I think this did take the easy route, but it has set up the franchise relaunch perfectly.
Problems I had...
1) I did not buy the Kylo/ Han relationship at all, so the death scene lacked emotional resonance.
2) There were forced moments of levity, such as Ridley and Boyega on the Falcon.
3) Too many coincidences or related characters.
4) The force seemed to occur like a memory (or a Matrix download) far too easily too Ridley.
5) Why a dam Star Destroyer again?
6) Some bad CGI, such as on Han's new ship.
I think this film gets a pass because it is Star Wars and it is a lot better than the prequels. But I also think people forget that the originals are not great with the exception of Empire, which single-handedly carries the legend.
George Lucas got lucky with a badly executed (saved in editing) idea that was improved upon by others in the following movies. He then attempted to bury his idea by personally deficating over a cinema screen three times. Somehow this franchise survived. This is the best movie since the originals and only Empire is significantly better.
Overall, a case of rose-tinted glasses.
I went for a second viewing today and actually felt it was better 2nd time around. Was able to sit back and enjoy it more knowing what was coming. The Rey stuff is great once she has the lightsaber vision, was like Luke in the dark cave in Empire. 9/10
1) I think the Han/Kylo relationship does work, even though they only have a brief scene together. You can hear a pin drop when Han says "BEN" both on and off screen. Kylo appears to have a moment of "what have I just done" before Chewie shoots him. Brilliant scene all around.
2) The funny parts weren't as funny second time around, but they certainly aren't forced and contrived like other big movies can be.
3) Are there? That's exactly what happened in the Original trilogy, more so even.
4) Maybe it is a memory? suppressed or hidden by daddy Luke maybe? Maybe she has even had training. This will be revealed I'm sure.
5) Why not? these are the remnants of the empire, I'm sure they have tons of Star destroyers kicking around.
6) I didn't like this scene first time around but felt it was ok this time. I realized today that the whole scene was a plot device to quickly get Han to abandon his freighter and get back to the Falcon. Feels necessary now.
the originals are not great with the exception of Empire, which single-handedly carries the legend.
Yeah pretty much agree with this, New Hope and Jedi for me are 8/10 movies whereas Empire is 10/10 contender for GOAT film. The finale of Jedi is exceptional though.
George Lucas got lucky with a badly executed (saved in editing) idea that was improved upon by others in the following movies. He then attempted to bury his idea by personally deficating over a cinema screen three times. Somehow this franchise survived. This is the best movie since the originals and only Empire is significantly better.
Amen to that. Lucas must be steaming that someone made another quality Star Wars and it wasn't him. Secretly I bet he was hoping it sucked.