6) The Excellent Practical Effects
The Star Wars prequels are so slathered in CGI that even cast members have complained about how the over-abundance of green screen damages the films (Ewan McGregor in particular hasn’t been complimentary). It’s something J.J. Abrams from the beginning evidently wasn’t keen to emulate, as The Force Awakens is founded on its practical effects, and is – predictably – all the better for it.
The decision to shoot in real locations and on physical sets gives a tangible feel to the environments, while the largely practical creatures – ranging from the simple to the elaborate – give each location in Episode VII a bustling Mos Eisley vibe.
After Mad Max: Fury Road, for The Force Awakens (or indeed any movie) to go primarily CGI like the Star Wars prequels would have seemed like taking a step backwards; admirably, Abrams has replicated the grungy practical style of the original trilogy with aplomb.