Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens | Thorough Movie Reviews

Erik Bates: “It ruled.”

JJ Abrams, I love you so much.

I purposely kept myself away from knowing plot lines, or learning anything about any of the characters in this movie. I wanted to go into it with completely fresh eyes. I knew, of course that some of the old cast would be back, but beyond that I entered the movie theater with no idea of what to expect.

And I loved every minute of it.

Excellent casting. Excellent acting. The visual effects and cinematography brought me back to what I loved about the original trilogy, and then built on it in ways I could have never imagined.

I want to go back and see it again.

And again.

− December 25, 2015 • more by Erik • log in or create an account to reply

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Samir Mehta: “It ruled.”

I'm torn. This gets an "it ruled" because it was so very fun and so much better than the prequels.

That said, the movie also makes me sad because it seems to set a ceiling on what Star Wars will be - sensational popcorn fun but without getting to the heft and depth that Empire Strikes Back hinted at. This movie has gravitas, to be sure, but it is somehow handled at a distance that robs the movie of intense feelings. Maybe I ask too much of a family movie though. It's still excellent.

− December 28, 2015 • more by Samir • log in or create an account to reply

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Scott Hardie: “It ruled.”

This is really good entertainment, and pure catnip to Star Wars fans. Seemingly made for everyone who didn't like the new direction of the prequels (but still begrudgingly forked over cash to see them), this film pretty closely imitates A New Hope's plot, and resets the board as if Return of the Jedi never happened, so that fans can enjoy the original movies all over again in a new form. What this does best is inject colorful new characters into the series, setting up a trio of new heroes and a menagerie of supporting aliens, who have more personality than any of the wooden puppets who starred in the prequels. Rey and Finn are outstanding new heroes, and it's a very healthy sign that the movie is given over mostly to them instead of leaning heavily on the returning characters. I really enjoyed this, but I can't imagine anyone honestly not enjoying it who loves Star Wars, and that's just about everybody.

− December 31, 2015 • more by Scott • log in or create an account to reply

Scott Hardie: This reply contains spoilers. Reveal it. − December 31, 2015 • more by Scott

Chris Lemler: I never seen it but I heard from my employees that it is really really good. I will have to go see it − December 31, 2015 • more by Chris

Scott Hardie: Definitely! It's pure fun. − January 1, 2016 • more by Scott

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Evie Totty: “It ruled.”

I wrote my blurb for this in the Movie of the Month section before I came here to see what was written. Like Erik I also went in with fresh eyes and it was so worth it. I'm going to be that crazy person leaving the theater during the trailers. I hate Hollywood for spoiling movies in the trailers.

That said - loved loved loved this movie. I KNEW - well I'd strongly hoped anyway - that the screenplay was going to be fantastic since Kasdan was writing it (he wrote Empire - arguably the best in the series) and I was NOT disappointed.

The writing, acting, special effects... loved it. Looking very much forward to Episode 8

− January 2, 2016 • more by Evie • log in or create an account to reply

Scott Hardie: Same here about trailers giving too much away! I avoided the Captain America: Civil War trailer online for weeks, only to see it in the theater at this movie. I feel like A Clockwork Orange when forced to watch spoilers in the theater. I should get up and step outside the room, but at my size it's not exactly convenient to squeeze my way down a row full of strangers. I usually just close my eyes, but that's often not enough. − January 3, 2016 • more by Scott

Evie Totty: Oh yeah good point. I did already see 'that' Civil War trailer online as I'm giving myself one trailer per (hoping they don't have spoilers). I'm not sure what I'm going to do once I ramp up my movie going (I did not see many movies this year post June). I suppose I will have to get up and walk out :/ − January 3, 2016 • more by Evie

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