or she will be tempted. That was the case with Anakin (who didn’t have a proper “family” in the traditional sense) and with Ben Solo. Luke in a way was lucky to discover his force sensitivity when he was already a grown-up and, unlike Anakin and Ben, he did not a dark master with his eyes on him since his childhood.. Even so, Luke was also tempted when he became a fully fledged Jedi. I don’t think it is a peculiarity of the Skywalker family then.
Totally with you. A total clunkfest!
Having reflected for a week, I think Disney and JJ did a great job of rifling George’s attic for ideas and using the legendary McQuarries original draft production paintings to make a solid Star Wars Movie, I won’t say the production values weren’t high and the acting wasn’t great because they were, but I felt the overall story excepting the Solo family breakdown/ tragedy was a bit thin and stretched, questions left hanging spoke of a calculated decision to make us keep watching to give us the complete story.
I have been lucky enough to receive some of the tie in books for Christmas and the apparent multi platform nature of the franchise becomes apparent, to me It is the equivalent of micro transactions and in game grinding to achieve results in modern gaming, for completion keep spending. it makes me sad but in all honesty I am such a devotee I will go at least once more to the cinema, will buy the new novels and the theatrical and no doubt enhanced editions of the movie.
My love for Star Wars is forever but I am ” the fool who follows him”,
I feel like this movie was one of the best in the saga. It had the perfect amount of CGI and practical effects. I also thought the soundtrack was acceptable, but slightly sub-par. It was good music, but I wanted something as iconic as the Imperial March or Duel of the Fates. Overall, I give this movie 4.5/5.
I was also initially disappointed with the music, but upon listening again (and again) I’ve actually gone from considering it among the three weakest to considering it among the three best. I’d recommend giving “Han & Leia” a listen. It has Williams’ newer, gentler take on their theme, followed by the march of the resistance, which I can see becoming fairly iconic, and Kylo’s theme all rolled into one.
Yes! I also have listened to quite a bit of the soundtrack, including Han & Leia. They’re very good, but I don’t feel like it was original enough, and it seemed to mash up different bits from the other music, and transpose it or mix some. Just my personal opinion.
I think Rey’s Theme and The March of the Resistance are on par with previous Williams’ work. The rest of the score, inclyding Kylo’s Theme, was sub-par.
I agree. I also think that “The Jedi Steps/Finale” was very good as well.
Wow, seriously? How long was this poll up for, 45 minutes? I just got posted “today” and you’ve already made a decision. Kind of a strange and quick poll to do….
Actually, it has been up for at least four days…
This poll was posted almost 5 days ago. Also just after 4 hours after the poll was posted the results changed just a little bit compared to today. So there won’t be any big changes.
9/10. Only complaint is death star 3.0
My new order is:
1. New Hope
2. TFA/ESB (ESB is a better movie, but I enjoyed TFA more)
3. ROTJ
4. rest
I like the cut of your jib
And just think, we get even more Death Star in R1.
rest…. haha
Solid 8/10 based on mostly action/dialogue/practical effects and a mostly clever plot. There are some stupid things in the movie though, and thats why it loses a point.
yep 9/10 for me but i do agree there are some stupid things in there. Without being negative because JJ has done a great job, i knew some of the stupid stuff would be carried over to TFA. You could see it in Trek. JJ does what JJ does, and its hard to change that even with Kasdan and everybody else on board.
This totally made my day! Thx so much to SWNN for all the great coverage throughout the making of TFA, and being a great site where fans can discuss what we all love! You guys rock!!!
1 Billion box office reached world wide and no one seems to have noticed I just checked on box office mojo
1 billion in 10 days without China.
Impressive, most impresive…
The news seems to be just breaking! Just come up on my comic book news feed!
Iv been checking box office mojo every day to see where it’s ranking. I’m interested to see if it’s got a chance of beating titanic and then on to avatar dosent seem to be slowing much it’s an absolute jauganought at the mo
Exactly. It’s making so much money, so fast, without the second biggest movie market in the WORLD, that I’m now 85% sufre it’ll pass up Titanic. Avatar is abit shaky though.
And without China.
I loved everything except for the way Rey was handled, she was awfully over powered with no training prior
Now I know we can make excuses and say that Kylo was hurt but that would still not explain how she was able to use force pulls and mind tricks in the film, You could say she was trained before she got put on jakku and she forget but she got put on Jakku at 5, there is NO way that you can learn all those skills at such a young age.
I think that because of this her arc is pretty much complete in the first movie and there is not much we can do with this character now because JJ and Larry felt the need to speed up her arc in the first film. I just find it weird how JJ wanted to mirror the originals sooo much but in the process he chose to forget about the heavy emphasis on TRAINING that the previous film had. I think that because of this decision to make the character so flawless she ended up making all the others characters look better because they were easier to relate to due to their shortcomings and learning from those shortcomings.
The decision to make Rey soo perfect at everything ended up making Finn an even better character because his flaws were much more noticeable therefore making him a character we could relate to.
With Rey being this well versed in the force with no training it pretty much throws 30 odds years of Star wars mythos out of the window. This is the problem many people have with Super-man, he is too powerful and almost perfect so now that when he is having a fight it is pretty boring to watch because we know he will come out on top.
i didn’t mind her strong powers with no known of traing
Agreed. I felt they did a good enough job making that work. Other things bothered me, but that didn’t.
Assuming Rey had even the shortest training in some kind of “New Jedi Order Kindergarten”, she is perfectly coherent with the way Luke become attuned with the Force – and, actually, with everything SW told us about the Force in the OT.
Also, she is very far away from a perfect character: she has weakness, vulnerabilities, she makes mistakes and tries to flee from her responsabilities – actually, when compared to ANH-Luke, she comes out as more fleshed out, more “human” and believable – so, yeah, you don’t really have a point.
You people all miss something. Rey IS NOT POWERFUL. Jedi mind tricks are performed by Jedi of all levels of power, they are not that special. Also, Rey had previous training as a small child, it shows. The same goes for Force Pull, its so basic, even in the non canon games like Jedi Academy list it as a core power, every Jedi can do it.
And Rey is not perfect, not powerful, no nothing, it was all a quirk of fate, luck and the tiniest of skill. Kylo was hurt by a freakin bowcaster which is a very powerful weapon in SW. If JJ wanted to be EU accurate, Kylo would have not survived Chewie’s blast.
His wound was serious and hindedred his connection to the Force (every Force user once wounded experiences loss of connection to the Force) and slowed his movements considerably. Also, Rey had trained herslelf in Jakku in order to survive its harsh environment and its inhabitants. So there you have it: An experienced survivavlist using the Force at the most basic of levels and a ligthsaber enough so she will not be cut by it, fully able and not wouned versus an experienced dark force user who is wounded and cannot use the Force almost at all and is emotionally shattered. It sounds like an even playing field for both to me, anyone could have won.
It was really good, I gave it a 7, I think 7.5 would be my rating though. I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was fun, I enjoyed the new characters and time flew by for most of the film. The only reason I don’t rate it higher is because it wasn’t very original and it was a little confusing having these new groups fighting with no real explanation of what’s going on in the film. Still, a great film.
I dont understand how the fuck you guys actually gave this a 9….were u watching the same movie?
Yeah should have been higher…GTFO
are you?? great action great acting …made you laugh made you tear up a bit gave you nostalgia from the first movies continued the greatest story in film ….what movie were you watching?
10/10, best movie ever.
Saw it for the 2nd time last night and if I could I’d revise my rating, from 8/10 to 8.5 if that was possible – maybe even 8.8
The humor really works for me; the pacing is great, there are few complaints and they hardly drag the film down… knowing what happens didn’t take away from the repeat viewing experience; in fact it enhanced it some for me. Among the top 3 best SW movies IMO, only behind ESB and the original.
I saw it 4 times,going to watch it 5th time this week. Every time movie is better and better. 8.6 is my rating
6/10 (Spoilers) We are supposed to believe that Han had never used Chewie’s bowcaster until this point? The scene with Han using it and saying he liked it would have been appropriate for an origin film shortly after they first met. Not after Being together for 40 years or more.
The CG monsters and CG characters were black spots in this film that looked very good otherwise. Hated the “cargo”, the pirate woman, and Snoke because of the CG. They should have used practicals. Fin being dragged around by the CG squid without getting hurt or slimed looks fake, and is completely unbelievable. Ray gets slammed into a tree and goes through a battle with no sweat, or smudges or tears on her clothing (her back in particular). I think the writers have never been in a real argument or dangerous situation before. Poe and Fin were much too polite while trying to escape without being killed. That’s not how people act in real stressful situations. Sorry, but that’s a fact, and the writers should be thinking of this. It will make for better films. Have them introduce themselves properly later.
The costumes were great. the new actors were fantastic. Poe and BB8 were really well done. The resistance should have been in power and large… Admiral Akbar and Nim Numb were under used, and both looked a bit over-saturated (Nim Numb looked really orange and The Admiral, looked a bit too red… but not too bad. Glad they were there, but I feel they deserve bigger roles at this point. They are both awesome characters people really like). I’m glad R2 was not overused, even though he may be in my top 3 Star Wars characters all time, but he could have been off with Luke rather than under a tarp.
I will look forward to the next one if they use an actual little person in makeup to play Maz-whatever her name is, as well as Snoke. (Snoke should have looked like familiar blue hologram… it may have helped disguise how terribly CG he was. Hopefully we get a better new monster creature in the next film, using practicals… and a more original story. The script was weak. No more Death stars! We don’t need everyone related to everyone else.
We don’t need Fin to be related to Lando in episode 8!!!
Some of the dialogue was a bit weak, but a lot of it felt appropriate.
Too bad the FOX Fanfare and opening can no longer be included.
Captain Phazma should have done something more memorable. She was underused.
They should have made troopers recruits, instead of saying they were taken from birth.
They made the universe feel too small. Ray was able to get to Luke’s planet in about a minute after take off. These films need to make the Universe feel bigger and imply that journeys through space often take hours or days… not just a few minutes.
Sar Wars continues to lack any Space Walk scenes, variations of gravity in different planet environments, and we rarely see any characters in breathing masks. Let’s see some good guys escape a cell on a Star Destroyer, done space suits, and have to venture across the outside of the ship to get to the other side where their weapons or ship is being stored, and face a villain outside on the surface of the ship. More space scenes.
Too many throwbacks, too many jokes, too many coincidences. Bad writing.
Why do we never see anyone with a regular job except for Uncle Owen or the junk trader? (His design was terrible and he looked 100% fake).
Also, why do we never see regular people or regular families… even variations of families? We only see outcasts and orphans. The Ewoks films was the only place is Star Wars we saw a regular family. We should see a lot more of regular families, and I’m not saying they have to be nuclear families.
The Ewoks films also had great bad guys, and the films looked real throughout. They didn’t have characters that suddeny appeared who didn’t look like they weren’t real.
I’m glad so many people liked the films. There were some great things about them. But, they could and should be better than this.
I’m hoping Rogue One will be closer to A new Hope and not use CG characters… but I doubt it. Modern filmmakers should have their CG limited or taken away when they show signs they are going to misuse or overuse it, ha ha
On Poe and Finn being too “polite” when trying to escape, tI must say that the scene where Poe asks Finn’s name (and effectively names him) and then says “nice to meet you, Finn” was perfect to me and one of the best in the movie
TFA in fact really works and clicks with the audience precisely because there are characters like Finn and Rey, who never had a family and never really experienced affection of any kind, meeting for the first time other people who genuinely care about them. You can see it in Rey’s eyes when Finn is down after the aerial attack of the TIEs on Jakku and, when he wakes up, the first thing he asks is if she is OK. You can see it too when Finn tells Rey that they had come for her and Chewie tells Rey it was Finn’s idea and, before that, when Finn sees Ret being taken by Kylo and desesperately runs towards the First Order shuttle that is taking off. Even the rathar scene reinforces Rey’s and Finn’s connection. It is almost like they are supernaturally drawn to each other.
Most polite stormtrooper ever. Ha ha. I don’t think it makes sense, but I did like that scene even as part of me thought it was oddly unrealistic. It did make them likeable which is important. I liked all the new characters and they seem like such likeable people in interviews that it makes me care about the movie more than I may have otherwise. Really great new cast and I hope the next film is fresh and new and uses them to their full potential… I hope it doesn’t follow the Empire Strikes Back as this one followed A New Hope… I am expecting Landon will be reintroduced in the next one, and he will sadly be Fin’s father who Fin was taken from. Let’s hope they don’t! Again, great new cast with extremely likeable characters.
