I have seen the movie. I will begin posting spoilers.
You have been warned.
I loved the film. This is my second favourite, right behind Empire. I was the second to arrive at my cinema, and stood in line for 5 hours. During the film, the crowd clapped twice. Once at the start, and again at the end. It was a fantastic experience.
Now to the film.
Rey
I loved her. I love her. She's strong, dominant and smart. I love that they have left her story to be told yet. I feel as tho she could have tapped into the force far earlier into the film, but the way she fought in the final fight was amazing and breathtaking.
Finn
John Boyega did such a fantastic job. The shot of Finn, refusing to slaughter the civilians was so powerful, and gives you a reason to follow this traitorous stormtrooper. Loved his humour, in fact I loved all the humour in this movie. Finn wasn't cheesey, he was somewhat wise and strong when he needed to be. Really glad his spine wasn't cut to bits in the final fight. I was really worried they were going to QuiGonn us.
Poe
<3
Han + Kylo
OMG. Father and son. Ben Solo. Han's death was predictable from the moment that scene began, but that doesn't mean it wasn't heartbreaking. I loved Kylo's turmoil. His hatred of himself. He knows he's just a pawn in Snoke's game but he feels that he still has a choice. That he can truly redeem himself. But still, he kills a huge part of himself. His own father. Brutal.
And this carries on into the forest fight. Every time Kylo could rest during those two duels, he kept hitting where Chewie nailed him with the bowcaster. It was so captivating. Rather than protecting his wound from more pain, he uses it to channel hate. It was powerful. It was amazing. When Kylo tries to twist Rey, to turn her to the dark side knowing that she is only just discovering her power, you can see he wants to use Rey to break free of Snoke. But Rey is stronger than the dark side and uses his moment of mercy to focus. To calm her mind.
And that final fight was so intense. So beautifully shot. No one in the fight is trained to use a saber in combat so they swing predictably and try to simply overpower one another. And can I say that Kylo's saber is badass. This guy watches me sleep now so I'm feeling safe. Got a poster.
OVERALL I absolutely loved the film, and while it does reuse themes from 4 and 6, it stands alone so well, and is a solid start to the new trilogy.
5/5