There's another theory that Kylo Ren's saber is actually what's left of Darth Vaders. Apparently it somehow survived the Death Star 2 explosion, then got taken by some cultists who were bent on destroying it. Kylo Ren finds it and takes it from them before they totally destroy it...

There's a snippet in Aftermath, where some folks buy what is purported to be Darth Vader's lightsaber from some gangster/smuggler types.

says it all

Ugh.

He did fail miserably.

Attempt to recreate a whole lot of scenes from OT, cramped into 1 film, with little to none new ones, little to none scene connections and so on.

Half of decent dialogues are Ren "torturing" people.

For me it absolutely felt like a Star Wars film watching it. There's loads of stuff you can rip apart in it, and people will argue the toss over it.

At the end of the day you can do that with any film, especially the Original Trilogy, there's so much stuff in those films that makes little sense, dialogue that is just outright wrong, timings no really making sense, etc, etc but it doesn't matter because we like them.

I think the TFA was not about saving the galaxy it was a story about Family, it was a heartbreaking, terrifying, very heartfelt, tragic, awesome, emotionally draining journey and it absolutely deserves the title "Star Wars"

It really really did not need that ******* giant death machine though. The plot mostly would have worked without it, they could have gone to the first order base to rescue Rey and not have to also destroy a sun draining planet, it was that one element extra that seems to break apart the setting for me a bit, leaves too many questions of unexplained elements.

I struggle to understand the position of the factions in the galaxy that mean that there needs to be a resistance to the First Order, surely the republic should be doing something about them? Surely after they used the thing against a republic target they could have mustered more than 15 x-wings? Does star-killer base move? Must do if it totally drains a star to fire?

Also the very very rushed scene with the plans of the base and the working out how to kill it was a bit bad, it was like a glossed over scene because everyone knows it's par for the course so why bother?

Kylo Ren is ******* fantastic as a villain though, he's much more interesting and terrifying as this volatile personality, the idea that his scared of the pull of the light side is so so good in my mind, his angry destroying of stuff is a perfect fit for someone that is fulled by anger and hate and that bit where he stops that blaster shot was outstanding.

I think the Republic accepted the existence of the First Order and allowed them to do their own thing. The resistance was likely a stand-alone group, with the support of the Republic, who worked directly to oppose the First Order.

I know people will complain about this, but it was true in the old legends fiction as well, the novels fill out some info gaps.

Mon Mothma reforms the senate and moves it to Chandrilla. She then cuts funding to the military by 90%. The republic doesn't have a full standing military. The republic lets worlds defend themselves, likely to take away the ability for someone to take control of a galaxy spanning army.

Leia, has not let go of the military mindset and runs the resistance.

The Republic likely don't have a standing military, or not a large one. I hate to bring up the prequels, but remember the Republic didn't have a standing military, partly because it was kind of all encompassing. It allowed systems to have their own, but did not have one for the republic, which is why the clones were needed. And the Resistance is a hush hush, small splinter group with the support of the Republic.

The Republic likely don't have a standing military, or not a large one. I hate to bring up the prequels, but remember the Republic didn't have a standing military, partly because it was kind of all encompassing. It allowed systems to have their own, but did not have one for the republic, which is why the clones were needed. And the Resistance is a hush hush, small splinter group with the support of the Republic.

All current source material lists the republic as having the largest standing military force in the galaxy. It is still smaller than the old republic's at the height of the clone wars.

I know people will complain about this, but it was true in the old legends fiction as well, the novels fill out some info gaps.

Mon Mothma reforms the senate and moves it to Chandrilla. She then cuts funding to the military by 90%. The republic doesn't have a full standing military. The republic lets worlds defend themselves, likely to take away the ability for someone to take control of a galaxy spanning army.

Leia, has not let go of the military mindset and runs the resistance.

This was my biggest complaint with the whole movie.

Why was there a small bunch of resistance fighters hidden in ruins? Because there was in ANH, and TFA seems to want super hard to mimic the ANH.

This could have been explained with 1 throw-away line in the movie. IE, Leia in briefing, Leia to Poe, First Order General to anyone

Now we wait for the "Director's Cut", with 45 minutes of restored scenes and dialogue to explain all this...

