Finally, after a year of giddy anticipation, “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” has arrived, and I am happy to report that it successfully returns the series to proper form, even if it is overly reliant on familiar story arcs.

If you have seen the original trilogy, the story will not be overly different. There is an evil organization called the First Order, basically the equivalent of the Empire, and a resistance aiming to end its tyranny. A droid, carrying important plans, ends up on a desert planet and is found by an orphan trying to find out who she really is. While all this may sound like a retread, the movie uses the familiar to introduce new characters, plot lines and twists that keep audiences engaged. There are a few moments that may make a few viewers groan when they see them, but the movie is so well done that it is easily overlooked.

The new characters fit perfectly into the “Star Wars” universe; Finn (John Boyega), a former Stormtrooper who fled the First Order, and Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger from the desert planet Jakku waiting for the return of her family, give strong performances worthy of recognition, despite a few cheesy lines early. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), while not having nearly as much screen time, leaves plenty of opportunities to expand his story in future installments. The antagonist Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is especially fascinating, and seems to be much more developed than previous villains. The appearance of old characters causes a rush of joyous nostalgia, as Harrison Ford slides perfectly back into his role as the wisecracking Han Solo, and fans will not be disappointed by his performance.

After the heavy use of CGI in George Lucas’s prequel trilogy, Director JJ Abrams demanded that they use practical effects when possible, helping to create some of the most believable and immersive environments in the series. And when the movie uses special effects, they are just as well done, with especially impressive space dogfights.

In conclusion, “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” successfully blends the old and the new, with familiar elements made fresh with characters and plot lines that will satisfy even the most stubborn fans.