Enough time has elapsed for me to consider and reconsider my three screenings of “The Force Awakens.” Other than leaving me broke, J.J. Abrams’ film helped me to rediscover why I loved the original trilogy while simultaneously forcing me to renounce their seemingly untouchable glory. After careful consideration, I found “The Force Awakens” to be the best in the series. This is not a derisive rant against “A New Hope” or “The Empire Strikes Back.” Both are incredibly important, meaningful and powerful, and I understand why those films would take precedence over “The Force Awakens.” However, Episode VII easily triumphs over the meandering “Return of the Jedi” and the disastrous prequels which left all "Star Wars" fans ashamed. Although the excitement of the new film has the support of the majority, there are a few individuals who have denounced the film, claiming it doesn’t have much more merit than the prequels. I strongly believe they are wrong.

Needless to say, spoilers ahead.

This is the chief criticism I have heard from detractors: “It’s a derivative of ‘A New Hope.’” Is this even a criticism? This claim would have significantly more validation had it been released in 1987, four years after “Return of the Jedi.” One cannot deny the overt similarities between the two: the Death Star and Starkiller Base and their one vital weakness; the Imperial Star Destroyers; Kylo Ren’s Command Shuttle and the Imperial Shuttle Tydirium; and countless others. But after Lucas’ experimentation with the prequels throughout the previous decades, “The Force Awakens” is J.J. Abrams conveying to fans that he knows the prequels were underwhelming, therefore resulting in his decision to return to the distinct stylistic feel that made the originals special. Furthermore, after glancing at what Lucas had originally planned for these films, I am more than glad Disney and Abrams decided to write a new original script. I’m certain few people would want to experience the construction of the New Republic and the entailing minute philosophical and bureaucratic details that would have stretched over three films. We already have to put up with that in real life.

Another critique asserts “The Force Awakens” is utilizing nostalgia to trick fans into praising it. However, these detractors are the ones being trapped by nostalgia. Here’s a challenge for everyone: go back and watch “A New Hope” objectively, as if you have never seen it before. A few things come to mind when I watch it—first, it is slow. The amount of time spent with Luke is a bit much and can easily be shortened. Furthermore, of the three heroes (Solo, Leia, Luke), Harrison Ford is the only actor who convincingly plays his part. While Carrie Fisher does a fine job, I can’t tell if Mark Hamill is whining or if he is simply an amateur actor (not as bad as Hayden Christensen's one-dimensional performance, but also not dissimilar). Mark Hamill is an incredible voice actor, as heard on most Batman platforms, but his performance of Luke is difficult to bear at times. Granted, it was the first film in which he acted, but pitted against Daisy Ridley, Hamill pales in comparison.

The three new heroes in “The Force Awakens,” Poe Dameron, Finn and Rey, are stronger and more defined than Han, Luke or Leia in “A New Hope.” The claim that Han was the only character who was acted well and made a connection with the fans is proven by the universal praise and excitement of his return while Leia and Luke were completely left unnoticed. Contrarily, I was invested in the new characters from their first introductions. Poe is impossible not to adore, especially when he is in his X-Wing and yells his infectious “Whoohoo!” in the beautiful long shot at the Battle of Takodana as Finn watches from the ground. My only complaint is that he did not get enough screen time. Although his change from Stormtrooper to Resistance hero transpires quickly, Finn is relatable in that most of the time, we pretend to know what we’re doing when we really don’t. Also, John Boyega nails those comedy bits every time. Rey is an undeniably strong lead who is more than worthy to become the new Jedi master. Her wordless exposition in Jakku conveyed more than dialogue could, and it’s there that an instant connection begins and lasts throughout. As Daisy Ridley’s first film, I was shocked by her performance, and my expectations for Episode VIII are higher than I could’ve imagined. Her performance is strong, convincing and makes a lasting impression on the viewer. This cast of heroes is spectacular and deserves to be the center of attention for the next movies.

Adam Driver similarly delivers an excellent performance as Kylo Ren. He is dynamic and allows the audience to easily experience his conflicting emotions. Unlike previous villains, Kylo Ren not only has a story, but he has a well-presented story. Whereas Darth Vader suddenly decides to save Luke in “Return of the Jedi,” acting as a deus ex machina, Kylo Ren is consistently trying to figure out whether or not he can succeed in leaving his family behind to become what the First Order needs him to be. When Kylo Ren receives Han’s help to completely convert to the Dark Side, he is still torn over his decision to abandon his family for the Dark Side. That one scene achieved more than Hayden Christensen could in two films. Adam Driver, like his other co-stars, is believable.

Perhaps most importantly, “The Force Awakens” is easily accessible, can be viewed independently, and can still be called a fantastic film. The pacing is magnificent, the action scenes are incredible, and the camera work and lightsaber duels are the best of the series. In the prequel duels, one witnesses "Dancing with the Stars" instead of "Star Wars." Please leave the twirls, spins and the Electric Slide out of the duels. When Kylo Ren faces Finn and then Rey, the audience feels each blow. The characters are truly trying to hit one another and not prove their mastery of martial arts. It is an Arthurian duel to the death. Kylo’s anger and energy while he attempts to strike down a fleeing Rey in the forest is palpable. The same sensation is felt when Finn faces the TR-8R Stormtrooper. Watch these fight scenes; then rewatch Darth Maul facing Qui Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan. You will either laugh or turn off your television in frustration.

All this being said, “The Force Awakens” is far from a perfect film. There are numerous plot holes, many strikingly apparent on first view. Why the hell did the Republic not have any safeguard against Starkiller Base? Wouldn’t the First Order learn not to have one weakness on the base from the Empire’s Death Star? Why doesn’t any Jedi simply kill the enemy instead of leaving them there simply to come back? (I’m looking at you, Obi-Wan and Rey!) I would have also enjoyed more screen time of Poe and Captain Phasma. Captain Phasma’s armor was great! I wanted to have more of her story. Finally, could Domhnall Gleeson overact any more while giving his speech? However, these flaws do not detract from the beauty of the film. All of the acting is impressive, the set and costume designs are beautiful, and there is enough mystery to keep me engaged for the next films. From the awesome new black and red design for the First Order (yes, even better than the Empire’s ugly gray in my opinion) to Rey's mysterious backstory, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is a film to experience the glories of what made “A New Hope” special while also inviting new and casual fans to enjoy a fun, action-based two hour and 16 minutes.

Last spoiler: If you stay after the credits, a shot of Luke Skywalker appears as he tears off his face mask, only to reveal Jar Jar Binks. “Meesa back!”