Star Wars: The Force Awakens

From the moment you hear that familiar theme in J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: The Force Awakens, you know you're in for a treat. The feeling of nostalgia courses through you as you watch that famous opening scroll. But how does the rest of the film fare?

Of course Abrams' contributions to the Star Trek reboots have been meet with mixed reception (the first one positive, the second one...not so much). So what about his involvement in an even bigger science fiction pop culture sensation? Much like the revival series of Doctor Who, having someone who grew up with this sci-fi phenomenon at the helm certainly helps a great deal.

How so? They know what the other fans like, which famous scenes and lines resonate with them. And Abrams does pay homage to the original trilogy throughout Star Wars: The Force Awakens but in a nice, subtle way. (They work even if you haven't seen the original trilogy.)

But how does Star Wars: The Force Awakens compare to the trilogy helmed by George Lucas, Irvin Kershner and Richard Marquand? Well, it's noticeably more diverse when it comes to both its characters and cast. (Could you imagine the reaction had they tried that back in '77?) And Abrams certainly makes up for the somewhat sexist nature of his Star Trek films.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is entertaining through and through. Like the original films, it has the right balance of laughs, adventure and wonder. Oh, and that final scene will both make the Star Wars fan in you grin with delight and leave you aching for the next installment.

My Rating: *****