Set years later, after the victorious triumph in episode six, The Return of the Jedi, we find that Luke Skywalker has vanished...and the forces of the dark side are seeking him out.
Abrams and team introduce us to a whole new set of heroes, while bringing some of our old favorites back.
So is this new film any good? Yes it is. Definitely a thumbs up for sheer entertainment.
But because Abrams wants to embed the new characters in the familiar turf of the original trilogy, it often seems like a remake. Even composer John Williams' music feels mostly old, though in this case his Star Wars themes are beloved.
Having said that much of the film feels like a re-warming of old stuff, there is much to like, especially the new faces Daisy Ridley as scavenger Rey, John Boyega as Finn, Oscar Isaac as ace pilot Poe, and Adam Driver as the tortured baddie, all fine in their respective roles.
Special mention must be made of Harrison Ford returning in fine form as an old and grizzled Han Solo, along with his hairy pal Chewbacca.
The movie ends with a slew of questions dangling in mid air...so we will just have to return for episode eight in a year or two.
I'll be there.
