If you’re still trying to avoid the hype, then maybe our student's reviews can convince you to give in.

Connor Mackenzie

5 stars

From a galaxy far, far away comes the seventh instalment of the Star Wars saga. Since its announcement in April 2014, this has been the most closely guarded secret in the film industry. JJ Abrams took an a colossal task; even the title of the film, ‘The Force Awakens’, seems to reference that the force had nodded off - probably since 1999 and ‘The Phantom Menace’, when Jar-Jar Binks reared his ungodly head.

From the get-go, Abrams set out to awaken the force. The fact that he manages to accomplish this from the moment the movie begins is possibly the single greatest relief of the year. From the opening titles appearing on screen, with John Williams’ epic score playing, you are immediately thrust back into the Star Wars galaxy we all know and love. In the film’s first shot, the eerie silhouette of a Star Destroyer slides across screen - a monumental nod to the same shot in the original 1977 film, A New Hope.

Gavin Thornton

4.5 stars (very stingy – Ed.)

The latest instalment of the Star Wars franchise sees the familiar faces from the original cast return alongside new faces to again attempt to eradicate evil from the galaxy far far away. The film picks up 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. Since then, the First Order has risen from the ashes of the Empire, and the Resistance, supported by the New Republic, are attempting to locate the last known Jedi, Luke Skywalker.

The director tasked with bringing life to the franchise once again, JJ Abrahams, does a brilliant job in finding the right blend of new and old. The film itself has a very familiar feel and look to it. The only complaint I would have is that there is a very similar story line between A New Hope and this film, with the Rebel Alliance/Resistance fighting against all the odds.

The new characters fit seamlessly into the cast, with Ridley and Boyega's characters sharing a great amount of chemistry. Ford dusts off the blaster for another fine performance as Han Solo, who has reverted back to his smuggler ways since we last seen him. Carrie Fischer's General Leia is underused in the film, as Rey has taken over as the main female protagonist. Overall, the film successfully reawakens the franchise with its spectacular visuals and brilliant characters. Lucas's below par prequels seem a long time ago…

 Sami Samiksha Sharma

5 stars

 New director JJ Abrams has done a spectacular job and created magic on screen. The film is packed with action, emotion and humour. The CGI and SFX are a visual delight to watch. I like how Abrams used landscapes in the film, from desert to forest. I loved the new droid BB8 who is really cute and adorable.

 Becky Padden

5 stars

Along with this new cast, fans are also graced with the presence of some well needed nostalgia in the form of Han-Solo and Princess Leia. Harrison Ford has in no way forgotten how to play Solo, his performance was just magnificent. Leia is also everything you would expect from her character, the nostalgia was in no way forced or distracting for the audience.

Overall, the movie is by no means an empty spectacle. It has heart, it has humour and it has craftsmanship. It not only adds to the myth of Star Wars but it also creates questions for the future films; it makes fans undoubtedly excited for number eight, but also makes us want to watch the film again and again. It has the perfect combination of dark and light, serious and humour; precisely what was lacking in episodes one, two and three.

The mixture of emotions you feel throughout the 135 minutes is enough to make you explode. Expect tears. Expect laughter. Expect a complete Star Wars redemption.

 James Morrison

5 stars

At the forefront in this film are moving performances from the original cast members which make this film a must see. It is a wonderful blend of the original stars and the new batch of cast members. Every actor in this film turns out a thrilling performance from scene to scene and have all rejuvenated the franchise. It is clear to see this film will delight existing fans and also reach an entirely new generation.