I was never an over the top fan of star wars but enjoyed all of the 6 movies. I was anticipating episode 7, and it did not disappoint. I think JJ did an awesome job revitalizing the franchise. I think that most of the main characters are played by relatively new actors, at least I didn't know them - but I think they did a pretty decent job. Movie was fast paced and the story built pretty well. It had some of the same feeling episodes 4-6 - especially of giving the feeling of how big and overpowering the first order is. Script was good too - considering how bad it was for eps 1-3.
SPOILERS BELOW:
My biggest beef with the movie is the character of Fin. Fin's transformation was way too fast for my taste. It is his "first" battle and he can't do it, and within minutes decides to run away from it all, even after being trained and brainwashed by the first order from a very early stage - yet he then tells the resistance that "they don't know what he has seen". What could he have seen being in maintenance? also, being in maintenance, he had pretty good sword fighting skills. Even though he does lose to Ren eventually, I would expect it to not even be a contest. Ray's skills are more believable; perhaps she had some training with the staff she carried and, after all, she has the force.
What did you think of the death of Solo? Some people I spoke with thought it happened too fast, but I think it was just right. He gave a nice transition from the old to the new. He passed on the torch. He tried to save the day, but his time is done. Time for new blood - new heroes.
8/10