I think the ultimate problem that keeps this movie from being enjoyable for me is that I don’t think Star Wars translates well into the 21st century. The visuals, other than recycled designs from the OT, just did not feel like Star Wars to me. Maybe it just all looked too polished or something. All of the aliens (again, other than the recycled designs and the old lady) just looked fat and ugly and lacked all charm of the original cantina scene. Star Wars and Empire just scream 1970s filmmaking, even though Empire came out in 1980 it was still filmed in 1979. That look of Star Wars and Empire just seems so real and quaint compared to this and I think that its budget and popularity have just made it too big for its own good. I’m not even sure if any of that makes sense as it’s 5:00 in the morning and I’m exhausted, so forgive if it sounds contrived.
I get what you’re saying, actually. But short of JJ shunning modern cameras and effects and only using outdated techniques from the 70s, what are you gonna do? I’d go see a 100% retro Star Wars VII with models and matte paintings but I don’t think modern audiences would accept that, which would mean the film would flop and episodes VIII and IX would never happen.
One thing I do think they could have done is stick to puppets instead of CG characters. That would have made it feel more like Star Wars, in my opinion.