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Rating: 4.4/5
Review: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D movie review"

"A massively entertaining installment that is worthy to be in the franchise."

J.J Abrams has another hit on his impressive resume. He manages to balance action and nostalgia without going overboard. After all the hype, the film delivers in the old-fashioned way. Although not the best, J.J Abrams should be given credits directing an earnest film that is worthy to be called 'Star Wars'.

The story: The film does not bother slowing down to introduce the new characters. Right from the start,  it is packed with action. It is those quieter moments which the characters have no dialogue along with the soothing score from John Williams that stand out. Although the film is packed with action to the brim, one of the disappointing things is that there is only one lightsaber fight scene and it is at the climax. Even if it is not a rousing spectacle as expected, it did a fine job in the choreography. Another disappointing thing is that new characters are thrown into the fight without much set-up. Understandably the main characters have two more films to discover themselves. At the end, you will probably have a choke-full of questions. And of course, that cliffhanger must have made your brain itching for an answer in anticipation. John Williams once again delivers an stunning score. Star Wars will never be the same without him. Acting wise by the newcomers, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega are decent enough to carry the film forward. The main villain, played by Adam Driver, is emotive enough but somehow lacks a menacing presence.

3D: It is so-so presentation. The awkward moment is that when I realised the 3D trailers like Warcraft playing before the film are much better in terms of immersive depth. Not to say the 3D effects are not good, it is just disappointing given the vast scope of the film. There are some good moments set in the space and in a snowy mountain during the climax. It is not worth the extra money if the price difference between 2D and 3D is a lot. It is best enjoyed in 2D.

Overall: With the film's box office raking in a close to 1 billion dollars, it is inevitable that will be spin-offs and many more films coming. One spin-off has already been announced for next year and hopefully it is good enough to satisfy us before the sequel in 2017. J.J Abrams has raised the bar high but it is kind of worrisome if the other directors are up to the task in fulfilling the role. All we have to do now is to wait for the next trailer.

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