VII was the most fun I've had at a movie since Star Trek (2009)! So that's a pretty big accomplishment, and pretty much exactly the type of experience I was expecting -- Star Trek was clearly an audition to take a crack at Star Wars for Abrams.
Questions for those in the know:
I don't know anything about the extended universe, but I am interested in how the new movie stacks up. The internet is not kind to those of us who know nothing. For those familiar with it, did VII honor extended universe plot lines? If not, can you give me/point me to a quick run down of how the extended universe deals with post VI events? (What I am interested in: Does the empire survive with another leader? Does it become the first order, or is that a new invention? Do the "rebels" with the jedi ever win back control of the military forces or form a functioning legitimate government?)