The Republic likely don't have a standing military, or not a large one. I hate to bring up the prequels, but remember the Republic didn't have a standing military, partly because it was kind of all encompassing. It allowed systems to have their own, but did not have one for the republic, which is why the clones were needed. And the Resistance is a hush hush, small splinter group with the support of the Republic.

All current source material lists the republic as having the largest standing military force in the galaxy. It is still smaller than the old republic's at the height of the clone wars.

What are these sources, so i can verify?

The novel Aftermath mentions the cut to military.

Just back from my second viewing and enjoyed it just as much.

I have a theory forming that Kylo / Ben is the one that abandons Rey on Jakku.

She looks 5 in that scene so he would have been what 15 or so if the gap between characters mimics the age gap between the actors. 15 seems plausible for being trained enough to mess with Luke's plans for a new order. Possibly fuelled by jealousy that she (Luke's daughter I think) is so naturally gifted at such a young age. If he has had to work hard to develop his skills and some snotty toddler does things naturally it would tie in with his obvious insecurities.

I'm thinking this way because of arena reaction to 'a girl being with them' early on and if Luke has lost his daughter when Ben turned dark side (does he think she is dead or just vanished? Maybe Ben/Ren put some sort of block on her talents that masks her) could contribute to him turning his back on everything.

Can't wait for Ep8! So many questions to answer.

Ok, one thing I've noticed is that a few people are mentioning things that were not in the movie. Perhaps the beginning crawl needed more information? That would be a valid concern, and I don't think I've seen anyone mention the crawl one way or another.

Just back from my second viewing and enjoyed it just as much.

I have a theory forming that Kylo / Ben is the one that abandons Rey on Jakku.

She looks 5 in that scene so he would have been what 15 or so if the gap between characters mimics the age gap between the actors. 15 seems plausible for being trained enough to mess with Luke's plans for a new order. Possibly fuelled by jealousy that she (Luke's daughter I think) is so naturally gifted at such a young age. If he has had to work hard to develop his skills and some snotty toddler does things naturally it would tie in with his obvious insecurities.

I'm thinking this way because of arena reaction to 'a girl being with them' early on and if Luke has lost his daughter when Ben turned dark side (does he think she is dead or just vanished? Maybe Ben/Ren put some sort of block on her talents that masks her) could contribute to him turning his back on everything.

Can't wait for Ep8! So many questions to answer.

Whoever it was sold her to the scrap merchant, that was him holding onto her arm as a kid.

Just back from my second viewing and enjoyed it just as much.

I have a theory forming that Kylo / Ben is the one that abandons Rey on Jakku.

She looks 5 in that scene so he would have been what 15 or so if the gap between characters mimics the age gap between the actors. 15 seems plausible for being trained enough to mess with Luke's plans for a new order. Possibly fuelled by jealousy that she (Luke's daughter I think) is so naturally gifted at such a young age. If he has had to work hard to develop his skills and some snotty toddler does things naturally it would tie in with his obvious insecurities.

I'm thinking this way because of arena reaction to 'a girl being with them' early on and if Luke has lost his daughter when Ben turned dark side (does he think she is dead or just vanished? Maybe Ben/Ren put some sort of block on her talents that masks her) could contribute to him turning his back on everything.

Can't wait for Ep8! So many questions to answer.

That's an interesting theory. Wouldn't she remember though? Even at 5 years old she would remember her surname, she certainly remembers her family enough to still think/hope they were coming back for her. If Kylo put a memory block on her, he would surely have recognised her aura or whatever. They didn't give any sign they knew each other.

Whoever it was sold her to the scrap merchant, that was him holding onto her arm as a kid.

Certainly has its potential holes as far as theories go.

I will say though, when he has Rey captured, he is almost warm towards her. There could potentially be recognition from him there. Though I freely admit I may be reaching a little.

If she is a Skywalker which independent of my little theory seems quite credible, regardless of my theory, there is a potential link between the two as cousins to be explored anyway.

I'm Intrigued by so much about Ren. Very similar to how as a kid I wanted to know how the F Vader was Luke's father and what the hell had gone down..