Why do you want to see people with regular jobs? It’s a freakin Star Wars movie.
These results definitely show the gulf between the average Star Wars fan who maybe casually visits this site and the ones who sit and comment on every article etc. Clearly it’s a TINY minority of fans who do not rate this film and definitely they give themselves a much larger voice on here (and elsewhere online) about how awful this film supposedly is. When they come out and ask “have you people even seen the same film” then we can safely ignore them as crazy outliers. Oddly when you read most of their concerns it reads like a laundry list of what are in the end really minor nitpicks about some stupid little element of the film that wasn’t to their liking, it seems incredibly pathetic that they would tear down a film that the vast majority really enjoyed just because some stupid background character took them out of the movie or whatever daft complaint it is they have. Not sure they were watching the film we all watched, the one with great and lovable characters taking part in an exciting adventure, they missed all that too busy looking for plot holes or inconsistencies and yeah… they can go f…
OK, listen. I like the PT. I mean it. I really like the 3 prequels. I’ve had to put up with YEARS of listening to the most ridiculous criticisms about the films, most of them based on the moviegoer’s own ignorance rather than to ANY mistake made by Lucas. (Like Midichlorians are the Force? I mean, really? Are some people SO stupid that they can’t really understand that Midichlorians are just a MEANS to an END, not the end itself?)
I have nothing against midcholorians. My real problem with the prequels is
mostly that I can’t for example feel any connection between Anakin and Padme when Anakin turns to her in front of a fireplace and says that being around Padme is “intoxicating”; By contrast, as I wrote before, when Finn is down on Jakku, Rey rushes to help him and he wakes up and. much to her surprise, asks if she is OK, I can immediately see in her eyes how much that meant to her. Part of the credit goes to Daisy Ridley’s acting, but
I also credit the person who wrote that scene.
Dude you can´t be serious
I think a lot of people will simply take some time to come to terms with the new film, and will eventually accept it, warts and all, for what it is.
I hope I warm up to it more. Really. I want to love it, but have to be honest.
I’ve seen and spoken to plenty of people who don’t love this film, who are/were at least casual star wars fans who like the saga and like sci-fi movies. So just how “TINY” this minority is, I don’t know. But I am glad to see I’m *clearly* (very clearly actually…) not the only one who had issues with parts of the movie. And I don’t even hate the movie… but there are definitely things that some people, myself included, did not like about it.
I also think it’s ridiculous and unfair to criticize people for being vocal about their issues with the movie. Especially when the movie just came out. It’s not like they’re bashing the movie 10+ years after its release (unlike some other star wars fans), now *that* is tearing down a movie because you were upset with it. But basically, I don’t give a damn who likes the movie, and who thinks it’s petty or pathetic or whatever that I’m not shy about my opinion about the movie, and I don’t think others should care either. It’s an opinion about a movie.
There is defference between being vocal about mistakes and weak sides this movie have and shitting on movie just because it replace old EU which some people fanatically worship.
You choose in which in category you belong.
People are criticising this movie too much, especially because the EU was decanonised (even tho ep 7 borrowed a lot from the EU), so some alredy predestinated themselves to hate the movie. And some are just simply biased to hate Disney/JJ, and even claim the prequels are better than sw 7 (which is obviously not true). As you can see from polls like this, critic ratings, imdb, youtube critics or whatever you chose, that the haters are the minority.
Srsly when was the last time we had a good Star Wars movie? The 80s. So I think we should appreciate this instead of nitpicking everything in the movie.
Define “haters” though… like I don’t consider myself a hater. I think the movie is definitely flawed, but I don’t hate it (though I can definitely see why some people do). I think the amount of people that totally hate this movie is clearly a minority, but the amount of people that don’t think the movie is amazing or an 8 or 9 out of 10 is probably a lot more than people realize. I personally know more people that think the movie is “okay” or “good” rather than “great”, and that’s not because I’m in a star wars hater circle, these are just casual people that I know as fans, including myself.
And I think Episodes 2 and 3 are better than this movie (not because I hate it, I’m a fan of the prequels). It’s all personal opinion and preference
Episode 2 is obviously not better than TFA. It’ s not even subjective, AOTC is the worst in the entire series. This isnt a question of opinion or preference, this is a question of beeing able to understand what makes a movie good or bad.
Epsiode 3 might be better for someone I can understand that tho (even tho I very strongly disagree with those opinions), as epsiode 3 was actually a watchable movie unlike its predecessors from the prequels. But still episode 3 also suffers from terrible acting, unbearble dialogues, and a rushed plot which was mostly a faliure because the previous two failed to built up anything in the story.
Actually it is subjective, and anyone that says it isn’t has their head up their ass lol, and I’m tired of having to explain to people who are intolerant of other people’s opinions about art, that movies, are works of “art” and “entertainment”. There is NO “objective” source that can verify whether something is “good” or “bad” in that sense. YOU (or anyone else) are not “right” in suggesting that someone else is “wrong” for saying that a piece of art or entertainment is “good”. Period. There is no debate about that, it’s completely ignorant and stupid to suggest otherwise, it reeks of someone who wants their opinion to be fact. I’m 100% sure if me and everyone else on the planet thought something you loved was a piece of shit you’d turn around and start bitching about how no one understands you. I’d ask you to give me your completely logical and factual reasons for stating how “good” something is comes straight from an objective, factual source that defines it, but I know you’re full of shit and you seem like an arrogant jackass so I won’t bother. Congratulations on being a dick.
Btw good job using words like “boring” and “uninteresting” when describing things that are apparently “objective” traits? That’s fucking stupid
I always loved that ridiclous ,,art is subjective” excuse when talking about the prequels. This isnt a debate about whether Godfather 1 or Godfather 2 is the better, which would be an example of a subjective debate.
Even tho movies are indeed subjective, people with fully developed brain and a little bit experience with movies, should be able to recognise good or bad films. Im not starting this debate again, as prequel-fanboys are very rarerly open to logical reasoning when talking about the objects of their fanboyism. If you love the prequels, good for you I wish I would aswell. But just because a movie has Star Wars in title and is doused with flashy CGI glaze, it wont be able to hide its true form as a pile of steaming shit. To quote Lucas himself: ,, You can’t undo that, but you can diminish the effects of it”. When you hate to say this sentence, you should know that something isnt right with your movie.
And the prequels failed right away on the very basis of movie making, such as: characters, acting, dialogues and tonation.
So nobody cares if you like or hate the prequels, because everybody likes what the fck he/she wants. But still it wont alter the fact that he/she loves a shitty movie.
Are you a troll? I’m starting to think so because talking about logical reasoning, then arguing about a movie being objectively good or bad is nonsense and seems like something someone would do just to get someone else riled up. Plenty of people dislike the star wars movies and think they’re shitty. I’d never state that they’re “factually wrong” about that, that’s idiotic. All of this stuff is perception, this isn’t math or science.
When you judge a movie there is always a level a subjectivity, but it can hit a point where things become more or less objective. If movies would be all subjective, filmmakers couldnt even come up with good movies, but because they arent entirely, they know what elements should be right in order to make a good one.
Its actually very easy to judge movies if you have a fully developed brain with a 3 digit IQ, have a little experience with movies, and not biased towards something.
TPM is a very shit movie: The acting is terrible, the plot is an incoherent mess, the characters are very boring, Jar-jar is a racist insult to the whole humanity’s intelligence, Darth Maul is a poorly-made villain (as we dont even know anything about him), and there are way too many contradictions with the originals. The lightsaber duel is an over-coreographed dance scene, not a fight. And making up shit like midichlorians or prophecies in a Star Wars movie is just a very bad choise (not gonna explain why, otherwise this comment would be novel-long ).
AOTC is the same, except the visuals are far worse than the prequels’s, and its even more boring. The movie is overfilled with cartoon-like obviously fake CGI. The acting is even worse I think (at least TPM had Liam Neeson’s aura) as Hayden Christensen had to deliver one of the worst dialogues in entire history of the cinema. And the lovestory is probably also the worst piece of forced relationship I’ve ever had to witness in a theatre (go and watch Annie Hall if you want to see a good romance). Dooku is joke, and the duels are even more coreographed, and failed to deliver any kind of tension. Also the whole war and clone-shit is ridiculously rushed and seems like Lucas pulled it right out of his ass. Oh, we need an explanation to clones? Hmmm lets say 10 years ago someone did something for some reason, and without anybody noticing they’ve built the greatest army of the galaxy. Yup, this will make it, move along…
ROTS could’ve been good if the two previous movies didnt exist. Grievous is also a joke, the acting and dialogues are still very bad, and except Palpatine the characters still behave like they are on sleeping pills the whole time. The lightsaber duels are probably the worst from the prequels, over the top nonsense. The story could’ve been good, but the two previous movies failed to built up anything so it was a faliure, especially Anakin’s turn and the fall of the Republic (which are allegedly the story of those 3 movies).
My ratings are: TPM: 3 AOTC: 2 ROTS: 5 ANH: 10 ESB: 9 ROTJ: 6 TFA: 8
yea will 1billion tickts world wide says you are in the minority./….153 million week to enought to be top time 1 week….you need to reevalueate what you are thinking…then again these are the same people who thought luke was goin to the dark side and luke is kylo ren …they want to see SITH and EVIL FLOURISH…casue its BADASS and this movie was a star wars movie heros and happiness with alot of fun thrown in i can see how the some people complain
Like I said, plenty of people, including myself and my whole family and plenty of friends, bought into the hype and marketing and paid for tickets to see this movie and were disappointed. I’m sure we’re a minority, but just how small of a minority we are is still up for debate (and I’m talking about anyone that would rate this movie from 0-7/10, pretty much. From “hated it” to “liked it, but it definitely had flaws”). It’s hard for me to believe 99% of people that saw this movie think it’s legendary or amazing. I like the movie but come on, it’s not THAT good.
Sounds to me like you’re saying that anyone who has a contrary opinion from those who utterly loved it should be mariginalised and derided. I find that a disgusting attitude, especially when many people who did not like it will feel their criticisms are valid and aren’t haters hating for the sake of it.
A majority opinion isn’t always a correct opinion, and those dissenters who articulate themselves well should be treated with the courtesy they deserve.
Uh-oh you must’ve not got the memo. It states that you can only critique this movie while wearing rose-colored glasses or else be labeled a hater/troll for not falling in line to automatically love the film…./sarc. Kids these days….
No it doesn’t but giving this movie 2 or 1/10 and telling everyone that this movie is shit makes you hater or troll. And that exactly what many people here doing.
If you do this you are either hater or old EU fanatic.
I get where you’re coming from but it’s not necessarily or automatically true. I’m sure that some folks genuinely feel that the movie really isn’t up to snuff, and that’s alright for them to feel and to express. But whether a person rates it a 10 or a 1, the discussion should be about the merits of their position- not the other way around.
There is difference between pointing out movie flaws like many critics did in their reviews: yet they also pointed out movie strong sides. And is clear as day that this movie have much more positive then negative.
So again majority people who shitting here on this movie with their low scores and their biased opinions are either hate or EU fanatics which was decided to hate TFA long before it was released.
Sorry Venaborn but you’re wayyyyy over-generalizing because you feel that it justifies your argument, when the fact is it isn’t even necessary to begin with, truly. You have your own reasons for liking the film- which SHOULD be good enough for you and your position. Marginalizing and ostracizing folks that don’t share your view is not a good look, and makes it quite difficult to take your argument seriously. Think about it….
