The Force Awakens

No spoilers here (let everyone have chance to see it first), but I can do a quick review:

Wow.

I've already seen it twice in 2 days and am honestly thinking about going again this week.

As someone who now has the original trilogy intertwined in their DNA, I never expected it to be this good. Disney acquiring the rights from George Lucas was the best thing that could've happened to this universe I've loved so much for 36+ years. It was epic, funny and entertaining but most of all it felt like Star Wars, something that all the prequels and animated series have sadly missed. It had to be more than good, more than great even - it had to give me that same feeling the original movies did all those years ago. This one more than delivered.

Not to get too political or rail against the various 'isms in the film industry, but the fact that the 2 main protagonists are an African American and a woman shows how far we've come in the last 32 years. No more Slave Leia or Lando, these were fully formed integral characters. Rey in particular. No damsels in distress or helpless women that need saving. She's a 100% badass that will be more than capable of carrying future movies without having to wheel out 70 year old cast members to invoke nostalgia for the old folks like me.

More than anything JJ Abrams has given us new characters that stand on their own. Characters you quickly become invested in and want to see their growth and development. The future of Star Wars is in good hands.

I can't wait for Episode VIII. Let's hope it doesn't take another 30 years.