Star Wars: The Force Awakens - 6 Things That Were Perfect (And 3 That Were Disappointing)

3. Kylo Ren Is A Phenomenal Villain

Ever since he was introduced stalking through the snowy woods before igniting his once-controversial cross-guard lightsaber, Kylo Ren has been an intriguing proposition. A character explicitly designed as an inheritor of Vader's legacy both in terms of in-universe character and marketing propositions, it was incredibly unclear through all the trailers what - aside from chatting with a mask (something that's even creepier in the finished movie) - he was up to. It turns out, a lot more than we expected. Far from just a menacing presence, Kylo has a major stranglehold on the plot and his arc in the movie makes for some of the most emotional scenes. He's a well-rounded character with clear reasonings behind his dark side leanings and the conflict within, and Adam Driver goes all in on this. Driver was one of the first actors linked to Episode VII, and seeing what they do with his character here it's now very easy to see why. What's so interesting is that Kylo isn't just a manical, all-powerful figure. His obsession with Vader makes way for almost blatant imitation, and with that a pretty violent inferiority complex. It ties wonderfully into the film's themes of legacy, and means we're getting something totally unique (and not just a rhyme with any of the other Sith). What's also interesting is his relationship with First Order leader General Hux - instead of a mutual respect thing similar to Vader and Tarkin, the two bicker like brothers, both vying for the affections of Supreme Leader Snoke.