Saw it last night. Not as good as the first three (4,5 & 6). As least story line and acting wise. It was good, maybe very good, but not great or exceptional. A bit to much references to the original. Some of those were done well, others stood out to much. I likes the one about the Melineum Falcon being 'junk'. Luke made the same reference in 4. Liked the new characters overall. Needs more development.
The special effects seemed very real. Some of the fight scenes fit what the characters skill levels would be.
As to the prequels, some of the stuff was done very well. Others of them was moronic. I'd say pandered to the tween crowd humor. Sort of like the Ewoks in 6, but at least some of them bit the dust. THat is what I liked about this one, major characters die.