If I buy a music album that someone else doesn’t like or even absolutely abhors, I don’t give a shit because the only thing that matters to me is that I like it. However, I will allow them a platform to explain why they don’t like it- even if I find their reasons to be shallow or hollow. See how that works?
no no DICK!! THEY are marginalizing everybody elses opinion they don’t like the movie thats their fucking business the fact that you took time telling everybody and then pointing out all the things you had a problem with suggest alterior motives cause nobody wants to hear that shit…..1billion tickest notobyd cars what you feel obviousely so TROLL (not you DICk GOZINEM ) but to you trolls keep your vitriol to yourself we don’t care about your opiniion if its negative ….
no they don’t these same motehr fuckrs are goin to by the DVD/BLUE RAY and watch this move 100 times they want 15 minutes of fame they want tob e different than everbody else cause it makes them feel supoerior and importan…look they lemings like the movie but i know it sucks becaus of my vast star wars knowledge…..buch of bitches really….i have read everybook….played everyvideo game…i have every movie (included tfa) on my TV (bootlegs suckes but i have seen themovie 10 times now) i have cloths toys a 2 remot controle r2 units ONE IS LIFE SIZE and sites in my living room…that being said none of you EU purist are more of a fan than i am…..I LIKE THE PREQUELS!!!! I LOVE THE FORCE AWAKENDS stop being bitches
This is just as extreme and biased of you as what you’re saying about the people that rated the film as a 1 or a 2.
People are entitled to their opinions and everyone thinks different. This is why you have a scale from 1 to 10 and a 1 is just as valid as a 10. That’s a matter of personal preference and we got to respect it even if we don’t agree.
if you are a star wars fan you cannot hate this movie…you cannot say the movie is not a good movie…you can complain they did not incl;ude our EU stuff but we knew they were not from the beginning so stop being bitches get with the program and MOST OF ALL ENJOY IT FOR THE FUN THAT IT IS ….
You have a serious problem with reading comprehension, guy. I’ll just leave it at that.
NO i agree with him totally they was no way any of them would be satisfided unless we did the grand admiral thrawn movies even thought they would have taken place 25 years before the movie….this movie was a GREAT movie….period….the trolling and bitching are trolls
That’s just not true. That’s no more or less than an attitude of intolerance – the type of tolerance that is the reason this world is so messed up.
Yeah. He’s basically saying “if you don’t like the movie, shut up and sit in the corner. Your criticisms and complaints are stupid nitpicks and you must not have been paying attention. How dare you not like what we like and say so!”
This isn’t kindergarten and we’re not 5 year-olds. People have different opinions and it’s okay for us to discuss it.
Quite.
9/10. Minor flaws, but delivered in so many ways. Thank you to all the people involved from the production team, SFX, actors, JJ, etc.
Needed more Zuvio! 😉
I know Pablo Hidalgo said that the person with a big hat who is being stabbed with a red lightsaber in Rey’s vision is NOT Zuvio, but it sure looks a lot like him.
Í thought it was him too…but the younglings did have those dome headgear things too… Someone suggested it was at the fight at the academy
6/10
My order of Faves
1. 6 Return of the Jedi – (Before it was Speacialized!) 10/10 Fun & Awesome
2. 5 Empire Strikes Back 10/10 (Before Specialized) 10/10 Dark & Awesome
3. 4 A New Hope (Before it was Specialized!) 10/10 Original and Awesome
4. Ewoks Battle for Endor 9/10 Good scary villain. Fun. Looked real. Awesome!
5. Ewoks Caravan of Courage 8.5/10 A bit slow, but great scary bad guy and original. Both Ewok films felt like the real Star Wars Universe all the way through. Great music too. Stop motion creatures had a cool effect that somehow feels more believable than many CG creatures or characters.
I didn’t like the rest (mostly because of what they were, compared to what they coulda shoulda been), but like parts of them so they are rated by which had the most stuff I liked. CG has killed what I loved about Star Wars… my ability to watch it and believe it.
Stuff I liked/stuff I hated
6. Force Awakens 6/10 Not original, CG characters sucked and weak script. Great new cast. Great costumes. A fun adventure with a proper main character, and new characters that are likeable right away. Certain CG effects, unbelievable events, too many shout outs to the originals, and a none original script/plot kept me from enjoying it very much.
7. The Phantom Menace – 2/10 Maul = great!. Anakin, 3P0, JJ, droids & CG suck
8. Revenge of the Sith – 2/10 Jedi were chumps. Palpatine looked weird. Overdone
9. Attack of the Clones – 2/10 Dooku sucked. Jango was not original. Terrible acting
Point 6 – FA 6/10 unoriginal?
Point 7/8/9 – All Original ?
Doesn’t original trump unoriginal ? After all ,a cover band is just a cover band,no matter how tight they may be.
Hey, I’m interested in your point, but I am confused a bit as to what you mean. Sorry. I was saying I felt the new film was unoriginal. Agreed original trumps unoriginal of course. The Prequels were more original, but lacked the look and charm that TFA was at least able to recreate.
Agree, albeit without the Ewok movies and with Sith and Menace swapped.
You showed yourself total ignorant when you rated Ewoks movies above TFA and prequels. I cant say that prequels was good but Ewoks movies was literally shit.
In what ways am I ignorant for liking the Ewok films more? Is there some rule that I must like TFA more than the Ewok films? I have my reasons: The effects were good. the costumes were just as good as any in Star Wars films. They used proper blaster lasers (which stood out as helping it really feel like Star Wars to me… I’m not saying the other films didn’t… I’m saying including some blaster fire really added an effect that is unique to Star Wars films, and I loved that about the Ewok films), had a great sound track, they expanded the Star Wars universe, and had really memorable bad guys. They had the absolute correct feel and look of Star Wars, even if they were not as exciting as the actual Star Wars films. There was nothing in them that disappointed me or felt like it could have been done better. TFA did disappoint me and i did feel they could have done better, and I could not believe certain creatures and characters… so for those reasons I rank it lower. There were no characters who suddenly felt out of place because they were created with CG in the Ewok films. They had tension, and funny parts. They introduced great new creatures and aliens that look realistic and really feel like part of the Star Wars Universe, unlike much of the prequels and a few creatures/characters in TFA. You are welcome to your opinion. Feel free to explain why you feel that way, and lay off of calling me or anyone else “ignorant”.
I can’t believe how ignorant or blind of your nostalgia you are. It movies about EWOKS FOR GOD SAKE !!! They are worse than Jar Jar Binks. I tried watch these movies i must literally stop because i felt like my brain cell dying from how stupid that movie was.
These movies are literally that’s disgusting liquid what is on the bottom of trash can. And i am not only one thinking nearly everyone thinks the same.
Of course TFA is million time better hell prequels are much thousands times better.
again YOU ARE LUNCHING Return of the jedi is awesome ….all star wars movies are awesome
I don’t say Return of the jedi is bad movie but i am also acknowledge that it have weak spots. Namely epic 501st legion got defeated by teddy bears, which dont evan speak basic.
haha, its even funnier.
Tiny rock arrows and pebbles defeat the 501st and everybody is cool with it.
Untrained Jedi defeats Untrained Sith and everybody loses their minds. LMAO SMH
He was trained. If Snoke or Luke just started training him a month before he fought Rey then I’ll take back my complaints
I agree with you, Jar Jar > Ewoks. I had some laughs with him at least. His humor was kid level humor. The humor Ewoks invoked was baby level humor, it just wasn’t right in the middle of the most important battle of the story. I don’t know what went into Lucas’ head at the time he thought of adding them into ROJ.
not one star was movie is shit ….NOT ONE!!
For me it’s a 9/10. To summarize it, it had problems like any other movie, but the mythos remained intact and got even richer, which is an ultimate win by itself. Solid movie and 2nd best SW movie ever made right behind NH.
Just consider the fact, that poor JJ had so MUCH to cover and on top of that introduce not 1 not 2 but 5 new characters, all in a mere 2 hour film. I say he not only nailed it, he made ALL the right choices all along the way. Did he play it safe by rehashing most of the story material from the OT? Of course he did, he had to protect a gigantic investment made by Disney and to do that he had to give the audience what they know and liked. If it’s not broken don’t fix it, build on top of it.
And for all I care, I could see even more derivative themes in Force Awakens and still love it. Why? Because it is only THE FIRST movie of a new trilogy and that is another reason why IT HAD to be the way it was.
This movie heroically ACHIEVED its primary purpose and that was simply to get us back to a Galaxy far far away. Not only that, it built up to 3-4 great cliffanger questions that not only beg for a solid sequel, which it is sure to introduce new themes to the SW mythos, but also made room for new tv series, cartoons etc. For me JJ was the best thing that EVER happened to Star Wars and I hope his influence on it be present in the years to come.
Why does J.J. hate planets so much?
I personally found a lot of things I didn’t think were done well enough in this film, but I didn’t have a problem with Rey’s sudden force ability. Only slightly. She said she could not explain what she did. I think they did a good enough job making it feel as if she was suddenly doing things without knowing how she knew to do them, and she had abilities she was not aware she had, because the force was being channeled through her (It was the will of the force). I can also believe that the Force awakening brought people together. I’m glad people are saying the CG characters were less distracting in additional viewings.
Nor even Anakin could do in such a short time what Rey did. It is so out of Star Wars’s own logic!
When did we see Anakin train?
We didn’t have to see Anakin train during the 10 years between TPM and AotC, because unlike his successor, Lucas didn’t have to keep rehashing stuff from the OT at every turn. He knew we had already seen a Jedi in training with Luke and Yoda in TESB. No need for redundancy or repetitiveness.
Rey had training from Luke she just remembered it. She had performed mind tricks before. Or at least seen Jedi in training do it. What is so diificult to understand? Not learnt. Remembered. If for some reason I had forgotten how to tie my shoes and suddenly remembered I could do it instantly. It’s so basic, I cannot undersand what your issue is.
TOTALLY DISSPOINTED!!! OPEN YOUR EYES PEOPLE!
1. Star Killer – by ‘sucking’ up a sun you destroy a solar system, so why do you need to fire on planets that will die by cold, for which no reason is given anyway? As someone else pointed out; Death Star becomes Star Destroyer!
2. Ren’s mask – has no function at all! So, when he removes the mask we are wondering what the hell is it for? It took 3 films to reveal Darth Vader to the world and it’s function was to help keep him alive.
3. Ren’s powers – Chewbacca manages to shoot Ren even though he can stop laser blasts. Massive
inconsistency here.
4. Poe – how does he survive the crash and how does he escape from the planet? For that matter how does Finn escape a Tie Fighter hurtling towards a planet at god knows what speed with a parachute? Was he using an ejector seat? Was it a strap on oarachute and if so how did he manage to counteract the G forces to get the parachute on? Also, parachutes in Star Wars? Huh?
5. R2D2 – how does R2 know when to reactivate from self imposed sleep depression?
6. Map – why is there a map when coordinates would do, especially as the plot does not center around
following the map at all to find Luke?
7. Rey – she learns the force without instruction or training. This may be plausible, but devalues everything we know about Luke et al in the previous films. Just horrible!
8. Finn – sanitation worker, sent on a battle mission?
9. CGI – just horrible for Maz, Snoke and those terrible creatures on the freighter run by Han.
10. Han – he is too old to run around. Why is he not a general rather than returning to his old haunts?
11. Snoke – why does he need a massive hologram? Every hologram in the previous films is life size or smaller. This makes no sense apart from the fact that it makes him ‘big’.
12. Han death – oh boy! Advertised or what!!! How can you wait for 30 years, kill a legend, nobody blinks and the audience is left without even a tear? Shameful!!!!
13. Lightsaber – Maz manages to get hold of Luke’s original – well played! How the hell is that possible? At the very least explain it!
14. Story – SW7 = SW4. If you had told me this before the film I wouldn’t have believed you! 30 years to come up with a new story and this is the best that Disney can do?
15. Finn – can speak Wookie, can speak droid, fly the Falcon, fix the Falcon, defeat Jedi masters, self taught Jedi, self taught stick wielding martial artist. Not bad for an orphan with no support or back story.
16. Max von Sydow – gone in 60 seconds!
17. Leia – Han dies and she comforts a complete stranger rather than Chewbacca!
18. John Williams – I noticed the film score twice. My feeling is that he didn’t have any emotion or tanguble plot to feed off of.
19. Finn – he gets hold of a lightsaber and just happens to fight the only Stormtrooper in history without a blaster.
20. Ren – forgets that he is probably the most powerful Jedi we have ever seen when fighting Rey. Why doesn’t he just choke her from distance when the rupture occurs?
21. Lightspeed – apparently you can exit lightspeed a few hundred feet from a planet to bypass a shield. They forgot to mention this to Lando in ROTJ!
