Ah, Star Wars, the science fiction franchise centered on a film about a fictional universe in a galaxy “far, far away.” It includes movies, books, comics, video games, toys, and animated shows. It has had its ups and downs. But this new series of films and other content harkens a new era for Star Wars. After the generally “less than favorable” reviews and feedback of what’s known as the “prequel trilogy,” these new films promise to be a different type of Star Wars; one that heralds back to the beloved, original spirit, and attitude of Star Wars.

Following what’s commonly referred to as the inferior prequel films, fans of Star Wars reminisced in a time where George Lucas let other people direct his movies: a time when every single detail was not ruthlessly controlled by Lucas like a greedy child who doesn’t let other people play with his toys. This long-forgotten era has been reawakened by the king of the nerds himself—J.J. Abrams, who has also directed the successful Star Trek reboots. In picking a director, there could have been no better choice to salvage whatever ruins of Star Wars are left.

The film begins as any Star Wars film, the epitomic yellow crawl over a starry background with John Williams’s famous theme blasting over it. After the formalities are completed, we are diverted with the destruction of a village. Although the opening scene does have a little more prequel style flair to it, the rest of the film is basically one big love letter to the original series. The way the plot is set up, many of the scenes are similarly styled as if to say “Hey, we’re not doing a whole bunch of crap this time! See this? See what Star Wars used to be like? That’s what we’re doing! Please love us!”

Although a similar style to the original trilogy is well-appreciated, the film almost seems as if it is trying too hard to be like the old movies. While a touch of sentiment can go a long way in setting the tone for the movie (and hopefully, ultimately the rest of the new trilogy), the retro value was much too heavy-handed. The audience could tell when these scenes were happening that the writers were, in fact, attempting to recreate the style and tone of the original films, erring on the safe side rather than straying too far off into the land of creativity and new ideas—which is not something entirely unwise considering what happened the last time someone tried to reinvent the Star Wars wheel.

The film itself, however, was an absolute delight the whole way through. For fans of the entire series, it has us grinning from ear-to-ear the entire time, reveling in the spirit of action and adventure that had captured the attentions of so many before. Returning fans are treated to a thrill ride of memories in a new coat of paint. For people new to the series, this film also sets up a perfect foundation for becoming enthralled and engrossed in this world and these characters, much like the original. The film makes sure to cover all its bases during the run time, and it covers them well.

Another token of the original films that this one emulates the casting of new and interesting actors. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega are the leads of the film. Taking the plucky, young go-getter persona and the uneasy trepidation of someone who has never left his home, the two perfectly portray the style of budding hero that Star Wars made famous. Of course, with the new comes the old and Harrison Ford (Indian Jones, Air Force One) returns as everyone’s favorite Han Solo. While a few other moments in the film elicit applause from the audience, no other moment matches the excitement expressed for Ford’s introduction, and rightly so. Delivering as phenomenal a performance as ever, Ford slips easily back into the shoes of the “scruffy-looking nerf herder.” Without a doubt, the best part of the film, Ford brings about the spirit of the old films like nothing else. While Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca and Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, reprise their original roles as part of the trio with Ford, they are not given as much screen time as Ford. Carrie Fisher returns as Princess, now General Leia. Mark Hamill (“Batman”), the original Luke Skywalker, has a brief appearance, giving almost no actual “performance” whatsoever, but we are hinted that he will make a big come back.

Overall, the film lived up to its promise, delivering a fun, action-filled adventure that has just as much heart and emotion as it does spaceships and lasers. It also does its job in making you want you want to see the next one, which is already buzzing on the internet. An exciting, edge-of-your-seat experience, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is definitely destined to be not only big, but also good news for the canon and fan base of Star Wars.

Rating: 4/5