Saw a commercial the other day for the DVD/BR release and was asked if I'd be buying it.
I sat and thought for a little while and decidedly said "no."

I'm a Star Wars fan, been one since I was a kid, but this movie to me can probably wait 5 more years when I can buy it in a set w/ the upcoming titles.

It was a good movie, not great, imo. It was way too familiar, but enjoyable. I'll probably watch it again when it comes on TV though.

It's Disney - they want the kids in theatres. So expect quips and lightheartedness.

It's not an exact parallel.  Those are just examples.  Keep in mind, the empire didn't just disappear when the emperor and vader died, and the rebel alliance wasn't an organization that was ready to police the remnants of a big galactic empire.  So, there was a lot of appeasement.  Plus, it is implied that there is a good deal of corruption involved, and that's not a surprise considering what we've seen of government in Star Wars.  We could argue the plausability of this, but it's far removed from a plot hole.

Luke seemed to inherit piloting skills.  Maybe genetics work differently in a galaxy far far away.

Along with several deaths if they follow the story.  The director's previous work in Monsters and Godzilla weren't loaded with quips.  I think they can take more risks in a spin off in regards to tone.

I don't think the director matters as much - the script is vetoed by Disney.

Most of the Empire's major force was in the Battle of Endor and were removed. It would have been left over outposts and scout ships left over me thinks. A few Star Destroyers here and there. Individual planets and other resistant forces may have been able to over power them during the time of unrest in ranks due to their entire structure being wipped out.

Also, piloting skills seem to be a force thing, heightened reactions help. Vader was a great pilot, Luke only good.

"This is Leia Organa, last princess of Alderaan, former member of the Galactic Senate, and a leader in the Alliance to Restore the Republic. I have a message for the galaxy. Emperor Palpatine—the greatest tyrant civilization has ever known, responsible for death and suffering beyond measure—is dead. He and a second Death Star battle station were destroyed by Alliance forces earlier today. This does not mark the end of the Empire. The fight will continue. But you must take this opportunity. Join us in the foundation of a new Republic to be shaped by the will of the governed. Claim your freedom and your future. Help is on the way."

The Empire was very large.  Even with hyperspace travel and all, it's hard to believe that most, or even a large share, of their military was so bunched together.   It lasted about a year after Endor.  The problem wasn't necessarily that they didn't have any soldiers left, the problem was that with the Emperor gone, there was no leadership, and several groups, such as the first order, fought for control over what was left.

Massive disappointment on first viewing, but since then I have seen it 3 times.

On first viewing, in 3D it seemed like the movie starts off from out of nowhere. Yes, the so did the original but I expected more here. I immediately starting thinking how good the original were and knew this would never match it. However, I instantly found the two male leads likable. Same with Rey at first...until she opened her mouth.

The second the spoke with BB-8, I watched the remaining 30 mins or so with my arms crossed. Terrible actress. Then I saw her fly the falcon WITH NO TRAINING whatever. I had to take a break here.

Went to get a drink, came back and Han Solo and Chewie were on screen. I smiled, took my seat, and to be honest, rather enjoyed the rest of the movie... up until the final battle with Ren. That was bad, I get he was wounded, but by far the weakest of the villains seen a Star Wars movie. Overall I was not pleased.

2nd viewing, (no 3D, ie the best way to view a movie) I had similar complaints, plus how not only she mastered flight and saber, but also mind control, something Luke didn't do until ROTJ. However, as this was not in 3D, I got to appreciate some of the choreography and direction a lot more. There were some very good scenes shot here. The highlight being when Han and Chewie show up and the battles that take place on Takodana and Starkiller.

3rd viewing was in 70mm imax. Nice novelty, and while the movie is fun to watch, overall, there is just too much wrong with it and not enough original ideas.

Final thoughts are Poe, Finn and BB8 are great. Rey is just feminist propaganda. I don't like her face. Ren is a pussy. I don't like his face either. Phasma was a pushover. Final fight was terrible. Disappointing ending. I do however like Rey's theme. A nice addition by Williams.

3/5 and that is being VERY generous.

It's be a good spinoff, but the main entries kind of have to be good vs evil and junk.

I would just like if the story was either continuied.. or we get more background story.. but like i wrote in OP.. its one of the thing I with second wieving was ok with..

As for the (one of the) plot hole.. Think of it.. The first order is looking at where the The Resistance has base to destoy them.. Kylo has the best pilot from the The Resistance (and he knows this) trapped.. And he use his "mindreading trick to get the information about BB.. why would he not ask about the location.. instead of hoping that some mayby track a ship much later in the story