So I don’t want to spoil things for people. And I don’t want to nitpick this movie. So here is what I’m going to do. First, I’m going to give a very high level thought on the movie. Then I’m going to give my opinion on some of the new characters. And leave it there.

Y’all, I almost cried when the opening started. It was overwhelmingly nostalgic. The movie looked and felt like Star Wars and that was good enough for me. And I hope we see less and less of the old actors and more and more of the new ones because I am enthusiastic and on board with the direction we are going and I think the new kids need to be free to run this show. And now onto my feelings about the new kids.

Rey: I am STOKED for this girl. Think of everything you loved about Kaylee from Firefly. Now think of what she would be like if she was a little bit less awkward with River’s powers. Sure, she may be a little too powerful too easily but come on. It’s like we have a new chosen one who may actually be able to provide balance. And if she isn’t able to fix the world then she will give us a good show. Her character has so much potential. I have some theories about her situation but if you want to hear them you’ll have to engage me separately.

Finn: This guy is also full of potential. He is such a normal person as a character in spite of his background. This guy’s future is literally wide open. He doesn’t have hopes and destinies riding on him. Anything he does is an unexpected gain. We don’t have an idea of his future based on the previous movies. We can’t point to old characters and go, “Well, he is definitely this or that role.” He is new and oh so exciting.

Poe: This character seems a little limited. He is so cool right now that I am worried that he won’t have any change to grow. Especially since he and Rey overlap in areas and Rey is just so perfect. I’m hoping there is more to his story or else we are going to lose a great character in the plot simply because he didn’t have a niche.

Kylo Ren: I’m not calling him Ben for two reasons. 1) He’s not a Ben. No “Ben” is that. With his voluminous hair. Psht. 2) I can’t take another character with a one syllable name in this cast.

Now, I am worried about his character. I think this could be the best bad guy. Is he an anti-hero in the making? Is he a weak man doomed? I can’t wait to keep following him. But I am worried. The writing doesn’t seem to be giving him the chance to breathe on his own. Every other breathe he takes seems to be the writers hitting the audience with the parallel between Kylo and Vader. And the poor name choice trying to parallel him with Obi-Wan Kenobi because apparently he is such a strong positive alternative (I hate Obi-Wan for oh so many reasons). Blegh. Such potential but they are going to bog it down with symbolism so I can pretty much guess the way his life goes.

BB8: Awww come on now. Who doesn’t like this guy. Not only is he designed intelligently for traversing terrain he is a chill little dude. A+ droid designing guys.