22. Phasma – just completely useless!
23. Scavenger – leaves the net it caught BB8 with, why?
24. Planet deaths – billions of people die and nobody gives a **** unlike Ben in SW4. 25. Ren – why does he walk across the bridge and how come he can’t sense his own father who is about 50 feet away? Darh Vader senses Ben in SW4 when the Falcon is on the Death Star. 26. Resistance – the Rebellion won in SW6! Who would be left to resist against? 27. Death Star 3 – where did a newly formed dark side get the resources to build an operational death star 10x’s as big as any previous build. I know it is part of a planet, but it still took 3 films to replace the original death star and that was under construction with all of the resources of the previous Emperor. 28. Nazi overtones – politics and other PC agendas have nothing to do with Star Wars! Galaxy far far away ffs! 29. Falcon – just happens to be on Jakku and then Han just happens to be flying by, what are the chances! None, that’s what! 30. Falcon – the gun is put out of action when Ray and Finn are trying to outrun the Tie Fighters, which results in Ray having to pull out a stall move (2 minutes after learning to fly the falcon) But doesn’t the Falcon have 2 guns? Why not just use the other gun! 31. Finn – makes friends with BB8 instantly and then has the chance to trade in BB8 for food and doesn’t. Probably the best fed and healthiest looking scavenger ever. Just no depth to either of these scenes. Disney and Jar Jar Abrams ruined xmas and effectively trampled on the memories and emotional investment of anyone that truly cares about Star Wars lore. I could have pulled a better story out of my arse.
Well, I thought it was a fun movie.
Please provide better story, just rinse it off first.
jj could provide a better history instead of a carbon copy of a new hope. go to sleep
I cant. I’m at the theater waiting for the next showing of The Force Awakens to begin, which is full btw.
REBOOT reboot REBOOT reboot REBOOT reboot REBOOT reboot REBOOT reboot
I just said that all the year… Few people are actually accepting this, and the rest is deciding to be blind to this fact.
Or perhaps you just wrong. Did it ever cross your mind ?
Actually the rehash of the plot is the only thing people are really complaining about – explicitly in their favorable reviews of the film.
My word, after reading your comments I must conclude that you simply had no intention of enjoying this movie. Which is fine, your loss which is no loss to me or all the other millions of people that are having a great time watching and rewatching it. On the subject of this movie being awful and not ‘Star Wars’ I am intrigued why you are so arrogant to believe that you are correct over the enormous amount of people who live it?
I followed the exchanges between you and the guy discussing realism, conservative and all that nonsense and you kept pointing out that you think outside the box, you are creative, unpredictable and god knows what else (I lost the will to live almost) and I found it odd that for all of your posturing you are in fact the opposite of creative in the way you express yourself and how you attempt to bash other people down. Creative free thinking people open to change, who are able to expand on knowledge and creative design are generally very open people in their personality and embrace other views to update their own. A quality you demonstrated superbly well and convincingly that you don’t have. I suspect you are in fact a border line controlling personality with a propensity to imagine you are far more creative than you actually are (no matter what your creative 25 years are) . Tidy, rational, exacting, no room for change, little time for other people’s views and opinions.
If you choose to argue about the movie then fine, I loved it and am thrilled to have seen it 8 times now. If you would like to respond to my comments about the nonsense you have argued about on here then I would beg of you please, leave out realism, conservative, creative, artistic and whatever else pops up in the euphoria of telling me I am wrong because all of the points raised by your best friend on here are all ‘in fact true’ ‘lol’ just for you. You are very welcome to sit on my couch one day if you ever have the desire to feel the force…… Of psychiatric counselling.
Dude, it was just for fun. Just for a nonsense-dadaist-niilist fun. Good times…
Read the book 99.9% of your comments are explained in it.
On the Starkiller point, as it has been explained before, Starkiller doesn’t drain the star in the solar system it wants to destroy (which is actually many light years away); Instead, it drains its own sun and it doesn’t drain it completely, or otherwise the planet where the base is would itself become uninhabitable. I actually wonder if there is an upper limit on how many times (or how often) the weapon can actually be used because of that.
On Kylo’s helmet, the most likely explanation is that he wears it simply to look like Vader. Whatever the reason is though, I think it works in the movie when Rey implies she pictures some kind of ugly monster inside the helmet and, when he takes it off, we see a fairly good-looking Adam Driver instead. I noticed that many people in the theater reacted with surprise just like Rey on the movie. Kylo’s physical appearance may change though over the next episode as he becomes more like Vader. There seems to be also a history associated with the helmet and Kylo’s vest, which is suggested by the fact that the helmet is actually damaged and his vest appears torn at times. I think we will learn more about it in future episodes.
On why Rey can speak droid and fly a ship, that is actually explained in the Before the Awakening novel.
On how Maz has Luke’s lightsaber, as Maz said “that is a good question for another time”.
On Han not being a general, I think it patently clear from the movie that he left around the time Ben turned and has been running away from the galactic affairs since then (as mentioned by Maz). He got back then to what he thinks is whay he does best, which is being a smuggler. It is interesting that Finn knew him as a rebellion general and war hero, whereas Rey knew him as a legendary smuggler.
On R2D2 powering up when he did, that is indeed a mystery. Some people say it was Rey’s arrival at the base that made him wake up, but I honestly don’t know. JJ said he is awakaned by BB8, but in the movie, he actually wakes up before BB8 talks to him.
On Ren’s powers, I believe it is shown in the movie ithat he is very powerful. He wasn’t expecting Chewie’s shot and was still dealing with Han’s demise when Chewie hit him, so that could explain why didb’t freeze Chewie’s blast (it looks like force freezing is Ren’s signature move as gorce choking was Vader’s). When Kylo fights Rey, he was doubly injured (by Chewie and by Finn), which explains why he wasn’t in his prime; He didn’t intend to kill her either, but persuade her to join him as his apprentice. Supreme Leader Snoke himself had specifically instructed Kylo to bring Rey to him, not kill her. In my opinion, when Rey defeats the injured Kylo in the end, she does so less on her own merit and more as a vessel possessed by the force itself, but that is just my opinion.
On John Williams’ score, as I wrote before, I think Rey’s Theme and March of the Resistance are great.
March of the resistance is AMAZING I love it.
Doesn’t the Visual Dictionary mention something about Ren’s outfit offering some type of protection?
who says han is not a general…you see he is wearing the CODE Cilenders…he was a general or in the military
So If we follow your theory we must promote that Takodana stormtrooper to the be next boss of the Knights of Ren!
I swear some people need everything force feed them in the story telling and don’t watch or listen to what they are watching anyway!
Now go on , tell us your fantastic story you have stored up your ass!
Seriously man, do you understand what Star Wars is? I can complain about logical issues or science inconsistencies in “Interstellar” or “2001” but, in Star Wars??? Don’t forget that these movies are a B Movies tribute. “The Force Awakens” is -as its original predecessors- a perfect blockbuster that recovers the spirit of the saga. I felt like an 11-year old boy again. Big merit there!
Star Wars must not be consistent to real science, but in fact it must be consistent to ITS OWN RULES!
NO rules were broken.
i you diditn do such a long list i would go through each one and show you how wrong you are or how much you didint really pay attention and went looking for ISSUES DISNEY DIDINT RUIN SHIT….to quote obi wan “you did that yourself” you decided to go into the movie with the shitty attitued you had…fin can’t speack wookie or droids that is Rey…Chebakkka shoots REn but it didint look like he was actually paying attentiong when he was shout and there was a little emotion goin through him at the time i mean he just killed his father excuse him for being distracted…how is REY a complete Stranger to Leia when its her NEICE?…the stormtrooper had a blaster if you watched the movie instead of being a critic you would have seen the stormtrooper throw his gun down …Phasma is in the next movie…Kylo has a Bowcaster bolt in his side…a slice in his sholder from FINN ( and a little slice from dooku on the leg sat Obi Wan Down in AOTC) yet he still fought on taking another punctur wound in the arm ….you are full of shit ….well i don’t know you so you may not be full of shit but this RANT is not at all goood or from a fan of star wars
Best post here. I simply cannot believe how people can be so naive and buy all this thing.
Jar Jar >>>>> Disney
Yeah because this movie have 94% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics just because all these critics are naive.
Or this movie reached 1 billion in record time only because all these people around world are naive.
You need help bro. You suffer from acute case of trollism.
Is having a brain and actually making use of it an “acute case of trollism”? If so, I don´t wanna go any other way!
Yeah and you making ” use of it ” by hating on one of the best movie of this year. Congratulation.
Dude, just because “BILLIONS OF PEOPLE LOVED IT!” am I not allowed to logically hate it?
This movie doesn´t make sense inside Star Wars. It hurts too many rules established on the Original Trilogy, and I am not even starting to count the PT and EU.
It is just like Peter Jackson was allowed to film the sequel of Lord and decide to make up things like laser-shooting elves and pizza-making hobbits. IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE TO THE ORIGINAL MATERIAL!
So you just another old EU fanatic. Good to know. This movie is perfectly fine you just don’t see it or dont want see it.
Again this movie both financial and critical success.
And this movie ” doesn’t sense inside Star Wars ” WTF ?!!
You want tell me old EU did ?!!!
And you can hate but you nothing more than another hater or troll. Which one you prefer ?
Of course the EU did!
– The EU did not have a person became a powerfull jedi AND a skilled pilot IN ONE FREAKING DAY!
– The EU did not have a ship getting out hyperspace just 10 feet from a planet’s surface!
– The EU did not have a villain so strong as being able to air-stop a blaster shot just to be hit ina sword contest by a regular stormtrooper!
And so on, and so on… You all over the world can love TFA as a movie, no problems with that. But you cannot love it as a Star Wars integer canon. It has more Star Wars flaws in 2 hours than the whole EU!
Typical stupid EU fanatics arguments.
Firstly we don’t know much about Rey she could be trained before, she just don’t remember. Or she could be guided by Force in battle. Not that Kyle is extremely skilled opponent in lightsaber duel himself, genius.
Secondly what the problem so technology progresses. Same thing happens in real world.
Thirdly new force ability DEAL WITH IT.
You have nothing and you just stupid EU fanatic who fight for death cause.
Go back to your: The Alliance to Preserve the Expanded Universe where idiots like you give nonsescical ultimatum to DIsney.
I just love when guys like you get mad with this kind of discussion…
At least i am not franchise terrorist.
Powerful Jedi? Rey? HAHAHAHAH! She just awakened mate, that doesn’t mean she is powerful, she just remembered her days as a small child in the Jedi Academy and pulled a Jedi mind trick. That’s all. Kylo was really hurt by the time she fought him, he was slower and she was remembering stuff at an oustanding rate. That’s all, where did you see her being powerful? Her victory was a quirk of fate and chance and a little skill nothing more or less.
sweet jesus. its gone. that mara jade masturbation nonsense… its all over man. seriously its really mostly curated diarrhea
Logic and fantasy movies? That’s the flaw in your logic right there.
You’re confusing logic for realism. Any tale, fictional or not, has to follow logical guidelines.
Not saying TFA doesn’t follow a logical train of thought. Just calling a spade a spade.
I’m not confusing logic for realism. There is no logical guideline on what movies or a universe should follow. Your talk is just merely perception on who you view Star Wars and how you think things should go based on your opinions within those “logical guidelines.” I’m sorry, but you don’t sound very open minded at all. It’s okay to be conservative. There are people like that, but there are people that don’t think that way. There are people that accept changes as we see change within our world throughout time. It’s no different and a film like Star Wars has to push to be different.
Lol, there are many words to describe me, but conservative isn’t among them, believe me. Especially not when it comes to SW as I happen to love many of Lucas’ ideas that get the most heat from fandom, for instance (Midichlorians, the Jedi Code, etc.)
Now, you obviously are still having problems understanding the meaning of logic in this context, I see. It’s simple really…
Every story establishes and follows certain patterns, like say telling the viewer that it takes time, effort and lots of training to master a certain art (such as using the Force, for instance). When you have established this logical pattern in your universe, over the course of 6 films spanning about 14 hrs. in all, you can’t just change it with no explanation or justification.
This is how storytelling works. It’s not a matter of perception, opinion or preference. It’s not a matter of being open or narrow-minded. And it’s certainly not a matter of being liberal or conservative in your thinking. It is a simple fact.
The irony in your first paragraph is that luca’s ideas were conservative and logical way of explaining how thinks work and had order. Midichlorians – scientific way to explain how the force works. Jedi Code – Conservative order and rule on how Jedi should behave and follow rules.
