Since I wasn’t around when TFA came out (and to possibly re-rail this thread a bit), I mostly enjoyed TFA, rehashes and all (and I say that as someone who’s very critical of ROTJ for its rehashiness).
It was a necessary palate cleanser after the dumpster fires of the prequels, introduced two protagonists I already have a lot of interest and investment in (Rey and Poe) and an antagonist that is compelling and frightening due to how unstable and unsure of himself he is (Kylo), and set the stage for something truly fresh and unique to come after.
It’s not perfect, of course. For one, I hate Starkiller Base and think the movie should have ended with Rey imprisoned on Kylo’s Star Destroyer, with the rescue attempt happening amid a battle between the New Republic fleet (which would have been decimated) and the First Order as they staged a surprise orbital bombardment of the New Republic capitol rather than on a snow planet that for some reason is a hyperspace Death Star. For two, the actual politics of the Resistance/Republic/First Order were woefully underestablished (or not established at all). For three, I thought Finn was poorly handled - a defecting stormtrooper shouldn’t be a bumbling comic relief character.
But overall? Better than any of the prequels, and better than ROTJ.
What you say are dumpster fires (ok episode 1 and 2 are bad lol) I enjoy more than this new family friendly disney mainstream film made entirely just for the box office
Are you implying the prequels and OT are indie art films? Lucas likes making money too!