A little movie called “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” premiered in Hollywood last night, and while the review embargo won’t lift until midnight Pacific tonight, the lucky few who attended were free to share general reactions on social media. And share they did, mostly exulting that J.J. Abrams and crew have crafted the best “Star Wars” movie since “Return of the Jedi,” or even “The Empire Strikes Back.” Putting “The Force Awakens” ahead of the little-loved prequels isn’t an especially robust compliment, but it’s bound to ease at least some of the anxiety fans old enough to remember being burned by “The Phantom Menace” are going into the new movies with.
Although the reviews won’t be, these reactions are entirely spoiler-free — there’s not a blessed word about what the deal with Luke is — so if you’re itching to have your enthusiasm stoked without learning a blessed thing about the movie, you’ve got 18 or so hours to soak these in.
Quite simply: This is the STAR WARS movie you’re looking for. #TheForceAwakens
— Glenn Whipp (@GlennWhipp) December 15, 2015
Among its many wonderful qualities, STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS passes the Bechdel test.
— Rebecca Keegan (@ThatRebecca) December 15, 2015
I’ll say this to non-spoiler about #StarWars #TheForceAwakens. You’ll laugh more than you expect. And you’ll be hit harder than you expect.
— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) December 15, 2015
“This will begin to make things right” is the first line of spoken dialogue in STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, and I suppose that is true.
— Josh Lincoln Dickey (@JLDlite) December 15, 2015
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is a strong, promising kickoff. As a standalone, I’d rank it #3 in the series.
— Josh Lincoln Dickey (@JLDlite) December 15, 2015
Not going to say much till I see it again but rest assured THE FORCE AWAKENS is the best STAR WARS since 1983…maybe 1980.
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) December 15, 2015
I have some more complicated thoughts on TFA, but will save them for the review. Some faults, but no doubt best Star Wars film since ’83.
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) December 15, 2015
The Force Awakens is soooo Star Wars, and Daisy Ridley is the business, and #StarWars
— jen yamato (@jenyamato) December 15, 2015
Rest easy: #TheForceAwakens is 100% #StarWars, and something new. Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac: welcome.
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) December 15, 2015
VI > V > IV > VII > III > I > II
— Kristopher Tapley (@kristapley) December 15, 2015
From comedy to costumes, fights to fx to overall feel, J.J. Abrams has created a thoroughly old-fashioned movie #StarWarsForceAwakens
— Steven Zeitchik (@ZeitchikLAT) December 15, 2015
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS… Sometimes fun, often fine. It had a lot to set up, and I suspect Ep 8 will be able to do more with less.
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) December 15, 2015
Star Wars: The Force Awakens spoke to my every emotion. Most of them good, a few not, but overall it was an amazing, overwhelming experience
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) December 15, 2015
Awesome. The Force has indeed awakened. I can’t wait for what comes next. #StarWarsForceAwakens
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) December 15, 2015
“Star Wars” is back. And it’s never going away again.
— DrewAtHitFix (@DrewAtHitFix) December 15, 2015
Star Wars: The Force Awakens spoke to my every emotion. Most of them good, a few not, but overall it was an amazing, overwhelming experience
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) December 15, 2015
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