Again, you have a different and strict sense of logic. You like things that are in order, established and follow things a certain way. You obviously are having a hard conceptualizing why I called you a conservative. That way of thinking are the qualities of a conservative. Each episode had it’s own pattern of telling a story. This is a new trilogy, things don’t have to be told in the same pattern or form. It’s a new story and it’s unique in that regards of telling a story.
The irony of the last paragraph, storytelling is a art. Movies are a art. It is a matter of perception, opinion and preference. It’s a matter of being open and narrow-minded by choice. Sorry to break it to you, that whole reply you typed back to me has conservative way of thinking written all over it. Notice how you ended it with “It is a simple fact.” Logical and conservative people think that way. Please don’t comment anymore on explaining to me logic when you only scratched the surface and I had to explain it in depths for you. Good talk and sorry I had to discover this for you since you failed to realize that about yourself before.
I appreciate your attempt at teaching me about storytelling and art, though oddly enough that’s what has been putting food on my table for nearly 25 years, lol. And what a clever way for you to put a spin on my words, trying to turn my initial observation about the difference between realism and logic into some kind of weird attempt at psychoanalyzing me when that’s got nothing to do with what I said.
In sci-fi/fantasy, you can get a story from point A to point B in the most creative, fantastical, amazing of ways. But you still have to get the story from point A to point B in a way that makes sense to your target audience. Otherwise, your story will feel contrived or lame or senseless or simply cheap and lazy.
This is the difference between realism and logic: your story doesn’t have to be realistic, but the narrative does have to follow a logical path. Hence why we call storytelling “spinning a yarn”, for instance: if you don’t spin that yarn right, you’ll end up making a mess of things. And that mess will look bad, regardless of how conservative or liberal, creative or square, your audience might be.
You’re right about one thing, though. I do have a very different thought pattern. I think out of the box, which is kinda like the total opposite of being conservative, lol. But hey, think what you will. That doesn’t change the fact that logic and realism are 2 completely different things in storytelling.
It’s not a weird attempt when you’re stating the things you like are absolutely conservative in thought. It’s point blank right there in your messages. You’re good at dodging the points I’m making and spinning the conversation into your observation session. Let’s stay on task so you can understand what I’m saying.
“In sci-fi/fantasy, you can get a story from point A to point B in the most creative, fantastical, amazing of ways. But you still have to get the story from point A to point B in a way that makes sense to your target audience. Otherwise, your story will feel contrived or lame or senseless or simply cheap and lazy.”
Agreed. Though, how is this movie any different if we’re speaking on behalf of your “logic?” It’s following the same story, point A to point B, in the most creative, fantastical and amazing way possible (I didn’t know ‘ways’ was a word if you’re a storyteller, but whatever).
“This is the difference between realism and logic: your story doesn’t have to be realistic, but the narrative does have to follow a logical path. Hence why we call storytelling “spinning a yarn”, for instance: if you don’t spin that yarn right, you’ll end up making a mess of things. And that mess will look bad, regardless of how conservative or liberal, creative or square, your audience might be.”
I don’t know why you keep bring realism into the subject. None of the points I’ve made are talking about realism. I’m talking about process and creativity. How you can constructively do something different and create a story at the same time, regardless of what was logically set before in these movies. It has been done before for example A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. Both are completely different ways of storytelling and don’t logically follow the same format.
“You’re right about one thing, though. I do have a very different thought pattern. I think out of the box, which is kinda like the total opposite of being conservative, lol. But hey, think what you will. That doesn’t change the fact that logic and realism are 2 completely different things in storytelling. It’s simple…logic, actually.”
Well start posting response that are that thinking. Cause everything you have message me up to this point are conservative in mind. Let me explain this to you again…
“Especially not when it comes to SW as I happen to love many of Lucas’ ideas that get the most heat from fandom, for instance (Midichlorians, the Jedi Code, etc.)”
Like I said to you before, Lucas’ attempt to logically explain unrealistic things in a realistic manner. Conservative in thought. If he wanted to be liberal in thought, he would left the thoughts up to the users’ interpretation and as a mysterious motif.
“Every story establishes and follows certain patterns, like say telling the viewer that it takes time, effort and lots of training to master a certain art (such as using the Force, for instance). When you have established this logical pattern in your universe, over the course of 6 films spanning about 14 hrs. in all, you can’t just change it with no explanation or justification.”
Yes you can change it! Star Wars has this hidden idea when something is in order and control, chaos tends to destroy it. The same “logic” applies to the force in TFA. What we have known about the force has now opened the doors to different interpretation. How you keep getting realism in this is cracking me up.
“This is how storytelling works. It’s not a matter of perception, opinion or preference. It’s not a matter of being open or narrow-minded. And it’s certainly not a matter of being liberal or conservative in your thinking. It is a simple fact.”
Storytelling is art! Everything in art comes at a matter of decision making that will create perception, opinion and preferences. It’s all a matter of being open-minded. If you’re closed minded, you’re not gonna be a good storyteller, period. Let’s get one thing straight, if you’re creating something like Star Wars, you mind isn’t gonna limit yourself in a cage and say I can only do this or that. Your mind is gonna spread open and explore different possibilities.
Oh, I see! The problem is that you feel I’m conservative because I reject change. That it? Lol, actually, my biggest complaint about TFA is how unoriginal it felt to me.
See, I was looking forward to a new, fresh, innovative, creative, imaginative take on the GFFA. But notice that I didn’t speak for or against the film. I merely corrected you when you said, “Logic and fantasy movies? That’s the flaw in your logic right there.”
You’ve already agreed that I’m right, and that every story needs to follow a logical pattern. So there, end of story. Just to be clear though, this is why I mentioned realism, because it’s realism and fantasy movies that don’t necessarily go hand in hand, not logic.
As for Lucas, let me just say that I’m complete disagreement with your views on his explanations. The man’s pretty conservative in many ways but that’s a different story, best left for another place and time.
Now, notice that I wrote “ways”…again, lol. It is the plural form of the word way, as in a path or a trail, and it’s perfectly valid to use it in the context that I’ve used it both times in this exchange, you know? Then again, even if I was wrong, well writers write. That’s what we pay our editors for, to edit and correct our work 😉
Jesus christ dude it’s just a movie. The original and prequel movies all have flaws. Both major and minor. Your expectations were too high!
I can answer all of those, lol, and thus I will prove how great this movie is.
1) Because Starkiller can strategically destroy from tremendously far distances entire planets and cripple the enemy’s morale, something that planets “going cold” from loss of their star doesn’t quite do. You can still escape a slowly dying planet from frost. Starkiller cannot suck a solar system’s star from the same distance it can blow it up. Much more convenient and strategically useful that way.
2) Ren is a Vader fanboy and uses the mask for intimidation, symbolism and principle. That’s how politics and war work silly. And don’t worry, from what we have seen, if he keeps getting in Rey’s way the mask will soon serve a vital purpose, lol.
3) THE MAN HAD JUST KILLED HIS FREAKIN FATHER, no wonder he could not react to defend himself, his mind had stopped for a bit. It happens to the best of warriors. Sorry, there is no inconsistency here.
4) Poe’s story will be told better in the next movie. Also, TIE fighters are spaceships and even if hit, that doesn’t mean that their levitating capabilities are totally neurtralized. The crash must have been much less mortal than it appears. The Order analyst tells Hux that the ship was not destroyed but disabled and the projcted course was clearly a light one, not a clear one way crash to the surface.
5) For god’sake this will be answered in the next film, don;t worry, geez m8! R2 was programmed that way by Luke, you’ll see, be freakin patient!
6) Because the planet Luke is in probably is not registered and coordinates would be useless, Leia says so. Also, the planet he is on probably cannot be located via coordinates, it’s a bitch to find. Thus Luke created a map that would in detail explain the sequence of lightspeed jumps for any ship that would allow said ship to safely locate the planet. Space is dangerous, supernovas black holes and stuff. A map makes perfect sense and again more will be explained in the next film.
7) Lol, you are so clueless, Rey had training as a child before she was anandond by either her dad, Luke or her mysterious parents who had sent her to train with him. When she touched Luke’s saber the Force awakened in her and Luke’s mental blocks on her mind were crushed, leaving her to remember things that she had forgoten. All of this is speculation of course but THIS IS BECAUSE YOU BITCH ABOUT STUFF THAT WILL BE EXPLAINED LATER ON.
8) Um, promotion?
9) Your opinion. Maz was good, Snoke I agree but it was clearly intentional, aliens I have to rewatch to give a more informed opinion. Also, Snoke was a holo all along so it may have been the hologram’s visuals that made it look horrible, think for a second before you post.
10) We don;t know Han’s story silly! All we know is that by the time his son went haywire, he went back to smuggling because he had an emotional breakdown. How can you lead an army when you cannot even exert obedienece over your own son? Oh my God, it’s as if you don’t even think before posting all this stuff…..
11) Again symbolism, strategy, the First Order is not like the Empire they do things differently they are not all powerful like the Empire, when they recruit they need to go big and symbolic in order to rally their now much fewer believers. The holo serves that purpose. Go big, be scary.
12) I cried. Also many others did, I think this is a bit your thing. Also, we all expected it and it was so well done.
13) SHE SAYS THAT’S A STORY FOR ANOTHER TIME, what else do you want? Do you want JJ to pop in a Jar Jar suit in the middle of the cantina next to Maz and feed you the true answer? There was not enough time to explain everything you ungrateful silly goon!!! There will be time to explain all this in the new movies. Geeez!!!!!!
14) OH my god what don’t you understand? The movie is just how it was supposed to go since Disney wanted to protect its investment and secondly, THERE WILL BE 2 MORE MOVIES!!!! The story isn’t done yet!!! It has not even began actually, this new movie’s purpose was to restart the franchise, and make a path for the new ones!!!!
15. When did he defeat a Jedi master? Also stormtroopers are clearly trained against lightsabers and know about close combat. Have you even seen the movie? Also, the Empire was defeated because of a Wookie as well. The First Order might have found it useful to teach the basics of their language to the new troopers. Just sayin’
16) Yes and we will know more about him in THE NEW MOVIES!!!! I am getting tired of explaining this one 😀
17) What?
18) That one I agree the score was weaker. But SW does not need much in terms of music anyway. The old themes are perfect.
19) Yes, the trooper noticed him and approached him and if you noticed, there were many other troopers with close combat weapons. This is too tiriing….
20) He was hurt. Her power was rising rapidly. The Force has limits and cannot be used by such distances. And dont you dare pull a “Vader did id by screen”. Vader can create earthquakes just by feeling really really bad. Ren is not nearly as powerful. Do you even like SW and post these?
21) Um, Han could have picked this one up later on as a nifty trick? There are 30 years of story we don’t know about? Any of this ring any bells? Also there are spaceships, they are extremely well- callibered.
22) That one I do agree but her role will be bigger in Episode 8.
23) Um because Rey is like 1,5 meters taller than him??
24) Oh, everyone cared we just didnt get to see it because then the movie would have been like 5 hours long. Mercy!
25) The Force works mysteriously. Also Ren was otherwise engaged from a point on. Also we are not sure, he may sense Han all along and led him there to his inevitable death.
26) The First Order you silly.
27) Better technology? Starkiller may have been the Emperor’s final weapon but it took too long to complete even after his death? Also the DS projects didn’t consume all the resources of the Empire, if anything, the Galaxy has many resources for a tiny moon to be created.
28) Sure! By that standard, let’s cut all the dramatic and facist Emperor’s walks with Vader among his elite troops. Are you kidding? All SW ever did was to introduce things widely hated and loved from the real world. Do you even know the franchize?
29) Han was not flying by. He picked up the Falcon’s position when it was activated by Rey for the first time in years and rushed to claim it. Aw man watch the freakin movie again!!!
30) Rey is a natural pilot like her father and grandfather, she insticitvely knows how to fly any ship, like Poe. THe Falcon’s guns were both damaged because they were stuck in a certain position.
31) Rey did not become friends with BB8 instantly, she just followed her gut feeling and decided that a droid, which in SW is basically a person, doesn’t deserve any harsh destiny like being turned to scrap (dying) because she wanted to eat. Wow, you really don’t know your SW. I for one would not kill a stranger to get more food. Not ever.
