Rating: 5/5

Three-Word Summary: Space saga reborn

After almost 15 years, Star Wars is back. And, thankfully, better than before.

Disney and J.J. Abrams have breathed new life into a classic franchise once though dead after a supremely disappointing prequel trilogy.

The Force Awakens begins years after the end of Return of the Jedi and hearkens back to many of the elements that made the original trilogy great. In fact, the latest installment is far too similar to be a coincidence; but the concept of cyclical rebirth is a reoccurring theme in this universe.

While some may criticize the repetition of several plot points and over similarity of certain characters, I’ll point out that had one thing we haven’t seen from Star Wars in a number of years: entertainment.

That’s exactly what doomed the prequel trilogy, it took itself too seriously. While instead, the newest generation of Star Wars is decidedly fun and funny. It does an excellent job of paying homage to the first three films while also doing enough to open new doors for the franchise’s future.

The acting is remarkably better than any Star Wars film thus far. Not surprisingly, so are the special effects. The plot doesn’t tried to do too much, while leaving an easy, and obvious, on ramp for the next few Star Wars films.

Overall, The Force Awakens stands as one of the better installments in a storied film franchise. Best of all, it signals that the best is likely to come.