…the merits outweigh the flaws. The film features one of the most intense lightsabre battles we have seen in the franchise, the humour is well executed throughout, the characters have depth and an engaging background, and for once, the stormtroopers are considerably effective.

…is fun while it lasts and a welcome opportunity to meet old friends, but the series might need something more radical if it doesn’t want to be lost in a sea of franchise films.

It all comes together nicely as the actors breathe vulnerability, fallibility and personality into their roles, with Daisy Ridley being quite the commanding presence. My favourite, hands down, is the cute and rotund droid BB-8.