Star Wars Debut Exceeds Stellar Expectations

Expectations for last weekend's opening of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens could not have been higher. The film was expected to be one of the highest-grossing films of all time right from the start, and it faced the daunting task of continuing perhaps the most beloved film franchise in the history of cinema. Hopes were impossibly high, but somehow The Force Awakens managed to satisfy them all and more.

First of all, the ticket-sales numbers were phenomenal. The film roared into theaters on Thursday night and immediately set a new one-day record for sales. By the end of its first full day in theaters, it had set a new record for December film openings. And by the end of the day on Sunday, it had secured the biggest opening weekend ever, its $238 million take easily passing Jurassic World's $208 million.

Perhaps more importantly, The Force Awakens didn't disapoint in terms of reception. Critics loved it, and you'd be hard pressed to find a Star Wars fan that wasn't entirely thrilled with the way that director JJ Abrams crafted this new installment in the franchise. That's a far cry from the reaction of Star Trek fans to Abrams' tinkering with that franchise, and it bodes well for the future of Star Wars as a series.

Now that the uncertainty surrounding The Force Awakens' openings is past, the wait for Episode VIII can begin.