How did his departure from Luke's tutelage go down. Did he end Luke's new Jedi training during his departure or did he return to do that. I'm thinking the Knights of Ren flashback was them laying waste to the fledgling Jedi order so that would imply him leaving and returning but I'm not sure?

Kylo Ren kinda felt like a way better version of ani in the prequels. In a "This is how it's done" way.

I was amused that Phasma was not a threat. But she could still be a bad ass in the next films if she somehow survived.

Fin and Rey were great, out shinned the original cast.

There were issues with the movie but no worse than a new hope.

The Republic likely don't have a standing military, or not a large one. I hate to bring up the prequels, but remember the Republic didn't have a standing military, partly because it was kind of all encompassing. It allowed systems to have their own, but did not have one for the republic, which is why the clones were needed. And the Resistance is a hush hush, small splinter group with the support of the Republic.

All current source material lists the republic as having the largest standing military force in the galaxy. It is still smaller than the old republic's at the height of the clone wars.

What are these sources, so i can verify?

The novel Aftermath mentions the cut to military.

The illustrated guide for the force awakens. The incredible cross section also mentions it

The Republic likely don't have a standing military, or not a large one. I hate to bring up the prequels, but remember the Republic didn't have a standing military, partly because it was kind of all encompassing. It allowed systems to have their own, but did not have one for the republic, which is why the clones were needed. And the Resistance is a hush hush, small splinter group with the support of the Republic.

The republic fleet is mentioned in the movie, so there's some form of military. Don't know what that fleet consists of though.

I'd be very, very surprised if we didn't get a Rey pilot for the Falcon, and a Finn gunner card.

This is certain.

And there are at least 2 named TFA Scum pilots too.

So, "Snap" Wexley (the amazing Greg Grunberg) is actually Temmin from the mediocre Aftermath novel.

HOWEVER...

Does this open the door to Mr. Bones getting on the big screen? And maybe joining X-Wing someday? Because say whatever you will about Aftermath, Mr. Bones was fantastic (even if a bit of an HK-47 knockoff... but hey, the more murder droids the better, I vote).

So, "Snap" Wexley (the amazing Greg Grunberg) is actually Temmin from the mediocre Aftermath novel.

HOWEVER...

Does this open the door to Mr. Bones getting on the big screen? And maybe joining X-Wing someday? Because say whatever you will about Aftermath, Mr. Bones was fantastic (even if a bit of an HK-47 knockoff... but hey, the more murder droids the better, I vote).

Chopper and HK would probably be proud of Mr Bones, from what I've heard. I haven't read the book yet.

So, "Snap" Wexley (the amazing Greg Grunberg) is actually Temmin from the mediocre Aftermath novel.

HOWEVER...

Does this open the door to Mr. Bones getting on the big screen? And maybe joining X-Wing someday? Because say whatever you will about Aftermath, Mr. Bones was fantastic (even if a bit of an HK-47 knockoff... but hey, the more murder droids the better, I vote).

Meh, he was a bit Deus Ex Machina if you ask me.

Oh no, the gang is in trouble! Never fear! Mister Bones is here!

Cool fact:

The voice calling rey's name at the end of her vision is obi-wan Kenobi...voiced by ewan McGregor!

Hoping he shows up as a force ghost in one of the sequels along with yoda and Anakin.

Imagine Anakin talking to kylo to tell him how messed up he is for worshipping Vader.

Cool fact:

The voice calling rey's name at the end of her vision is obi-wan Kenobi...voiced by ewan McGregor!

Hoping he shows up as a force ghost in one of the sequels along with yoda and Anakin.

Imagine Anakin talking to kylo to tell him how messed up he is for worshipping Vader.

Please, no more Hayden Christiansen. I don't think I can take any more.

Like him or not it's looking very likely he'll be in one of the movies. There's actually concept art from TFA that shows an Anakin force ghost.

Not to mention it just makes sense. Force ghosts were a important part of the OT, seems they are needed once again for guidance against this new evil in the galaxy.

Plus, with an actual director good with people, he may actually give a decent performance.