All things considered, you try to place physics and logic to a movie that’s about space wizards with lazer swords and telepathy. Nicely done, you are the essence of bitching with absolutely no reason or purpose.
Try to be patient, all of the major plotpoints will be expained in the films to come.
I find it interesting that some fans are so desperate to love something, and do desperate to resist any criticism, that they will literally try and rationalise and praise every second of the product,
Oh believe me I do not resist criticism, I welcome it, I thrive upon it. And of course, If you had bothered reading my entire post you would have seen that I have my issues with the movie as well. I try to see it as the first 2 hours of a 7-hour film. In that light it’s a 9/10.
If you on the other hand insist on seeing it as a single motion picture, (which is stupid in my humble opinion since this is a sci-fi space opera saga WITH EPISODES) without anything standing behind it or coming after it, then you could easily give it a 4/10 – 6/10.
However this is a stupid frame of mind in my humble opinion. I am not saying the movie has no flaws. On the contrary it had! And some more than obvious!
What I am trying to say is: The flaws in the movie are either minor ones that do not affect the film OR they are there and guess what? They can be easily interpreted as intentional gaps in the storyline and are going to be answered or resolved in the next films. If they WON’T then both Episode 7 and Episode 8 will be bad movies with flaws. But we have not seen Episode 8 yet have we?
Again, the movie for me achieved its primary purpose, and that was to re introduce us to the Galaxy we love and add a few new cool characters to explore it. If you didn’t get that then you were asking for something else which the movie neither advertised to be nor did it claim to aim doing. Sorry.
Troll account.
I enjoyed everything except the hologram of Snoke. It looked too CGI. The movements just looked fake. The rest of the CGI in the movie was great. He also appeared to similar to a LOTR or HP character. Loved the movie otherwise.
I like the part where Obi and Ani fight! Not a fan or the four armed guy with laser swords/
Uhm … no offence, but I think you are talking about Episode III. We are primarily discussing the latest movie here, I believe.
the clone wars cartoon movie?
A – for fun
C – for storytelling
F – for originality
Nicely put. Brief but concise. Totally agree with you.
I liked the part where Kirk rides a motorcycle and the chick from Kingsman with the sword legs kicks the aliens in her white and black makeup. . . wait what are we talking about?
FINALLY saw it for the second time today, and as many have mentioned it indeed was better on the second viewing. This is probably because I was so tense and nervous while watching it the first time lol. Anyway I’ve noticed that it appears that Rey destroyed Kylo’s lightsaber During the fight! I could be wrong but if this is the case, I wonder what he’s going to do now? Will he construct one of similar design? Or one without the cross guards?
Why were you tense and nervous?
I’m wondering if he will learn to build a new saber in the new one that works properly (sorry, but I hate the crossguard).
Cause it was the return of STAR WARS and I was just a little nervous that it wasn’t going to be very good, even though all the footage we got prior to the film was very promising and did a great job hyping it up for me. But it turned out to be a great edition to the franchise and did a great job setting up the story for this new trilogy that we never saw coming. And on the cross guard, when I saw him using it it really grew on me. I wouldn’t mind if he constructed one similar, but I’m sure when Snoke “finishes his training” he will make a more clean and traditional saber.
Everybody carried a ton of emotional baggage into the first viewing, its nearly universal that people like it more on the second viewing.
Is it just me or has John Williams completely lost his mo-jo? I can’t recall a thing about the soundtrack.
he’s 83, he’s done a lifetimes work, give the guy a break!
Sounded nothing like the trailers/TV spots. Something fishy is going on there and I’m pretty sure he was replaced behind the scenes. No LSO this time either.
It does kinda give you the impression that he phoned this one in. However, I actually liked “Rey’s Theme” from the moment I heard it because it felt “right” as it relates to her story. I thought it was refreshingly unexpected turn from the saga’s soundtrack has come to be known for. If the next installments are Good-to-Great, and, her story ends up being expertly fleshed out and executed, then, her theme may end up resonating even more highly after all is said and done.
If I had to choose a favorite track from it then that would be mine too. I just hope they don’t drop all the themes altogether rather than develop them like they did in between I and II.
i liked the sound track ??? don’t get the problem??
Agree, but I do really think Williams’ age must be taken into account. He was a young man in his forties when the first movie came out. Now he’s in his twilight years. It’s perfectly understandable that he’s no longer at the very top of his game.
I’m listening to Rey’s theme as I type these words. I didn’t particularly notice it when I actually watched the movie, but I have come to like it very much. It may sound more Harry Potter-ish than classical Star Wars, but still. The theme distils Rey’s soul as that of a person who is young, full of hope, with a deep longing, yet confident and self-assured without being proud.
Seriously? The trailers were not done by Williams, they were done by the company hired to do the trailers. They did their own take on the themes Williams created for Star Wars. Nothing fishy going at all.
The stuff they showed on 60 Minutes sounded a lot different than what was on the soundtrack as well not to mention the TV spots too. They gave Leigh Brackett an honorary title too that I can see them doing that with him before he kicks the bucket.
It’s certainly far more subtle, but I’ve found it has really grown on me as it has become more familiar (seen the movie 6 times now and a few themes are noticeable). It’s also not as grand or bombastic as the scores to the first six episodes, imo.
When 83 years old you reach, compose as good you will not.
I felt the same way about The Phantom Menace originally. But now that music is every bit as much “Star Wars” in my mind.
I really like Rey and Kylos themes, after seeing the film three times now. I still can’t recall them exactly in my head, but I paid closer attention to the music the second time around and thought it was great. Just not as memorable as Lukes theme, or the Imperial March. However the music at the end on the island I must say was bloody fantastic, it gave me chills every time. Perfect build up to a really ominous reveal. Good stuff
LOL the fans that give this movie a 8/10 a 9/10 or a 10/10. Keep being clone love all Star Wars fan boys. This movie was bad. Was it a 2/10 TPM bad? Hell no. It was fun to watch and the acting was pretty damn good. As far as what we were hoping for as long time SW fans….its a 4/10. Maybe.
It has some serious issues but it’s better than the PT IMO… which is all I wanted. I really liked the new cast… My main gripe will always be the Death Star III and a few rushed bits I would have had more fully explored. It’s a shame such a large portion of the movie hangs around the new weapon…
However the fact I care about Rey, Finn, BB8 and Kylo… says a whole lot. I want to see what is next.
nothing at all wrong with this movie all of the moves are clones its the POETRY of STAR WARS and this is HONESTLY BRILLIANT….you either went into the movie looking for it to be bad or you …the PHANTOM MENACE saw it the other day again….not nearly as bad as peple make it out to be …..sad
94% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Well we know who one of the 3% that trash the film
here here
It’s “hear, hear.”
Here, here, LOL. Derpy Tom Devito strikes again!
I liked it when Khanlo Ren took off his mask and it was Bennydick Cumberbun.
I liked it when Captain Skywalker was revealed as the man on the grassy knoll.
I liked it when Chewtobacco sat in his chair.
I liked it when Indiana Jones got old.
I liked Nathan Lane as Princess Lay-ya.
I liked Oscar Issac Newton as Nien Nubbs.
I liked it when Gandalf got killed in the start.
I liked Keera Nightlee as Roy.
I liked Danni DeVeetoe as Moz Yodas.
I liked Sean Connery as Alex Guinness as Ewan McDonalds as Obee-One Canolli.
I liked the phasers.
I liked it when the sand peoples used their suicide belts
I liked the Indian bloke as the black stormtrooper.
I cried when Han T. Kirk got whacked on a bridge.
I weeped as Roy flys off in the USS Enteraprice at the end.
All in all, I thought it was a great movie. George Abrahams has created a masterpiece in fact. I very much look forward to Space Trek Episode II.
Phuck I spate the Coke on the monitor
This is my movie review. And I know I am late.
First of all, for all those who are not aware of this iittle trivia that will go down in SW history here in Greece, in my country, for mostly showbussiness-political reasons, Episode VII was delayed BY 7 #@#$ DAYS because another greek movie had sealed December 17th for itself and the distributor company refused to change it so that us, Greek SW fans could enjoy a synchronized and spoiler-free viewing.
The week I had to stay off the Internet so I could preserve my Spoiler-free status, an achievement that I managed to acomplish to my great satisfaction, was by far the most difficult thing I had to do as an honorary nerd. Waiting 17 years for this movie was an ok for me but those extra 7 days? That was an absolute torture and a completely unprofessional behavior from the company’s part. Absolutely ridiculous and disgusting. The hardest part of it? Not being able to be a part of the initial hype here, in swnewsnet. That one broke my heart a bit. I could not participate in the greatest discussion of the Nerd Ages.
Ok, now that I have this off my chest, on with the review!
As I walked into the cinema my feelings were mixed. My greatest concern is that before watching the film, even though I had managed to stay completely spoiler-free, I nevertheless had immersed myself into all the possible official material one could expose himelf to, filming process videos included. I suddenly realized that I had seen more Daisy than Rey. More John than Finn. More Harisson than Han. More crew members than characters.
What if the movie had a flaw that would lock me into a feeling “aw man I cannot picture her as Rey, It’s as if I am seeing this being filmed right now!”.
Thankfully, the nanonsecond before the opening crawl began, all possible negative or awkward feelings I may had about his movie vanished as they were never there.
I almost expected to see a hand in space holding a lightsaber. Thankfully what I ended up seeing was an iconic and symbolic shot of Jakku’s llight being extinguished by a passing Star Destroyer. The first slight dissapointment of the film came 6 minutes later, when Max Von Sydow’s character died almost instantly, without any backstory of him being revealed. I know I was asking already too much out of a 2hour film, but still, it was hard for me to connect with a character I never had a chance to get to know.
Right before Finn started to freak out about his bloody destiny as a Stormtrooper It occured to me that like ANH, TFA had began it’s history-making storytelling by introducing a plot that was the product of a great tragedy. Just like ANH was the product of Order 66, so TFA was the product of Kylo destroying the still at its infancy, New Jedi Order, 2 vastly important facts that worked i parallel to create a far more complelling modern storyline.
Poe was great. I mean absolutely great. His first words with Kylo were not forced, just for the sake of trolling humoring. No, this was not an actor trying to troll, this was a Resistance decorated fighter trolling his enemy. Simply brilliant, the humor in this movie was so well done, it made me feel a bit bad that there will probably never be another SW with such an impecalble balance netween humor and drama. Perfect.
Kylo was a badass as a figurine toy on my desk. He was even more badass as a murderer of villagers and a stopper of freaking blaster shots in mid-air. I had never seen the Force been used so flashy and proficiently in any previous SW material. My girlfriend had to practically hold my hand and remind me that I was in a theater full of people and I had to find a way to compose myself. I did not.
The movie however had already started to properly mindfu__k me already. Do you know the feeling when you were a little kid and had placed every toy in your room in the perfect spot and then an older kid comes to visit and starts playing with your toys and do a better job at it than you and you feel like an idiot for not seeing that but at the same time feel deeply afraid and concerned if the new kid breaks anything in the process?
THAT was the exact feeling I experienced throughout the movie from the point when Lor San Teka told Kylo that he knew who he really was and about his family. That was the point when I said to myself “Ok, this is too powerfulm, too awesome and too risky. Can they do that? Can they really reveal so much in the first 10 minutes?? I felt like JJ Abrams had walked into my room and started playing with all my perfectly placed stuff (the movie plot I anticipated) and started moving things around in his own way and I could not predict what would freaking happen, not at all! I was scared but at the same time I trusted JJ and I think my trust paid off. But more on that later.
Poe gets arrested, interogated by Kylo. Good, solid scenes all of them, the sets were amazing to experience as the camera moved. I was taken by surprise when Kylo’s powers worked on Poe. I was ready to be like “Yeah, like the best pilot of the good guys is going to reveal anything! Oh wait he did, Kylo broke him, holy sh#t! Didn’t expect that, Kylo is a badass! He knows his Force stuff”
Then the bright shinning light of Rey enters the movie. You can tell that she, as the last one to be introduced, is the star of the show, the top girl. I really liked that. Don’t get me wrong, I love Finn, I think he is one of the best characters ever created in a sci-fi movie but Daisy, aw man Daisy nailed it. Rey was loveable from the first moment we see her. The way she playfully but “survivalistically” sleighed with all her scarvenged materials towards her speeder was a beautiful and humble way to introduce her. Brilliant stuff JJ.
