I kind of thought if Luke had a bigger role in the movie he would have died. Yeah there were a lot of parallels. It was very similar to a New Hope, but different enough to feel new.
It's definitely worth seeing when you get the time. Just be careful, I've had like 20 friends end up getting plot suprises spoiled for them. Most of them getting it spoiled from people talking about the movie and someone slipping out plot details.
I just heard today that a third Star Trek movie of the rebooted movies is coming out. It's called Star Trek Beyond. Plus Star Wars The Force Awakens comes out Froday, so I'm having a nerd freak out right now!!! YAY!