Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Epic Star Wars sequel delivers great performances, action.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 115 parent reviews
Based on 283 kid reviews
Kids say that this film is a controversial entry in the franchise, with opinions split between those who love it for its nostalgic elements and new characters, and those who criticize it for being a repetitive remake of earlier installments, particularly the original. While many appreciate the thrilling action and emotional moments, detractors point to issues like poor character development, exploitation of beloved franchise lore, and excessive violence.
- mixed reviews
- nostalgic elements
- violent scenes
- character controversies
- remake criticism
- entertaining action
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
STAR WARS: EPISODE VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS takes place in a familiar galaxy far, far away, about 30 years after The Return of the Jedi. Luke Skywalker, the last surviving Jedi, has gone into hiding, allowing the Empire's remaining sympathizers to grow into a considerable military force called the First Order, led by the masked Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson). The First Order captures the Resistance's most daring pilot, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), in hopes of securing a secret map to Skywalker's whereabouts—but rogue stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega) helps Poe escape. Finn ends up teaming with a skilled young scavenger, Rey (Daisy Ridley), and the two try to get Poe's droid, BB-8, back into the safe hands of the Resistance. Enter a familiar smuggling duo, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), who agree to lead their young counterparts to the Resistance leader, General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher).
Is It Any Good?
Star Wars fans can rest easy; director J.J. Abrams (Star Trek) clearly knows how to stay faithful to sci-fi classics. With Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens, he focuses not just on fantastic action sequences, but on the heart of these stories: the characters, both new and old. Finn and Rey are, like Luke once was, appealingly naive—but also a lot more proactive. They're both alone, Finn because he was brought up as a stormtrooper with only one skill (to kill) and Rey because she was torn away from her family as a young child and lives a lonely existence of scavenging for parts. Like Leia and Han, they banter and argue, but they're also refreshingly earnest and encouraging with each other. Boyega and Ridley have an immediate chemistry that's sweet, with just a hint of possible romance.
Finn and Rey (as well as swashbuckling fighter pilot Poe) may be the franchise's new main characters, but The Force Awakens ultimately belongs to Ford, reprising his role as Han Solo. Still smirking after all these years, Han is reunited with his original love, the Millennium Falcon. He and Chewie see in Finn and Rey the urgency they remember from their days with Luke and Leia. Despite considerable emotional baggage between Han and Leia, the couple's reunion will melt fans' hearts. Ford is utterly brilliant as what's arguably his most definitive character; he's the bridge between the new and the old. He's the one whose vulnerability and humor make you remember how much you missed these characters in George Lucas' misguided style-over-substance prequels. Featuring John Williams' forever enduring score and the universal themes of the original movies, the Force is back in Episode VII—and stronger than ever.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Do scenes of explosions and space battles affect you differently than those of close-up, one-on-one duels and killings? Why do you think that is? What makes more of an impact—violence, or loss?
Who are the movie's heroes? What makes them heroes? Are Finn and Rey positive role models? How are they different than Han, Leia, Luke, Anakin, etc. from the earlier films? What motivates them? How do they demonstrate courage, teamwork, perseverance, and empathy?
Talk about the themes from the previous movies that repeat themselves here. Why are issues of mentorship, loneliness, good vs. evil, loyalty, and self-sacrifice so important to this series? How do they play out on-screen?
How does Kylo Ren deal with his anger? What are some other options for managing frustration and disappointment? How do the two sides of the Force represent feelings we all wrestle with?
Have you noticed Star Wars merchandise in stores? Does seeing the characters on products make you want to buy them?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 18, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : April 5, 2016
- Cast : Harrison Ford , Mark Hamill , Carrie Fisher , John Boyega , Adam Driver , Daisy Ridley
- Director : J.J. Abrams
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , Space
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 136 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi action violence
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Common Sense Selection , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : March 13, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate