There has been an awakening. Have you felt it? That’s the lifting of the embargo on the ultra top-secret Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as the movie finally screened before audiences prior to its release on December 18th. After years of anticipation and judging by the initial reviews, The Force Awakens appears to have brought balance and the magic back to the Star Wars franchise.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the movie it was promised to be, with great new characters, a respect for the original trilogy and a strong understanding of what makes this franchise click with fans.” ~IGN
“The Force Awakens actually feels like Star Wars again, more so than any film since 1983.the force awakens understands how audiences originally connected with Lucas Films” ~The Verge
“J. J. Abrams’ hugely anticipated blockbuster brings welcome jolts of energy, warmth and excitement back to the biggest franchise in movie history.” ~Variety
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens is actually probably objectively the best Star Wars yet, and would be held up as untouchable had it come first.” ~The Independent
“This is a triumphant reboot of the biggest film franchise of our lifetimes and fully earns its place as the soon-to-be biggest film of all time.The Force is, indeed, strong in this film.” ~The Star
“The Force Awakens pumps new energy and life into a hallowed franchise in a way that both resurrects old pleasures and points in promising new directions.” ~The Hollywood Reporter
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens Is a Satisfying, Stirring Return to a Galaxy Far, Far Away. J.J. Abrams’s beyond-anticipated movie recaptures the old Star Wars magic, and leaves us wanting more.” ~Vanity Fair
“If you loved Star Wars once, everything you loved is back. And if you’re new? Welcome home.” ~The Wired
“Packed with action and populated by both familiar faces and fresh blood, The Force Awakens successfully recalls the series’ former glory while injecting it with renewed energy.” ~rottentomatoes.com
“…a spectacular homecoming. JJ Abrams banishes memories of George Lucas’s prequels with this outrageously exciting and romantic return to a world you hadn’t realised you’d missed so much” ~The Guardian
“fun, polished space odyssey that embraces the appeal of the originals.” ~IndieWire
“J.J. Abrams’ rousing, pitch-perfect triumph—a feast of nostalgic blockbustering.” ~Time Out
“is precisely the Star Wars movie that you want it to be.” Will Leitch of the New Republic