At that point I was completetly satisfied with what I had seen that far. Then the movie picked up the pace. I mean REALLY picked up the pace. Finn and Poe had an amazing, borderline bromance chemistry and stole a TIE fighter and then they crash and then Rey and Finn escape together and then they end up using the Falcon.
Aw man the Falcon. You know I had imagined many different scenarios in which the Falcon might have been introduced but man, JJ is THE MAN. He did it, he found the perfect way. The Falcon is junk. It always was junk. It’s the most beloved pile of junk in the history of the cinema. And as junk it was re introduced. Nothing special, leave it to the audience to tell us how they feel about it. And it worked, the minute the camera moved to show us the beloved ship, I was again taken by surprise, I honestly didn’t expect to see the Falcon introduced that way. I clapped my hands in unison with the rest of the audience with a big smile on my face. Pile of junk forever man.
The flight scene with the Falcon was a beautiful one and one of the top 10 reasons I want to see the film again. The interaction between Rey, Finn and BB-8 is in the top five. Such a well made and funy little droid that blasted R2 and 3P0 out of the hall of fame as the most beloved droid ever. For me at least. Also, B8 giving a lighter thumbs up? For the ages.
Han and Chewie!!!! Like the Falcon, they enter in the most theater-like way possible. Awesome stuff. Really enjoyed it. People say Harisson was more Ford than Han in the movie and that was also my initial thought but once he started explaining to the new kids all the stuff about Luke and the Republic I was completely drawn to his acting. Han was back. Sorry guys you are wrong, Harisson nailed this one.
Snoke is introduced. My first disagreement with the direction they had taken with a character. Him being cgi was simply unnecessary. Also the cgi was bad and there is no other way to say this. Maybe him being a holo all along could make up for it and when he is introduced in the flesh we might see a better job on him. I just didn’t buy the look it was too generic for my taste. But still, every movie has its flaws you must learn to live with them. His voice was amazing, so imposing and Serkis had managed to pull off (at least) a commandin tone of a man with a plan. The Emperor always shoved it into your face you know? “Everything is proceeding as I have forseen” Ok dude we know chill out. But this Snoke character? Aw man you can tell he is the guy with the master plan, the endgame. When he learned that Starkiller was destroyed he didn’t even flinch, he was cold, analytical and just wanted Kylo to come home to complete his training. Tha’t a guy with a plan, that’ a puppetmaster. I liked that part of him. Again the cgi? Total crapola! A wasted opportunity imo, we’ll have to see later on.
Ok here we go, Maz Kanata. I liked her. The trailers had not given justice to the character. Lupita had done her absolute best and it showed. Also her cgi blened very well with the environment, because of the ornage -like quality of Maz’s wrinkled skin. She looked like a practical effect doll, very nice stuff, cudos to the cgi people at Disney. I was also glad to see Han in a cantina yet again. His manner of sitting next to Maz sold his Han vs Ford match for me once and for all.
And the inevitable expansion of the Force mythos is realized. Rey is experiencing a Force moment and an extremely powerful one at that. For the very first time since the SW universe started making use of cgi, I was absolutetly thrilled to say the Force as something that had agency, it was alive and could warp your tiny little brain and make it see stuff. The past, future, old friends long gone. So amazing. Yoda’s famous quotes had taken a very tastefull and marvelously created form. The flashback was AWESOME. Rey touches Anakin’s and Luke’s lightsaber and the weapon reacts to her blocked/dormant Force potential and releases it. I really enjoyed the trivia Kennobbi and Yoda cameos. Made me a bit tear- jerking.
Boom! The movie gains more speed! As if my poor brain could handle the stress of so much new info at once, I make it work on overdrive! Maz’s castle gets attacked, Rey is captured by Kylo who now doesn’t need BB-8’s map to Skywalker and Han apparently never had the chance to fight with his most trusted friend’s weapon so far. Awesome stuff. Things that ned to be watched again. Where is the bluray release when you need it most??
Han and the gang are saved by Leia and her fighter pilots. Many said that they didn’t buy Carrie’s performance. Well the lady had not stepped into a movie set for a long time and if you must know, when your partner in life and the father of your child decides to live a life away from you then you are kinda distant from him emotionally. At that point after the movie my gf explained to me that because of her father being a navy man and had to leave her and her mother for lengthy periods of time as he sailed the world because of his job, when he did return, her mother would always react like Leia reacted when she saw her enstranged husband after all this time. People need to see one another frequently to be friendly, it’s a mamal rule. So yes, if Carrie did the scene by bad acting or it was intenational, it worked for my gf and after she explained it so it did for me.
Kylo and Rey have very powerful dialogue. The fact that Kylo takes his mask off when she refrains from aknowledging him as a human being was so emotional and that was the point when my gf started going like “oh he is a cutie, sorry you officialy have competition”. Another reason to hate he Han-killing-sob!
But all kidding aside, what a wonderful scene that was. You could tell right there that these two were desitned to clash with one another to the death. You could tell that they were Vader’s grandchildren. The tension was palpable. Good stuff good stuff, where is that freaking bluray???
One thing that didn’t make sense to me? How on earth was the island that Luke was on, in Rey’s mind at that point in the movie? Had she been there before? Kylo clearly says as he probes her mind “I see it, the island in the ocean…”
Boom off goes the Hosnian system, billions die and I didn;t care beause guess what? Introducing thigns like star systems with billions of people I don’t knwo won’t make me care as much as having Leia freak out saying “We are peacefull, we have no weapons!!”. Of all the rehasing of previous episodes plotlines, this one would have indeed paid off in terms of making me care more. This one JJ missed. I did feel a bit horryfied seeing the people on the planet actually looking at their impeding doom but it wasn’t enough for me to invest on.
Rey escapes via Jedi mind trick by our cameo Daniel Greg in strormtrooper armor. Hillarious scene which I live to see again. Rey is a freaking Skywalker and she has had some basic Jedi training. No one can “feel” instictively that the Force can be used in such a way, there has to have been some sort of training. Rey can have very well remembered stuff that was blocked in her mind maybe by Luke himself so that she would be protected. Otherwise, if she just picked that skill up in mere minutes then Houston we got a plothole.
The Resistace gets ready for a fight, the Starkiller gets ready to fire…. Han dies by the hand of his son.
Honestly, who didn’t see that coming? I was not surprised, I was dissapointed, not with the movie, with myself. I should have not exposed myself to so many theories and speculations. But neverhtheless, this one scene cemented the Force Awakens as a worthy successor to the OT and put it right behind ANH for me in place NO.2. JJ did not chicken out. He killed Han. So much pain and tears in 2 minutes of pure awesomeness. Everybody knew what was gonna happen and still we were all torn to shreds. Really good acting, I am actually afraid that Episode VIII won’t be able to top this one off. We will see.
It’s time. It’s time to talk about this. Honestly as I write these lines downs I am so freaking happy that I live in a day and age when I can safely say that I watched another lightsaber duel that wasn’t fan made!!
First of all? This WAS NOT a lighstaber duel. This was a situation of life and death between 3 people that carried the most iconic fantasy weapon of all time. Yes that’s right. We didn’t get a duel in this movie people. We got a freaking survival struggle between a hurt master of the Dark arts and two young people, one who couldn’t hold a candle against Kylo and one who may have held a training saber a long long time ago as a child. The most awesome feeling of this battle was the fact that the field was evened out by Chewie’s successful shot against Kylo who as a result had to punch his wounds repeatedly so he could not feel the lesser pain that the wound would give out frequently (so awesome!!!).
It was a battle for the ages. Anyone could have won it because everyone was on equal ground. There was not OT with this story already resolved. There were no flashy saber spins or acrobatics, no this was a fight for your life. When Kylo burned Finn’s shoulder with the side blades of his lightsaber I was like “Yes! Scream the sh$it out! That’s how you are supposed to react when a laser beams dives deep into your flesh!”
Finn was toast from the moment I saw Kylo turning his back on Finn and getting away from him until he recovered, giving him the chance to fight back. Like master showing mercy to his apprentice in a practice duel.
Finn gets his freakin’ spine shattered by a calculated move on Kylo’s part and instantly faints. Honestly the people who wanted him to be awake like 1 day later when Rey has to leave him behind? Don’t be ridiculous people. Again HIS SPINE was shattered, maybe even beyond repair. The poor dude needs his sleep.
When Rey picks up the lightsaber and the classic SW theme kicks in I cried a bit and I am not ashamed to admit it. It was such a powerful moment. A must-rewatch in the cinemas.
And here comes my strongest piece of evidence that Rey has Skywalker blood flowing through her veins: She resists Kylo’s offering to show her the ways of the Force. She could have said yes you know. This is not the PT where everything has to go as expected because we have an OT to stand behind us and tells us how it all ends. This is new teritoty anythiing can happen and plot armors are not as thick as many think. Just like Luke achieving Jedi Knight status right in fron of the Emperor and his defeated father, so does Rey manages to resist though sheer willpower the seduction of the Dark Side.
Boom anohter Death Star blows and it becomes the Sun it consumed in order to reload, that was a nice touch. Still, please, no more Death Stars. What I at least expect from the next 2 movies is the introduction of new stuff and new storylines in the Saga. This movie played it safe and I completely understand why. Now it;s time for innovation.
Rey hakcs, Rey slashes, Rey defeats Kylo! Who would have known? The girl has some moves! Not only that, she manages to save Finn and then friendzones him while he is unconcious. Well at least he wasn’t awake to take the full hit so that’s a plus! When we men get to talk we almost always screw things up so Finn being out of commission might actually give him a shot with Rey later on. Remember if TFA is ANH then Ep. 8 is ESB and that’s where love stories traditionally develop in SW. So wait for it, Finn buddy, the friendzone does have its exits.
Ok last scene, Rey meets what I have already assumed is her father. So many feels. Mark Hammill has indeed pulled off the easiest paycheck of all time. He put on a freakin’ robe and got paid. Nincely done, not even one line! But in all honesty, since that’s the way JJ decided to do it, putting any words would have ruined one of the most emotional moments in all the SW movies like ever. No need for words. Just an extended arm holding a lightsaber.
My score?
For me it’s a 9/10. To summarize it, it had problems like any other movie, but the mythos remained intact and got even richer, which is an ultimate win by itself. Solid movie and 2nd best SW movie ever made right behind NH.
Just consider the fact, that poor JJ had so MUCH to cover and on top of that introduce not 1 not 2 but 5 new characters, all in a mere 2 hour film. I say he not only nailed it, he made ALL the right choices all along the way. Did he play it safe by rehashing most of the story material from the OT? Of course he did, he had to protect a gigantic investment made by Disney and to do that he had to give the audience what they know and liked. If it’s not broken don’t fix it, build on top of it.
And for all I care, I could see even more derivative themes in Force Awakens and still love it. Why? Because it is only THE FIRST movie of a new trilogy and that is another reason why IT HAD to be the way it was.
This movie heroically ACHIEVED its primary purpose and that was simply to get us back to a Galaxy far far away. Not only that, it built up to 3-4 great cliffanger questions that not only beg for a solid sequel, which it is sure to introduce new themes to the SW mythos, but also made room for new tv series, cartoons etc. For me JJ was the best thing that EVER happened to Star Wars and I hope his influence on it be present in the years to come.
Sorry it was so long!
May the Force be with you all and please to those who had the strength to finish it, tell me your thoughts!
Great review. You should read the novel. It explains some things better, especially more about the Republic, Resistance, New Order and the Starkiller Base sequence.
I agree with JJ dropping the ball on SK base. Why do we care? That said, I think it was for backdrop purposes anyway and after repeat viewings, it’s now just a minor niggle.
My fav scene was with Luke. The juxtaposition of both dread and hope was chilling. The look on his face told volumes.
For me, ironically, the best two scenes in the SW universe with Mark Hamill, are silent. The setting suns in ANH and now this wonderful scene. Very classic. Very Kurasawa.
Glad you liked the movie. You’re review was a fun read.
The biggest hint in the novel also really sets up a Rey-Poe romance. Did you read how heavily it hints at how “pleasing his face” is to her, and how they awkwardly go “uh hey, yeah I’m Rey…Uhh, I know.”. Good, that romantic arc makes more sense to me than Finn. They’re both adventuresome but Poe will give her, her independence she craves, but he’s also a swashbuckler that has seen the world. It’s honestly not that he’s, perhaps, more traditionally handsome than Finn…It’s that their personalities are a good match!
