Last night, we went to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens and it did not disappoint. It lived up to my expectations set not only by my appreciation for the franchise (please see my Medium post yesterday) but also some of the excellent targeted marketing pushed out by the production by Disney and their very clever – and successful – way of always understanding how to get a fan in their feels. It’s given me a new hope in the franchise and it’s new stewards.

It’s been eight years since the release of the final prequel (Episodes I-III, 1999-2005) and they seem – in much needed contrast – like car commercials. All about features and flash without style or substance. In design terms, The Force Awakens had a lot of whitespace around everything. The time taken for the long shots which allow the viewer to soak up the size and scale of the first planet we spend most of the first act was very much appreciated. After we’ve spent enough time there to develop one of the lead characters (Ren played by Daisy Ridley) the next acts speed up into the level of action you would expect.

“Real sets. Practical effects . You’ve been here but you don’t know this story. Nothing’s changed really. I mean everything’s changed but nothing has changed. That’s the way you want it to be really.” – Mark Hamill on the production of Episode VII

The dynamics between the new cast was modern. The jokes were fresh and familiar to today’s market’s tastes. Their timing and method is on par with their ages of both at 23 years young. The original (human) cast was old, and played their characters well but served as mostly a bridge over the last 30 years to get us to a new start.

The visual effects were a perfect blend of practical and digital. We had a great glimpse into this by way of countless reposts of the Annie Leibovitz Vanity Fair shoot. The best impression, and appreciation of the real craft and love that went into making this movie can be seen in the Comic-Con 2015 reel below. What I saw in the reel set me up to expect something perfect and it was very very close.

The way the Force looked and sounded was new and very very good. Even though you could not see it you could feel it because of the sound design. The lightsabers looked aggressive – finally. Burning through the air with a raw intensity that made them look almost heavy. When they struck the damage was ugly. Have you ever seen a plasma cutting torch or even lightning? Raw electric energy that can do a lot of damage. And these people are running around with hand-held versions on their belts. Not a graceful burn or cut which I think we’ve become accustomed to by the prequels and then the Clone Wars and Rebels animated series. These are supposed to be plasma blades after-all.

(Speaking of the Clone Wars and Rebels, I often think the prequels should have been animated. All the visual mess would have been more palatable if animated.)

It’s being done with such love and such enthusiasm – from everybody” – Oscar Isaac on the production of Episode VII

Last but not least, the music was exactly right. George Lucas is quoted as saying that “The sound and music are 50% of the entertainment in a movie”.  It was overall familiar with hints of new. Unlike the prequels which I thought was too new. Or maybe it was just perceived that way because of the gaudy amount of new visual stimulation being thrown at me. The score hit the right familiar notes when needed. When it’s Rey big moment in one of the final acts (not to give away any more spoilers) you know it because we revisit a part of the musical composition that is very familiar. It might remind you of a scene or two from the original trilogy.

Overall, I’d give this a solid “A” grade. With very slight point deductions for some script choices that were no doubt written to appeal to a wider audience than just the lifelong fans like me.

p.s. For some more insight into the story telling process that went into the making of The Force Awakens you should take the time to watch J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Gwendoline Christie participate in a panel and Q&A at YouTube Space LA from December 4th and just published this week.