*THE FOLLOWING REVIEW IS SPOILER FREE BECAUSE PEOPLE WHO SPOIL MOVIES SHOULD BE DESTROYED BY A DEATH STAR. ENJOY.*

Han Solo told us in the trailer that The Force is real and I definitely believe it after seeing that it is possible to make a good Star Wars movie in the 21st century.

This movie is in no way perfect but the things they get right are done so well that they are able to help compensate for its shortcomings. JJ Abrams was able to put together a gorgeous looking movie that manages to feel real and accessible, so much so that you forget that you are watching a story set a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

Abrams creates a completely real and authentic world thanks to a commitment to using practical effects and on-location shoots with real sets but his characters feel so real and fleshed out as people that you relate to them more than  you have any other Star Wars characters before. Much of the magic in this film does come from the characters and the performance of its talented cast, particularly from the new additions of Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver. Even the returning cast of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill slip back into their old characters so completely that you’re never watching the actors but older versions of Han, Leia and Luke.

Another reason why The Force Awakens is the most accessible Star Wars movie to date is because it’s also the funniest. It’s a well-known and sure tactic of Abrams to infuse humor into his characters and stories so that they feel authentic and down-to-earth (so to speak). It is a pleasant surprise since Star Wars isn’t known for its funny moments.

Where the movie falls short is in its story since there are specific plot points (yes, more than one) that seem to be lifted almost verbatim from previous Star Wars episodes. Surely somewhere on the internet is a person making a valid argument why The Force Awakens could be considered both a sequel and a remake. I’m not sure I’m willing to go that far but I’ll admit, the thought did cross my mind.

Ultimately, I like this movie a lot but was a little disappointed that I didn’t LOVE it from top to bottom. However, there are legitimately incredible moments that had a deep resonance because they are provocative new steps in a familiar and much loved universe. They are emblematic of the movie which wants to make sure it fits in and at the same time gathers enough courage to make its own decisions about an old story.

So I’m not in love yet but I could see myself falling very easily in the future.

Check out the video below to see me discuss the movie a bit more. Thanks!