Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Directed by: J. J. Abrams
Starring: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver
Running time: 135 minutes
TL;DR: Cry Try Buy

The Force Awakens represents not only the continuation of arguably the most influential trilogy in movie history, but also the start of the trilogy for a new generation of viewers. Taken by itself, the film is not the strongest in the series, but it capably fulfills these ‘obligations’ with a well-crafted balance of novelty and fan service.

The film quite literally rewrites history, taking only inspiration from The Universe Formerly Known as Expanded. This allows The Force Awakens to tell a story unconstrained by (most of) the existing lore, and enable the thrill, surprise, and wonder that have long been key draws of this unforgettable series.

Star Trek Into Darkness

Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Pinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch
Running time: 133 minutes
TL;DR: Cry Try Buy

Into Darkness introduces a cornucopia of familiar Star Trek tropes and characters to a new generation of audience. In doing so, however, the plot advances much too quickly, greatly diminishing the impact of otherwise dramatic events. Although far from the worst Star Trek film, this installment lacks the emotional hooks that gave moments from preceding films — duds included — their immortality.

Super 8

Directed by: J. J. Abrams
Starring: Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler, Riley Griffiths
Running time: 112 minutes
TL;DR: Cry Try Buy

Much like The Social Network is the next generation’s Pirates of Silicon Valley, Super 8 does a superb job of reinventing E.T. — standing well on its own while also including delightful tongue-in-cheek references to its predecessor.