Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens

…and we are back to that far, far away galaxy, after 10 years (or 32 years, depending on how you want to look at it). Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens is fine. It's about as serviceable as the other films in the series. It is obviously enjoyed by many, as millions have seen it a handful of times already. All the fights, fast flying, voice-distorting masks, holograms, droids and the like are present here, as you'd expect. This is not my cup of tea, but I can respect it, and I'll be there to see the future episodes. I think I've seen all of the other 6 in theatres. Not alive yet in 1977 or 1980, I nevertheless got to see the original trilogy on the big screen, when the "Special Edition" versions hit the cinemas in the fall of 1996. I am not a fan of all the loud chaos and the "pew! pew! pew!" - I prefer the quieter scenes, and there are a couple nice ones here with some interesting psychological dynamics. Those who have already seen it will be familiar with the dialogue on the bridge between a father and his son. It ends abruptly in a moment that I bet inspired audible gasps in the audience - I almost wish I had seen this earlier in its run, so I could have heard that. All in all, SW: E7 - TFA was what it was for me. The Storm Troopers still haven't found a way to make laser-resistant uniforms, many villains have abysmal aim while the heroes are often spot on - even if it's their first time using a light saber, and conveniently, there always seems to be just enough time for characters to exchange a heartfelt goodbye, or have impassioned dialogue right before all hell breaks loose, as if the bad guys are politely waiting in the wings for their cue. Just once, couldn't one of those conversations be interrupted by something?