I definitely liked the character department of the film. BB-8, Rey, Fin, I found them all quite interesting and do want to learn more about them. Even Kylo, despite his underlying theme also recycled. He's like some raging unstable teenaged sociopath emo.
I think that's where this movie could have been perfection. If you married the care and attention placed on the characters and their acting with an original story/plot within the Star Wars mythology.
I guess they kinda chickened out and decided to play it safe.
Oh and you can't say a thing against the visuals. They were epic and stunning, even if they were also recycled
seriously, another plant destroying super orb weapon?! Really?! LOL