I think my only gripe with the film is it plays itself too much of a trilogy. I feel kinda empty with little to no explanation. I can't speak for the originals, seeing as I didn't have to wait in between but I felt like they stood up better on their own. I also didn't do any sort of marathon for any sort of refresher, so I might have a memory conjunction. I felt like it had more of what Avengers 2 did, advertising until next time, but definitely not nearly as bad. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was on the edge of my seat. Even shed a single tear for the departure.
The best point in reference is the Finn/Phasma, it seemed like their main purpose was to set up the rivalry and hatred between the two; similar to that of Solo and Fett but without the obvious Smuggler vs Bounty Hunter.
On the note of Luke's apprentices being axed down, if my memory served me correct, it was followed by scenes of Kylo and his knights. I was severely disappointed that I didn't get to see any of them, but I feel they played a major role in turning on Luke apprentices. Unless that was just highlighted imagery of Kylo being all bad ass, I still can't wait to see them. They all seem to have very specific characteristics. Though on the same, it feels awkward trying to figure out where Snoke fits in. So it could have been something along the lines of Snoke is the one who rebelled against Luke, axed down apprentices, took Kylo, all while Luke's prized private lessons were Rey because daughter or chosen one/force is strong with. Pushed Rey away while he tried to better himself as a Master to have a Luke meets Yoda kinda plot.
I thought Kylo was great. He was vulnerable and weak who aspires to be a strong bad ass. Like the people I was with said, hes just a baby villain. I feel like his story really could go a number of ways like being initially evil, but turns out to do some good. I didn't mind his helmet removal because it removed the ominous evil you'd expect from a masked villain. I was slightly bothered by the weight of his helmet though. It played two times to where, when it dropped it was of massively significant weight. I feel like it will never be explained.
Maybe i'm retarded and don't remember the fight properly, but I don't think Finn had any edge on Kylo. He was mostly on the defensive, and his offense was just a flurry of attacks that got blocked at any point in time.
Someone mentioned the insignificance of the pirates, but I think based off of how both the resistance and first order are/is now, its less about major armies now and more of a network of spies. So I don't really know how all of it will pan out, esp after Starkiller has been destroyed. I hope they ditch the super planet weapon and focus on more special forces like attacks. Which would end up helping highlight the significance of Phasma, Poe, and Finn with more pirates as the fodder. Small time dog fighting would be a lot cooler, as the movie showed off. Then again, that's my favorite part of the Star Wars universe with the pirates, smugglers, and bounty hunters. I was super excited to see Ruhian and Uwais. I would be disappointed to see their talents just go wasted. Also, with the ending face of the leader from the Guavian Death Gang, I don't think thats the last of them either.
Still have hopes for either Boba to come back, or his armor. Supposedly in the hands of a Lawman currently according to Aftermath.