They must have made som changes while filming. if i recall right, Hamill and the crew returned to Skelig island to shoot.
For the next movie.
My favorite Part in A New Hope, oh wait I mean TFA:
Lets see:
— We have an unknown young character on a desert planet. a lonely, Force-sensitive desert dweller who dreams of more potential.
— There’s a droid carrying valuable information who… ALSO finds himself on a desolate desert planet.
— There’s a Force-sensitive, masked, and darkly clothed antagonist shown early in the movie, who arrives on the scene shortly after the information is handed off, looking for the droid. Oh and he also has a distinct memorable voice + helmet.
— There’s a desert settlement/village that is wiped out by stormtroopers.
— Our new hero gets tortured by the bad guys to retrieve the information.
– There’s a military general/officer who holds a similar level of authority to his Force-sensitive, masked, and darkly clothed colleague.
— There’s a debt that’s owed a debt by a smuggler, and the swashbuckler finds himself in the midst of it when he’s introduced. OH WAIT, we can save money on this film and use Han Solo for BOTH….Dont say he attempts to kill him after he screws up their arrangement??
— There’s a bar filled with new alien creatures, and a band?
There’s a moment when one of the heroes abandons the fight as a self-preservation measure, but he memorably returns.
— A large planet or space station that is a ‘weapon’ that is used to destroy a planet. The Death Star part 3.
— Destruction of some type of democratic or republic planet that has significance that we hear nothing about destroyed by this new weapon Alderaan/Coruscant?
— There’s a small base belonging to the rebel forces on a forest-covered world. Although we didnt get a lost character in 1970 🙁
— The ‘Heros’ get caught on the Imperial/FO establishment with dark corridors and have to quietly move around without being discovered. As long as they weren’t also rescuing someone again in the new……wait……..
— And so glad while we didnt get a trash compactor scene,but it was all but destroyed in the dialogue here
— There’s a surrogate father figure who is cut down by someone previously close to him, who has turned to the dark side. Also by a red lightsaber. Wait dont say…. The hero(s) watch helplessly from afar as the ‘father figure is slayed’ as they escape?? The bonus of this movie is that nothing is left to imagination, it is LAID out for us plainly in all ways.
— There’s a coordinated aerial attack on the massive spherical weapon that’s monitored from a control room by Leia. (That much is inevitable but still not coincidental).
— Dont say that there’s a trench/small space that X-wing(s) flew through in order to fire on a vulnerability in the weapon and destroy it…
— There’s a massive explosion that gives the band of rebels a victory but likely allows the Force-sensitive, masked, and darkly clothed antagonist to survive to fight another day?
—— The only great part of the new movies is that we didnt get to wait and see the battle between the hero and the villain until the second movie, or reveal the relation of the characters, which would have been nice.
— The only thing missing was to have Rey cut off Kilos hand, then we could have both parts in 1 movie! Since we got the emperor already revealed completely.
You people are pathetic not even seeing the similarities objectively, but want to insult someone here with your cute shitty insults because they dont agree with you on the movie. You are the nerds that have for generations given the SW fanbase a bad name.
I disagree.
That’s just way too many plot similarities, to the point where it seems like a ripoff (to me personally). I felt like I was watching A New Hope again, and for some people that’s what they wanted, and that’s fine. I absolutely did not want to have that feeling, I wanted something really fresh and new but also containing the old cast and some old themes. A lot of the new stuff I wasn’t a huge fan of, and they also left too many things unexplained for my taste (and I know this is the first movie, but there are a ton of questions here and I’d be shocked if they answered all of them, or even most of them).
Disney is calling me a retarded dumb by offering me this movie.
No you proving that yourself with your own post.
Haha, what the fuck is this.
Great post! The fact here is that people do not want to face the truth in order to not being let down by their own expectations…
The biggest problem I have with TFA is not that it is a reboot of the franchise (I simply throw this movie into the trash bin), but it is the fact that the same people who bashed the prequels about having bad scripting, bad acting and bad plot keeps talking wonders about TFA which has WAY WORSE acting, scripting and mainly plot. Everybody is so hypocrit on this matter.
I agree. The film has too many similarities not only with ANH but also with ESB and ROJ. Where is the problem with that? If it’s not broken don’t fix it. Also this new installement has heroically achieved its primary purpose, to re introduce us to the Galaxy. Did it deliver that? YES. End of story. The rest will be resolved in the next movies. Also it’s Kylo, not Kilo.
You bitch about the first part of a new long story and the fact that it resembles too much what we have seen already. Yes, of course it did, it HAD TO, there was no other way to do this movie and make people love it as well!
Also, we didn;t get such a wonderful storyline since ANH and I for one was grateful that it had so many similarities because I wanted a safe jumpstart of this universe, not something too different. You miss the point of the movie, it wanted to make us feel that we are landing on familiar ground. And to make things clear, this is a different story altogether, no matter the parallels which are of course obvious.
Last but not least, the PT also did that, and I didn’t see anyone bitch about it (they bithced in general lol but not for that!).
SW works in freakin cycles, get used to it.
7/10, which is a great rating, as ESB is at 9., ANH and ROTS are at 8, ROTJ is at 6.5, TPM is at 5.5 and AOTC at 4 for me.
I pick up a lot of hate towards this new installment. The main focus of the hate rests on the shallow-true arguement that The Force Awakens was basically A New Hope with different characters and settings.
True! Of course it’s true. But wait…
What did you really expect from this film?
Remember its PRIMARY purpose. What was it?
To re-introduce us to the Galaxy Far Far Away, a place we didn’t have the chance to visit for 10 long years. Some of us had children during that decade. Others had grandchildren. We took them to the cinemas with us.
This film had to get a million things good and get only ONE THING absolutely right. To bring Star Wars back. I ask you, and please, if you comment do it truthfully: After the film ended, didn’t you feel that? If not then you are the absolute minority.
This is the very first and obvious counter-arguement. The film delivered people, sorry. It had so much to do, so many millions of fans to please, so many characters to introduce, talk about JJ being the master of balance! He is a genius. I am so glad he helmed this project. Shivers run down my spine in the thoughts of Lucas or someone else touching TFA but JJ.
JJ answered one of the greatest questions of modern Nerdom: How does one make a new SW movie without screwing it up?
Sorry, I find a lot of flaws with this movie but they are of 2 kinds
1) Flaws that are flaws. Simple as that. No excuses. How much of an impact do they have on the SW mythos, plot and story? ZERO! They are so minor that I really don’t care.
2) Flaw that are not flaws and are intentional gaps in the story and are intended to build hype and mystery for Episode 8. How much of an impact do they have on the SW mythos, plot and story? ZERO! They will be answered in the next movies.
So please, leave this new movie alone, it did well and JJ is a hero. I still cannot believe that he pulled it off and with such a stunning result.
One point I’d like to make is that I really think you need to do two, even three viewings to let the film “crystallize” properly in your mind. Regardless of how similar the framework is to A New Hope, there is a lot going on in this movie and there is not a single person I know personally who has seen the movie and not benefited from a second viewing: even if it solidified the mediocrity in their mind.
I voted 9/10 and it is my 2nd favorite Star Wars movie. I’ve seen it three times as of yesterday and the reason it’s 9/10 is probably that it *felt* less of a copy of ANH than the people that don’t like it felt. It was a major worry to me – knowing that the framework would probably be similar to A New Hope. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised that – again, for me – it didn’t actually feel like that. After all, a framework is just a frame – you can paste and add whatever you want to it, and I think JJ scored big in that aspect.
The lesser, yet still often quoted, problem with the movie having terrible acting and dialogue I just flat out disagree with. I watched a New Hope AND Empire Strikes Back before, and between, my Force Awakens viewings and I am sorry: nobody’s winning Oscars for those two movies either. Fondly as the acting seems to be remembered, it sure ain’t perfect either.
I concur. My 2nd and 3rd times were much better than the first time, even then though, I liked it.
I rate it a 9 as well and, like you, put it at #2 for me. I really love this film.
I can’t wait for Blu-REY.
The acting is an order of magnitude better than any of the previous films imo.
I´ve heard many people complaining and asking Why is this a remake of A new hope – and thus a dissappointment. While I gave it 10/10 and enjoyed the movie a lot three times, I to don´t understand why they made such a close copy of A new hope….is there any explanation from Abrams or Kasdan??
I guess they wanted to play it safe to kick it all off.
Same. But honestly, they could have just cut out the Starkiller and it would have been just as good. It’s really not integral to the plot at all. If it was just “destroy the enemy base” it would have been pretty much the same.
I’ve got to say, as so many people have already, that with the second viewing I have switched camps from 6/10 to 8/10.
I really do think that the weight of people’s own expectations has as it did with me curtailed the enjoyment of watching a new Star Wars movie. BTW an 8/10 puts it at a tie with ROTJ and ANH in my eyes. Empire is a solid 9/10.
I loved this movie the second time. I got chills. The ending was brilliant and is definitely a stand out star wars ending. Also Hans death is perfectly handled.
The first time I felt little emotion, but on second viewing it really is a sucker punch. I think this film is designed for repeat viewings just like the originals I can pretty much quote.
There are plot holes if you like, a few choices I’d have preferred different. But make no mistake, this is Star Wars.
Hats off to you JJ.
8/10
It loses a whole point for doing the Death Star again. Honestly, they could have left out the Resistance, the Starkiller, and even Poe Dameron (who I love) and the movie would have been just as good. These elements feel tacked on because we need some sort of “war” for it to be “Star Wars.”
It loses another point for all the little things. The monster scene had no tension. Poe Dameron is way too underused (and his disappearance is way too convenient). Han and Ben could have used more interaction before the final confrontation (the fakeout would have been more believable if Kylo had spared him once before in the movie). The difference between the Resistance and the Republic needed to be explained.
But all that aside, it took almost everything that the original trilogy did so well and did it better. This may very well be my new favorite Star Wars movie.
9/10.
My issues are mainly with particular scenes- either with them being unnecessary (the “OMG! OMG! OMG! THAT WAS AMAZING! YOU WERE AMAZING! DID YOU SEE THAT? OMG! OMG! OMG! Scene after the Jakku escape just annoys the living hell out of me), or where the dialog could have been reworked. (The “Sanitation” scene was generally great, but it could have ended differently and more effectively, I think. The “That’s not how the Force works!” line came off as lazy writing to me.) I also understand the criticisms a lot of people have- especially about how it leans so heavily on nostalgia for the ANH and the OT generally.
To me, I don’t care, because I enjoy the movie so much and feel great about where this is going. That’s what JJ is great at: making things fun, and getting you interested in where something is going.
I’m even more excited for where Rian Johnson will take this. He at the very top of the class of modern filmmakers.
The 4-6% of haters – geeks – jedi religious – freaks are those who are noisier and never shut up. TFA is the best of the seven movies – this is because OT is not so perfect as these 4-6% want to be. OT is plenty of huge plot holes
7/10
I actually like the movie in general but sadly all the visuals i’ve seen just aren’t from the SW universe. Where’s that mcquarrie-ish feel of enormous scale? where are strange gigantic constructions and weird machines? Where is the new sand crawler or the new AT-AT? Only the old rusty one… And for the planets – a medieval castle in the forest? And this is Star Wars? Are you serious? Just compare Yavin IV pyramids and the resistance ‘cold war’ base – can’t you see the difference? And let’s remember every OT movie had it’s own technical / visual feature like Hoth battle in TESB or forest battle / speeder chase in ROTJ. Not anymore.
The same thing is with the storytelling. Can you recall the very first line of each movie? A long time ago… far, far away.. c’mon guys, SW is a legend and a very old one like some ancient scroll. It should be big, heavy and cryptic. Not anymore…
Well I think all the complains is just the Posche 911 syndrome: people want the new nine-eleven – the same as old one, but er.. new. Many people wanted good old Star Wars but JJ definitely have made a different movie. It’s not bad at all, it’s just not the movie some SW fans (count me in) wanted to see or expected to see. Maybe it’s the time to move on, maybe TFA is the SW future and I even like it. But can’t love it.
Way to just kill Han for no reason at all. Abrams’ reason is a joke. Horrible. If he was going to be killed off, it should have been done in Return of the Jedi.