On Tuesday, December 15, Lisa and I had an opportunity that was more than 30 years in the making… the chance to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and see the continuation of the original Star Wars saga. To say we were thrilled would be an understatement. This review does NOT contain spoilers, because want you to have the same enjoyment we had upon seeing it. Although we didn’t take our kids (they will see it later), we are parents to three younglings, so we have also included here our opinions on how the movie stacks up for families with children so that parents can be informed about what they are taking their Padawans to see.

Did we like Star Wars The Force Awakens?

We loved it. There is no warm up to this film. It jumps right in and never lets up, except just at the right times when we need a breather and to feel some emotions towards the characters. There is so much to see and it all flies by quickly so we will have to see it again to catch everything. And yes, It lives up to the hype. They made a film for the fans that was true to everything that Lucas created so many years ago. George Lucas should be proud.

The acting, the costumes, the set direction and CG in this film are beyond superb. You will be floored by Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver and John Boyega. Floored. Their performances are flawless.

How will true Star Wars fanatics feel about this movie?

I know everything about and enjoy all things Star Wars. I know they are just films, but it is the overall experience, characters and the worlds that we get to be a part of that make it all so fun for us all. This movie brings so many new things and they all fit into “the feeling” of episodes 4-6, and actually deepened my appreciation for Revenge of the Sith.  I have a few minor complaints but they are crushed by the overall enjoyment I experienced watching and CHEERING and getting choked up by this film. It has it all, and I dare you to not have a great time. This review is real. It ain’t perfect (from an uber Star Wars nerd perspective), but it is excellent. Seriously, excellent. So go…and enjoy. This movie reminds us all how great it is to see a movie with people in a theater and talk about it afterwards.

Is Star Wars The Force Awakens appropriate for children?

I don’t know about you, but there are some things as a parent that are tough to deny your children, and seeing this movie is one of them. Yes, it is PG-13, but I don’t know about you, but there is NO WAY on this planet (or any other distant planet) that I’m not going to let my kids see this movie.

When it comes to violence AND intensity, it could best be compared to Revenge of the Sith. If you are OK with your kids seeing this movie (and if they can handle it), they will be OK with The Force Awakens.

There is more than one time you will have to cover a little one’s eyes in this movie. In an effort to not giveaway any spoilers, all I can say is to follow your gut and trust it when you think something intense is about to happen…because it is!

I already have tickets to see it again with friends and then will be seeing it a third time with the kids, Lisa and my in-laws. I can’t wait to see this fan movie again and again.

Do you have additional questions about the movie and its appropriateness for children? Leave us a comment below or head over and leave a comment on our Facebook page!