Star Wars Episode VII

[Antic]

Some Ranting

And I'm getting annoyed with people saying that this was just a rehash of A New Hope.  Like, seriously, are you guys blind?  Yes, there was a desert planet, a cantina, the death of a mentor figure, blowing up a planet buster.  But also there were fights on a forested world (someone please get the stormtroopers some cameo armor) and an icy wasteland.  There was seeking out and finding a new mentor and teacher.  There were all kinds of references to both Empire and Jedi peppered through the movie that I can't believe I haven't seen anyone mention them yet.

This movie was a love letter to the original trilogy.  What happens next?  That'll be new.

I love this.

It's obvious when you look at it as a simple choice - either

a) Create a new direction for VII, going in as fresh and original as possible. The problem with this would be the initial fan reaction - 
"That droid doesn't look like it should be in Star Wars!" "Those planets are ridiculous." "The visuals were incredible, and JJ Abram's storytelling is on point. But it just doesn't feel like a Star Wars movie than it does a modern sci-fi"

b) Create a fresh take on an already well loved formula. While you lose points for complete originality, you not only let the fans know "Hey, we care" - but also "We've got this. No colossal screw ups impending!" This is also a better option in the light of the last trilogy released, and the hype + disappointment for them.

They chose b, and I think while both options are viable they chose the better one.